Calicut

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. Payannakal, Putiyappa, Elathur, Beypore, all these beaches are part of the long stretch of Kozhikode beach. This beach lies on the western side of the city and is easily accessible through the four roads in the city. Location: Malabar CoastPrice: There is no fee to be paid to visit the beach.Timing: The beach is open on all days to the tourists from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. in the early hours visitors can see the real-life dolphin shows. Best Time to Visit: September to May

Previously known as Mananchira Maidan, this place held many football matches. Mananchira scores high as one of the places to visit in Kozhikode. This place provides tranquility to the visitors which is much sought after as one wants to escape the chaotic city life. It is a beautiful park covered with lawns, traditional buildings, a musical fountain, and an open-air theatre. This park is built around a man-made lake known as Mananchira lake. One must not forget to visit Mananchira or Mana Vikraman Tank which was the primary water source for the royal family and is maintained till date in its pristine beauty. Mananchira is the best place for an evening stroll or to enjoy a picnic with families and friends. This park is popular among tourists and locals because of its natural sculptures and natural beauty.Location: In the heart of the Kozhikode cityPrice: There is no entry fee for this placeTiming: Monday to Sunday 3:30 P.M. to 8 P.M.Best Time to Visit: October to April

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.Location- Just 18 km from Kozhikode, the bird sanctuary is located at Malappuram, near Beypore.Price: Entry fee Rs.25 per personTiming: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PMBest Time to Visit: December to April

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. The Devi is worshipped and revered by all devotees. Idols of Shiva, Lord Ayyappa, and Vighneswara are also worshipped in this temple. Kuruthy Tarpanam is one of the important festivals conducted here.Location: Valayanad Temple Rd, Govindapuram, Kozhikode, Kerala 673007Price: No Entry fee Timing: 4 A:M: to 9 P:M:Best Time to Visit: October to March

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. You will enjoy the calm, serene atmosphere here and forget the daily tribulations and a visit here will relax and bring peace to your mind. Location: Thalikku Rd, Near Kalpaka Theater, Mankave, Kozhikode, Kerala 673007Price: No Entry feeTiming: 5 A:M: to 12 noon; 4P:M: to 9 P:M:Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year

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. You can take in the vast expanse of rich golden sand, coconut trees that dot the coastline or the stone bridge known as Pulimoodu, which builds a pathway into the sea. There is never a dull moment at the beach and you can pamper yourself in a refreshing Ayurveda massage. Location: Near the Chaliyar RiverPrice: No Entry FeeTiming: 24 hrsBest Time to Visit: October to March

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. There is a much widely circulated folklore regarding the temple and its construction by the Maharaja of Travancore. Moreover, the Shivaratri festival is celebrated in much gaiety and fervor here. Apart from that, the moment you arrive in the temple, you will be engulfed by its tranquil atmosphere and both devotees and visitors are welcome inside it. Further, take time to explore the beautiful architecture and some quiet moments near the pond. Location: Ward No 5, EMS Stadium Building, SK Temple Rd, Near, Thazhekode, Kozhikode, Kerala 673001 Price: No Entry FeeTiming: 5:00A:M: to 12:15 P:M: and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.Best Time to Visit: December to April

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. You can also take a break to visit the wildlife sanctuaries or sit on the banks of the river to enjoy the waterfalls. The lush green forest and cool water of the streams all around add to your enjoyment. A word of caution though, people with a faint heart should avoid the place because it is nature at its wildest best.  This is a place to awaken the nature lover and wildlife enthusiast in you. Location: Kodenchery Village, KozhikodePrice: Rs.30 per personTiming: 8A:M:  to 5P:M:Best Time to Visit: September to December