Malabar Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and accommodations in Malabar, Kerala, India. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Malabar

Nestled in the southwestern coast of India’s state of Kerala, Malabar is a region that boasts of verdant hills, pristine beaches, thriving art and culture, and a rich culinary heritage. It includes the districts of Kozhikode, Kasaragod, and Kannur, and is known for being the land of spices, rolling hills, and historic forts. Malabar has been a melting pot of various cultures over the centuries, which reflects in its unique festivals, architecture, and cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Malabar

Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, cultural experiences, or historical landmarks, Malabar has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Beypore: A historic port town, famous for its ancient shipbuilding industry, traditional crafts like “Uru” boats and “Chombu” vessels and the Beypore beach.

  • Art Gallery Of the Lalithakala Academy: An art museum with an extensive collection of contemporary and traditional paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.

  • Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art Gallery: A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary ruler, Pazhassi Raja. It hosts a wide range of art and artifacts from the days of the Malabar Kingdom.

  • Tellicherry Fort: A 400-year-old fort that stands as a testament to the Dutch and British colonial occupation of India. It also offers an excellent vantage point to see the dramatic coastline and Arabian sea.

Natural Attractions of Malabar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful sanctuary for endangered species animals such as gaur, leopards, tigers, and elephants.

  • Kappad Beach: The beautiful beach with calm waters is a perfect spot for a day of relaxing and soaking in the sun. It is also known as the place where Vasco da Gama landed on the Indian Subcontinent.

  • Chembra Peak: An ideal spot for trekking and hiking enthusiasts, since it’s the highest peak in the region. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the rolling hills and lush greenery.

  • Bekal Fort: A massive and ancient fort in the northern part of Malabar, which provides an excellent view of the Arabian Sea from the top.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Malabar

Malabar is a hiker’s paradise with numerous hiking and biking trails to choose from. Here are a few:

  • Banasura Hill Trek: A moderately challenging trek that is ideal for those who want to experience serene natural surroundings and stunning views

  • Pakshipathalam Trek: A beautiful trail through the dense Western Ghats forest, where you can spot species such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Peafowl, and many others

  • Thusharagiri Waterfall Trek: A fun-filled trek popular among nature enthusiasts and families, since it’s an easy level trail that goes through hill slopes, scenic waterfalls, and streams.

Best Things to Do in Malabar: Activities and Tours

Apart from exploring the historical and cultural attractions, there are many other things to do in Malabar:

  • Attend Theyyam Performance: A unique, magical dance form that ancient Keralite communities perform, on stage with colorful costumes, and mesmerizing music.

  • Explore the Spice Markets: Malabar is known for its rich spice export culture for centuries, and you can explore several spice markets in the region, such as the Kozhikode Spice Market.

  • Visit the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: A bird enthusiast? This bird sanctuary is home to a wide variety of species, including migratory birds, and is perfect for a day trip.

Week-Long Itinerary for Malabar

A week’s trip to Malabar would help you experience the best of the region. Here is a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit Beypore and Unnikrishnan’s Uru Making Factory. Later in the evening, beach walk at Beypore beach
2 Visit Kappad Beach and explore the ancient temple and prayer center at Kadavu Resort
3 Trek to Chembra Peak: Start early to finish the trek by evening and return to the nearest town
4 Visit the ancient Jain temple at Wayanad and Edekkal caves for the pre-historic rock art
5 Visit Tellicherry Fort and the Abel Curch, later in the evening visit the Dharmadam Island beach
6 Visit Bekal Fort and explore the beach nearby
7 Explore the city of Kozhikode, including Saint Mary’s and Gotheeswaram Beach. Later explore the famous Kozhikode halwa, a famous sweet in the town

Food and Drink Scene of Malabar

Malabar has the distinctive qualities of the Malabar Renaissance, where the fusion of cultures led to the evolution of the most delectable cuisine. The important dishes and beverages to try in Malabar are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Malabar Biryani: A unique, flavorful biryani made with a mix of spices, meat, and rice cooked in the traditional Dum style.

  • Kallumakkaya: A dish made with mussels cooked with traditional spices and coconut milk.

  • Puttu and Kadala Curry: A typical Kerala breakfast dish, Puttu is a steamed rice cake served alongside Kadalai curry, which is a thick, tasty chickpea curry.

Local Beverages

  • Sulaimani: A traditional tea brewed with black tea leaves and a mix of spices like ginger, lemon, and mint.

  • Toddy: An alcoholic beverage made from fermented coconut tree sap. Visit toddy shops to understand the cultural importance of this drink and try it for yourself.

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

Malabar has a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Here is a list of some recommended options:

  • Zostel Wayanad: A budget and traveler-friendly hostel located in the heart of Wayanad

  • Vivanta Bekal: A high-end resort located close to the beach and the fort, A Taj group property with all the modern amenities and the best place for a luxurious stay

  • Keys Select Hotel: A 4-star hotel in Calicut city center with spacious rooms, restaurant/bar, and meeting facilities.

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

Malabar is famous for its unique handicrafts, especially bamboo, coir, and handloom products. Make sure to take some souvenirs back home, such as traditional textiles, metal lamps, and jewelry unique to Malabar.

Local Culture and Customs of Malabar

Malabar has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its art, music, and festivals. The people of Malabar have a unique heritage, where various cultures are fused together, and individuality is highly valued. Respect their customs and traditions, and try to learn about their way of life.

Best Time to Visit Malabar

The climate of Malabar is tropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is between October and March when the climate is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. However, note that the New Year season is a peak period when many Indians travel to Malabar or other parts of Kerala for the holidays.

Do’s and Don’ts of Malabar

Do:

  • Try the Local Cuisine: Malabar has a unique culinary heritage. Don’t shy away from trying the traditional dishes unique to the region.

  • Wear Appropriate Clothing: Respect the local customs by dressing conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Do not litter in public spaces. Keep the environment clean and healthy.

  • Disrespect Local Customs: Refrain from insulting or belittling local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Malabar

Malabar, like any other tourist destination, might have some safety concerns. Although rare, incidents like pickpocketing and bag snatching might happen, so it is always wise to keep your belongings safe. Also, be mindful of respecting local customs and traditions for your safety.

Health in Malabar

Malabar has a reputation for having excellent medical facilities. Keep yourself safe and healthy by staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and protecting yourself against mosquito bites.

Getting to Malabar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Malabar

Kozhikode International Airport is the primary airport in Malabar, and you can find daily flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Regular flights are also available from Kannur International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Malabar

KSRTC buses connect Malabar to all major cities and towns in Kerala. You can also take private buses that operate between different destinations in Malabar and cities like Bangalore and Chennai.

Other Options

Malabar is well-connected by rail, with several trains to Kozhikode and Kannur from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai.

How to Get Around in Malabar

Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private cars are available to hire in Malabar. KSRTC and private buses are also available to connect tourists to different parts of the region. If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, then the public bicycle sharing system is a great way to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Malabar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Malabar is located in a picturesque location that allows visitors to access various nearby destinations. Lamb’s Rock, Thekkady, Mysore, and Bangalore are some of the popular getaways from Malabar.

Conclusion

Malabar is a hidden gem in the state of Kerala, offering an abundance of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and unique experiences that are waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Malabar promises to leave you enchanted and inspired. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can make the most out of your visit to this beautiful region in India.

Malabar style fish curry made in a pot of clay. Malabar style fish curry made in a pot of clay.


    Kannur District
    Kasaragod District
    Kozhikode District
    Malappuram District
    Palakkad District
    Wayanad