Payyoli Beach

Payyoli beach, located about 40 kms from Kozhikode, attracts tourists and locals alike with its long stretch of silvery sand and groves of swaying palm trees. The shallow water here is ideal for water sports. Another interesting sight here is the Thikkodi lighthouse that was built following a shipwreck. 

Payyoli is also well known as the home and training ground of India's former sprint queen, P. T. Usha. In fact, Usha, one of the greatest athletes the country has produced, is nicknamed the "Payyoli Express"

Payyoli is also home to 'Theeram', the Nature conservation centre, started by the local fisherfolk, to save the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. Visit the area in November/December to witness a number of turtles coming to the seashore to lay their precious eggs. 

About a kilometer-and-a-half north of Payyoli is the sandbank at the estuary of River Moorad. The place is a bird watcher's delight.