Top places to visit

Top Places to Visit

Kannur is a coastal gem of North Kerala, blending colonial history, cultural depth, untouched beaches, and vibrant rituals like nowhere else in the state. Whether you're a history buff, beach lover, culture seeker, or nature explorer — Kannur has something just for you.

 1. St. Angelo Fort (Kannur Fort)

 3 km from Kannur city center

✅ A majestic sea-facing Portuguese fort built in 1505
✅ Later occupied by the Dutch and British – now a protected monument
✅ Offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, fishing harbors, and lighthouses

 Tip: Visit in the evening for cool breeze, soft light, and photo-perfect backdrops

 2. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach

 15 km from Kannur

✅ India’s longest drive-in beach – drive your car or bike along 4 km of firm sand!
✅ Ideal for sunsets, safe swimming, paragliding, and beach biking
✅ Clean, scenic, and less commercial

 Tip: Best visited at low tide; check tide timings before you go

 3. Arakkal Museum & Palace

 Near Kannur Fort

✅ The only Muslim royal family museum in Kerala
✅ Explore personal artifacts, weapons, furniture, and royal archives of the Arakkal dynasty
✅ Housed in a section of the Arakkal Palace complex

 Tip: Combine with a visit to St. Angelo Fort – they’re just 5 minutes apart.

 4. Local Theyyam Temples

 Various villages (Kavus) around Kannur, especially October–May

✅ Theyyam is Kannur’s most iconic ritual art – a blend of dance, music, trance, and myth
✅ Held at local shrines like Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Kunnathoor Padi, and Karivellur
✅ A spiritual, visual, and emotional experience – unique to North Kerala

 Tip: Ask locals or check with your hotel for Theyyam performance schedules.

 5. Payyambalam Beach

 Just 2 km from Kannur city

✅ The city’s main beach — wide, sandy, and lined with coconut groves
✅ Great for walks, sunbathing, and family outings
✅ Features statues of famous Malayalam writers and a landscaped park

 Tip: There’s a lesser-known viewpoint at the northern end – perfect for quiet sunsets.

 6. Thottada Beach

 8 km south of Kannur

✅ A secluded, serene beach away from tourist crowds
✅ Surrounded by backwaters, palm trees, and homestays
✅ Popular with offbeat travelers, photographers, and those seeking peace

 Tip: Stay at a beachside homestay for sunrise views right from your window.

 7. Paithalmala (Hill Station Trek)

 65 km from Kannur

✅ A scenic hill station in the Western Ghats, perfect for trekking and misty views
✅ Height: 1,372 m – ideal for a day trek or weekend escape
✅ Frequented by nature lovers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers

 Tip: Carry water and wear trekking shoes – trails are steep in parts.

 8. Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple & Snake Park

 20 km from Kannur

✅ A rare temple where Theyyam is part of daily worship
✅ Devoted to Muthappan, a folk deity worshiped with fish and toddy offerings
✅ Nearby Snake Park houses reptiles and educates on wildlife conservation

 Tip: Visit early morning or evening for the Muthappan Theyyam performance.

 9. Chirakkal Kovilakam (Palace)

 6 km from Kannur

✅ The historic seat of the Chirakkal royal family, patrons of art and Theyyam
✅ Nearby Chirakkal Pond is one of the largest in Kerala
✅ A peaceful place to explore history, architecture, and traditional Kerala life

 10. Handloom Villages (Azhikode, Kalliasseri)

 ~10–15 km from Kannur

✅ Kannur is famous for its handloom cotton weaving
✅ Visit local weaving centers or co-operative societies
✅ Buy handmade dhotis, sarees, towels, and ethnic wear directly from artisans

 Tip: Great for ethically sourced souvenirs and a deeper look into local livelihood.

 Bonus Places

 Quick Summary – Top Picks by Interest

Kannur is a perfect blend of history, spirituality, sea breeze, and folk magic. From watching Theyyam by oil lamp to driving on a beach, every experience is raw, real, and rooted in Kerala’s timeless traditions.