Quick Picks by Mood
- Closest to CLT (<45 mins): Beypore Pulimuttu, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Kappad Beach.
- Waterfalls day: Thusharagiri → Arippara (add Kozhippara if time).
- Hill views: Vayalada (cloud blanket views) → Kakkayam Dam.
- Culture + coast (north loop): Kappad → Thikkoti Lighthouse → Sargaalaya Craft Village → Payyoli Turtle Beach.
- Backwaters + birds: Kozhikode Backwaters (Canoli/Korapuzha) → Kadalundi.
Best places to visit near Calicut include Kozhippara Waterfalls, Vayalada Viewpoint, Peruvannamuzhi Dam, and Arimbra Hills ideal for short day trips.
Best months: October–March (mild heat, birding & backwaters in season; waterfalls are fuller just after monsoon).
Closest to Calicut Railway Station (CLT), these are some of the best places to visit near Calicut for short trips and relaxed evenings.
If you have only 4–6 hours, pick from these.
1) Beypore & the Pulimuttu Walkway
- Why go: A scenic stone pier (~1 km) striding into the sea; classic sunset walk.
- From CLT: ~10–12 km | ~25–35 mins.
- Don’t miss: Traditional Uru boat‑building yards, chai by the surf.
- Fact check: The Pulimuttu extends about 1 km; Beypore is an old maritime port.
2) Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
- Why go: Estuary, mangroves, and seasonal migratory birds; quiet boat rides.
- From CLT: ~19 km | ~35–45 mins.
- Perfect for: Birders, families, photographers (mornings best).
- Know this: It sits at the river mouth and doubles as a low‑key eco‑tourism gem.
3) Kappad Beach
- Why go: History + serenity—the site where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498.
- From CLT: ~16–18 km | ~35–45 mins.
- Best time: Golden hour (sunset).
- Fact check: Landing site & heritage significance.
Waterfalls (1–2 hours from CLT) near Calicut
4) Thusharagiri Waterfalls
- Why go: A green, mist‑capped cascade with trekking trails.
- From CLT: ~52–55 km | ~1.5–2 hrs.
- Plan: 2–3 hrs on site; wear good grips.
- Fact check: Popular eco‑spot with treks and multiple falls.
5) Arippara Waterfalls
- Why go: Eight‑level falls on the Iruvanji River; natural pools.
- From CLT: ~46 km | ~75–90 mins.
- Tip: Go early on weekends; flow varies by season.
- Fact check: Near Thiruvambady; stepped pools and named rock basins.
6) Kozhippara Waterfalls (Kakkadampoyil)
- Why go: Swim‑friendly cascades amid dense forest.
- From CLT: ~55–60 km | ~1.5–2 hrs.
- Note: Managed access; check local advisories in heavy rain.
- Reference: District/DTPC pages list it as a trekking & swimming spot.
Hills, Views & Dams near Calicut
7) Vayalada Viewpoint
- Why go: “Gavi of Malabar”—cloud‑level lookouts over the Peruvannamuzhi reservoir.
- From CLT: ~38–40 km | ~75–90 mins (last bit is a short trek).
- Best time: Early morning or post‑rain for the “sea of clouds.”
- Fact check: ~40 km from Kozhikode; ~2,000 ft; weekender favorite.
8) Kakkayam Dam & Kariyathumpara
- Why go: Western‑Ghats scenery, quiet reservoir, light treks.
- From CLT: ~58–62 km | ~1.5–2 hrs.
- Tip: Pair with Vayalada if you start early.
- Fact check: Scenic dam site with trails and rich biodiversity.
9) Peruvannamuzhi Dam (Kuttiyadi)
- Why go: Lake views, islands, new family amenities (park, walkways).
- From CLT: ~55–60 km | ~1.5–2 hrs.
- 2025 update: Tourist facilities were renovated and reopened recently.
10) Lakkidi View Point (Wayanad Ghat)
- Why go: Hairpin‑bend pass views; easy add‑on if you’re heading uphill.
- From CLT: ~60 km | ~1.75–2 hrs.
- Why it fits a day‑trip: Wayanad is roughly an hour+ from Kozhikode; Lakkidi sits at the crest.
11) Banasura Sagar Dam (Wayanad)
- Why go: India’s largest earthen dam; vast lake with hill backdrops.
