Overview
Kannur sits on Kerala's northern Malabar coast. It offers a quieter setting than the state's busier southern tourist areas.
Beach · Food · History
Did you know?
- Arikkadukka is a local snack made from stuffed mussels.
- St. Angelo's Fort dates to 1505 and overlooks the sea.
- Theyyam rituals combine elaborate face paint, costume and dance.
Why go?
Kannur, once called Cannanore, sits on Kerala's northern Malabar coast as a quieter alternative to the state's more touristy south. The city earns its nickname 'Land of Looms and Lore' from its historic handloom fabric industry and the highest concentration of Theyyam temple dance festivals in Kerala. Travelers come for the 1505 Portuguese St. Angelo's Fort, India's longest drive-in beach at Muzhappilangad, and authentic Malabar biriyani that costs half what you'd pay in Kochi.
Getting in
Kannur International Airport (KXI) lies 25 km east near Mattanur with international flights to Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Dubai, and Sharjah; domestic connections include Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram. The Kannur railway station sits centrally on the Caltex junction and serves express trains connecting to Kerala's southern cities, Karnataka, and beyond. Long-distance Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses arrive at Thavakkara Bus Station from destinations across South India.
Getting around
Auto rickshaws charge ₹30 for the first kilometer then ₹15 per additional kilometer. City buses depart from Prabhath bus stop at Bank Road for ₹7 per 3 km; longer journeys require Thavakkara Bus Station. Taxis are readily available at reasonable rates. Driving is frustrating due to severe parking congestion everywhere except the beach side, where you park and switch to autos.
When to go
October through March delivers the best weather with daytime temperatures of 31-35°C and minimal rainfall. April-May are hot (up to 35°C) but good for beach visits before monsoon. The Theyyam festival season runs October to May when you can witness ritualistic temple dances. June-August brings heavy southwest monsoon with 540-946 mm monthly rainfall, flooding some roads and limiting outdoor activities.
Where to stay
Staying near the beach is essential because Kannur's traffic becomes hopelessly congested. Budget dorms start at ₹50 at the Bus Stand Dormitory, with basic lodges like Rainbow Tourist Home (₹300), Sweety Hotel (₹500), and Plaza Tourist Home (₹500) offering private rooms. Mid-range options include K.K. Tourist Home (₹1,350) near the new bus stand and Hotel Royal Omar (₹1,250) in Thavakkara with lifts. Beachfront properties like Hotel Palm Grove and Cliff Hotel at Payyambalam Beach cost ₹750-3,000.
Food and drink
Kannur follows traditional Kerala-Malabar cuisine: rice, biriyanis, dosa, puttu, appam, idly, and abundant seafood. Arikkadukka (stuffed mussels) is available from local vendors. Vegetarians should head to Bharath Vegetarian for ₹35 masala dosai or Golden Dish Restaurant's peaceful attic. For biriyani, Paris Restaurant near the railway station and Kabeerkka Biriyani Packets (₹120) at Kakkad are local favorites. Theyyam performers' lunch is available at KTDC Loom Land near Ashirvad Hospital.
Things to do
Tour the 1505 Portuguese St. Angelo's Fort with its sea-view gardens, then photograph the sunset from the cliff near Payyambalam Beach's lighthouse museum. Drive 15 km north to Muzhappilangad for India's longest 4-km drive-in beach. At Parassinikkadavu, visit the unique Muthappan Temple with no idol, regular Theyyam performances, and free food for visitors. Birdwatchers should head to Munderi Bird Sanctuary (8 km) or Madayippara (24 km) for exotic species. The 1,450m Pythalmala trek at Naduvil village (43 km) offers mountain views but beware leeches and wild elephants.
Safety
Kannur is generally safe for travelers, though petty theft can occur on crowded beaches. Swimming is risky at unguarded beaches due to strong currents. The politically sensitive nature of the district occasionally leads to strikes or protests that may disrupt transport—check local news before traveling. The narrow footpaths are crowded with noisy motorcycles, making walking challenging. Trekking at Pythalmala requires caution due to leeches and wild elephants.
Budget
Budget travelers can survive on ₹800-1,200 per day in Kannur: dorm beds ₹50-300, simple meals ₹50-120, local transport ₹50-100, and attraction entry fees ₹20-100. Mid-range travelers spending ₹2,000-3,500 daily get private hotel rooms, restaurant meals, and organized activities. The ₹7 bus fares and ₹30 auto rickshaw starts keep transport affordable.
Day trips
Thalassery (22 km) is a historic beach town with colonial architecture and the famous Thalassery biriyani. Taliparamba (22 km) features undulating terrain with fine rivers and is the origin town of Muttayappam snack. The riverside Parassinikkadavu Temple (19 km) houses both the unique Muthappan Temple and the Vismaya Water Theme Park. Mahe (31 km) preserves its old French colonial enclave. The hill station of Iritty (41 km) offers cute rivers and mountain scenery.
Go next
Kasaragod (102 km) continues north as a temple beach town with major temples. Kozhikode (91 km) is Kerala's major beach city with historic spice trade heritage. For hill stations, Madikeri (113 km) in Karnataka offers cute little mountain retreats, while Mananthavady (91 km) has tea estates and resorts. Mysore (181 km) provides gardens, palaces, and a major cultural destination. Mahe (31 km) is a quick trip to explore the old French enclave.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Eat
Acquaris Vegetarian
No parking facility.
Eat
Bharath Vegetarian
The best place for Masala Dosai, a fermented crepe made from rice batter, black lentils, potato and onions. ₹35
Eat
Brownies Coffee shop
Favourite hangout of couples.
Eat
Cabane Bambou
Seats on two floors.
Eat
Chiffonets
Exclusive Chinese & Tandoori dishes.
Eat
Cita Pani
Eat
Cool Land Restaurant
No parking facility.
Eat
Dakshin Vegetarian
Good dosai and idlis.
Before you go
Culture
Theyyam temple dance festivals run October-May, concentrated in this district. Kerala-Malabar cuisine differs from south Kerala with distinct biriyanis and seafood preparations.
Money
Indian Rupee (₹) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available near railway station and Thavakkara bus stand. Cash is preferred for local transport, small eateries, and beach vendors.
Safety
Generally safe but swimming at unguarded beaches is risky due to strong currents. The politically sensitive district may experience strikes disrupting transport.
Transport
Auto rickshaws start at ₹30/km. City buses from Bank Road cost ₹7 per 3 km. Parking is problematic citywide except at beaches.
Weather
Best visited October-March (31-35°C). Monsoon June-August brings heavy rainfall (540-946mm/month). Summer (March-May) can reach 35°C.