A Guide To Kozhikode Beach

Things to do

Once known as the historical town of Calicut, today, Kozhikode attracts travelers from afar to its breathtaking beaches, including the iconic Kozhikode Beach.

Enjoy a day at the beach

Where 100 years ago was the center of the Kozhikode city, today lies the buzzing Kozhikode Beach, surrounded by lots of attractions. We recommend you spend a day here, just relaxing and enjoying the beach life through activities like sunbathing, enjoying a cold drink and the warm breeze, going for a swim, or playing beach games. People flock here from different parts of the world, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to spot locals and see how they enjoy themselves. The main water activities include fishing, windsurfing, and parasailing.

Catch a sunset on the beach

The most spectacular time of the day here on Kozhikode Beach is in the evening. As the sun sets, people gather on the beach to watch a colorful spectacle in the sky and the sun melting in the Arabian Sea. The sights are unforgettable.

Get a glimpse of its history

The beach has a prominent place in the history of Calicut, as it used to be one of the main ports for Chinese and Arabian traders. The dock where ships would weigh their anchors can still be seen today, although it is in ruins after the relentless waves have left their mark. Other attractions that tell a tale of the region’s history include the two crumbling piers, as well as the old lighthouse.

Spot dolphins

Take a walk on the beach to Dolphin’s Point and watch dolphins playing in the water and diving into the Arabian Sea.

Kid-friendly activities

If you’re traveling with the entire family, Kozhikode Beach is a fantastic choice. We recommend taking the kids to the playground at Lion’s Park or exploring the marine water aquarium, where you’ll find a variety of colorful fish and lots of underwater creatures. While enjoying the sun and sand on the beach, reminisce your childhood years with your kids and fly a kite.

What to eat

No matter what you eat in Kozhikode, you’ll be surprised by the rich taste and variety of aromas, as they are known for cooking with lots of spices and refreshing herbs. While on the beach, you’ll find several food shacks where you can buy something to eat and drink. The beach is surrounded by a plethora of eateries so the options are plentiful. You’ll find anything from fried mussels and seafood to shawarma and other local dishes, as well as fruit and ice cream.

Fresh seafood

Since the beach is a go-to place for fishing, it’s also the place to get fresh seafood cooked following local recipes. We recommend Kallumekaya (mussels), which is a local favorite.

Local cool drinks

Locals in Kozhikode are known for preparing unique drinks full of flavor. We recommend you try kava, a local tea made of spices, pepper, cardamom, and dried ginger. Kulukki sarbath is also a delicious sweet drink made of freshly squeezed lemonade, sugar syrup, sweet basil seeds, ginger bits, green chilies, and lots of ice cubes. The secret to it is mixing it well so the ingredients blend perfectly before drinking it.

Travelers tips

Best time to visit

When it comes to picking the best time to visit Kozhikode Beach, we recommend anytime from September to May, although the beach is open year-round.

Meet the locals

Although it is a popular beach among tourists, Kozhikode Beach is a favorite place for locals too. Whether on the beach, at the playground, or one of the surrounding eateries, you’ll get a glimpse of the unique Indian culture and customs and get to interact with locals. As English is one of the official languages here, you’ll be able to connect with them easily.

How to get there

By public transportation

From the beach, the nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station at approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). Being well-connected to all the cities of Kerala, there are also regular buses that you can take to Kozhikode Beach.

By taxi

You can quickly get to Kozhikode Beach from any part of the city by taxi. The most well-known taxi providers are Jaithram Cabs (+91 97 45 30 45 52) and Calicut Taxi (+91 99 47 05 69 47). The drive will only take a few minutes and should cost around 1 to 2 USD.

On foot

If you feel like exploring Kozhikode, take a walk to the beach. From the Kozhikode Railway Station to the beach, it’s a short 20-minute walk.

Kozhikode Beach information

Address: Kozhikode, Kerala

Cost: Free

Department of tourism: Kerala tourism