Stepping Into Paradise

Kerala offers an enchanting journey through travel hotspots like Calicut and Wayanad—cities that seamlessly blend heritage, cuisine, and adventure, alongside providing an immersive experience in the God's Own Country

- CHINKY JHA

My journey to Calicut, or Kozhikode as it is traditionally called, began with a visit to one of its hidden gems—the Beypore Uru Boatyard. This century-old tradition of building Urus (majestic wooden ships) in the quaint town of Beypore is fading. Standing tall like a guardian of the silent river, the sheer scale of the Uru left me awestruck. Each Uru you witness tells a story of labour, patience, and expertise passed down through generations. Talking to the people involved in making these beauties, you will understand that it is a dying craft that still breathes magic.

Upon further exploration of this village, you will come across families engaged in small businesses like candle-making and Uru miniature-making. This initiative, taken by Kerala's Responsible Tourism Department, ensures that local families are trained in such crafts to sustain their livelihoods.

SM Street

After your Beypore visit, take a stroll through the narrow lanes of SM Street (Sweet Meat Street), which is Calicut's answer to Delhi's Lajpat Nagar. It's a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, as you can indulge in gooey halwa (sweet meat) infused with flavours ranging from almond and walnut to fig and pineapple. The alleyways are lined with shops selling everything from handicrafts and spices to clothes and jewellery, making it a paradise for budget shopping.

Paragon Delight

My lunchtime took me to Paragon—a restaurant equally famous among locals and tourists. The flavours here are absolutely divine, showcasing a perfect balance of spices. The comforting embrace of Ilaneer Payasam and veg mango curry is going to stay with me forever.

Kozhikode Beach