Kozhikode

"Situated on the Malabar coast and endowed with natural beauty, Kozhikode beach should be a must in the itinerary of your visit to the city. This beach is renowned for the sunsets that tourists throng here to enjoy. Though the water is muddy and not suitable for swimming, still the stunning view of the Arabian Sea that the lighthouse offers more than compensates for the shortcoming. "

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is the perfect tourist spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. Just 19 km away from Kozhikode, this bird sanctuary is home to nearly 100 species of native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds. This is situated among the clusters of small islands on river Kadalundi. This is the habitat of gulls, terns, herons, and other alien birds which are a major attraction of this sanctuary.Apart from the birds, the sanctuary is famous for its scenic beauty and holds a panoramic view of the river and the Arabian Sea. This sanctuary is also known for the various kinds of fishes, crabs, and mussels. Early morning hours are the best time to visit to watch the birds.

The Valayanad Devi Temple was built in the 14th century by the Zamorins and this temple is one of the famous holy places to visit in Kozhikode. The temple is a marvel of 14th -century Dravidian architecture and it is different from all other temples of the nearby area. According to folklore, the Zamorins defeated the mighty King Valluva Kolathiri and they believed it was due to the blessings of their family deity Valayanad Vagabathi.They prayed and pleased the Goddess to come over and reside in their palace. The Goddess gave her consent and the temple was built in her honour.

Thalikkunu Shiva Temple is one of the oldest Shiva Temples of South India. It is a revered pilgrimage for the devout Hindus. This Shiva temple is one of the tourist places to visit in Kozhikode. After the invaders’ destruction, the temple was renovated and today it is a model of architectural marvel and it brings joy to the historians and the pilgrims alike. Enjoy the beautiful carvings of scenes from the Puranas that are a part of the two-storey sanctum. The temple is notable for the huge pond and expansive walls that surround it.

"Situated near the mouth of Chaliyar river, Beypore beach is a famous tourist destination. Your visit to Kozhikode remains incomplete without a day spent at Beypore beach. There is never a dearth of activities once you are at the beach. Clearly, one of the favourite tourist places to visit in Kozhikode, this beach takes into a different world with its numerous fun-filled activities to keep you engaged as it offers abundant water activities like surfing, sunbathing, water skiing and swimming. "

Take a break from daily life and pay a visit to the Srikanteshwara Temple in Kozhikode. On your visit to Kerala, you must add this temple to your list of places to see in Kozhikode. More than a hundred years old, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a must-visit pilgrimage of Hindus. Apart from Lord Shiva, you can worship Lord Ganapathy, the serpent Gods, and Lord Krishna.

"Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Thusharagiri Fall when you pay a visit to Kozhikode. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet at this point to create the Chalipuzzha River. The river further trifurcates to create three waterfalls and the free-falling water creates a mist, thus giving the name “Thusharagiri”. This place has a lovely view all around and you get plenty of activities to indulge in. You may go for trekking, or enjoy rock-climbing. "

Kakkayam Dam is a famous picnic spot around Kozhikode because of its scenic beauty and plenty of choices for outdoor activities. Though the dam is small in size, it more than compensates with the small waterfalls around it. Take a peek at the varieties of animals and birds that inhabit the place. Or take a boat ride along the dam and see the small waterfalls and dense forests that surround the dam. Move around and soak in the scenic beauty of the hills around the dam.

Sarovaram Bio Park is an eco-friendly park created and preserved to house the wetlands and mangroves in Kozhikode city. It is among the 27 wetlands identified by the Central government for conservation. The tourists here can experience the bounty of natural habitats. It is rich in biodiversity and is the home to nearly 35 different species of birds.The park is adjacent to the Canoly canal which connects Korapuzha and Kayalli rivers. Apart from the flora and fauna, the Park also provides boating facility to the enthusiasts, has a children’s park, and has an open-air theatre as well.

Visit Mother of God Cathedral, Kozhikode Diocese to experience the intricate designs carved on the doors and windows. Apart from its religious significance, the church is a perfect example of Italian architecture and Indian craftsmanship. Built in 1513 by the Portuguese, this church brought in a new era of Catholic congregation. In 1724, the church was renovated where stones and mortar were used to bring durability.Spare some time to take a tour of the church where you get to see the stunningly beautiful 200 years old portrait of St. Mary and take in the beauty of this Gothic-style church.

The botanical garden is spread over 40 acres of land, 15 acres of which is marshy land. The garden is the centre of scientific tourism in the region. There are 6 greenhouses set up to preserve the primitive plants, medicinal plants, and aquatic plants. Tourists here can look forward to enjoying the beauty of the aquatic plant conservatory where endangered species are arranged.This place holds a special attraction to the students of Botany because of the systematic garden based on taxonomic classification and they visit this garden to see the wide collection of the herbarium.

Kakkadampoyil is a sleepy village in Koodaranhi panchayat in Kozhikode. This village has sprung up as an idyllic tourist spot because of the scenic beauty and the famous waterfall of the same name. The waterfall that lies on the Kuruvan River has been drawing visitors with the abundance of flora and fauna, who love a break from city life.The misty mountains and the hills surrounding it has given this place another name “Mini Gavi”, by drawing a parallel with the Gavi forests.

"The Regional Science Centre and Planetarium is a place to visit and know more about the mysteries of our galaxy, the planets, and the universe. The planetarium has 3D shows to explore the galaxy and has a seating capacity for 250 people. Apart from that, it offers puzzles, games, and displays which hold the interest of the old and the young alike.Mirror magic and play area are some other attractions for the children. Once inside the centre, do not forget to visit the entomology section, known as the Giants of Nature. The huge aquarium is another major attraction here. "