Visitor Information
In Kozhikode (formerly Calicut), a Kerala Tourism information booth (tel. 0495/270-2606; daily 10am-1pm and 2-5pm) is located at the railway station. In Kannur, inquire at the Kannur District Tourism Promotion Council (Taluka Office Campus; tel. 0497/270-6336; Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, closed Sun and second Sat of the month).
Getting There
By Air -- There are daily flight connections to Karipur Airport (tel. 0495/271-2630 or -1314) -- located 25km (16 miles) south of Kozhikode -- with Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Trivandrum, Goa, Mangalore and Coimbatore. International flights from Dubai and Doha also land here regularly, making direct connections from Europe possible. Note, though, that the nearest airport for destinations in the far north of Kerala is actually Mangalore, over the border in Karnataka. An airport is currently being planned for Kannur.
By Road -- Kozhikode, Kannur, Thallassery, Kanhangad and Bekal are all on National Highway 17, which gets tricky in places as you head farther north. To get from Kozhikode to Vythiri in the Wyanad mountain ranges, you'll need to take the Kozhikode-Bengaluru highway; best to hire a car and driver. If you have more time (and less money), look into bus connections which are ultimately available from just about anywhere; call the local KSRTC Office in Kozhikode on tel. 0495/2723-796.
By Train -- Kozhikode and Kannur are both important jumping-off points for trains running up and down the coast of Kerala, so it's not difficult finding a berth from either Kochi or Trivandrum if you're heading north, or from Mangalore (and other, more northern, hubs) if you're heading into Kerala. Be warned that these trips are incredibly lengthy and arduous. Daytime journeys are wonderful if you're keen on watching the fabulous passing scenery, but you'll need stamina and patience. Dial tel. 133 or 0495/270-1234 for inquiries at the Kozhikode Railway Station, or tel. 0495/270-3822 for reservations. If you're treating yourself to time at Neeleshwar Hermitage, in the northernmost reaches of the state, then you'll hop off at nearby Kanhangad (a name that doesn't roll so easily off the tongue, so be sure to write it down when buying your ticket) -- let them know which train you're arriving on and someone will fetch you from the station.
Getting Around
Auto-rickshaws are fine for short trips in Kozhikode and Kannur, but for longer journeys you will have to hire a car and driver, or hop on a train.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
