Major city · India
Kozhikodeകോഴിക്കോട്
Give Kozhikode two nights: one for the old port core and Kuttichira, one for a beach run to Kappad or Beypore. Kozhikode Beach is for walking and food stalls, not swimming; Kappad has bathing facilities.
Kozhikode is Kerala's second city and the old Calicut of the spice trade — the port that gave English the word calico. It is a working city, not a resort: the draw is the 600-year-old Mishkal Mosque and Kuttichira pond, the Mananchira park and library, the Valiyangadi market lanes, Malabar food (biriyani, halwa, banana chips) and the beach road. Two nights covers it; most travellers pass through between Kochi and Wayanad or Mysore.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Dec–Feb
- avoid Jun–Sep (southwest monsoon; heaviest rain in June–July, wet through September)
- Airport
- CCJ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Kozhikode112 ▾
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kozhikode, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists, with the usual caveats: heat and humidity year-round, patchy sidewalks and heavy traffic…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCCJ Calicut International (Karipur) (About 28 km (17 mi) from the centre; no confirmed direct city bus — take a taxi…CCJ Calicut International (Karipur) (About 17 mi (28 km) from the centre; no confirmed direct city bus — take a taxi…
- Getting aroundGreen city buses are cheap and frequent, most starting and ending around Mananchira Pond (about ₹8 (≈ under US$1) for 5 km (3.1 mi)).Green city buses are cheap and frequent, most starting and ending around Mananchira Pond (about ₹8 (≈ under US$1) for 3.1 mi (5 km)).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeFilter coffee or tea₹15–40 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Auto-rickshaw, 5 km (3.1 mi)Auto-rickshaw, 3.1 mi (5 km)₹150 (≈ US$2) (about ₹30 (≈ under US$1)/km)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₹500 (≈ US$6)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₹3,000 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₹6,000 (≈ US$70)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₹3,500 (≈ US$40) · High ₹7,000 (≈ US$80)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CCJ Calicut International (Karipur) (About 28 km (17 mi) from the centre; no confirmed direct city bus — take a taxi, auto or a local bus via Airport Junction)CCJ Calicut International (Karipur) (About 17 mi (28 km) from the centre; no confirmed direct city bus — take a taxi, auto or a local bus via Airport Junction)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Mar
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Apr
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Dec
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Best: Dec–Feb. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C) low), wettest Jul (23 rain days), driest Jan (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kozhikode: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Feb
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Mar
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
2 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
5 rd
May
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
10 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
22 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
23 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Nov
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
Dec
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Green city buses are cheap and frequent, most starting and ending around Mananchira Pond (about ₹8 for 5 km). Autos run about ₹30 per km; app cabs (Ola, Uber) work. Air-conditioned taxis are quoted around ₹1,000 a day. Traffic blocks over an hour are common — avoid Kallayi Road and Wayanad Road at peak. Sidewalks are patchy; the beach road from Beypore to Kothi Bridge is the good walk.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45–60 min
Bus 9 from Mananchira, or taxi
17 km (11 mi) north; Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498. Park, memorial pillar, a hilltop temple and open bathing facilities.11 mi (17 km) north; Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498. Park, memorial pillar, a hilltop temple and open bathing facilities.
Door to door: About 30–40 min
Green bus from the Girls School side of Mananchira, or auto
Old port and boatyard; the beach road south from here is the city's best walk.
Elathur
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Bus toward Elathur, or taxi
Riverside village and estuary; the Vallikkattu Kavu sacred grove is a swamp reserve — check access before going.
Thamarassery
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus toward the hill route, or taxi (check which service runs)
Hill route toward Wayanad; go for the climb and views, not as a quick return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Mananchira and the railway station area
Central, walkable to the park, library, Mittayi Theruvu and the station; best for a short stay.
Mavoor Road and the new bus stand
Malls, KSRTC and private buses; practical if you arrive or leave by bus.
Beach Road (Kozhikode Beach)
Sea air and the promenade; fewer services and the beach is not a swimming beach.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,500–2,800 (≈ US$18–35) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹2,800–5,500 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- High
- ₹5,500 (≈ US$65)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹3,500 | ₹14,000 |
| Airport taxi, both ways1 × ₹1,600 | ₹1,600 |
| City bus day of rides2 × ₹50 | ₹100 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹800 · 2026 estimate | ₹1,600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹2,330 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,410 per person per day, bed included | ₹25,630≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate
2026 estimate in rupees; flights and long-distance trains excluded. Bed and daily figures are estimates, not quoted rates. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Malabar biriyani | ₹150–300 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Kozhikode halwa (per 250 g) | ₹100–200 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Banana chips (250 g) | ₹80–150 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Filter coffee or tea | ₹15–40 (≈ under US$1) |
| Auto-rickshaw, 5 km | ₹150 (≈ US$2) (about ₹30 (≈ under US$1)/km) |
| Air-conditioned taxi, day rate | about ₹1,000 (≈ US$12) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The monsoon dumps most of its rain in June and July — plan around it.
- Kozhikode Beach is for walking and food stalls, not swimming.
- Non-Muslims need permission to enter Mishkal Mosque — view it from across the Kuttichira pond.
- Some museums close on Mondays (check each site).
- Mananchira park gates open only in the afternoon (check current hours).
- Avoid saying you want to go "to the station" at Airport Junction — you may be put on a bus to Feroke station instead.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
Pocket card
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Kozhikodeകോഴിക്കോട്
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
ഈ വിലാസത്തിൽ കൊണ്ടുപോകൂTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
Embassy
No US consulate in Kozhikode; the nearest is the US Consulate General in Chennai. Most other countries: embassies in New Delhi, consulates in Chennai or Kochi (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport (CCJ) → city centre, taxi: about ₹800–1,000 (≈ US$10–12), 45–60 min
- City bus, 5 km: about ₹8 (≈ under US$1)
- Auto-rickshaw: about ₹30 (≈ under US$1) per km
Say or show
- നമസ്കാരം — Hello (namaskaram)
- നന്ദി — Thank you (nandi)
- എത്ര രൂപ? — How much is it? (ethra roopa?)
- ഇവിടെ നിർത്തൂ — Please stop here (ivide nirthoo)
- ടോയ്ലറ്റ് എവിടെ? — Where is the toilet? (toilet evide?)
- വേണ്ട — I don't want it (venda)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kozhikode. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Feb · avoid Jun–Sep (southwest monsoon; heaviest rain in June–July, wet through September) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CCJ: confirm the bus situation at the airport, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Mananchira, Kuttichira and Valiyangadi, the beach road, Mavoor Road.
- Place pages with verified hours (Mishkal Mosque, Mananchira park, museums) and eat pages with last orders.
- Monsoon and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialKozhikode district official site
- officialKerala Tourism
- officialKIRTADS (tribal research museum)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kozhikode, revision 5308491 (CC BY-SA 4.0)