In retrospect, vacation is more of a yearly thing for most people due to budget and time constraints. This is shifting people’s perspective to take weekend getaways or staycations in their own home country, and in the process, they are starting to realize that this form of “micro-travelling” is as good as a big-budget vacation in an exotic country. Not only does this help them save a good chunk of money on accommodation, travel tickets and internal transfers, but also opens a fresh, vast array of travel options they haven’t given a shot before. Speaking of weekend getaways, Kerala has got it all.

Yes, it’s finally time to drive down to that coastal town of Varkala just to spend a weekend there or to visit Thrissur Pooram festival just to shock our palates with the intensely flavourful taste of elayappam and pathiri. Take a look at the best weekend getaways from Calicut.

Best weekend getaways to take from Calicut

1. Wayanad

Wayanad has everything—lush jungles, posh rainforests, road trips routes with stunning vistas and breathtaking wildlife to top it off. Distance from Calicut to Wayanad is 86.6 km and you can reach Calicut by car or bus. but there are no direct buses, flights or trains and hence car is the best option.

Places to visit:

Edakkal Caves
Pookode Lake
Banasura Hill
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Soochipara Waterfalls

2. Vagamon

Vagamon or Wagamon is located in Idukki district, the epitome of beauty in Kerala. The weather is too good to be described in words and the place just elevates travel in India to a whole new level. Vagamon is 256.3 km away from Kerala and that’s roughly 4 hours by 5 hours by car.

Places to visit:

Thangalpara Peak
Vagamon Lake
Vagamon Pine Forest
Marmala Waterfalls

3. Kannur

Interesting trade histories, ancient ports, palm-fringed beaches, not to mention the electrifying festivals rooted deep in Kerala’s culture—Kannur is a refreshing alternative to the cosmopolitan vibes of major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Kannur is situated just 92.0 km from Calicut, an easy 2-hr car drive.

Places to visit:

St. Angelo Fort
Kannur Light House
Kizhunna Beach
Arakkal Museum Kannur

4. Masinagudi

Masinagudi probably has the richest bio-diverse reserves in the whole of South India. Its unspoilt ecosystem is the reason why many exotic wild animals roam around freely in their habitat, thus giving travellers a very close encounter with nature in its purest self. The distance between Masinagudi and Calicut is 132.8 km, and there are no flights and trains that operate between them. You can drive, hire a taxi or resort to the old-school ways of joy—a window seat in a bus.

Places to visit:

Maravakandy Dam
Forest reserves
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Moyar River

5. Kochi

Kochi is among the first few places colonised by Europe. The footprints left by Portuguese and European cultures never faded with time and the place strikingly contrasts the Dravidian culture of Kerala. A great place to explore, indeed! It takes a 5-6 hr drive from Calicut to reach Kochi, and hence suitable for a weekend trip.

Places to visit:

Fort Kochi
Cherai Beach
Willingdon Island
Mattancherry Palace

6. Kovalam

A lighthouse with an observation deck to put the stunning sunset here in perspective, a beach dotted with coconut trees—Kovalam is a postcard-perfect destination after all. You’ll never regret a day here. In this list, Kovalam is the farthest from Calicut; it is located 391.3 km away. It takes a 5-hr by flight and 9 hours by car, and hence it’s best to combine Kovalam trip with other destinations, preferably during a long weekend.

Places to visit:

Vizhinjam Lighthouse
Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium
Kovalam Beach

7. Kabini

Kabini river originates from Wayanad and the plush-looking river is home to crocodiles and black panthers; cricket sounds and mist-wrapped meadows; nature-based homestays that are right in the middle of this beautiful destination. Kabini is a 5-hr drive from Calicut.

Places to visit:

Nagarhole National Park
Kabini Dam
Wildlife Reserves

8. Munnar

Munnar needs no introduction and it is one of the hotspots for honeymoon vacations in South India. From tea plantations to national parks, towering hills to graceful lakes, Munnar really deserves the attention it receives over many other popular attractions in the league. Munnar is situated at close quarters of both Tamil Nadu and Kerala and hence best coupled with your plans in either of the states. Munnar is a 7-hr drive from Calicut.

Places to visit:

Eravikulam National Park
Anamudi
Mattupetty Dam
Pothamedu View Point
Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation
Echo Point

Inspired to take a Kerala trip? Read more and plan your vacation—Your One-Stop Travel Guide For Exploring Kerala: Visit God’s Own Country!

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