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Kozhikode Tourist Places: The Top 10

The Food Capital of Kerala, Kozhikode in North Kerala is a must visit destination on your Kerala holiday and here is a guide to Kozhikode’s tourist places, the popular and the offbeat.

A rather underrated destination, Kozhikode, with its historic sites, its delicious Malabar cuisine, boat building yards and uncrowded beaches can be the perfect starting point for exploring the Malabar Region of Kerala.

Like most cities in Kerala, Kozhikode too has an anglicised, easier to pronounce name, Calicut.

Calicut even lent it’s name to Calico, that Indian textile which was once at the crux of our country’s Imperial trade-history. Incidentally, it is also where Vasco da Gama first docked in 1498.
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Nearest Airport | Calicut International Airport, 28 kilometres from the city center.
Nearest Railway Station |Kozhikode.
Best Time to Visit | October to February. A coastal town in the tropics, Kozhikode is best visited in the cooler months.
Where to Stay in Kozhikode? Splurge | Raviz Kozhikode Save | Malabar Palace

Kozhikode Tourist Places

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=11SVvJ-HfoIXF_Ay-dYGtinSCWedMc3Ly&w=945&h=480]

#1 Kozhikode Beach

With such a wide array of beaches to choose from, one of the first things to do when in Kerala is to head to the beach. Especially on the Malabar Coast, which is home to not just beautiful beaches but also to probably one of the most historic one.

And, if it is a peaceful promenade that you are looking for, to spend a contemplative evening watching the sunset, then the Kozhikode Beach it is. It is after all the heart of the city, from which it borrows its name.

#2 SM Street

Known for its distinctive food culture, Kozhikode is home to one of the oldest food streets in the country, SM Street. Short for Sweet Meat Street, this was once the busiest of food streets. It was the British who gave this street its name, when they saw it lined with endless stalls of halwa – which they referred to as sweet meat. It still is one of the busiest streets in Kozhikode, selling everything from boho clothes to sliver trinkets.

#3 Kuttichira Jumaath Mosque

If you want to lose yourself in the sights and sounds of Kozhikode, then the lanes of Kuttichira in Thekkepuram would be the ideal place to do just that. Around the Kuttichira pond are mosques and houses, old and beautiful, built in wood, in traditional Kerala style – an architectural style that is as unique as it is striking, thanks to the maritime history of the region.

Of these, the Kuttichira Jumaath Mosque or the Mishkal Mosque, as it more commonly known and the Muchundi Mosque are exceptional examples.

#4 Payyoli Beach

This little known beach on the Malabar Coast is stunning to say the least, what with its unending stretches of clean golden sand, swaying coconut palms and clear blue waters.

Little wonder then that Olive Ridley turtles chose this beach to nest!

But its with secluded locations like these that we need to approach with even more care. And travelling responsibly takes on a whole new meaning when you have to keep the peace of a pristine place like this going, so that these guys keep coming back to their home, year on year.

#5 Beypore Beach & Port

An Uru in the making at Beypore

Twenty minutes from Kozhikode is yet another beach and port, Beypore. Here, at the boat building yard in Beypore Port, one can go inside an Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel and see master craftsmen at work, bringing to life this striking handcrafted teak wood trading vessel that traces its origins back to over fifteen hundred years ago.

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#6 Kappad Beach

It was in the waters of the Kappad Beach that the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama first landed, over five hundred years ago, successfully concluding his voyage to discover a sea route to India. And to mark that historic moment – which opened the floodgates of global imperialism, there still stands a memorial, albeit an unremarkable one.

#7 Mother of God Cathedral

If architecture draws you, then the ‘Mater Dei’ or the Mother of God Cathedral near Manachira in Kozhikode is a must visit. This Gothic church of curved arches and lofty wooden doors also makes for a picture perfect backdrop, for also seeking photo ops on their travels.

#8 Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

This bird sanctuary on the banks of the river Kadalundi is a bird watchers delight. You could easily spend a happy day here spotting the different species, from seagulls to terns, that make this sanctuary their home. November to April is the typical season for sightings.

