The tour begins as you arrive at the international airport or railway station of Kozhikode (Calicut) that has been known throughout the history as the ‘City of Spices’. Popular for serene beaches, beautiful temples and stupendous display of art and architecture, the city gives an apt start to the North Kerala tour. Our tour representative escorts you to the booked hotel where you take some rest.
Begin the sightseeing tour by visiting Kozhikode Beach that strikingly combines nature and history. Explore the old lighthouse boasting of a seafarer memorial and two crumbling piers that supported ship trade almost 100 years ago and still extending into the sea with pride.
Continue the beach exploration and visit the Children’s Park (open 03:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m.) maintained by the Lion’s Club. Also discover numerous varieties of marine and fresh water fishes at Marine Aquarium (open till 08:00 p.m.).
From here, drive to Kappad Beach, the historical beach where the great Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. Enjoy the drive running parallel to the scenic backwaters and visit the small stone monument marking the historical site. Unwind yourself watching breathtaking sunset views from the beach. Return to the hotel at Kozhikode for overnight stay.
Day 2: Calicut - Kannur (92 km.)Have breakfast before we drive you to Kannur. On the way, stop at India’s longest drive-in beach known as Muzhappilangad which is bordered by black stones and beautified by the coconut groves. If it’s low tide, you may like to walk to Dharmadam Island (permission required). You may come across young men performing thrilling bike and car stunts on the beach.
Continue the drive to reach Kannur and check in at the booked hotel.
Later, you may visit the top attractions like Payyambalam Beach from where you get to watch ships on their sea journeys and St. Angelo Fort that was built in 1505 and has a great collection of cannon balls (open till 06:00 p.m.; small parking fee; beware of conmen who may try to charge you for using cameras). Get back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: Kannur – Bekal (85 km.)Finish breakfast and join us on the road journey to reach the next destination of North Kerala tour, Bekal. Check in at the booked hotel and relax for some time.
One of the most sought-after film shooting locations in Kerala, this pristine seaside town is well-known for its golden beach and the 17th century Bekal Fort. Begin the sightseeing trip by visiting the fort (open 08:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m., closed on Sunday, entry fee INR 5/100 per person for Indians/foreigners). Constructed in the shape of a keyhole, the fort exemplifies unbeatable defense mechanism and also offers incredible views of Arabian Sea. It’s indeed exhilarating to watch the giant and violent sea waves constantly hitting the fort’s wall.
Spend some great moments at the gorgeous Bekal Beach (entry fee INR 1) which hosts outstanding sculptures, a rock garden, a children’s park and well-maintained walkways. You would be enthralled watching the beach illuminated in the evening. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: Bekal – Wayanad (187 km.)Take a break from the coastal region and delve into the tropical landscapes of Wayanad District where tea gardens, coffee estates, spice plantations and rice fields add zillions of green shades to the already lush green forests. Thousands of tourists flock to this mesmerizing destination where stunning lakes, roaring silver cascades, uninhabited islands and wild and bird sanctuaries create a dream holiday destination. Check in at the booked hotel on arrival and relax.
The first hotspot for the day is Banasura Sagar Dam (open 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 20 per person, jeep shuttle INR 100 for 8 people) which is credited as the largest earth dam in India and marks the beginning of thrilling hiking trip to Banasura Hill. Don’t miss the memorable speed boat ride (INR 250-450 for 5 persons) which offers inimitable views of the surroundings.
From here, drive to Kuruva Island (entry from 09:30 a.m. to 04:15 p.m.; entry fee INR 10/20 for Indians/foreigners; camera fee INR 25/100 for still/video; boat ride INR 10 per person) which boasts of spellbinding evergreen forests on River Kabini and flaunts exotic species of orchids and herbs along with many birds. Jungle walks, bamboo rafting and bamboo bridge crossing are the adventures possible. Get back to the hotel for night stay.
Day 5: Wayanad SightseeingGet ready for yet another day of Wayanad sightseeing after breakfast. You would visit Edakkal Caves (open 09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m., closed on Monday; entry fee INR 15 per person; camera fee INR 25/100 for still/video; INR 10 for vehicle parking and INR 70 for jeep shuttle up to 8 people) on a mountain named Ambukutty Mala and world-famous for pictorial writings dating back to Stone Age, Neolithic Age and Mesolithic Age. Apart from human and animal figures, there are trees, carts, wheels and signs and numbers visible on the walls. Please note that jeeps would drop you mid-way from where you must hike for about 1.5 km. to access the caves.
Next, visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (timings 07:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 10/100 for Indians/foreigners; INR 50 for vehicle entry; INR 25/100 for still/video camera; INR 100 guide fee and INR 300 jeep safari for 8 people) which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is associated with Project Elephant. Explore the wild animals like elephants, bison, panthers, spotted deer, wild bear and many more. You may also enjoy an elephant ride here. Get back to the hotel for night stay.
Day 6: Wayanad SightseeingTo explore other hotspots of the fabulous Wayanad on this North Kerala tour, spend another day at this paradise. After breakfast, visit Soochipara Waterfall (08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.; INR 80 per person and INR 40 for camera; INR 50 per plastic bottle which is refundable), a three-tiered wonder amidst the lush green splendour of evergreen, montane and deciduous forests. Don’t miss swimming in the refreshing water of the pool at this fall. From here, visit Wayanad’s highest peak called Chembra Peak (6,730 ft. high) (accessible by trek of about 6 hr., trekking pass must be obtained from the forest office by paying INR 500/1,000 per group of 10 persons for Indian/foreigners; guide fees included; INR 20 for vehicle parking). Discover the captivating heart-shaped lake on the way and admire remarkable views from the top.
Depending on time, visit Pookode Lake (09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 10 per person, INR 10 for parking; INR 30 pedal boating for 2 persons; INR for row boating for 4 persons, INR 100 per person for kayaking), a picturesque freshwater lake with verdant greenery all around. Admire the presence of blue lotuses and blue water lilies and purchase interesting bamboo items from the Eco Shop. Visit Vythiri, a small hill station boasting of incredible mountain sceneries, pleasant climate and rich pepper, cardamom and coffee plantations. Enjoy organically produced fruits and tasty honey here before returning to the hotel.
Day 7: Wayanad – Kozhikode (86 km.)Drive back to Kozhikode after breakfast. The journey passes through Thamarassery Churam (mountain pass) with nine hairpin bends that would certainly intensify the adrenaline rush in your nerves. Drink in the absorbing views of green surroundings and dramatically changing mountain sceneries. Get ready for another surprise as we take you to the haunted on the way. It is believed that the ghost of a local tribal chieftain was tied to the tree by a priest using a steel chain after he was shot dead by the British and created havoc in the region. You would still find the chain tied to the tree.
On arrival at Kozhikode, check in at the hotel and visit the Sweetmeat Street (S.M. Street or Mittai Teruvu) after some rest. In addition to the tasty halwa (sweetmeat), you would find fashion clothes, bags and other accessories worth buying here. Overnight stay at Kozhikode
Day 8: DepartureTransfer to the airport or railway station to board the booked flight or train to your preferred destination. The North Kerala tour ends here.