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Kannur is the land of Theyyam — a mystical ritual art form where performers become living gods. With a coastline of stunning beaches, Portuguese and British-era forts, India's only drive-in beach at Muzhappilangad, and a thriving handloom tradition, Kannur is where ancient rituals meet coastal beauty.
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Payyambalam Beach
Payyambalam Beach is the most iconic beach in Kannur, stretching along the coast right in the heart of the city. The wide, palm-lined shore with its well-maintained promenade is a favourite evening destination for locals and visitors alike — especially at sunset, when the sky turns golden over the Arabian Sea.
The beach features a large sculpture of a mother and child, a landmark of Kannur. The gentle waves and relatively clean sand make it suitable for walks and wading. Street food stalls along the beach road serve Kannur's famous snacks. The annual Kalari demonstration events and beach festivals are held here.
Muzhappilangad Beach
Muzhappilangad Beach, about 15 km south of Kannur, is India's only drive-in beach — a 4 km stretch of firm, compacted sand where cars and bikes can drive right along the shoreline at low tide. The unique experience of cruising along the beach with waves lapping at your wheels has made it one of the most talked-about beaches in Kerala.
Beyond driving, the beach is excellent for swimming, with calm waters protected by a rocky outcrop. The Dharmadam Island is visible from the northern end. BBC has listed it among the world's top drive-in beaches. Visit during low tide for the best driving experience — the sand is wide and firm. Sunset drives here are particularly memorable.
Dharmadam Beach
Dharmadam Beach is a secluded, scenic beach about 17 km south of Kannur, known for the small rocky Dharmadam Island just offshore. At low tide, a narrow strip of sand connects the beach to the island, allowing visitors to walk across — a magical experience. The island itself is covered in dense coconut palms and tropical vegetation.
The beach is relatively uncrowded and surrounded by a river estuary on one side and the sea on the other, creating a picturesque setting. It is an ideal spot for peaceful beach walks, birdwatching (especially near the estuary), and photography. The island is privately owned but accessible during low tide.
Meenukunnu Beach
Meenukunnu Beach, about 12 km from Kannur, is a lesser-known gem with a long stretch of golden sand backed by swaying coconut palms. The beach is cleaner and less crowded than the main Kannur beaches, offering a more tranquil coastal experience.
The gentle waves and relatively shallow waters make it suitable for swimming. A small fishing community nearby adds to the local character — you can watch traditional boats come ashore with the day's catch. The sunsets here are beautiful, with the wide horizon providing an unobstructed view of the sky changing colours over the Arabian Sea.
Chal Beach
Chal Beach (also spelled Chala Beach) is a local favourite in Kannur — a quiet, relatively undeveloped stretch of coast that offers a more authentic beach experience away from the tourist circuit. The beach is popular with Kannur residents for evening walks and weekend outings.
The simplicity of Chal Beach — no commercial stalls, no crowds, just sand, sea, and sky — is its biggest draw. The fishing activity along the shore and the views of traditional country boats add a rustic charm. It is a good option for those seeking quiet relaxation rather than a busy beach scene.
Palakkayam Thattu
Palakkayam Thattu is a hilltop viewpoint and emerging eco-tourism destination about 65 km from Kannur, perched at around 1,200 metres in the Western Ghats. The summit is a flat, grassy plateau (thattu = flat top) that offers 360-degree panoramic views of rolling hills, mist-filled valleys, and dense forest stretching to the horizon.
On clear days, the views are spectacular — layers of green ridgelines receding into the distance like a painting. Early morning visits often reward with a sea of clouds rolling through the valleys below. The drive up through forested hills is scenic, and the area is being developed with walking trails and basic facilities. A growing favourite among trekkers and nature photographers in northern Kerala.
Paithalmala
Paithalmala, at 1,372 metres, is one of the highest peaks in the Kannur district and a popular trekking destination in the Western Ghats. Located about 65 km from Kannur near Pottenpara, the trek to the summit passes through dense forest, grasslands, and rocky terrain, with the trail offering increasingly dramatic views as you climb.
The summit is a windswept grassland with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On clear mornings, the Coorg and Wayanad hills are visible in the distance. The area is rich in biodiversity — rare orchids, medicinal plants, and various bird species inhabit the forests. A watchtower at the top provides 360-degree views. Permits from the Forest Department are required for the trek.
Ezharakkundu Waterfalls
Ezharakkundu Waterfalls is a scenic cascade near Kelakam, about 30 km from Kannur. The name means 'seven and a half ponds' — referring to the multiple natural pools formed at different levels as the water tumbles down the hillside through dense forest.
A trekking trail of about 2 km leads through the forest to the falls, passing through lush vegetation with the sound of water growing louder. The waterfall and its surrounding forest are especially beautiful during the monsoon season. The trek is moderate in difficulty and is a good half-day excursion from Kannur for nature lovers.
Alakapuri Waterfalls
Alakapuri Waterfalls is a multi-tiered waterfall near Aralam, about 55 km from Kannur. The falls cascade over rocky ledges through thick tropical forest, creating picturesque tiers that are excellent for photography. The setting — surrounded by untouched forest with giant trees and ferns — gives it a wild, natural beauty.
