Things To Do
in Calicut
Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a coastal city located in the southern part of India. It is known for its historical significance as an important trading post for spices and other goods. The city boasts beautiful beaches, delicious Malabar cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage.
Calicut is also famous for its traditional art forms like Theyyam and Kathakali.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $10 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the serene Kozhikode Beach. Enjoy a tranquil sunrise and savor local breakfast options from nearby eateries.
Explore the historic Mananchira Square and the nearby Sardar Vallabhai Patel Park. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the lush greenery.
Visit the beach again for a stunning sunset. Sample fresh seafood at local restaurants along the coast.
Immerse yourself in the golden sands of Payyoli Beach. Engage in water sports or simply relax under the sun.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a beach shack and sample local fish dishes. Spend the afternoon swimming or building sandcastles.
As the sun sets, take a calming walk along the shoreline. Wind down with a beach bonfire or by visiting a nearby café.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a diverse history and traditions.
- Beautiful beaches like Kozhikode Beach and Kappad Beach.
- Delicious local cuisine, particularly known for its seafood and Malabar dishes.
- Educational institutions and opportunities for higher studies.
- Access to natural beauty with nearby hills and backwaters.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue in urban areas.
- Monsoon season brings heavy rains which can lead to flooding.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Infrastructure may not be as developed as in metropolitan areas.
- Economic opportunities may be less compared to major cities.
Best Activities in Calicut
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Relax and take a stroll along the beautiful beach, enjoy local street food, and witness stunning sunsets.
Explore this wildlife sanctuary and observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat through boat rides and walking trails.
Engage in activities like boating, wildlife sanctuary visits, and trekking amidst picturesque landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Calicut with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Calicut
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular spot for experiencing the sunset and capturing scenic views of the coastline.
Renowned for its picturesque setting, especially during sunset, and for its old pier, offering great photo opportunities.
A stunning natural attraction with multiple cascades and lush green surroundings, providing fantastic photography opportunities.
Food in Calicut
Calicut Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Aromatic rice dish layered with marinated meat, fragrant spices, and fried onions. Best found at Paragon Restaurant or Madras Hotel.
Must-Try!
A spicy and tangy coconut-based curry with fresh catch of the day, typically served with steamed rice. The Mezban or Bombay Hotel offer authentic versions.
A sweet, gelatinous dessert made from flour, sugar, ghee, and cashews, often available at SM Street or Bombay Hotel.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Calicut better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An iconic street in Calicut known for its vibrant food stalls and bustling markets, offering a wide range of local street food delicacies like Kallummakkaya, a mussel-based dish, and Banana Fritters.
Along the popular beaches of Calicut, numerous carts offer freshly prepared and flavorful biryani, enhancing the experience with a scenic sea view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Calicut, it is respectful to greet people with a traditional Namaste, pressing your palms together and slightly bowing your head.
Respect for elders is a significant cultural norm in Calicut. It's important to address older individuals with reverence and deference.
Calicut has diverse religious communities, so it's essential to be mindful and respectful of various religious customs and practices.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Calicut with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Calicut
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in most places in Calicut, India. However, it is appreciated in upscale restaurants, hotels, and for exceptional service. A gratuity of 5-10% is common in these establishments.
In Calicut, India, cash is widely used for everyday transactions, especially in smaller establishments. However, larger businesses and hotels accept credit and debit cards. It's advisable to carry some cash for shopping in local markets and smaller shops.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Calicut.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The weather is pleasant and comfortable, making it the best time to visit Calicut. Expect clear skies, cool temperatures, and minimal rainfall.
Calicut experiences hot and humid weather during this season. Expect high temperatures and occasional rain showers.
This period sees heavy rainfall and high humidity. It's not the ideal time for visiting, as outdoor activities may be limited.
The weather starts to transition to cooler temperatures with occasional rainfall. It can be a good time to visit before the winter season.
Calicut at Night
Hiking in Calicut
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Situated approximately 60 km from Calicut, Wayanad is famous for its lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The Edakkal Caves and Chembra Peak offer excellent hiking opportunities.
Located about 30 km from Calicut, Kakkayam is known for its scenic beauty and trekking trails. The Kakkayam Dam and surrounding forest areas provide a perfect backdrop for hiking enthusiasts.
Thusharagiri is around 50 km from Calicut and is known for its stunning waterfalls and trekking routes. The trails here often lead through tropical forests and offer breathtaking views.
Nadukani is about 40 km from Calicut and offers spectacular views and serene trekking paths. The site is less crowded, making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Approximately 25 km from Calicut, Kurumbalakotta offers exhilarating hikes and panoramic views of the Western Ghats. It is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Calicut through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Calicut by plane.
The main airport serving Calicut, located approximately 28 km from the city center.
One of the busiest airports in India, located about 151 km from Calicut, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Located around 325 km from Calicut, this is the main airport serving Bangalore with extensive international connections.
Located approximately 215 km from Calicut, it serves the capital city of Kerala with various international and domestic flights.
About 180 km from Calicut, this airport serves the Mangalore region with both international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant demographic group comprising a large number of the population in Calicut, known for their unique cultural traditions and practices.
Another major demographic group, with a rich cultural heritage and various festivals celebrated throughout the year.
A notable community in Calicut, contributing to the city's diverse cultural landscape through their religious practices and festivals.
Includes smaller groups such as Sikhs, Jains, and others, adding to the multicultural fabric of Calicut.
The Soul of Calicut
Discover the essence of Calicut through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Calicut, with a large following and many local clubs and tournaments.
Cricket is widely played and watched in Calicut, contributing to a vibrant community of fans and players.
Badminton has gained popularity in Calicut, with many young players participating in local and state-level competitions.
Kabaddi has a strong presence in Calicut, featuring in local tournaments and attracting enthusiastic crowds.
Athletics is promoted through schools and colleges in Calicut, with events that highlight the city's sporting talent.
Basketball is popular among youth in Calicut, with several courts and teams encouraging participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calicut.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Calicut offers a plethora of vegetarian options, including classics like Vegetable Stew, Avial, and an assortment of dosas and idlis. Navaratna or Salkara Restaurants cater to vegetarian palates.
Finding vegan options is relatively easy with dishes like Chana Masala, Aloo Gobi, and a variety of lentil-based curries. Nimmy Paul's Kitchen and Udipi restaurants serve delicious vegan fare.
While traditional bread and pastries may pose a challenge, many local eateries offer gluten-free rice-based dishes such as Appam, Puttu, and Biryanis made with gluten-free grains like Basmati rice.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Calicut with these cultural adventures.