#9 Tusharagiri Waterfalls

Three waterfalls of the Chalippuzha River come together in the Western Ghats to form this powerful torrent of a waterfall that is the Tusharagiri Falls. Creating a gush so forceful that it gives the water it’s white colour and the waterfalls its name – Tusharagiri, snow capped mountain.

#10 Kalari Sangams

Kalaripayattu Practice at a Kalari Sangam in Kozhikode

There are many Kalari Sangams in Kozhikode where one can witness the fourth century martial art, Kalaripayattu and even train in it if one wishes to. This classical Kerala art form is definitely worth a watch and a quintessential ‘Kerala Experience’, so even if it comes last on this list of Kozhikode tourist places it one of those that can’t be missed.

One of the oldest and the more famous of these is the CVN Kalari Sangam.

October 2, 2019
A Local’s Guide to Things to do in Hyderabad

Find yourself in the city of pearls for 2 days? Here is a quick guide to things to do in Hyderabad. Including where to eat and what to see for a truly local experience.

Things to do in Hyderabad

1. Go on a Heritage Walk in the Old City of Hyderabad

Conducted by the Telangana Tourism Department, this guided walk through the lanes of the old city, happens every Sunday from 7:30 am to 9 am. There are four walks to choose from, to explore the architectural and historical splendour of the city, but the walk from Charminar to Chowmahalla Palace remains the most popular.

2. Naubat Pahad | Science Museum & Birla Planetarium

A View of Birla Mandir from Naubat Pahad

The Sky Show at Birla Planetarium is popular across quite a few of the bigger cities in India, but here in Hyderabad, where it is located on one of the more popular hillocks of the City, the Naubat Pahad, it gives you two additional reasons to visit. One for the sweeping views of the Hussain Sagar and the pristine white Birla Mandir. And the other, for its Science Museum. The interactive science section here at the Museum has been engaging children and adults alike in exploring the basic laws of Physics in a fun way for over 27 years now.

3. Sunset Boating on Hussain Sagar

And who hasn’t seen pictures of the famous Buddha Statue of Hyderabad, believed to be the tallest monolith of the Gautama Buddha. Take an evening boat ride in the Hussain Sagar to see the Buddha against the backdrop of a setting sun.

This white granite statue of the Buddha was consecrated by the Dalai Lama himself!

4. Go on a Road Trip

Been there done that? Looking for some offbeat experiences? Then head out on the road to discover the unexplored side of Telangana. Plan your trip to include anything from forgotten forts to secluded waterfalls.

Here are some useful guides to help you design your road trip from Hyderabad.

8 Tourist Places near Hyderabad within 100 Kms
9 Picturesque Places to Visit near Hyderabad within 200 Kms
40 Incredible Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad

What to See in Hyderabad

1. Old City | Charminar, Laad Bazaar & MJ Market

See the iconic Charminar by the evening lights of the fruit sellers or on an early Sunday morning when it is at its atmospheric best with the Jummeraat Bazaar that pop ups enroute Charminar every sunday. While there, also check out Laad Bazaar, an entire lane dedicated to selling colourful bangles. Nothing else gives you a feel of old Hyderabad like this traditional bazaar.

One can also go up a minaret of Charminar to take in the entire old city – the heart of Hyderabad from its balconies.

Read Other Stories from The Old City of Hyderabad
Standing Still: Moazzam Jahi Market
Heart of Hyderabad: Old City

2. Qutb Shahi Tombs

One of the Domes of the Qutb Shahi Tombs

Though they don’t rank high on the typical tourist checklist, the Qutb Shahi Tombs are yet another must visit. Some of the areas of this expansive complex are undergoing restoration, in the hopes of bringing this mausoleum onto the coveted list of UNESCO Heritage Sites.

3. Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort, believed to be the strongest of the Deccan Forts holds number one spot on every traveller’s Hyderabad itinerary and rightly so. For the earthy brown monument with its manicured lawns isn’t just beautiful. The architectural designs to draw water and even cool the citadel on a hot day are intriguing. Also, the trek up to the summit of the fort is invigorating, specifically around sunset.

Read: Through The Ages: Golconda

4. Chowmahalla Palace

And when one has had enough of ruins and tombs, then a visit to the Chowmahalla Palace is sure to refresh you with a peek into the the erstwhile life of the Nizams of Hyderabad.