The trek to the falls is relatively short but passes through forest with rich birdlife and occasional wildlife sightings. The falls are best visited during or just after the monsoon (June–October) when the water flow is most impressive. It can be combined with a visit to the nearby Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary for a full day of nature exploration.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, about 55 km from Kannur, is the northernmost wildlife sanctuary in Kerala — a 55 sq km protected area in the Western Ghats that is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary's mixed deciduous and semi-evergreen forests shelter elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild boar, Malabar giant squirrels, and a rich variety of birds.
Trekking trails through the sanctuary range from easy forest walks to more challenging routes through hilly terrain. The sanctuary is less visited than the wildlife areas in Wayanad, making sightings feel more personal and the forest experience more immersive. Guided treks and safaris can be arranged through the Forest Department range office at Aralam.
Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple
Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple, about 20 km from Kannur on the banks of the Valapattanam River, is one of the most unique temples in Kerala. What sets it apart is the daily Theyyam performance — an ancient ritualistic art form where elaborately costumed and painted performers channel divine spirits through trance-like dance. Unlike most temples, Theyyam is performed here every single day, morning and evening, throughout the year.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Muthappan, a folk deity of North Kerala. Unusually for a Hindu temple, it welcomes people of all faiths and even offers prasadam of fish and toddy. The Theyyam performances, with their towering headdresses, fierce makeup, and drumming, are one of the most extraordinary ritual art experiences in India. Photography is usually permitted. The riverside setting adds to the spiritual atmosphere.
Taliparamba Rajarajeswara Temple
Taliparamba Rajarajeswara Temple, about 22 km from Kannur, is one of the most ancient and significant Shiva temples in Kerala. The temple is believed to date back over 1,500 years and features exquisite traditional Kerala temple architecture — a circular sreekovil (sanctum), copper-clad roofs, intricate wood carvings, and a magnificent temple tank.
The temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala and was an important centre of learning and worship during the Kolathiri dynasty's rule. The annual festival features elaborate rituals, elephant processions, and traditional art performances. The town of Taliparamba itself has a long history as a centre of trade and culture in northern Malabar.
St. Angelo Fort
St. Angelo Fort, overlooking the Arabian Sea at the mouth of the Mappila Bay in Kannur, is a grand Portuguese-era fort built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. It was later held by the Dutch and the British, each leaving their architectural imprint. The massive laterite walls, bastions, and sea-facing ramparts are remarkably well preserved.
From the fort's ramparts, the views are spectacular — the Arabian Sea stretching to the horizon on one side, and the Mappila Bay with traditional fishing boats on the other. The Kannur lighthouse stands nearby. Inside the fort, the ruins of old barracks, tunnels, and storage rooms tell the story of colonial-era maritime power struggles along the Malabar Coast. It is an ASI-protected monument.
Thalassery Fort
Thalassery Fort, about 20 km south of Kannur in the historic town of Thalassery (Tellicherry), is a British-era fort built by the East India Company in 1708 to defend their spice trading interests. The compact but imposing laterite fort with its circular towers, a secret tunnel leading to the sea, and thick walls stands as a testament to the strategic importance of the Malabar spice trade.
Thalassery itself is a fascinating town to explore — it is the birthplace of cricket in India (the first cricket club in India was established here in 1792), and is famous for its unique cuisine, especially Thalassery Biryani (made with Kaima rice instead of Basmati) and the legendary Malabar Cake. A walk through the old town from the fort through the bazaar area is a journey through Malabar's colonial and culinary history.
Arakkal Kettu Museum
The Arakkal Museum (Arakkal Kettu), located near St. Angelo Fort in Kannur, is housed in the former palace of the Arakkal royal family — the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. The Arakkals ruled the Laccadive Islands (now Lakshadweep) and parts of the Malabar Coast for centuries, wielding significant naval power in the Arabian Sea.
The museum displays royal artefacts, furniture, weapons, photographs, coins, and documents that chronicle the family's history and their unique position as Muslim rulers in a predominantly Hindu feudal system. The palace building itself, with its mix of traditional Kerala and Islamic architectural elements, is architecturally interesting. It provides valuable insight into a lesser-known chapter of Kerala's royal and maritime history.
Empfohlene Reiserouten
One Day in Kannur
Morning: St. Angelo Fort & Mappila Bay → Afternoon: Muzhappilangad drive-in beach → Evening: Theyyam performance at a local temple (seasonal)
2–3 Days in Kannur
Day 1: St. Angelo Fort, Payyambalam Beach, Kannur Lighthouse · Day 2: Muzhappilangad Beach, Dharmadam Island, Thalassery Fort & town · Day 3: Theyyam temple visits, Ezhimala, handloom weaving village
Lokales Flair
Essen
Thalassery is the birthplace of Malabar Biriyani — made with Kaima rice and slow-cooked dum style. Also try Thalassery Halwa, Kallummakkaya (mussels), and Malabar Parotta.
Feste
Theyyam season (October–May) transforms temples into living stages of divine drama. Each Theyyam is unique to a specific deity and community.
Handwerk & Traditionen
Kannur is Kerala's handloom capital — the Cannanore weaving tradition produces high-quality cotton and silk fabrics exported worldwide.