When traveling to Kozhikode (Calicut), there are several local apps and websites that can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for transport, dining options, sightseeing recommendations, or other essential services, these resources will help you navigate the city efficiently. Here’s a detailed guide to useful local apps and websites for tourists visiting Kozhikode:
1. Kozhikode City App
- Overview: This official app provides useful information about Kozhikode, including city maps, tourist spots, emergency services, and more.
- Services:
- Tourist spot details with directions
- Local event listings
- Emergency contact information
- City map navigation
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Best For: General city information, tourist guides, and city navigation.
2. Ola / Uber
- Overview: Popular ride-hailing services that are widely available in Kozhikode, making it easy to travel around the city in a safe and cost-effective manner.
- Services:
- Book taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private cars for local travel
- Option to pay via digital wallets or cash
- Estimated fares and route tracking
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Best For: Convenient city travel and inter-city transport.
3. Kerala Tourism
- Overview: The official website of Kerala Tourism offers comprehensive details about attractions, activities, and accommodations in Kozhikode and throughout Kerala.
- Services:
- Detailed tourist information for Kozhikode and Kerala
- Travel itineraries and suggested tours
- Accommodation booking and discounts
- Insights on local festivals, events, and cultural activities
- Website: keralatourism.org
- Best For: Planning your trip, discovering attractions, and booking tours or accommodations.
4. BookMyForex
- Overview: An app for currency exchange that allows you to order foreign exchange and get it delivered to your location in Kozhikode.
- Services:
- Buy and sell foreign currencies online
- Forex cards and money transfer options
- Delivery to your location or hotel
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: bookmyforex.com
- Best For: Currency exchange services with home delivery for international travelers.
5. Zomato
- Overview: A popular app for food discovery, restaurant reviews, and online food ordering. Zomato covers most of the eateries in Kozhikode, ranging from local street food to high-end restaurants.
- Services:
- Restaurant reviews, ratings, and menus
- Online ordering and food delivery
- Location-based recommendations for food
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: zomato.com
- Best For: Finding local restaurants, street food, and dining options in Kozhikode.
6. Justdial
- Overview: Justdial is an all-in-one local search app where you can find information about restaurants, shops, services, hotels, and more.
- Services:
- Business listings and contact information
- User reviews and ratings
- Order food, book taxis, and book services
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: justdial.com
- Best For: Finding and contacting local businesses, services, and tourist attractions.
7. RedBus
- Overview: RedBus is a leading bus booking platform in India that helps you book intercity buses to and from Kozhikode.
- Services:
- Book buses for travel from Kozhikode to nearby cities
- Bus timings, seat availability, and ticket booking
- Offers discounts and promotions on bus bookings
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: redbus.in
- Best For: Booking buses for intercity travel to and from Kozhikode.
8. Cleartrip
- Overview: Cleartrip helps you book flights, trains, buses, and hotels in and around Kozhikode.
- Services:
- Booking domestic flights and trains
- Hotel reservations in Kozhikode
- Special discounts and offers on travel bookings
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: cleartrip.com
- Best For: Flight and hotel bookings and travel planning in Kozhikode.
9. OYO Rooms
- Overview: A popular hotel chain offering budget accommodations across Kozhikode. OYO Rooms provides easy booking and customer reviews to help find the right place to stay.
- Services:
- Affordable hotel rooms across Kozhikode
- Easy booking and instant discounts
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: oyorooms.com
- Best For: Budget travelers looking for hassle-free hotel bookings.
10. Kerala Onam Festival
- Overview: A great resource for tourists visiting Kerala during Onam festival, providing details about events, cultural programs, and celebrations in Kozhikode.
- Services:
- List of Onam-related events and festivals in Kozhikode
- Information about cultural performances, traditional games, and feast arrangements
- Website: onamfestival.com
- Best For: Visitors during the Onam festival looking to experience cultural celebrations.
11. Google Maps
- Overview: An essential tool for navigation, Google Maps provides accurate directions, traffic information, and local points of interest in Kozhikode.
- Services:
- Navigation with real-time traffic updates
- Directions to tourist spots, restaurants, and shopping centers
- Offline maps and route planning
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: maps.google.com
- Best For: Getting around Kozhikode and discovering local spots.
12. TripAdvisor
- Overview: A travel platform where you can find reviews, ratings, and recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Kozhikode.
- Services:
- Reviews of restaurants, hotels, and local attractions
- Trip planning features and travel itineraries
- Booking options for tours and activities
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: tripadvisor.com
- Best For: Researching and planning trips based on real traveler experiences.
13. MakeMyTrip
- Overview: A travel service that offers booking for flights, trains, hotels, and holiday packages in Kozhikode.
- Services:
- Flight, train, and hotel booking
- Holiday packages for Kerala and Kozhikode
- Travel deals and discounts
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Website: makemytrip.com
- Best For: All-in-one travel booking platform.
14. Kerala Local Tours
- Overview: A website that offers personalized tours and excursions in Kozhikode, helping visitors explore the city and its attractions.
- Services:
- Customizable local tours and day trips
- Pick-up and drop-off services
- Guided cultural, historical, and nature tours
- Website: keralalocaltours.com
- Best For: Tourists seeking tailored local experiences with guides.
Conclusion
With these local apps and websites, tourists can easily explore Kozhikode, manage travel arrangements, book accommodations, and navigate the city smoothly. These tools are designed to enhance your experience, making it convenient to find the best places, services, and local experiences. Always ensure your apps are updated for the most accurate and current information.