Kozhikode is a coastal city in northern Kerala on the Malabar coast. The city was the trading port for centuries, drawing Arab, Chinese, and Jewish merchants to its spice markets. It was at Kappad Beach, that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed on May 20, 1498 — the event that established the first direct sea route from Europe to India.
Places
Kappad Beach
A beach, known as the landing site of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama on May 20, 1498. A stone monument on the beach marks the location of the landing. The beach is flanked by a rocky promontory with a small temple.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Kozhikode Beach
The city’s main beach, running along the Malabar coast. The beach is most active in the evenings when local families gather, food vendors operate, and fishermen bring in the catch. A lighthouse stands at the northern end.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Mishkal Mosque
A 14th century mosque built by a wealthy Arab merchant. The four-storey wooden structure has no minarets — an unusual feature for a mosque of this age and significance. The interior is supported by carved wooden pillars and the architecture reflects a blend of Kerala and Arab traditions.
Timing: Open daily. Closed during prayer times for non-Muslims
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Tali Maha Shiva Kshetram
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the oldest temples in Kozhikode. The temple is built in traditional Kerala style and is the site of important annual festivals. Originally belonging to the Zamorin royal family, the temple remains significant in the religious life of Kozhikode.
Timing: Open daily, 4:30 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee. Traditional dress required
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Pazhassiraja Museum
An archaeological museum housed in a 1812 colonial-era bungalow on East Hill. The museum contains a collection of ancient bronzes, hero stones, burial urns, archaeological artefacts from the Malabar region, coins, and paintings.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹200 (cash at counter), Camera – ₹100
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SM Street
The most famous market street in Kozhikode. The street is lined with shops selling the city’s defining food products — Kozhikode halwa (a dense, dark sweet made of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar), banana chips fried in coconut oil, and a range of traditional Malabar snacks and sweets.
Timing: Most shops — daily, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Beypore
A fishing harbour and boat-building village at the mouth of the Chaliyar river. Beypore is famous for the construction of Uru — the traditional large wooden dhow boats built for Arab merchants using teak and anjili wood without a single nail, held together with coir rope and wooden pegs.
Timing: Boatyards accessible during working hours
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village
A 20-acre arts and crafts village in Iringal, Vadakara. Over 60 artisan stalls display and sell products including pottery, coir, bamboo, wood carving, coconut shell craft, handloom, and metal work. Boating on the Moorad river is available within the complex.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹50 (cash at counter)
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Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
A bird sanctuary at the estuary of the Kadalundi river. The sanctuary is a cluster of islands and mangroves at the river mouth. Over 60 species of migratory birds from Siberia, Europe, and Central Asia winter here between October and March. Resident species include herons, egrets, terns, and waders.
Timing: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 (cash at counter), Boating fee — ₹800 (for 1 hour), ₹1500 (for 2 hour)
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Thusharagiri Waterfalls
A series of three cascades on the Chalipuzha river in the Western Ghats. The three falls are named Thusharagiri (snow-capped peak), Rohini, and Elapuzha Padam. The area is part of a forest reserve with trekking trails connecting the three falls. Most active during and after the monsoon.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: ₹100 (online pay or cash at counter)
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Getting There
Kozhikode is well connected by air, rail, and road and serves as the primary entry point for North Kerala. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Kozhikode — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Station: Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT)
Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ)
Bus Terminal: Kozhikode KSRTC Bus Stand
By Train
Search “Kozhikode” as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT) is the main station. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air. Calicut International Airport (CCJ) has direct domestic connections from major Indian cities.
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus or AbhiBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (KSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
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