Introduction
Kannur is a beautiful town situated along the Malabar Coast in northern Kerala. Known for its serene beaches, historical monuments, traditional art forms, and warm local hospitality, Kannur remains one of Kerala’s lesser-explored but culturally rich destinations. It is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the coastal charm of Kerala without the rush of its more popular tourist hubs. This travel guide will cover the best time to visit Kannur, how to reach the town, famous attractions, local food, nearby places to visit, travel tips, and the ideal trip duration.
Best Time to visit Kannur
Kannur has a tropical coastal climate, with warm and humid conditions most of the year. The best time to visit Kannur is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor sightseeing, beach walks, and cultural events. The temperature typically ranges from twenty two to thirty two degrees Celsius during this period, with lower humidity compared to the rest of the year.
These months are also the peak season for traditional Theyyam performances, which are held in many temples across Kannur. The monsoon season in Kannur lasts from June to September, bringing heavy rains and lush greenery. While this can be a beautiful time to visit, it may not be ideal for those looking for uninterrupted outdoor activities due to frequent showers. Summer, from March to May, is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often crossing thirty five degrees Celsius. Sightseeing during summer is best done in the early mornings and evenings.
How to reach Kannur
1. By road
Kannur is well connected by road to major towns and cities in Kerala and neighboring Karnataka. The National Highway sixty six passes through Kannur, providing direct road connectivity to Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Mangalore, Mysore, and Bangalore. Regular government and private buses operate between Kannur and these cities. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available locally for getting around town and visiting nearby attractions.
2. By rail
Kannur Railway Station is one of the busiest stations in the Southern Railway network. It has regular train services to major cities like Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The station is conveniently located near the town center, and local transport options like taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available from the station.
3. By air
Kannur International Airport is located around twenty five kilometers from the main town. The airport operates regular domestic flights to cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. There are also international flights to Middle Eastern destinations like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat. Prepaid taxis and buses are available from the airport to reach Kannur town.
Things to do in Kannur
1. Visit St Angelo Fort
St Angelo Fort, built in fifteen oh five by the Portuguese, is a must-visit attraction in Kannur. The fort offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, and its well-preserved walls, bastions, and cannons make it an interesting historical site. A visit to the fort during the evening hours allows travelers to witness a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea.
2. Relax at Payyambalam Beach :
Payyambalam Beach is one of the cleanest and most peaceful beaches in Kerala. It is ideal for evening walks, picnics, and watching the sunset. The beach features a well-maintained garden and a sculpture park nearby, making it a popular family destination.
3. Drive on Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach : Muzhappilangad Beach, located around fourteen kilometers from Kannur, is India’s longest drive-in beach. Travelers can drive their vehicles along a four kilometer stretch of firm sandy shore. It is a unique and thrilling experience for beach lovers and adventure seekers.
4. Witness Theyyam performances :
Theyyam is an ancient ritualistic dance form unique to northern Kerala, especially Kannur. These performances, usually held in temples from October to May, are known for their colorful costumes, elaborate face makeup, and dramatic dances accompanied by traditional music. Attending a Theyyam performance is one of the most memorable experiences Kannur has to offer.
5. Visit Dharmadam Island
Dharmadam Island is a small, lush green island located about one hundred meters from the mainland near Muzhappilangad Beach. The island can be reached on foot during low tide or by boat during other times. Surrounded by coconut palms and dense vegetation, it is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet escape.
6. Explore Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple :
Located around twenty kilometers from Kannur town, the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple is dedicated to Lord Muthappan, a popular local deity. The temple is known for its open and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming people of all religions and backgrounds. Theyyam performances are held regularly here, and the temple offers free meals to visitors.
7. Take a backwater ride at Valapattanam: Valapattanam River, situated about seven kilometers from Kannur, offers a calm and scenic backwater boating experience. Traditional country boats and houseboats can be hired for leisurely rides through the narrow waterways fringed with coconut palms and fishing villages.
Nearby Attractions
1. Thalassery :
Located twenty two kilometers from Kannur, Thalassery is known for its colonial history, beaches, and delicious Malabar cuisine. Travelers can visit the Thalassery Fort, Overbury’s Folly, and the French settlement of Mahe, located nearby.
2. Arakkal Museum :
The Arakkal Museum in Kannur is housed in the former palace of Kerala’s only Muslim royal family, the Arakkal family. The museum displays royal memorabilia, old photographs, weapons, and artifacts that provide insights into the region’s history.
3. Kannur Lighthouse : The Kannur Lighthouse is located near Payyambalam Beach. A climb to the top of the lighthouse rewards visitors with panoramic views of the coastline, town, and Arabian Sea.
Local food to try in Kannur
Kannur is famous for its authentic Malabar cuisine. Some must-try dishes include Malabar chicken and mutton biryani, pathiri with spicy chicken curry, meen pollichathu or fish wrapped in banana leaf, and erachi puttu, which is a combination of steamed rice flour, coconut, and spicy meat.
Other popular snacks and sweets include banana chips, sharkara varatti, unnakkaya, and kalathappam. Local tea shops serve crispy pazham pori or banana fritters and cardamom-infused black tea.
Local markets and shopping
Kannur is known for its handloom products, especially cotton sarees, bedspreads, and towels. The local markets are also good places to buy handcrafted items, coir products, wooden artifacts, spices, and souvenirs. Popular shopping areas include Fort Road Market and Kannur City Market.
Conclusion
Kannur is one of the finest travel destinations on Kerala’s northern coastline, offering a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, history, and authentic culinary experiences. From the ancient St Angelo Fort to lively local markets, serene beaches, and colorful Theyyam performances, every traveler will find something special in Kannur. The town’s proximity to other coastal destinations like Thalassery, Mahe, and Kasaragod makes it an excellent stopover on a longer coastal travel route.
Frequently asked questions
What are the famous tourist attractions in Kannur
Popular tourist spots in Kannur include Kannur Beach, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, St. Angelo Fort, Payyambalam Beach, and Arakkal Museum. The local temple festivals and the traditional Theyyam dance performances are also major attractions
How can one reach Kannur?
Kannur is well connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport. Kannur Railway Station is connected to major cities, and regular bus services are available from Kerala and Karnataka.
What is Kannur famous for?
Kannur is famous for its serene beaches, historical forts, ancient temples, traditional Theyyam performances, and handloom weaving industry. It is often referred to as the “Land of Looms and Lores.”
Is Kannur safe for tourists?
Yes, Kannur is generally a safe destination for tourists. The local people are friendly and helpful. However, like any other travel destination, it’s advisable to follow basic safety precautions and respect local customs
Kollam: A Peaceful Escape of Backwaters, Temples, and Cashew Towns.(2025)
Alleppey Diaries:Houseboats and Beyond, Explore Alleppey’s Beauty in 2025
Discover Fort Kochi Beach: Your Perfect Coastal Holiday in Kerala 2025.
Guruvayur Temple Nearby Attractions, and Explore a Spiritual And Cultural Journey in Kerala in 2025.
Kannur Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Attractions & How to Reach 2025
Pingback: Guruvayur Travel Guide 2025: Temple Timings, Best Time To Visit, How To Reach, And Nearby Attractions - Indiaroutes.in -