12 Intriguing Places to Visit in Calicut, India

The breeze of Calicut is flavoured with delectable food, bewitching beaches and absorbing history and culture. Famous for the historical visit of Vasco da Gama, the district is a mini paradise for travellers and foodies. Like every town, Calicut has its tale of glorious past and boisterous present that a traveller would love to explore. Today I will share some of the best and intriguing places to visit in Calicut.

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With the beaches, streams, waterfalls and enticing food culture, the city attracts domestic and international travellers. A 3-days trip can provide ample time to enjoy everything Calicut has to offer. The beautiful city is present in the state of Kerala in India.

Calicut Beach

Calicut beach situated at a walking distance from the city is the most popular and best tourist attractions of the district. The long stretch of the beach together with the beeline of scrumptious street-food options attracts the visitors in hundreds. Make it a point to taste the flavoured ice and salted fruits from the vendors. Nearby park, Marine Aquarium and walkways make it one of the best tourist attractions among family. The beach hosts one of the biggest festivals in the state called the “Malabar Mahotsavam”.

Kappad Beach

The arrival of Vasco Da Gama at Kappad is one of the important events in the Indian history. The beach is situated at a distance of around 25 KMs from the city. Contrary to the ambiance of Calicut beach, it welcomes you to a quiet atmosphere. If you are planning to spend a relaxed evening, you are at the right spot. It is one of the happening places to visit in Calicut.

Beypore Beach

The beach has a long history of tradition and business. It used to be a hub where wooden ships were built. Although it is no more a shipbuilding yard, fishing and related business continue to thrive. It is also the juncture where Beypore River joins the sea. Watching fishermen in their daily fishing routine is a sight to marvel at for someone watching it for the first time. That surely terms it as one of the interesting places to visit in Calicut.

Chaliyam Beach

Another less crowded beach that attracts tourists who wish to enjoy quiet hours is Chaliyam beach. Being a fishing harbour, the beach is less crowded and frequented by tourists. Situated nearly 20 KMs from the town, the beach has tourists visiting it daily.  

Elathur Beach

Surrounded by coconut groves and seafood outlets, the generally less crowded beach is a great spot to spend the evening. It is also the meeting point of Elathur River at the sea. Since it is not very far from the city and located adjacent to the highway, the beach is never deserted.  You can even think of staying overnight at one of the many homestays in the vicinity.

Parapally Beach

The rocky coastline almost covers the beach, yet it is one of the picturesque beaches in the town. It is an offbeat location and therefore less populous. It is located not very far from Kappad beach.

Payyoli Beach

A one-hour drive from the city takes you to this beautiful beach. With the plethora of activities, the beach is one of the best places to visit in Calicut. Visiting the beach during November – December can surprise you with the sights of endangered Olive Ridley turtles that turn up to hatch eggs. The Thikkoti lighthouse located close to the beach is a must-visit spot. You can see tourists engaged in sunbathing, yoga, fishing, swimming, windsurfing, parasailing, paragliding, and speed boating.

Thusharagiri Waterfalls

It is one of the popular waterfalls in the city and is obviously one with a beeline of tourists. Trekking and rock climbing are some of the main activities here besides drenching in the cool waters. It is a long stretch of area comprising three waterfalls: Erattumukku, Mazhavil Chattom, and Thumbithullum Para. Located nearly 50 KMs from the town, the place is full of rubber and areca nut trees, pepper and other spices.

Arippara Waterfalls

Visiting the 8 layered cascading Arippara waterfalls is surely a spectacular experience. Iruvanji River dancing down the rocky hills to form the Arippara Waterfalls can lure anyone to the stream. Mesmerizing scenery, rocky bottom, pebbles and cool waters form a unique experience to stay on in the stream for hours. No doubt one of the best places to visit in Calicut.

Kakkayam Dam and Urakkuzhi Waterfalls

The area surrounding Kakkayam Dam is a naturally scenic location, situated around 60 KMs from the hectic city life. Rich biodiversity, boating, camping and trekking trails attract tourists to this enchanting location always. Urakkuzhi waterfalls in the same locality is one of the beautiful places to visit in Calicut.

Kariyathumpara

This is a popular weekend destination for families and for tourists who want to spend a relaxed evening with nature. Laced with green pastures, lakes and cascades the location is a paradise for nature lovers. The cool climate, natural water springs and charming nature around attract visitors in hundreds. The location is a favourite spot among photo and videographers.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam

Situated around 60 km from Calicut city, the Peruvannamuzhi Dam is another weekend getaway location for families in the region.  The dam and surrounding areas attract visitors even from outside the state.  The reservoir offers activities like speed boating and row boating rides. Crocodile farm and bird sanctuary located close to the dam are worth visiting too.

Touring Calicut is incomplete without visiting tourist attractions like Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Vayalada, Thamarassey Mountain Pass, Calicut Planetarium, Mananchira Square and SM Street (Mittai Steet).

You are certain to fall in love with the variety of flavours you can taste in this city. I had the best of dry fruits halwa and mussel roast from Calicut on my first visit. The Paragon Restaurant, Hotel Rahmath, Hotel Sagar, Hotel Mohabath, Adaminde Chayakkada are a few favourites among foodies.

Best time to visit Calicut

You must not visit these places during the monsoons. November to February is the ideal time to visit.

How to reach Calicut?

International Airport is located around 30 kms away from the city. National highways and railway connect the city well with other major cities of the country.

Featured Image by confused_me from Pixabay