5. Birla Mandir

Built in a mix of Dravidian and Rajasthani architectural styles, the Birla Mandir is a beautiful marble structure sitting – in all its pristine white splendour – atop a hillock on the banks of the Hussain Sagar. The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara Swamy is a quiet and serene place.

Where to Eat – like a local – in Hyderabad

If you want to eat like a local in Hyderabad, then it isn’t just about the biryani or the haleem, you start your day with an Irani Chai and a side of Osmania Biscuits at Nimrah Cafe. Located bang opposite the Charminar, this landmark is the starting point for many a walk in the old city of Hyderabad, be that a photo walk or a food walk.

Just as iconic are Paradise and Pista House – ‘world famous in Hyderabad’ as one would put it – the former famous for biryani and the latter for haleem.

The city also boasts of eateries that grew from just a bandi (handcart) to full fledged multi storeyed cafes and restaurants. Amongst these are the Gokul Chaat Bhandar and Ram ki Bandi. Both worth a visit, for their chaats and dosas.

And if you are a vegetarian in Hyderabad, against popular belief, you needn’t despair. For you have an entire street that comes alive every evening and serves up everything from a dabeli or a vada pav to a fruit flavoured soda or a malai kulfi. That is Sindhi Colony for you. It is such a hit among the youngsters for street food that within hours of opening, most of these joints sell out. So be there in Sindhi Colony by five any evening, if you want to try out everything.

December 8, 2018
14 Popular & Affordable Places to Visit in Vizag

Vizag for me is nostalgia. Of summer holidays spent fighting and adventuring with cousins. Of catching the sunrise while cycling down RK Beach. Of picnics in parks and lazy afternoons spent picking mangoes in the garden of my grandparents’ home. So, indulging in some nostalgia, of those oft thought of summer days, I have put together a list of places to visit in Vizag.

From the latest attractions in town to the secret spots of my childhood that have managed to stay that way for a long time now. Most of them either free or extremely affordable to visit even those that are amongst the most popular tourist places in Vizag.

#1 RK Beach (Ramakrishna Beach)

Despite being Andhra Pradesh’s largest city, Vizag still is a picturesque little coastal town at heart, where locals still like to spend their evenings at the beach. And, it is the Ramakrishna Beach or the RK Beach, as it is more popularly known – that is the beating heart of Visakhapatnam.

A 4 kilometre stretch of golden sand beach with a clean, wide promenade, RK Beach isn’t just a local favourite but tops the list of places to visit in Vizag. While early mornings are just for walkers and cyclists, it is only after 7AM that this road turns into a regular thoroughfare busy with everyday traffic.

#2 Dolphin’s Nose & Lighthouse

Other prominent attractions on the RK Beach are the Dolphin’s Nose – a cliff shaped like the nose of a Dolphin and the lighthouse atop it.

There was once a children’s theatre in the city, shaped like a Dolphin – a tribute to this very cliff; where they would screen movies from all over for kids in the summer break.
& It remains a childhood favourite of mine, not to sound too solemn!!

#3 Kali Temple

Also along the RK Beach is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali. Built in the architectural style of the Kali Mandir in Kolkata, this temple in Vizag though much smaller is just as striking. The best time to visit the Kali Temple is of an evening when one soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, while gazing at the sea – just across the road – as the sun goes down.

#4 INS Kursura Submarine Museum

Inside the INS Kursura Submarine Museum

It is along this beach that the decommissioned INS Kursura docks today and stands as a one of its kind museum open to public. This submarine, a veteran of the Indo Pak War of 1971, retains its interiors as they were, along with additional installations that offer a peek into the lives of navy personnel who live underwater for half a year at a stretch, protecting our borders.

#5 TU142 Anti Submarine Aircraft Museum

Opposite the Submarine Museum is yet another museum similar in style, only recently opened. This one is housed in a Tupolev anti submarine aircraft. The TU142, which holds the distinction of being the world’s fastest turboprop aircraft to ever have been made, served in the Indian Navy too. Before being decommissioned and setup as a museum. This museum too is unique in the fact that, though there is one other TU Museum – in Russia, the country of these aircrafts’ origin, this is the only one where one can go inside the aircraft and explore.

