Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a hidden gem on the Malabar Coast of Kerala. This city, which used to be one of the most important spice-exporting cities in the world, provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy beautiful architecture and landscapes and find modern amenities. To the delight of all forms of tourist, whether the sun-seeking type or the length of the antiquities type, Calicut offers them all.
Tourwings.com Calicut Holidays understands the allure of this fascinating travel destination and has therefore provided different Calicut tour packages that suit different preferences and needs. Whether the traveler has an interest in historical or natural beauty or is a gourmet looking for tasty experiences, our well-selected packages guarantee a memorable trip in this charming city.
So, as you start your journey to Calicut, you can be sure to be welcomed by warm people, wonderful geography, and interesting culture. Here is a detailed breakdown of all the activities, places to visit, and experiences that you can expect when in Calicut – India’s best-kept secret coastal gem.
Unveiling Calicut's Historical Treasures
1. The Legacy of Zamorin Rulers
A little background about Calicut being the city of spice is inextricably about the rule of the Zamorin, who monopolized the trade in spices. Visit the Pazhassi Raja Museum, which still beckons the glorious past of Kozhikode by depicting the remnants of the royal background present in the collection of coins, ornaments, sculptures, and other Kurshis of the Zamorin rulers. The museum is unique, giving a glimpse of the glorious past of the city and the kind of culture that prevailed in the region.
2. Mishkal Mosque: A Testament to Time
Historic landmarks of the city include the Mishkal Mosque, which dates from the 14th century and that showcases the city’s religious plurality. A four-story building built completely out of timber, this mosque features exquisite wood carvings and a fusion of Kerala and Arabic architecture. People who approach the building can marvel at the intricate architecture, as well as familiarize themselves with the importance of the building in the further development of Calicut.
3. Kappad Beach: Where History Meets the Sea
Kappad Beach is historically significant, being identified as the first point of arrival of colonial power in India when Vasco da Gama first arrived from Portugal in 1498. Today, this picturesque beach is also a long-time tourist attraction and more than that.
Natural Wonders of Calicut
1. Thusharagiri Waterfalls: A Trekker's Paradise
Here in Thusharagiri Waterfalls, those who have a passion for nature and adventure, are able to find their dream place. Situated approximately fifty kilometers away from Calicut city, these waterfall have their series of rivulets and are set amidst green forest. Hikers with aspirations of some thrilling adventures can hike to the waterfalls with outspread marvelous views of vegetation and wildlife.
2. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: A Haven for Birdwatchers
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is located at the mouth of the Kadalundi River at the Arabian Sea with a population of bird species making it a favorite for photographers and birders. As with most shorelines, this coastal area is popular with over 60 migratory bird species: terns, gulls, and herons, amongst others.
3. Beypore Beach: Where Rivers Meet the Sea
Beypore Coastal Beach is situated at the mouth of the Chaliyar River and hence gives a distinct experience of Sandy Beach. This is a quiet beach with a beautiful view, which takes its name due to its historical status as an ancient harbor. The explorers can go for a nature stroll along the coast, watch the day setting, or even visit the ship-building companies where man-made wooden fishing boats known as ‘dhow’ are manufactured.
Cultural Immersion in Calicut
1. S.M. Street: A Shopper's Delight
It is impossible to visit Calicut not to mention the lively S. M. Street also referred to as Sweet Meat Street. This is a colorful market road with a huge display and sale of all the conventional items from the state of Kerala such as spices, dress materials, souvenirs, rugs, and many more. When you go around the Village’s tobacco-scented, thin alleys, you are sure to get the real feel of Calicut.
2. Kalari Sangam: Witness the Ancient Martial Art
Another center of interest is the Kalari Sangam, a center for the study and promotion of knowledge of Kalaripayattu, the oldest martial art form of Kerala. Performed both, for combat as well as spiritual purposes, spectators can witness spectacular performances of this fast and fluid martial art form. In fact some of the centers have cut down the course even to days if one wants to learn the rudimentary stages of Kalaripayattu.
3. Mananchira Square: The Heart of Calicut
Mananchira Square is an attractive civil plaza that Calicut is proud of being its cultural and leisure center. This large area consists of grassy areas, musical water, and an outdoor amphitheater where occasions and shows are conventionally celebrated. It is a perfect place to sit and watch the coming and going while experiencing the place’s atmosphere.
Culinary Adventures in Calicut
1. Zain's Hotel: A Taste of Malabar Cuisine
Calicut has always savored its Malabar cuisine, and Zain’s Hotel is one of the rare places that offers lip-smacking Malabar food. This restaurant has been popular for serving genuine Malabar recipes from the times of grandparents. Try out local cuisines such as Thalassery biryani, pathiri or rice pancakes, and meen curry, which is fish curry.
2. Paragon Restaurant: Seafood Delights
Paragon Restaurant is one more restaurant launched in Calicut that has earned the reputation of a true culinary masterpiece focused on seafood dishes. The menu of this restaurant boasts a large number of seafood dishes, from shells to fish and all kinds of juicy prawns.
3. Calicut Beach: Street Food Paradise
If one wants more of a casual dinner appearance, Calicut Beach is ideal when going in the evening. The scenes show very many food vendors coming up along the coastline to sell a myriad of local edibles and street cuisines. Some of the delicacies that you could give a try are pazham pori (banana fritters), Kerala style shawarma, and fresh coconut water sipped on the beach side is a wonderful experience.
Accommodation Options in Calicut
1. Luxury Resorts: Indulgence by the Sea
For the more affluent traveler, it is possible to find several five-star resort hotels in Calicut that are equipped with modern facilities and which offer spectacular views. The Raviz Kadavu Resort & Spa does provide a large room, an Ayurvedic spa, and an impressive view of the Chaliyar River.
2. Boutique Hotels: Charm and Character
For the ultimate in comfort, choose one of the many boutique-style hotels in Calicut. Alakapuri is a pure classical travel heritage accommodation bearing the imprint of traditional Kerala architecture extended with all the modern comforts for the guests. Another option one has the ability to consider is Hycinth by Sparsa – a modern boutique hotel that is established in the central area of the city and designed for both, work and tourism.
3. Budget-Friendly Guesthouses: Comfort Without Breaking the Bank
Budget travelers especially will easily be able to find quite decent and inexpensive places to sleep in Calicut. Vedanta Wake Up! is a widely recognized backpacker hostel that provides rather cheap and clean beds and friendly people. Namasthe Fort is a simple guesthouse owned by families that offers fewer facilities than a hotel but can offer warm accommodations and a comfortable room to spend the night.
Planning Your Calicut Tour
1. Best Time to Visit
Calicut has a tropical climate and temperature variations in the city are narrower during the year. But the most suitable season for traveling is from October to March when there is not much rainfall and the climate is moderate. If you are not averse to some rain then try traveling in the monsoons that occur from June to September and you will find everything to be much greener and probably less crowded.
2. Getting Around Calicut
Public transportation in Calicut is well established, and thus, a visitor to the city has every reason to grab a map and start touring the city and its neighboring areas. There are many auto-rickshaw transport facilities available for short distances, and taxi services are also available, while bus services are easily available for long distances. If you would like more freedom and comfort, choose car rental or private transfer at the local tourwing.com. This lets you travel at your leisure and see some out-of-the-way places of interest.
3. Customizing Your Calicut Experience
Tourwings. com offers various package tours to Calicut that cater to specialists and tourists with varying degrees of interest for a specific period of time. From a short leisure break to a longer discovery of the area, our travel consultants will be happy to advise you and draw up a program to suit you.