- From CLT: ~85–90 km | ~2.5 hrs (ambitious but doable in a day).
- Good to know: Boating and photo‑ops when levels are high.
12) Arimbra Hills (“Mini Ooty”)
- Why go: Rolling grasslands and breezy viewpoints near the airport side.
- From CLT: ~40–45 km | ~1.5 hrs.
- Alt sunset spot if northern beaches feel crowded.
Coast, Backwaters & Culture
13) Thikkoti Lighthouse & Velliyamkallu
- Why go: A classic lighthouse with rocky coast views; easy coastal detour.
- From CLT: ~34–35 km | ~60 mins.
- Fact check: Lighthouse overlooks Velliyamkallu; linked to an old shipwreck.
14) Payyoli / Kolavi Palam (Turtle Beach)
- Why go: Wide sands; known Olive Ridley nesting stretch (seasonal).
- From CLT: ~38–40 km | ~65–75 mins.
- Best time: Nov–Jan for conservation activity; sunsets year‑round.
15) Kozhikode Backwaters (Canoli Canal & Korapuzha)
- Why go: Short, calm cruises without going all the way to Alappuzha.
- From CLT: Start near Elathur/Sarovaram; 15–30 mins.
- Tip: Couple it with Kappad or Beypore the same day.
Bonus (Culture Stop you can add to the north loop): Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village, Iringal
- Why go: 20‑acre craft village—watch artisans work and buy authentic souvenirs.
- From CLT: ~41–45 km | ~70–80 mins.
- Good pair: Thikkoti + Payyoli.
3 Plug‑and‑Play One‑Day Itineraries
A) Waterfalls Loop (east):
CLT → Thusharagiri (morning) → lunch at Thiruvambady → Arippara (afternoon) → optional Kozhippara (time/flow permitting) → CLT.
B) North Coast Culture (scenic + shopping):
CLT → Kappad → Thikkoti Lighthouse → Sargaalaya (craft demos) → Payyoli (sunset) → CLT.
C) Hills & Reservoirs (views):
CLT → Vayalada (cloud views) → Kakkayam → Peruvannamuzhi (evening light) → CLT.
Best Places Near Calicut for Couples: Peaceful and Picture-Perfect Getaways
- Sunset walks: Beypore Pulimuttu, Kappad.
- Birding & boats: Kadalundi.
- Soft‑adventure & views: Vayalada, Kakkayam.
Practical Notes (read once, travel smoother)
- Start early (7–8 AM) for waterfalls/hills; mist + lighter traffic.
- Monsoon caution (Jun–Sep): Waterfall flows are high; check local advisories and obey lifeguards/forest staff.
- Tickets & timings: Many open 9 AM–5 PM; dams may have last entry by 4 PM.
- Getting around: Auto/taxi for near‑city spots; for Thusharagiri/Kakkayam/Vayalada, a cab or self‑drive is simpler.
- Food stops: Thiruvambady/Kodenchery (waterfalls run), Koyilandy/Vatakara (north coast).
One‑glance Table (save this)
| Place | From CLT (approx) | Time on Site | Why it’s great |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beypore Pulimuttu | 10–12 km / 25–35 mins | 1–2 hrs | 1 km sea‑walk, sunset |
| Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary | 17–20 km / 35–45 mins | 1.5–2 hrs | Birds + mangroves + boats |
| Kappad Beach | 16–18 km / 35–45 mins | 1–2 hrs | Historic landing site (1498) |
| Thusharagiri | 52–55 km / 1.5–2 hrs | 2–3 hrs | Treks + cascades |
| Arippara | ~46 km / 75–90 mins | 1–2 hrs | Natural pools |
| Kozhippara | 55–60 km / 1.5–2 hrs | 1–2 hrs | Swim‑friendly falls |
| Vayalada | 38–40 km / 75–90 mins | 1–2 hrs | Cloud blanket views |
| Kakkayam Dam | 58–62 km / 1.5–2 hrs | 1–2 hrs | Quiet reservoir, trails |
| Peruvannamuzhi | 55–60 km / 1.5–2 hrs | 1–2 hrs | Renovated 2025 facilities |
| Lakkidi View Point | ~60 km / ~2 hrs | 30–45 mins | Wayanad pass views |
| Banasura Sagar Dam | 85–90 km / ~2.5 hrs | 1–2 hrs | India’s largest earthen dam |
| Thikkoti Lighthouse | 34–35 km / ~60 mins | 45–60 mins | Rocky coast & light tower |
| Payyoli (Kolavi Palam) | 38–40 km / ~70 mins | 1–2 hrs | Turtle‑nesting stretch |
| Kozhikode Backwaters | 15–30 mins | 1–2 hrs | Short canal/river cruises |
| Sargaalaya, Iringal | 41–45 km / ~70–80 mins | 1–2 hrs | Live crafts village |
Distances and drive times are approximate and traffic/season dependent. Use Google/Apple Maps on the day to confirm.