#6 Visakha Museum

The Visakha Museum houses collections that showcase the history of the region and the city of Visakhapatnam. Pore over maps and manuscripts, trace a journey back in time through the period clothes, currency and weaponry that are on display here.

#7 VUDA Park

A sprawling park of over fifty five acres, VUDA Park sits right at one end of RK Beach. A mini amusement park (sadly, now defunct), a beautiful skating rink, rolling lawns and access to the beach, once made this one of the most beloved of spots in Vizag. While the skating rink still retains its pride of place, it is the newer attractions like the musical fountain that draw the crowds to the park today.

#8 Kailasagiri

En route Rushikonda, is Kailasagiri. A landscaped garden sitting atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the city of Vizag. Here is where you will find the now iconic and widely recognisable massive sculpture of the Gods Shiva and Parvati.

#9 Tenneti Park

Sitting at the foothills of Kailasagiri, just as you begin to climb the hill towards Rushikonda, Tenneti Park with its manicured lawns cut in levels into the rock face offers stunning ocean views.

So be it to spend a breezy evening or to catch the sun rise over the Vizag beach, Tenneti Park has to be on your list of places to visit in Vizag.

#10 Rushikonda Beach

Road to Rushikonda Beach

Of the many beautiful beaches that dot the verdant landscape of Visakhapatnam, Rushikonda Beach is next in terms of accessibility. Getting to Rushikonda Beach – just a little further past RK Beach along the winding ghat roads that hug the coast of Bay of Bengal – is in itself a pleasurable experience.

#11 Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Vizag is probably the second most significant religious site in the state of Andhra Pradesh (second in terms of popularity only to Tirupati). It stands atop the Simhachalam Hill and it is believed to be where the Narasimha Avatar of Sri Vishnu was manifest. A striking temple built like a fort, it is surrounded by verdant hills.

One gets to see the idol in its true form only on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. For to keep the presiding deity, Narasimha – who is known for his ferocious anger – cool, it is always covered in sandalwood paste, except on this one day.

#12 Ross Hill Church

Harbour Views from Ross Hill

And, if one were to go beyond the beaches, Vizag doesn’t disappoint you. For the city abounds in hills and it isn’t just Kailasagiri that is picturesque. Ross Hill isn’t just beautiful but is made all the more interesting thanks to its harbour views. Also that, here, you will witness sitting alongside each other, three places of worship – of the three major religions of our country – a chapel, a temple and a mosque.

#13 Yarada Beach

The most striking of Vizag’s beaches and also its best-kept secret, Yarada Beach is cloistered away from the world. Hidden by emerald green hills of the Eastern Ghats that abound it on all three sides, there is only the sea for as far as the eye can see, once you are there. Which makes Yarada the number one lazy afternoon getaway from the city.

#14 Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi is believed to the be presiding deity of the city of Visakhapatnam – starting with being the family deity of the then Rulers of Visakhapatnam to then being the one who is believed to have cured the city of Plague in the year 1917.

This centuries old temple dedicated to her is one of the most important religious sites for the local Hindus and holds pride of place on this list of places to visit in Vizag. Don’t miss it even if it is just to get a feel of the city’s cultural traditions.

November 29, 2018
24 Hours in Jaipur

The country’s first planned city, Jaipur earned the moniker Pink City when Maharaja Ram Singh painted the entire city pink in honour of the Prince of Wales’s visit to India in 1876, for the colour pink symbolised hospitality.

One corner of India’s golden triangle, Delhi – Agra – Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital is an enchanting city, bustling with modernity and yet steeped in tradition and history, that you feel it in the very air you breathe.

Here is a lowdown on how to spend 24 hours in Pink City, the old city of Jaipur.

Breakfast @ LMB

Start your day like a local! Dig into the hot, savoury Pyaaz Kachoris and Jalebi at the iconic Lakshmi Mishthan Bhandar, lovingly called LMB, while you wait for the “World Famous Paneer Ghevar” to be packed for you to take back home.

This vegetarian restaurant in the old part of Jaipur, the Pink City as it is known, has been going strong since 1954.

& If you are not up to breakfast then the Rajasthani Thali is surely a must try. For when you are in Jaipur, you cannot not have the ghee laden Daal Baati Churma atleast once.

