Kozhikode

Kozhikode Markets: Mithai Theruyu is the famous Sweet Meat Street of Kozhikode and deals in the absolutely delectable Kozhikodan Halwa available in red, yellow, green and black, made of coconut oil and encrusted with dry fruits. Also pick up some typical freshly-fried Kozhikodan banana chips from here. Valiya Angadi is an area in the Big Bazaar and is the centre of fresh, salted and preserved fish trading.

Temples: One of the oldest and still active Hindu Temples is the Thali Temple, whose walls are adorned with rich arts and which is the site of great activity during Ulsavam in April. Valayanad Devi Temple is located on a hill and dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Visit this temple for its intricate architecture, central courtyard and heavy woodwork. Located over 50 kms from Kozhikode, Lokanarkanu Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has beautiful murals and carvings covering the walls. Located almost 28 kms from the city, Pisharikavu Temple is known as the site of the oldest murals in Kerala.
Open from: Thali Temple - 4.30 am-11.00 am, 5.00 pm-8.30 pm
Valayanad Devi Temple - 5.00 am-10.00 am, 4.00 pm-8.00 pm
Lokanarkavu Temple – 4.00 am-9.00 am, 5.00 pm-7.00 pm

Beaches: Kozhikode is particularly famous for its fine beaches, which are lined with stalls selling seafood delicacies. Among the better known ones are Kozhikode Beach, which is also known for its dolphin-spotting avenues. It also has a marine aquarium nearby. The Kappad Beach is located 16 kms from the city centre and is known for its neat stretch of rocks and the serenity it offers. Another interesting beach is the Payyoli Beach, which is known for its marine turtle conservation efforts.
Open from: Marine Aquarium – 8.00 am-8.00 pm, Entry fee - Adults Rs 5, children Rs 3

Museums & Art Galleries: Among the most renowned is the Pazhassi Raja Museum, located atop East Hill almost 6 kms from the town. This museum has on display wall paintings, antique bronze and coins, models of temples, umbrella stones and beautiful mural paintings. Located close to this museum is the VK Krishna Menon Art Gallery, whose highlights are the beautiful paintings by Raja Ravi Verma.
Open from: 9.30 am-12.30 pm, 2.30 pm-17.30 pm

Picnic Spots: The Thusharagiri Waterfalls are a trekker’s delight, complete with rubber, pepper and ginger plantations. Begin your trek early morning, which is the best time to view exotic birds and animals. Another picnic spot is Peruvannamuzhi and Kakkayam Dams, which are good spots for boating and have a bird sanctuary and crocodile farm.
Open from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm
Entry fee - Rs 5

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: Located 25 kms from Kozhikode, this sanctuary is a haven for bird-lovers. Important sightings include terns, gulls, herons and sand pipers, along with several migratory birds.
Note – The best time to visit this would be between December and April

Regional Science Centre: Kozhikode is home to a planetarium and a science park, which house working models of bisects, scientific gadgets and an aquarium with several species of fishes.
Open from: 10.30 am-6.30 pm, Entry fee – Rs 5

Kirtads: This is the Kerala Institute of Research and Development of Scheduled Tribes and Castes. The library and museum contains a large amount of literature dedicated to the study of tribal and their lifestyles.
Open from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm

CVN Kalari Sangam: This is known as the centre of Kerala’s ancient martial art form Kalaripayattu. It holds training sessions for these artists and you can also schedule a session of watching this art form from close quarters.
Open from: 6.00 am-9.00 am, 5.00 pm-7.00 pm