FAQ
Are these open on Mondays?
Most beaches/viewpoints are; dams/eco‑sites often keep 9 AM–5 PM schedules—check onsite boards or DTPC updates the morning you go.
What’s best if I have elderly parents with me?
Beypore, Kappad, Thikkoti, Peruvannamuzhi, and Banasura (gentle walking).
Kid‑friendly spots near Calicut Railway Station ?
Peruvannamuzhi (new park), Sargaalaya (hands‑on demos), Beypore (safe, flat walk). (Kerala Tourism)
Can I do two waterfalls in one day?
Yes—Thusharagiri + Arippara is the classic combo if you start by 8 AM. (Kerala Tourism)
What are the best places to visit near Calicut for a one-day trip?
Top picks: Thusharagiri, Arippara, Kozhippara (waterfalls), Vayalada and Kakkayam (hills), Kappad and Beypore (beaches), and Kadalundi (birds).
Which places to visit near Calicut are within 30–45 minutes of Calicut railway station?
Beypore Pulimuttu, Kappad Beach, and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary are the quickest from Calicut railway station.
What are the best places to visit near Calicut railway station for couples?
Kappad at sunset, Beypore sea-walk, and quiet boat rides at Kadalundi—perfect Calicut tourist places for couples close to CLT.
Can I cover two waterfalls in one day from Calicut?
Yes—Thusharagiri + Arippara is the classic combo if you start by 8 AM.
What’s the best time to explore places to visit in and around Kozhikode?
October–March for pleasant weather; waterfalls are lush right after the monsoon (with caution).
Are there budget-friendly places to visit in and around Calicut for students?
Yes—Beypore, Kappad, Thikkoti Lighthouse, and Kozhikode Backwaters. Local buses and shared autos keep costs low.
How do I reach Beypore Pulimuttu from Calicut railway station?
Auto/taxi in ~25–35 minutes; city buses run frequently toward Beypore.
Is Vayalada Viewpoint safe for families and beginners?
Yes—short, manageable walk to viewpoints. Avoid the edges; go early for light and cooler weather.
Which are the best places to visit in and around Calicut at night?
Evening strolls at Beypore or Kappad; stick to lit areas and return before late night if you’re unfamiliar with routes.
Where can I take a backwater boat ride near Calicut?
Try Korapuzha/Canoli Canal; typical starts near Elathur or Sarovaram area—easy add-on to Kappad or Beypore.
What are the top family picnic spots near Calicut?
Peruvannamuzhi Dam (parks & lake views), Kakkayam (quiet reservoir), and Sargaalaya (craft demos + shopping).
Are there wheelchair-friendly or easy-walk places near Calicut?
Beypore sea-walk (flat), Kappad beachfront, parts of Thikkoti Lighthouse precinct, Peruvannamuzhi park areas.
What should I pack for one-day trips near Calicut in summer/monsoon?
Water, hat, sunscreen, light snacks; in monsoon add rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, and grippy footwear.
Which places to visit in and around Calicut are best for photography?
Vayalada (cloud blanket views), Thikkoti Lighthouse coast, Kappad sunsets, and Korapuzha backwaters.
Are there any hidden-gem places to visit in and around Kozhikode for a quiet day?
Arimbra Hills (Mini Ooty) for breezy meadows and low crowds; Kariyathumpara near Kakkayam for streamside relaxation.
How much budget should I plan for a one-day trip near Calicut?
Public transport day trips can fit in ₹300–₹700; cab/self-drive with food/entry usually ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person depending on distance and group size.
If you want any help in planning your trip we can help you in that. Pahun holidays
