Payyoli is such a refreshing spot of uninhabited seafront (save for the fisherfolk), remote and secluded, that you"ll find yourself lingering there far longer than you intended. You won?t be able to resist wetting your toes, but don?t go far into the water, especially at high tide. If you get there really early in the day, you may see the "Payyoli Express", or India's "Golden Girl", PT Usha sprinting as she trains on the wet sand. In her heyday, she used to be accompanied by her coach OT Nambiar, stopwatch in hand. But Usha doesn't run much anymore. Payyoli is 22 km from Kozhikode via the NH17 towards Kannur; then turn left to the beach (2 km).

The sanctuary is a haven for migratory birds such as terns, gulls, herons, sandpipers and whimbrels. The ideal season to visit the sanctuary is between December and April, but go early in the day if you hope to spot birds. There also are private cruises available at Kadalundi. You can get to the sanctuary by driving along NH17. Timings 8 am to 6 pm.

About 50 km from Kozhikode is Velliyamkalu, a huge rock structure that emerges from the sea. It's dreaded by navigators, but believed to have been the secret weapon of the Kunhali Marakkars, the valiant warriors in the service of the Zamorin of Calicut. The Marakkars are believed to have launched attacks against invading Portuguese from the cover of this massive rock formation, once killing the entire crew of a Portuguese ship. If you'd like to learn more about the intrepid Kunhali Marakkars, head for Kottakkal, which is on the NH17, 5 km before Badagara. A small hut that belonged to Kunhali Marakkars has been preserved, along with a collection of ancient swords, cannon balls and knives. Timings 10 am-6 pm; Sunday closed.