Hawa Mahal + Johari Bazaar

Hawa Mahal is a paradox. It is at once Jaipur’s – or even Rajasthan’s – most iconic monument and it is also probably its most underrated. For everyone’s visit to this beauty in pink begins and ends with a picture outside it. But you really enjoy it and begin to appreciate its name, Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds only once you are on the inside.

Johari Bazaar, or jewellers bazaar is Jaipur’s most popular shopping street. From silver trinkets to exquisite jewellery set in kundans, precious gems and diamonds, it truly is an experience, even if it is just to take a look at designs that hark back to a regal era.

Lunch @ Rajput Room

Lunch like a royal at Rajput Room, an all day fine dining restaurant in the Taj Rambagh Palace.

The erstwhile palace of the celebrated beauty, Maharani Gayatri Devi, queen of Jaipur, the Rambagh Palace is everything that India is associated with. A palace of marble elephants, Mughal gardens, hand-carved marble jalis (latticework), sandstone balustrades and chattris.

City Palace + Jantar Mantar

The City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, both in the old walled city (Pink City) of Jaipur, located one opposite the other were built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

The city palace is a striking complex of colours, doors and paintings on the wall. Within the palace are the Mubarak Mahal or the erstwhile palace of reception which is now the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum showcasing unique royal costumes with the traditional Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. A section of the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family, while another section houses a restaurant, only lately opened.

Jantar Mantar a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by the Maharaja. A beautiful garden that houses sixteen intricate and extensive geometric devices built in brick and mortar were designed to measure time, track celestial bodies, observe the orbits of the planets.

& Even one dedicated to the twelve zodiac signs.

Dinner & Stay @ Royal Heritage Haveli

The Royal Heritage Haveli has to be my favourite-st hotel ever and I will probably go back to Jaipur just to stay here again. Still owned by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, this 18th century hunting lodge is today a quiet boutique hotel that sure is a ‘tranquil haven of space and luxury to the discerning few’ as they like to call it themselves.

& a candle light dinner under the sprawling tree in the courtyard is just the right bit of romantic.

Explorers Guide

Nearby Places of Interest

Amer Fort + Panna Meena ka Kund + Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
The stunning Amer Fort, sitting atop a hillock and reached by a road traversed not just by your everyday vehicles but also by hundreds of elephants (if that’s your style) is Jaipur’s star attraction.
Along the road up to Amer Fort, stop by at the Panna Meena ka Kund, a small but beautiful eight storeyed step well, complete with the quintessential Rajasthani chhatris at its four corners.
Set up to showcase and sensitise visitors to art of traditional hand block printing on fabrics, the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing housed in a restored haveli under the shadow of the Amer Fort has been making it to the must-visit list of the discerning traveller interested in understanding the artisanal heritage of a place.

I had shot this years ago on a small Sony Cybershot, while on a holiday there with my parents.

Nahargarh Fort
The Nahargarh Fort is famous for its sunset views of the city and the two kilometre trek to the top along with the restaurants here are quite the favourite with locals, come an evening.

Getting Around

Uber is the most convenient way of getting around the city. Book it on Uber Hire and you can get around in comfort and still not burn a hole in your pocket.

Save on the ride, splurge on the stay!

Read Next: 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2017

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January 28, 2018
5 Unmissable Places to visit in Warangal

Who doesn’t know the Kakatiya Kala Toranam? It is the omnipresent symbol of Telangana Heritage, incorporated even in the emblem of this newly formed state. A massive stone gateway and the proud legacy of Kakatiya art and architecture, one of these today stands in a park in Warangal. With the rest of the ruins from the Kakatiya fort.

Read on to find other such unmissable places to visit in Warangal to add to your trip itinerary.

#1 Thousand Pillar Temple

The most popular tourist place in Warangal is the Thousand Pillar Temple.

It has featured in numerous Telugu movies, most prominently in Varsham, Bahubali star Prabhas’s first major romantic blockbuster. The many songs and scenes from movie shot here in the rain are by far the most stunning take on the Thousand Pillar Temple.

