In 1498, Vasco da Gama set foot on Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, a trading town best known for its spices. Fast forward to the 21st century and the city is now home to delicious seafood, animal conservatories, and cultural heritage sites. Discover the extensive history of the attractions in Calicut with this helpful travel guide!
The sandy western side of Calicut is Kozhikode Beach, a popular sunset viewing location in the city. It’s also famous for its seafood street food, with mussels or ‘kallummakaya’ being the crowd favorite. Both locals and tourists flock to the Dolphin’s Point at dawn to catch a glimpse of the underwater mammals, while some watch the sunset from the lighthouse or piers that overlook the sea. The Lion’s Park and the nearby children’s playground is a common spot for families.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a nature reserve spread overa cluster of islands in the Kadalundipuzha River. The wildlife sanctuary regularly sees over 60 species of migratory birds throughout the year, as well as native birds around the hundred mark. Marine life also thrives in its waters that flow into the Arabian Sea, such as fish, mussels, and crabs. For an extraordinary bird watching experience, go boating and keep your eyes peeled for sandpipers, brahminy kite, and whimbrels amidst the surrounding mangroves.
The Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum is home to ancient relics, historical artefacts, and art collections dating back to 1,000BC. It’s best known for its collection of archaeology materials from the megalithic age and Indus Valley Civilization, which includes coins, bronze statues and sculptures made from stone and metal. The museum also exhibits several mural paintings and an art gallery of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, a famous painter from Kerala.
Lush mangrove forests thrive in Sarovaram Bio Park, a wetlands conservatory that doubles as an eco-friendly park. Its biodiverse water body is home to 7 mangrove species and 34 types of birds from all over the world. Its traditional Kerala architecture is surrounded by a wide range of flora, a beautiful sight appreciated by families and college sweethearts. The best way to explore the park is either by boating in the 11-kilometer long canal, or through the many walking trails circling its expanse.
The medieval Mishkal Mosque is one of the few surviving mosques of its kind in Kerala. Built in the 14th century, this bright blue historical place showcases Kerala’s architecture and cultural history at the time. It’s 47 doors and well-ventilated prayer hall are decked with beautiful ancient motifs, while its four floors are stacked into a pyramid-esque shape. The mosque is still open to this day and has been operational for the past 700 years without any breaks.
Named after the Indian national artist V.K. Krishna Menon, the Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts. Its collection of Raja Raja Varma and Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings, as well as archaeological artifacts, are just some of the many exhibitions in the museum. The artworks depict various moments in India’s freedom movement led by V.K. Krishna Menon himself. A special wing is dedicated to the national leader where his personal belongings are also displayed.
What started as a bathing pool for royals has now become a well-maintained park in the heart of the city. Mananchira’s man-made freshwater pond was built in the 14th century, but it wasn’t until 1994 that the Mananchira Square was open to the public. Nowadays, tourists and locals alike spend lazy afternoons under the shade of the park’s tall trees. An artificial hill overlooks the ancient Kerala architecture in the park, providing a glimpse of the city’s ancient past.
Entertainment and education go hand in hand at the Regional Science Centre and Planeterium. At 4,000sqm, this sprawling learning center houses an audo-visual auditorium, telescopes for stargazing, and other child-friendly exhibits. Complicated methodologies and experiments are simplified in their three galleries - ‘How Things Work’, ‘Hall of Textile’, and ‘Fun Science’. But the best part is the Planetarium’s mind-boggling 3D shows, where the universe seems to be only an arm’s length away.
Built in honor of Goddess Parvathy, the Sree Valayanad Devi Temple is a 14th-century place of worship for Zamorins. Its unique Dravidian-style architecture provides a timeless backdrop for its Sreechakra, the highest point of interest among the temple’s visitors. The Sreechakra’s placement in the sanctum sanctorum is said to be the permanent home of the Goddess Parvathy. Devotees also include the temple in their pilgrimage since it houses idols of Shiva, Thevaara Bhagavathi, Lord Ayyappa, and Vigneswara.
BlueC Event Hub is an event complex best known for its seaside venues. Located in the area where Vasco da Gama first landed in India, the former spice trade landmark is now a place for celebrations, relaxation, and gatherings. Kozhikode Beach is a stone’s throw away, but there are also quieter options that offer the same beauty as the popular sunset viewing spot. Not only is it a nice sightseeing spot, but migratory birds also flock its shores for a stolen snack from the tourists.
The coastal town of Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is best known for its laid-back atmosphere, cultural heritage, and ancient temples. It also used to be the ‘City of Spices’, back when it was a major player in the trading of Indian spices.
The best time to visit Calicut would be from March to April, just in time for their many festivities - Pooram Festival, Kaliatta Mahotasavam, and Shivratri. The tropical weather is humid but not unbearable around this time of year.
For the best seaside view and accessibility to most of Calicut’s attractions, check out accommodations in Mananchira. There are a variety of hotels in the area that can range from budget-friendly to luxurious.