Exciting Things To Do In Calicut

Calicut, also called Kozhikode, is a beautiful coastal city in Kerala. It is famous for its beaches, tasty food, friendly people, and rich history. The town is peaceful, clean, and full of culture. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a food lover, Calicut has something special for everyone. In this guide, you will find the best things to do in Calicut, the top attractions, food experiences, activities, day trips, and helpful travel tips. This simple, comprehensive blog will help you plan your trip easily.

Table Of Content

Why Visit Calicut?

Many travellers wonder, “Why choose Calicut or What to do in Calicut?” Here are the reasons:

• Beautiful Beaches: Calicut has some of Kerala’s most relaxing beaches. You can watch sunsets, enjoy snacks, take long walks, and relax with your family.
• Strong History & Culture: Calicut was once a major spice port. Traders from Arabia, China, and Europe visited here. The city still carries this rich cultural blend.
• Excellent Food: Malabar food is famous all over India. You can enjoy biryani, seafood, snacks, halwa, banana chips, and many Arab-style dishes.
• Easy Travel Access: Calicut has a major railway station and an international airport. Thus, it is easy to reach from any part of India or abroad.
• Perfect Short-Holiday Spot: Calicut is ideal for a weekend trip or a two to three-day getaway.

Top Things to Do in Calicut

Calicut is a peaceful coastal city where you can enjoy beaches, history, and delicious food all in one place. It offers a mix of culture, nature, and fun activities for every type of traveller. No matter whether you love sightseeing, relaxing, or exploring new foods, Calicut offers plenty of activities for visitors, as it is a friendly, easy-to-travel city.

Visit Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode Beach is one of the most popular attractions in the city. This place is famous for beautiful sunset views, tasty street food like bhajis, ice creams, and roasted peanuts, and the old lighthouse area, and is great for evening walks.

• Timing: Open all day
• Entry fee: Free
• Best time: Evening
• How to reach: 10 to 15 minutes from the city bus stand or the railway station

Explore the Beypore Port & Shipyard

Beypore is an ancient port famous for making Uru, a traditional wooden ship. These ships are handmade by skilled craftsmen using age-old techniques. Visitors can watch ships being built and learn about the rich history of this coastal town.

• Timing: 9 am to 5 pm
• Entry fee: Free
• Best time: Morning
• How to reach: 30-minute drive from Calicut city

Enjoy Kappad Beach (Vasco da Gama Landing Site)

This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498. It marks the beginning of the sea route between Europe and India. Today, the beach is a calm place where visitors can explore its history and enjoy the scenic view.

• Timing: Open all day
• Entry fee: Free
• Best time: Early morning or sunset
• How to reach: 40 minutes from Calicut

Walk Through Mananchira Square

Mananchira Square is a calm green park in the middle of the city. It has clean walking paths, a large pond, and open spaces to relax. You can come here to rest, enjoy the breeze, and take a break from the busy city around you.

• Timing: 3 pm to 8 pm
• Entry fee: Free
• How to reach: Near SM Street

Explore SM Street (Mittai Theruvu)

It is one of the most crowded and colourful shopping places in Calicut. You can find sweets, clothes, spices, and many small local shops here. The street is always lively, making it a fun place to walk, shop, and enjoy the local vibe.

• Must-try: Calicut halwa and banana chips
• Timing: 10 am to 9 pm

Visit Tali Temple

It is one of the oldest and most important temples in Kerala. The temple is known for its beautiful wooden architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Many people come here to pray, meditate, and experience the rich heritage of Calicut.

• Timing: 5 am to 11 am; 5 pm to 8 pm
• Entry fee: Free
• Dress code: Traditional clothing preferred

Go Birdwatching at Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary (Nearby)

It is located around 20 km from Calicut. The sanctuary is home to many colourful local and migratory birds. It is a quiet place where you can enjoy nature, take photos, and watch birds in their natural habitat.

• Timing: 8 am to 6 pm
• Entry fee: Around ₹30
• Best time: Winter season

Plan a Day Trip to Thusharagiri Waterfalls

A beautiful place filled with forests, hills, streams, and waterfalls. You can enjoy small treks, cool water, and the fresh air of nature. It’s a peaceful spot for adventure lovers and anyone who wants a break from the city.

