1. Check out Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum

If you’re into archaeology, pay a visit to Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum on East Hill. This museum and art gallery features an extensive collection of artifacts from 1000 BC to 200 AD. These displays include items from the Indus Valley Civilization and the megalithic age which include toys, stone, and metal sculptures. Aside from these, war weapons of British soldiers are displayed at the gallery too. The museum building was built in 1812 as East Hill Bungalow and was eventually turned into a museum in 1976.

Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum

Address: Kendriya Vidyalaya Rd, East Hill, Kozhikode, Kerala 673005, India

Website: Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum

2. Visit the medieval Mishkal Mosque

One of the most popular landmarks in Kozhikode is Mishkal Mosque. This medieval mosque is one of a kind in the state and is considered a significant monument. It was built in the 14th century by a merchant and shipowner. The building originally had five levels but, during a Portuguese attack in 1510, the mosque was partially burned. After its renovation in the late 1570s, only 4 stories were restored and the top-level still shows the damage.

Mishkal Mosque

Address: Bavootty haji Rd, Kuttichira, Kozhikode, Kerala 673001, India

3. Learn business history at Indian Business Museum, IIM Kozhikode

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re on a museum-hopping adventure in Kozhikode, consider adding Indian Business Museum to your itinerary. Established in 2013, the museum keeps a special focus on the history of Indian business by collecting and conserving the industry’s rich history. Indian Business Museum also intends to spark interest in entrepreneurship among citizens. The museum is considered the first of its kind in the country. Come and take a trip to the museum, and who knows, a visit here may just be the start of your business-savvy!

Indian Business Museum, IIM Kozhikode

Address: IIM Main Entrance Road, Kunnamangalam, Kerala 673570, India

Website: Indian Business Museum, IIM Kozhikode

4. Explore the backwaters of Kozhikode

Kozhikode is famous for its virgin waters. The backwaters provide visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Kerala at its prime. It has palm trees dotted all along the water banks and the canal and lakes offer the guests perfect houseboat cruising. You can take in the natural beauty of the backwaters when sailing on a houseboat. The peaceful surroundings and tranquility all around will soothe your spirits. You can also stay at the luxury floating villas all over the beautiful backwaters of Kozhikode. These houseboats on the backwaters are popular, especially among honeymooners as they offer a perfect getaway in the picturesque surroundings and natural beauty.

Backwaters of Kozhikode

Website: Backwaters of Kozhikode

5. Kozhikode beach

Kozhikode, the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center. It was here at Kappad that Vasco Da Gama landed in his search for the spices of the Orient. Today, the serene beaches, lush green countryside and historic sites all combine to make this a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambiance.

Kozhikode Beach is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers and it is also a good place for trying out seafood delicacies like kallumekaya (mussels), available at the numerous stalls lining the promenade. At dawn, a walk along Dolphin’s Point will reward you with a sight of playful dolphins. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained by the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers that run into the sea, each more than 100 years old. Entertainment facilities such as the Lions Park for children and the marine water aquarium are added attractions. The aquarium is open on all days from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Kozhikode Beach

Website: Kozhikode beach

6. The ancient Thikkodi lighthouse

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the best things to see in Kozhikode is Thikkodi Lighthouse which is located in Thikkodi village. It is a historical monument which attracts tourists and visitors around the year. There are rocks around the lighthouse and it gives you a great view of Velliyamkallu which is a rock formation in the Arabian Sea. The Thikkodi lighthouse was built in 1847 and is a huge structure. Tourists can climb up the stairs of the lighthouse to reach the top of it and enjoy the awesome view of the surrounding area, but prior permission is required by travelers from authorities to climb up the lighthouse winding stairs.

Thikkodi Lighthouse

Website: Thikkodi lighthouse

7. Visit the quiet Kappad beach

Kappad beach, or Kappadavu as it is known locally, is a quiet coast shaded by inland palm groves around a small, peaceful village not yet discovered by ‘mainstream’ tourism. There are two hotels near the beach, we were told by a group of boys on arrival, the expensive one and the other one. We stayed at the other one and enjoyed some of our best days on Kerala’s beautiful coast. The beach of Kappad has a rocky headland which gives great views of the surrounding coast. Walking along the beach either way leads to miles of deserted, yellow-sand beaches with only the odd fishing boat or egret for company.

