Kozhikode is situated on the peaceful southwest coast of the state and is a city in Kerala, India. Several interesting places to visit near Kozhikode highlight the beauty and charm of the place. These tourist attractions near Kozhikode deliver natural beauty, cultural heritage, and leisure and adventure choices. Kozhikode was an important trading port due to its association with ancient spice trade routes. Even today, it is a lively tourist destination, with abundant offerings in historical places, natural beauty, and the more practical comforts of Malabar food.
Top 11 Places To See Near Kozhikode
Kozhikode, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, offers visitors many attractions. Some of the top places to visit near Kozhikode include:
1. Beypore Beach
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated about 15 kilometres from Kadavu, near the mouth of the Chaliyar River, lies Beypore Beach. This beach is a treasure trove of serenity and tranquillity, with golden beaches and fascinating coconut trees that gently swing to the rhythm of the cool breeze. Take a short break from your hectic schedule and drop into Beypore Beach for endless Ayurvedic massages, thrilling water sports, or a relaxing time beside the beach. Beypore is famous for its ancient boat-making industry, which is mentioned even in commerce and maritime maps of ancient Kerala.
Distance From Kozhikode: 11 km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kozhikode
2. Kappad Beach
Photo: Nuhman Kv/ Shutterstock Commons
Kappad Beach is 16 km from Kozhikode — a solemn place for a laid-back vacation. According to a plaque fixed on a pillar, it is the beach where Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama landed. Presumably, that should have been his first visit to Kerala. Many historians have argued that though he anchored here, he landed at Panthalayani Kollam, another nearby port. Historically, this place is important because it is believed that the spice route prospered from this seashore.
Distance From Kozhikode: 18 km
3. Kozhikode Backwaters
Kozhikode backwaters offer a quiet retreat into the green country of Kerala and its network of interlinked waterways. Lying amidst rice fields, coconut groves, and tiny villages dating back in history, these backwaters in Kerala present a glimpse of rustic life in Kerala. One can enjoy the sublimity of this beauty by taking leisurely boat rides or houseboat cruises. The backwaters have serene natural settings for fishing and photography and are an ornithologist’s paradise, housing varieties of bird species.
Distance From Kozhikode: 10 km
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4. Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Photo: Shijan Kaakkara / Wikimedia Commons
Lying 50 km east of Kozhikode in the Western Ghats, the Thusharagiri Waterfalls are a series of cascading falls masked by rocky and luxuriant forests. The name “Thusharagiri” means “snow-capped peaks.” In this case, it refers to the white, frothy waves that cascade down the rugged hill slopes. With paths meandering through virgin forests and rubber plantations, the location is an absolute haven for trekkers and adventurers. The waterfalls are the most stunning during monsoon season when visitors can revel in a cool getaway back to nature.
Distance From Kozhikode: 50 km
5. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Hobbyfoto Wiki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a natural paradise for environment enthusiasts and birdwatchers, around 19 km from Kozhikode. The Kadalundi River estuary contains islands that make up the sanctuary, home to more than a hundred diverse migratory and native birds. Birdwatchers can observe various bird species amidst the mangrove forests and tidal mudflats, including terns, gulls, herons, and cormorants. The birds and their native habitats may be seen up close on boat trips, making it a fantastic place to take wildlife photos.
Distance From Kozhikode: 19 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kozhikode For Couples
6. Pazhassiraja Museum
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
Pazhassiraja Museum is an exhaustive collection of antiques and historical monuments depicting Kozhikode’s historical aspects. The Pazhassi Raja Museum was established in the name of the famous Pazhassi Raja of the Kottayam royal lineage, and it has coins, sculptures, bronzes, and paintings from the 14th century. It also has panels on the explorations of Kerala and models/replicas of artefacts from the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods. The museum is highly recommended for history lovers and culture enthusiasts because of the location’s quietness and historical background.
Distance From Kozhikode: 5 km
7. Mishkal Mosque
Photo: Navaneeth T M / Wikimedia Commons
The Mishkal Mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture that showcases the area’s rich cultural diversity and legacy. Formed in the conventional Keralan architecture, the mosque boasts carved wooden pillars, elaborate windows, and an expansive prayer hall embellished with magnificent designs. It is well-known for its quiet atmosphere and spiritual aura. It is significant to the Muslim community in the province religiously and culturally. Indulge in the complex cultural tapestry of Kozhikode as visitors take in the mosque’s distinctive architecture and historical significance.
Distance From Kozhikode: 2 km
Suggested Read: Kozhikode Waterfalls
8. Lion’s Park
Photo: Ted Balmer / Unsplash / Image for representation only
Located in the heart of Kozhikode city, Lion’s is a pleasant recreational area that draws in families, kids, and tourists seeking a calm escape. The park’s well-kept flower beds, lush green grass, and shaded resting spaces contribute to its serene environment, perfect for leisure activities and relaxation. A prominent sculpture in the shape of a lion, a popular location for photos and the park’s name, is one of the region’s attractions. Families frequently gather here for strolls or picnics, and kids can enjoy the playground’s swings and slides.
Distance From Kozhikode: 3 km
9. Thikkoti Lighthouse
Photo: James Besser / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Thikkoti Lighthouse is located about 30 km to the north of Kozhikode. The lighthouse is built atop a rocky cliff over the Arabian Sea to guide the Marine vessels cruising through the Malabar Coast. The spiral staircase leads to the topmost point of the lighthouse. From here, one can enjoy splendid views and refreshing sea breezes. Thikkoti Lighthouse is a well-liked location for photographers and nature lovers due to its picturesque surroundings, especially at sunset when the sky turns pink and orange.
Distance From Kozhikode: 30 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala
10. Kakkayam Dam And Reservoir
Photo: Azeezrealview / Wikimedia Commons
Situated around 50 km east of Kozhikode, amid the verdant hills and lush forests of the Western Ghats, is the magnificent Kakkayam Dam and Reservoir. In addition to peaceful boat trips on the reservoir, the location offers teeming banks for birdwatching and woodland pathways for walking. Rock climbing and rappelling are available at Kakkayam Dam, making it one of the greatest options for outdoor exploration and recreation for thrill-seekers.
Distance From Kozhikode: 45 km
11. Tali Shiva Temple
Photo credit: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The Zamorin King of Kozhikode, Swamy Thirumulpad, constructed the Tali Shiva Temple, which is thought to be the oldest in the area. People believe that the Tali temple, dating back to the 14th century, was once owned by fifty Namboothiri households. This temple is a superb example of Keralan architecture, with intricate woodwork mixed with laterite to create stunning murals and wooden roof sculptures. Additionally, people also believe that Lord Shiva was worshipped at this temple by Saint Parasurama, who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Distance From Kozhikode: 2 km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala
From the serene places to visit near Kozhikode, like Beypore Beach and Thusharagiri Waterfalls, to the historical significance of Kappad Beach and Mishkal Mosque, each destination unfolds unique stories and cultural legacies. The tourist attractions near Kozhikode encompass everything from Kakkayam Dam and Reservoir to Tali Shiva Temple, ensuring there’s something for every traveller. To book these memorable experiences, consider TripXL.
Cover Photo: fazil abi / Unsplash