• Timing: 8 am to 5 pm
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹50
• Best time: After monsoon (Sept to Dec)

Relax at Payyoli Beach

• Best time: Evening
• How to reach: 45 minutes from Calicut

Visit Kozhikode Backwaters (Elathur & Kallai)

A peaceful backwater area with houseboats and mangrove views. You can enjoy slow boat rides through calm waters surrounded by greenery. It’s a relaxing place to watch birds, feel the breeze, and experience Kerala’s natural beauty.

• Best time: Morning and evening
• Cost: Houseboat rides start from ₹1500 to ₹3000

Best Things to Do in Calicut for Food Lovers

Calicut is heaven for food lovers. The city offers rich Malabar flavours, fresh seafood, and a mix of Arab and Kerala-style dishes that you will not find anywhere else. From biryani to banana chips and sweet halwa, every food experience in Calicut feels warm, unique, and full of local tradition.

Try Authentic Malabar Biryani

Calicut biryani is less spicy but rich in flavour, featuring mild spices and aromatic ingredients. Popular places to enjoy it include Paragon, Zain’s Hotel, and Rahmath.

Approximate cost: ₹150 to ₹300 per plate

Taste Fresh Banana Chips

Calicut is known for its crispy banana chips, traditionally fried in coconut oil. These make a perfect crunchy snack available at SM Street and local sweet shops.

Eat Calicut Halwa from SM Street

SM Street is famous for colourful, flavorful halwas made with coconut oil, ghee, or jaggery. Prices range from ₹150 to ₹300 per kilogram, offering a variety of sweet treats to try. 

Try Arab-Influenced Dishes

Calicut offers a variety of Arabic-style foods like shawarma, al-faham chicken, mandi rice, and kunafa. These dishes are widely available at eateries across the city.

Visit Local Cafes & Bakeries

Popular local spots include Paragon Restaurant, Adaminde Chayakkada, Bombay Hotel, and Kettuvallam Café. These places offer a mix of traditional and contemporary flavours in a cosy setting.

Veg Options: Calicut has many good vegetarian choices for travellers. You will find tasty veg meals, dosa, idli, parotta, and North Indian dishes in popular restaurants. Most cafes and bakeries also offer clean, fresh vegetarian food, so vegetarians will feel comfortable here.

Best Areas for Street Food: The best places for street food in Calicut are SM Street, Kozhikode Beach Road, and Mavoor Road. These areas have many small stalls selling snacks such as bhajis, banana chips, ice cream, and seafood. They are lively, budget-friendly spots to enjoy local flavours.

Safety/Hygiene Tips: Choose street food stalls that look clean and crowded, as busy places usually serve fresh food. Avoid raw salads or cut fruits from street vendors. Drink only bottled or filtered water, and keep hand sanitiser with you while travelling.

Average Cost: Food in Calicut is affordable for most travellers. Street snacks may cost between ₹20 and ₹100, and a complete meal in a good restaurant may cost ₹200 to ₹400 per person. Seafood and special Malabar dishes may cost a little more, depending on the restaurant.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities in Calicut

Here are some fun things to do in Kozhikode, especially for adventure lovers:

• Trekking at Vellari Mala: A beautiful mountain area perfect for nature lovers and trekkers.
• Kayaking in Calicut Backwaters: Rent kayaks in Elathur or Kallai for a peaceful water experience.
• Cycling Along the Beach Roads: Forest areas and beach roads offer safe cycling routes.
• Fishing Village Visit: You can visit local villages and watch fishermen catching fish early in the morning.

Shopping in Calicut

Calicut is an affordable shopping destination. The other activities in Calicut that you can do are:

• SM Street: Best for sweets, halwa, clothes, handicrafts, and daily items.
• Local Spice Markets: You can buy pepper, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon at low prices.
• Handloom and Handicraft Shops: You can buy coir items, wooden crafts, and Kerala sarees.
• Boutique Stores: Modern boutiques sell stylish Kerala-fusion clothing and accessories.

Things to Do in Calicut for Couples

Kozhikode offers serene beaches, scenic drives, and tranquil backwaters, making it an ideal romantic getaway for couples seeking peaceful moments together.

• Beach sunsets: Watching the sunset at Kozhikode or Kappad Beach is peaceful and romantic. The colours in the sky and the sound of waves create a perfect mood for couples.
• Romantic dinners: Enjoy a quiet dinner at beach-view restaurants or popular cafés. The warm lights, tasty food, and calm atmosphere make it ideal for a lovely evening together.
• Long drives along Marine Road: it’s smooth, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing drive. Couples can enjoy the sea breeze and stop for photos or snacks along the way.
• Backwater cruise: A slow boat ride through the calm backwaters gives couples a peaceful experience. You can enjoy nature, silence, and beautiful views together.

