Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Kannur is a perfect base for day trips that take you deep into the hills, beaches, backwaters, and cultural hubs of North Kerala. From coastal beauty to spiritual retreats, here's a handpicked list of the best places you can explore within a day from Kannur.

 1. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach

 15 km | 30 min

✅ India’s longest drive-in beach — drive your car or bike right on the firm sands!
✅ Safe for swimming, great for photos, paragliding, and beachside snacks
✅ Nearby attractions: Dharmadam Island, Thalassery Fort

 Tip: Visit around sunset and combine with a stop at Thalassery Bakery for local snacks.

 2. Thalassery – Forts, Food & History

 22 km | 45 min

✅ Known as the birthplace of Malabar Biryani and a town of great colonial importance
✅ Visit:

• Thalassery Fort (built by the British)
• Overbury’s Folly (sea-view promenade)
• Thalassery Lighthouse
  ✅ Explore local bakeries and handloom shops

Tip: Try the original Thalassery Biryani at Paris Restaurant or Rara Avis.

 3. Paithalmala (Hill Station & Trekking Spot)

 65 km | 2.5 hours

✅ A scenic trek through Western Ghats forest and meadows
✅ Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers
✅ Breathtaking panoramic views from the top – especially during monsoon/post-monsoon

 Tip: Carry water, shoes with grip, and weather gear during rainy months.

 4. Parassinikadavu – Muthappan Temple & Snake Park

 20 km | 45 min

✅ Unique folk-style temple where the deity Muthappan is worshipped through Theyyam performance
✅ Nearby Snake Park is great for families & wildlife lovers
✅ Rituals involve toddy and fish offerings – rare and fascinating to witness

 Tip: Visit early morning for the daily Theyyam-style puja.

 5. Thottada Beach

 8 km | 20 min

✅ A quiet, unspoiled beach fringed by palm trees and perfect for swimming or relaxation
✅ Ideal for sunbathing, meditation, or reading
✅ Popular with foreign travelers for beach homestays

 Tip: Carry your own snacks and water — no major restaurants nearby.

 6. Dharmadam Island

 Near Thalassery | 1 hour

✅ A tiny green island just offshore – accessible by foot during low tide
✅ Surrounded by rivers and sea on all sides
✅ Great for a short hike, solitude, and scenic views

 Tip: Check tide timings before planning the walk to the island!

 7. Mahe (Puducherry Enclave)

 36 km | 1 hour

✅ A tiny Union Territory town with French colonial buildings, riverside charm, and cheap liquor!
✅ Visit St. Teresa’s Church, Mahe Walkway, and old French quarters
✅ Unique blend of Kerala culture and Puducherry heritage

 Tip: Ideal for a relaxed half-day trip with riverfront cafés.

 8. Sargaalaya Craft Village, Iringal

 50 km | 1.5 hours

✅ A Kerala tourism-backed art and craft village
✅ Watch potters, weavers, painters, and sculptors at work
✅ Great for buying handmade souvenirs, mural art, woodcraft, and eco-products

 Tip: Combine with a visit to Kunjali Marakkar Memorial (nearby).

9. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

 55 km | 2 hours

✅ Lesser-known sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats
✅ Spot elephants, Malabar squirrels, hornbills, butterflies, and more
✅ Perfect for eco-tourism, jungle walks, and nature picnics

 Tip: Visit with a guide and check entry timings & permissions.

 10. Madayi Para & Vadakunnu Temple

 25 km | 1 hour

✅ A flat-topped hill with prehistoric caves, rare herbs, and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea
✅ Home to Vadakunnu Bhagavathi Temple and ancient Jain ruins
✅ Less touristy — ideal for history buffs and peace-seekers

 Tip: Pack your own water and light snacks; no shops at the top.

 Quick Summary – Day Trips from Kannur

 Tips for Day Trips

✔️ Start early (by 7–8 AM) to enjoy more and avoid midday heat
✔️ Carry cash, water, sunscreen, and a power bank
✔️ Prefer local taxis or self-drive for flexibility
✔️ Dress modestly if visiting temples or villages
✔️ Ask locals or your host for current Theyyam or festival dates nearby

From drive-in beaches to forested hills, and island walks to ancient rituals, Kannur’s surroundings are full of soulful and surprising adventures. These short trips add richness and variety to your Kerala journey.