Kappad beach

Website: Kappad beach

8. Trip to the ancient and yet modern 'Big market' Veliyangadi

Veliyangadi or the big market is located on the south side of the Kozhikode beach. It was here some centuries ago where European and Arab traders used to brush shoulders trading their goods. Here, you will find local goods at very reasonable prices, which is why people here come to shop all their requirements. Once here, you will get a taste of local food and goods and also see how the locals do their shopping here.

At Veliyangadi there is a Gujarati street and also a Halwa street. You will also find the Francis Road and the Thangal Road here which, along with the Halwa Street, form a triangle which leads to Bavutty Haji Road on the beach. There is a Sunni dargah called the ‘Sheikh Makham,’ which is a center of Sunni pilgrimage to Kozhikode.

9. Visit the ancient pond at Mananchira

Mananchira is a man-made water pond in the center of Kozhikode in Kerala state in India. The pond is rectangular in shape. It was built as a bathing pool in the 14th century. However, in the 19th century, its municipal council ruled it to be used exclusively for drinking purposes only and prohibited it from the use of bathing or washing. Visitors coming to Kozhikode often come here to see this centuries-old pond as a historic place.

10. Regional Science Center and Planetarium

The Regional Science Center and Planetarium is located on Museum Road in Kozhikode. It has a 250 seater Planetarium which offers visitors an extensive insight into the mysterious universe, planets and all the galaxies. This Kozhikode attraction has a state of the art Zeiss projector which simulates the night sky and is entertaining and very informative.

The Regional Science Center has indoor as well as outdoor science displays. One of the main things to see here is the entomology section called the Giants of Nature. The huge aquarium is also a popular attraction here. Visitors timing is 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Regional Science Center and Planetarium

Website: The Regional science and Planetarium

11. A Nature Trip to Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

One of the most notable tourist attractions in Kozhikode is the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. It attracts quite a lot of nature and photography lovers because of its picturesque location while offering a great view of both the Arabian Sea and the Kadalundipuzha River. Bird watchers can take their time to stroll around the area through the boardwalk, get to know the different avian fauna, and take great pictures along the way. With over a span of 3 kilometers, tourists have the option of taking boat rides to enjoy the scenery. Aside from the colorful migratory birds that serve as the main attraction, guests can also glimpse of deep water crocodiles. The best time to visit would be around the months of October to April since it is during these months that migratory birds flock in the area. Bring your camera and capture all the magnificent shots in this sanctuary!

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Address: Near Kadalundi Railway Station, Kadalundi, Kerala 673302, India

Website: Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

12. Visit the tranquil SreeKanteswara Temple

Among the many temples in Kozhikode, another one that you can add to your list is a visit to Sreekanteswara Temple. Unlike other bigger temples, this one has a tranquil ambience that both visitors and worshippers can see upon arriving. A Shiva temple that is rich in history, it is said that from a long time ago, this place has become prosperous and well-loved because there was once a noteworthy yogi who worshipped there, and several divine rituals performed in the area where it stands now. Now doesn’t that sound interesting? After worship, take a walk around, learn the history of the temple, and even take some pictures. Both locals and tourists are welcome to enter so make sure to add this to your list of places to visit in Kozhikode!

SreeKanteswara Temple

Address: Sreekanteswara Building, SK Temple Rd, Stadium Road, Mavoor Rd, Tazhekkod, Kozhikode, Kerala 673004, India

Website: SreeKanteswara Temple

A melting pot of culture and history!

Kozhikode in Kerala offers visitors a chance to blend into its ancient and cultural past. From the best spots for biryani to the amazing tourist attractions, Kozhikode is a treasure chest waiting to be discovered. Its quiet beaches and backwaters offer calmness and tranquility to those from busy city lives looking for a soothing holiday.