Things to Do in Calicut With Family

Kozhikode offers family-friendly attractions, including such as zoos and ovideeac, as well as waterfalls, providing educational and relaxing experiences suitable for all ages.

• Zoo & museum visit: The Kozhikode Zoo and museum are great places for kids and adults to learn about animals, history, and Kerala’s culture. It is a peaceful spot where families can spend a relaxed morning.
• Mananchira Square: This clean and green park is perfect for a family walk, relaxing on the lawns, or letting children play safely. The musical fountain and calm atmosphere make it a good break during city sightseeing.
• Kappad Beach picnic: Families can enjoy a quiet picnic at Kappad Beach while watching the waves and clicking photos at the historic landmark where Vasco da Gama landed. The beach is clean and calm, making it safe for kids.
• Light adventure at Thusharagiri: Thusharagiri Waterfalls offers gentle activities like easy trekking and nature walks. It is a fun and refreshing outing for families who enjoy the outdoors.

Cultural Experiences in Calicut

• Visit cultural centres: Cultural centres in Calicut offer opportunities to learn about Kerala’s traditions, music, art, and local history. They are peaceful places where you can watch small shows or exhibitions.
• Watch local art forms (Theyyam nearby, folk music): Theyyam and folk music performances show the rich culture of North Kerala. They are colourful and powerful, and they give you a chance to see how old traditions are still alive today.
• Explore historic mosques and temples: Calicut has many old mosques and temples with beautiful carvings and calm surroundings. Visiting them helps you understand the city’s spiritual and cultural roots.

One-Day & Two-Day Itineraries for Calicut

One-Day Plan

• Morning: Visit Kappad Beach and enjoy the calm sea view. Have breakfast at a nearby café.
• Afternoon: Explore SM Street and shop for sweets, clothes, and local items. Enjoy a tasty lunch at Paragon.
• Evening: Relax at Kozhikode Beach and watch the sunset.

Average cost: ₹1000 to ₹1500

Two-Day Plan

Day 1: Start your day at Kappad Beach. Visit Mananchira Square for a peaceful walk. Do some shopping or sightseeing at SM Street. End the day by watching the sunset at Kozhikode Beach.

Day 2

• Option 1: Explore Beypore Port and see traditional Uru ship-making. Then visit Thusharagiri Waterfalls for nature and short treks.
• Option 2: Take a calm backwater cruise at Elathur or Kallai. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at Payyoli Beach.

Average Cost: ₹2500 to ₹3500

Best Time to Visit Calicut

• Winter (Oct–Feb): Best season for beaches, sightseeing, and food walks.
• Summer (Mar–May): Hot and humid. Visit beaches in the evening.
• Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Good for enjoying Kerala rains, but beaches may be rough.

How to Reach Calicut

• By Air: Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is 28 km from the city.
• By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station is well-connected to all major cities.
• By Road: Regular buses from Kochi, Wayanad, Kannur, and Mysore.
• Local Transport: You can take autos for short trips, use local buses for budget travel, or book app-based taxis for a comfortable ride.

The average ride costs ₹100 to ₹400 within the city.

Tips For Travelling in Calicut

• Visit beaches after 4 PM to avoid the heat
• Drink bottled water
• Carry small cash for street food
• Dress lightly because of the humid climate
• Respect local culture in temples

Conclusion

Calicut is a wonderful mix of beaches, food, culture, and history. It is perfect for families, couples, solo travellers, and food lovers. You can explore our customisable Kerala tour packages on TravelTriangle. With clean suconvenientngs, friendly locals, and easy travel options, our affordable Calicut tour package can genuinely give you the best things to do in Calicut.

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FAQs About Things To Do In Calicut

What is Calicut famous for?

It is famous for beaches, biryani, halwa, spices, and historic port culture.

Is Calicut safe for tourists?

Yes, it is a very safe city with friendly locals.

How many days are enough?

One to two days are enough to visit the the main attractions. You can plan a three-day trip to Calicut, India, for a relaxed trip and things to do.

What are the best beaches in Calicut?

Kozhikode Beach, Kappad Beach, Payyoli Beach, and Beypore Beach.

Is veg food available in Calicut?

Yes, many veg restaurants serve dosas, South Indian dishes, and North Indian dishes.

What are budget travel tips?

Use buses, eat at local restaurants, and shop at SM Street for good deals.

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