Constructed in 1163 AD by Rudra Deva in the Chalukya style, it has three presiding deities, Vishnu, Shiva and Surya. The most recognisable feature of this temple besides its richly carved pillars is the huge monolithic Nandi of black stone.

The Thousand Pillar Temple – currently closed to public and under restoration

Some areas of the Thousand Pillar Temple are closed off for renovation but there is a fully functional Hindu temple on the grounds in the same architectural style. So don’t just leave it off of your list of places to visit in Warangal. It is still is the place from where you should start your day in the city.

#2 Warangal Fort & Kakatiya Kala Toranam

If you are using Google Maps to navigate within the city, look for Warangal Fort Park and not Warangal Fort. For that will take you to where the original fort once stood and which is now just a crumbling structure of stone, overrun in grass.

& yes what is now referred to as the Warangal Fort is just a park with well laid out pieces of sculptures and entry ways from the fort, including the Kakatiya Kala Toranam.

Ruins of Warangal Fort

Kakatiya Kala Toranam in the Warangal Fort Park

TOURIST INFO
Warangal Fort Park is a ticketed monument.
Open from 10am to 7pm, all days of the week.
There is also a sound and light show here every evening after sunset.

#3 Kush Mahal

Built within the walls of Warangal Fort, Kush Mahal is Tughlaq era hall. Though the original use for which it was built is not known for sure, we know that when the Tughlaqs conquered Warangal, they razed Kakatiya architecture to ground and built over them to mark their conquest.

So its a stones throw from that which it aimed to obliterate – the gateway and what it stood for.

Though not counted amongst popular tourist places of Warangal, it is a local favourite.

#4 Bhadrakali Temple

Set against a backdrop of water and hills, the Badhrakali temple isn’t just scenic. There is something powerful about the place, for darshan here is an intense experience.

Making it the foremost of places to visit in Warangal for many.

#5 Ramappa Temple & Lake

Ageless in its magnificence, it is as if the Ramappa Temple is a time capsule. This medieval temple from 1213 AD is beautiful beyond words and almost intact.

Definitely one of those tourist places in Warangal that one will regret to miss.

Did You Know? The bricks used to build the Ramappa Temple were so light that they can actually float on water!

It is also the only temple in the country to be known by the name of its sculptor. No surprise there for its sculptures are truly exquisite and an image of them will probably stay with you forever.

5 minutes from the temple is the Ramappa Lake.

Peaceful and serene it is neither crowded nor noisy, even on a weekend. The resort on its banks serving piping hot, spicy Andhra food makes Ramappa an ideal location for a quiet overnighter.

#6 Laknavaram Lake

The Lakanavaram Lake is beautiful and its waters soothing no doubt, but its popularity is its curse.

From its yellow suspension bridge to the mini island resort on the lake, it is so popular as a weekend getaway from Hyderabad that it gets nearly impossible to even stay a while if your intention is to wind down and enjoy being outdoors with nature.

Inspite of all that, here is a lake which was formed in the 13^th century by closing down three narrow valleys and is actually so well hidden by the surrounding hills that even today you wouldn’t be able to see it till you actually reach the bridge.

So it is worth a quick day trip if you are in the area and want to tick it off your warangal tourist places list!

GETTING THERE:

Hyderabad to Warangal Distance 145 Kms
Route Take the NH163 via Outer Ring Road to reach Warangal in two and a half hours.

Warangal to Ramappa Temple Distance 70 Kms
Warangal to Lakanavaram Lake Distance 70 Kms
Ramappa Temple to Laknavaram Lake Distance 29 Kms

Stay: Tourism Department’s Haritha Kakatiya Hotel at Warangal or Lake View Haritha Resort at Ramappa Lake. Call on +91 9000282897 for bookings and information.

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December 15, 2017
24 Hours in Dubai

Dubai is my second home. Having briefly lived there in 2014, I have gone back to this glamorous city thrice since. So, when I had to pick my favourite city to spend 24 hours in, I didn’t really need to think twice!

The only choice was on how to go about it. It happens ever so often, that you are in an exciting new city thanks to a half day meeting or an 8 hour layover but you have just that many hours to explore. What do you do then? “Check in” at the most popular tourist landmarks first or would you rather hit the ground running but take your time walking around, soaking in the feel of the city?

