Kodikunnu Travel Guide

Discover culturally rich Kodikunnu through our comprehensive travel guide. Find information on must-visit places, food, accommodations, culture, safety, and transportation options, among others.


Introduction to Kodikunnu

Kodikunnu offers a glimpse of authentic southern Indian culture, traditions, and natural beauty. The town is situated in the central part of Kerala state, known for its vast network of waterways, lagoons, and palm-lined beaches.

Travelers can explore the town’s natural beauty, from lush forests and hilly terrains to bustling city centers and backwaters. This guide offers tips and recommendations for a memorable experience in Kodikunnu.

List of Places to Visit in Kodikunnu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Calicut University Art Gallery: This museum boasts an impressive collection of modern and traditional art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

  • Thiruvananthapuram Zoo: The Zoo is a great experience, perfect for families with kids. Housing more than 80 species of animals and birds in their natural habitats, it provides an opportunity to get up close with magnificent beasts like tigers, lions, elephants, and rhinos.

  • Pazhassiraja Museum: A great place that helps you understand the history of Kerala with its artifacts, coins, models of temples, ancient rulers, manuscripts, and other exhibits. It’s an enlightening experience.

Natural Attractions of Kodikunnu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: This Sanctuary is home to many unique species of flora and fauna, perfect for travelers who want to explore the natural beauty of Kodikunnu. Visitors can go on Jeep Safaris, Elephant rides, or Jungle walks.

  • Lakkidi View Point: The view from the View Point is breathtaking, an experience that is made even better during the sunset. The surrounding area is also great for trekking and outdoor activities.

  • Edakkal Caves: The Edakkal Caves are situated at around 1200 meters above sea level, providing stunning views from the top. The caves are also famed for their ancient rock art that depicts the lifestyle of humans from the Neolithic Age.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kodikunnu

  • Wayanad Nature Trail: The Wayanad Nature trail provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the natural beauty of Kodikunnu through a combination of hiking and biking.

  • Chembra Peak Trek: The Chembra Trek is among the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, and the trek is a one-day adventure that many hikers will love. The hike is challenging but rewarding.

  • Thusharagiri Waterfall Trek: The trek is a moderately challenging experience that is suitable for all ages, perfect for family bonding, and the stunning waterfalls make it a popular spot for a picnic.

Best Things to Do in Kodikunnu: Activities and Tours

  • Kalaripayattu Show: Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art that has been in practice in Kodikunnu for centuries. The show is a great way to witness this martial art along with the cultural dance performances.

  • Backwaters of Kodikunnu: The Backwaters of Kodikunnu are a network of connected rivers, lagoons, and canals. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride in the backwaters to experience the serene beauty of rural Kerala.

  • Bamboo Rafting in Periyar Forest: Periyar Forest is renowned for its wildlife, and visitors can explore the forest through a unique bamboo rafting experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kodikunnu

Day Itinerary
1 Arrival and explore the city
2 Visit Museums and Historical Places
3 Explore the Backwaters of Kodikunnu
4 Discover the Outdoor adventures of Kodikunnu, hiking or bike riding
5 Witness and engage in cultural activities like traditional martial arts and dance performances
6 Visit wildlife sanctuaries
7 Departure day

Food and Drink Scene of Kodikunnu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Puttu: A popular breakfast dish, made with steamed ground rice and coconut, often served with chickpea curry and banana.

  • Kozhikodan Halwa: A jelly-like dessert made with wheat, sugar, ghee, and nuts, the perfect way to end any meal with a well-known Kozhikode Dessert.

  • Kerala Fried Rice: Kerala fried rice is a easily found in resturants and eateries, it comes with a combo of spicy chicken curry, and its seasoned with unique blend of spices like Cinnamon, Cloves and Star Anise.

Local Beverages

  • Kokum Juice: Kokum Juice is a refreshing drink made of the Kokum fruit pulp, often served in a tall glass with a hint of sugar.

  • Tender Coconut: The refreshing water of the tender coconut is a widely popular drink and is often being referred to as Nariyal paani in Hindi.

  • Chaya: Chaya is the local black tea of Kerala, often spiced with ginger or cardamom, it’s the perfect cup of tea after a busy day,

Where to Stay in Kodikunnu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Kodikunnu Homestays: Homestays are managed by locals, offering the warmth of home away from home.

  • Hotels: The town has a range of hotels, from luxury to budget options, including the Taj Gateway Hotel - Calicut, Vythiri Resort, and Sterling Wayanad.

  • Hostels: Visitors on a budget can check out affordable hostels like MIST Hostel in Calicut, offering a range of private and dormitory rooms.

What to Buy in Kodikunnu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Kerala Sarees: The colorful and beautiful sarees made of typical Keralite fabric are a great souvenir to take home.

  • Spices: Kerala is known for its variety of spices, including cardamom, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Visitors can purchase the spices in one of the many markets in the area.

  • Churidar: The churidar, a traditional dress from Kerala, is a beautiful and practical souvenir for female visitors.

Local Culture and Customs of Kodikunnu

Kodikunnu is known for its rich culture, traditions, and customs. Visitors should learn about these customs and respect them while visiting. For instance, it is customary to remove footwear while entering temples and homes.

Best Time to Visit Kodikunnu

The best time to visit Kodikunnu is from September to March when the weather is dry and pleasant. The monsoon season in Kerala is from June to August and is best avoided.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kodikunnu

Do:

  • Dress modestly while in religious places.
  • Be respectful of the culture and traditions of the locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter by leaving rubbish in open areas or in the backwaters.
  • Don’t disturb wildlife or enter prohibited wildlife sanctuaries.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kodikunnu

Kodikunnu is generally a safe place for tourists. Still, visitors should ensure they maintain basic safety measures, such as avoiding dark alleys or traveling alone in unfamiliar areas. Female visitors should also take extra precautions and dress modestly, especially in remote areas.

Health in Kodikunnu

Kodikunnu has standard healthcare infrastructure. Visitors should, however, take precautions against mosquito bites, as there is a risk of malaria and dengue fever in certain areas. It is also advised to drink bottled water to avoid waterborne diseases.

Getting to Kodikunnu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kodikunnu

-Calicut International Airport, located around 28 km away from Kodikunnu

  • Bangalore International Airport, located approximately 314 km away from Kodikunnu

Bus Stations Near Kodikunnu

  • Bangalore: Bangalore bus station is 265 km from Kodikunnu
  • Coimbatore: Coimbatore bus station is 154 km from Kodikunnu

Other Options

Tourists can opt to rent a car which gives more independence and flexibility or catch the train, with Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram central stations being the nearest.

How to Get Around in Kodikunnu

Kodikunnu is well connected by bus, taxi, and car rental services. Visitors can also use rickshaws or “autos” for shorter trips.

Where to Go Next from Kodikunnu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mysore: Mysore is approximately 174 km from Kodikunnu, and is famous for its palaces, museums, temple, and zoos

  • Coorg: Coorg is approximately 131 kilometers from Kodikunnu and is known for its Coffee Hills and waterfalls.

  • Kochi: Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is approximately 186 km from Kodikunnu, an important port and a commercial hub from the time of the Portuguese, it now boasts many delicious eateries, heritage sites and a great spot for shopping.

Conclusion

Kodikunnu provides the best of both worlds, a glimpse of southern Indian culture, and natural beauty. With plenty of things to do and see, Kodikunnu is a destination for everyone, whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover or history enthusiast. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can have a memorable experience in Kodikunnu.