With IIM-K results out, many of you might be packing your bags and wondering about this new city that is Kozhikode. Having spent my entire childhood summer vacations in Calicut while visiting grandparents, I am proud to say that I know Kozhikode like the back of my hand. From the lovely beaches to the best eateries, this post has you covered.
For the travel freaks:
Kozhikode is a city with a 15 kilometres long coastline. There are plenty of beautiful beaches you can visit. Also since the Sahyadri mountain range lies to the east of the city, there are a number of hills to explore too.
1. Beypore Beach:
About 11 kms away from Kozhikode, this beach town is a must visit. There is a 1km long stone pathway that stretches into the sea and if you are lucky, you might spot dolphins at the edge too.
2. Kappad Beach:
If you remember your history textbooks, you would know that it was in Calicut that the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama first landed in India. The exact place is today known as Kappad. It is one of the most scenic beaches in Kerala and is only about 35 kms from the main city.
3. Wayanad:
If hills are what excite you, then Wayanad is the place to be. Wayanad is about 85 kms from Kozhikode and hence is an excellent weekend getaway. While in Wayanad you can visit the wildlife sanctuary, have an adrenaline rush with adventure sports, visit the Edakkal caves, climb the Banasura Hills and even stay in tree houses overnight.
4. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary:
This picturesque bird lover’s paradise is spread over a group of islands over the Kadalundi river. There are hundreds of migratory and native birds that you can spot here. The best time to visit is after the monsoons when the place is covered in breathtakingly beautiful shades of green.
For the foodies:
If you are an absolute gastronome and for you a new place means new food, then Calicut has you covered. My childhood memories of Kozhikode are filled with the smells of roasted pathiris and piping hot sulaimanis. Here is a list of foods to try out in Kozhikode and the best places you can get them at.
- Malabar style Biryani - Paragon Hotel, CH Flyover
- Sulaimani Tea (black tea with lemon) with authentic Malabar snacks – Adaminte Chayakada, Beach Fire Station
- Chatti Patthiri(meat stuffed paratha)- Zain’s, Beach Fire Station
- Falooda – Falooda Nation, Calicut Beach
- Shawarma- The Light House, Palazhi
- MS(Short for Milk Sarbath) – Kozhikode Milk Sarbath, CH Flyover
- Kozhikoden Halwa(the most famous of them all) – Kozhikoden Halwa Sangamam
Also do make a visit in the evening to Kozhikode Beach to try out street vendors selling mouth watering pickled vegetables and fruits, Ice Orathi(a.k.a Ice Gola), Fried Ice-cream and Kulukki Sarbath (Lemonade with Mint, Chillies and Khus Khus that is shaken until mixed).
For the shopaholics:
There’s always an excuse for shopping. Be it street shopping or high end fashion, Kozhikode has it all.
1. SM Street:
This one is for the bargain hunters and street shoppers. SM is short for SweetMeat and used to the Halwa Lane in Kozhikode. Today, it has everything from clothes to shoes and even antiques.
2. HiLite Mall:
This recently opened mall is the biggest in Kozhikode and has a multitude of shops. You can find every major brand here.
3. Jayalakshmi Silks, Kalyan Silks:
You can’t leave South India without shopping for authentic silk. These stores are the biggest in Kozhikode when it comes to silk. They also have casual wear and a separate storey for men.
For the religious:
Kozhikode is one of those places where you will find people of every faith living in perfect harmony. Even if you are not a religious person, these places are worth a visit due to the historical importance they hold.
1. Tali Mahakshetram:
Built by the Zamorins of Calicut in the 14
th Century, this temple is an iconic example of ancient Keralite architecture.
2. Mother of God Cathedral:
The Mother of God Cathedral (also known as Valiyapalli) was built in the 15
th Century when the Portuguese entered into a treaty with the local Zamorin rulers.
3. Mishkal Mosque:
The Mishkal Mosque is a medieval mosque built by the wealthy Muslim Merchants in the 14
th Century. It is a four storied mosque and resembles the traditional temple architecture of Kerala.
There’s still so many things about Kozhikode that I couldn’t cover in this article. You will surely have fun finding that out for yourself.
Welcome to ‘Nammude Kozhikode’!