Kozhikode or Calicut, the former capital of the Zamorins and referred to as "the great province of Malabar" by the legendary Marco Polo, continues to attract visitors from distant shores. The city reeks of history and culture, making it the favourite destination of history buffs. Over the years, Kozhikode has become commercially important for textiles, seafood processing, timber and tiles. At the same time, traditional art forms like the ancient form of Kerala's martial art, Kalaripayattu has flourished.The land of the Malabar Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was recognized as one of the most important historical regions in Malabar.

Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery (5 km from Kozhikode):
On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc.
 

Krishna Menon Museum:
This museum has an exclusive wind dedicated to the late V K Krishna Menon, renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here

Kalipoika (2 km from Kozhikode):
One can leisurely cruise on the dappled waters at Kalipoika in both pedal and row boats.

S M Street:
Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Kozhikode and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with
 

Beypore (10 km from Kozhikode):
Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre.
 

Kappad (16 km from Kozhikode):
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. A monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu

Thikkoti Lighthouse:
The lighthouse which overlooks Velliyamkallu off Moodadi coast was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
 

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary (25 km from Kozhikode):
The estuary at Kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds. Terns, gulls, herons, sandpipers, whimbrels and other exotic birds flock into this place in November and return home in April.

Payyoli:
This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow waters that border Velliyamkallu

Regional Science Centre:
Situated on the same compound as the planetarium, the Regional Science Centre is an eye opener into the amazing and exciting dimensions of Science.
 

Kakkayam (45 km from Kozhikode):
This picturesque dam site, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April.

Kuttiyadi (78 km from Kozhikode):
This picturesque village is the site of a major power project - The Kuttiyadi Hydro Electric Power Project.
 

Iringal:
This is the birth place of Kunjali Marakkar, who commanded the Zamorin's fleet and the held the Portuguese vessels at by bay for long period. The birth place of this valiant admiral of the zamorin, on the southern bank of the Moorad River, is today preserved by the Department of Archaeology.

Vellari Mala:
Scintillating waterfalls and velvet green landscape make this an ideal spot for trekking.
 

Velliyamkallu:
This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a vantage point for the Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. An entire crew of a Portuguese ship was killed here. The beautiful natural engravings on the rock are worth exploring.

Wayanad Ghats:
The green ghats enroute to Wayanad has nine hairpin bends, each turn taking one to a higher altitude offering a better view of the picturesque plains below. This route explored by a tribal was developed by the British.

Kuttichira:
The stone inscriptions found in the Muccunti Mosque at Kuttichira reveal an interesting aspect in the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their patronage of Islam in Kerala. The architecture of this and other old mosques in Kozhikode bear great resemblance to the typical Hindu temple complex with pillars, ventilators and huge tanks, as well as decorative features such as stylized floral cravings and geometric designs.

Ponmeri:
The Sree Krishna Temple at Karatt and the Shiva Temple at Ponmeri have flamboyant paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the story of the churning of the ocean milk) from the purannas.

Kozhikode Beach:
This beach is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained in the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than a hundred years old that run into the sea.
 

Vadakara (48 km from Kozhikode):
The birth place of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary here of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts a great martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and commerce centre in ancient times.
 

Thusharagiri (50 km from Kozhikode):
As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship here. Famous for its trekking tracks, Thusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall and climb uphill through the pristine, dense evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening.

Mananchira Maidan:
The palace tank of King Mana - Vikrama is an architectural wonder. The musical fountain inside the maidan and the meticulously landscaped lawns surrounded by traditional buildings in the Kerala style, fascinate visitors.
 

Varakkal Devi Temple:
This is considered to be the 108th and the last devi temple built by Sree Parasurama, the legendary founder of Kerala. It is believed that Parasurama Ploughed this area in order to make Devi (the goddess) appear. The main festival here is the Vavu Bali when thousands congregate to perform the ancestral obsequies.
 

Peruvannamuzhi (60 km from Kozhikode):
The Peruvannamuzhi demsite set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provides facilities for speed and row boat cruises during which one can see the Smarakathottam - a garden built in memory of the freedom fighters of the region.