So, here is what I have decided to do. A vegetarian not too crazy about cooking, there have been months – while living away from home – when I have survived and thrived on coffee and muffins. Taking a cue from that, I have mapped out a Coffee & Cake Crawl to spend 24 Hours in My Favourite City, in a way that I do not miss out on doing either the typical touristy stuff or going back to those little known haunts that you only discover if you have lived there.

Kick Start with a Local Breakfast @ La Brioche, Mirdif City Centre, 8AM

Though located out of the way in Mirdif and not in the happening Downtown Dubai, La Brioche is one of my favourite places for Breakfast in the city. Known for their ability in using and bringing to life a traditional Arabic recipe in the modern French nouvelle cuisine, their Zaatar Croissant is delectable. Zaatar is the Arabic equivalent to the Italian Oregano, but made way more interesting using Middle Eastern herbs and it totally livens up any croissant! I absolutely love to start with a hot cup of cappuccino or chocolate and finish up with dessert after digging into the croissant, for their food is definitely delicious and I don’t mind the big breakfast for once.

Stop 1: Miracle & Butterfly Gardens, 9:30AM

Yes, then Desserts

Ferrero Rocher and Mixed Berry Ice cream @Butterfly Garden

In The Neighbourhood

Burj Khalifa is old news. You say Dubai, and the first thing you remember is all those images of your friends with stunning backdrops flooding your social media news feed. That is Miracle Garden for you, created for showcasing extravagant floral structures. A garden that isn’t just a home to thousands of flowers but is more. Take a stroll through the adjoining Butterfly Garden, touted to be the world’s first Butterfly Museum and you will be surprised at how pleasurable a walk can be with butterflies of all colours and shapes fluttering around you with the chirping of tiny little birds in the background.

Stop 2: Jumeirah, 12:30 PM

Yes, then Desserts + Lunch

Red Pepper Pizza Cracker Slices & Butterfly Pea Flower Blue Ice Tea @Life’n One

In The Neighbourhood

Jumeirah means ‘Beautiful’ in Arabic and this neighbourhood is truly so. Quiet, with low rise villas and buildings built in the regional style, a rarity in the fast paced skyscraper crazy Dubai, it is peppered with some unique upmarket cafes. Go mild on the caffeine for a quick change and grab lunch at Lifen’ One, a vegan cafe and wellness centre that serves must-try raw organic food. Even for someone like me who is forever binging on fast food, this style of healthy food in a setting like that made for a quiet an interesting dining experience. Also in the neighbourhood is the Mercato Mall, built in the distinctive architectural style of the Renaissance this relatively old and forgotten community mall is yet another unique experience. Every medieval Italian town during the Renaissance was built around a ‘Mercato’, Italian for market and window shopping along the cobbled streets and piazzas of this mall only adds to the quaint quotient of this stop on the map.

Stop 3: Dubai Mall, 3PM

Yes, then Desserts

Red Velvet Cheesecake @Bloomingdales

In The Neighbourhood + Dinner

Dubai has now achieved iconic status in terms of the scale of its constructions and any projects that it undertakes, be it even the fact that it is all set to beat its own record of the World’s Tallest Building. So, how can you not shop in the World’s Largest Mall and rest your legs as you have dinner under the starlight sky with a backdrop of the World’s Largest Choreographed Fountain?!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3SNM6CiJH4&w=798&h=598]

Stop 4: The Walk, JBR 10PM

Yes, then Desserts

Chocolate Mousse @La Pain Quotidien

Read: I Heart Honey Bears: Le Pain Quotidien

In The Neighbourhood

Pause. Watch the world go by. Stroll on the waterfront promenade. Sit down to coffee and cake at any of the al fresco cafes by The Beach.

Call it a night with a Global Coffee @ Starbucks, Dubai Marina, 12AM

Read: But, first Coffee.

Coffee & Cake Crawl Map, Dubai

Mirdif to Stop1, Butterfly & Miracle Garden: 30 Minutes
Stop1 to Stop2, Jumeirah: 30 Minutes
Stop2 to Stop3, Dubai Mall: 20 Minutes
Stop3 to Stop4, The Walk JBR: 45 Minutes
to Dubai Marina: 10 Minutes

December 7, 2016