10 things to do if you are new to Calicut
- 29 Sep 2016
- Noel Alex
- Features
Calicut has a reputation of having the most hospitable people, the best food in Kerala and being a city with a soul. Here are 10 things you must do if you are visiting the city for the first time
1. Dolphin sighting at Beypore beach
Swimming with Dolphins is something on everybody’s bucket list. Before getting your hopes up, you cannot swim with the dolphins, unless that’s the last thing you plan on doing in this lifetime, but you can certainly see them prancing about the sea at Beypore beach.
Pic Source: vinodvilla.com
2. Boat building port at Beypore
Ever heard about Dhows? They are traditional seafaring boats made by master carpenters in the boatyard at Beypore. What makes this art form unique is that no drawings are made and no nails are used in making these huge boats! The trade secrets are passed down from generation to generation for centuries. The craftsman use age old techniques that are part ofthe trade history of Kerala. If you have time, the locals can tell you some incredible stories.
Pic Source: calicut.metromalayali.in
3. A romantic stroll through Kappad Beach
If you want a place to beat the heat there is a beach with abundant trees at Kappad. It is an ideal place to steal a romantic moment.
Pic Source: mithunonthe.net
4. Nothing sells nostalgia like a Steam Engine
If you remember the Choo-Choo train from your childhood, you can get to see a strikingly similar one at the railway station. A wonderfully nostalgic Scottish steam engine has been installed to mark the 125th anniversary of the Calicut Railway.
Pic Source: www.madhyamam.com
5. Lip smacking byriani at Paragon
Imagine a restaurant where customers wait right next to tables, waiting to get the next seat. As creepy as it may seem that you have somebody watching over you while you eat, this is an example of how crowded this restaurant can get. The Kozhikode biryani is one of the most iconic dishes of Calicut and anybody there would tell you Paragon is the place to enjoy it. Not to be missed.
Pic Source: www.holidify.com
6. A relaxing picnic at Mananchira Square
A man-made freshwater pond is located at the heart of the city. It is wrapped around by a beautiful estate which has now been converted into a park. There are beautiful sculptures and a musical fountain in this park and it is a great place to unwind.
Pic Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com
7. Refresh your knowledge at the Regional Science Centre
Discover the mysteries of the universe at the planetarium located at the Jaffar Khan Colony in Museum Road. There is a 250 seater theater and a sophisticated Zeiss projector that simulates the night sky and the galaxies. Also in the same compound is the Regional Science Centre that showcases indoor and outdoor science displays.
Pic Source: rscpcalicut.org
8. Visit the maestro of wood art, Riyas Kunnamangalam
Riyas Kunnamangalam is an artist and somewhat of a local celebrity. He expresses his views on the contemporary world through wooden sculptures carved from teak roots. If you are an art connoisseur ask anyone in Kunnamangalam and maybe get a chance to visit this unique artist. Or if you missed him look out for his exhibitions that occur frequently.
Pic Source: http://www.thehindu.com
9. Get your feet wet at Kozhippara Waterfalls
Surrounded by forest and often visited by elephants, Kozhippara is an enchanting place to be. The fall and the gushing water winding its way down the stream may make you want to park yourself there. In summer, the stream is gentle and you can spend some time dipping your feet in the water.
Pic Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com
10. Delicious Banana Chips from Kumari Wafers
Fried Banana chips is one of the most famous and delicious snacks of Kerala. Kumari Wafers is a small corner shop where the locals of Calicut unanimously claim sells the best chips in Kerala. It is just across the road from Paragon restaurant. The chips are freshly prepared and you can see workers peeling, slicing, soaking & frying the bananas. They also sells mouth watering halwa; the most popular one being the one made with cinnamon and Jaggery flavour.
Pic Source: http://i.ndtvimg.com
Wondering how to get around these places? Calicut is famous for having the friendliest autorickshaw drivers in India. Read more at Five Stories From Calicut About Our Good Ol' Auto-chettans
