Kannur: Beaches, Theyyam and Mountain Landscapes

Kannur brings together long sandy beaches, vibrant traditions and mountain landscapes with trails through biodiverse natural areas. This lets you choose different focuses for your trip: a day at the seaside, insights into history and folk art, or a hike on Paithalmala. Boat trips through the Kavvayi Backwaters and Malabar cuisine specialties are also among the distinctive experiences.

Beaches for different experiences

Payyambalam Beach stretches for more than four kilometres. It is suitable for family picnics and quiet relaxation; swimming and surfing are also possible there. If you want to alternate between a relaxing visit and more active pursuits during a beach trip, you can do both here.

Muzhappilangad offers a different kind of beach experience: visitors can drive along four kilometres of sandy shore. Natural black rocks around the beach protect it from strong sea currents. Parasailing and other watersports and adventure activities add to the range of experiences. You can therefore choose beach days in Kannur to suit your interests—from picnics and quiet relaxation to activities on the water or a drive along the sandy shore.

History, art and living traditions

St. Angelo’s Fort was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese viceroy of India. Massive triangular bastions and thick laterite stone walls define the fort. It offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Architecture, history and landscape come together here, and the fort cannot be reduced to just one perspective.

The Arakkal Kottaram complex comprises residential buildings, mosques, an administrative block and a commercial centre. Arakkal Kettu also houses a museum of antiques belonging to the family; it is managed by a family trust. In Kunhimangalam, the Heritage Village is known for handmade bronze work, sculptures and curiosities. Visitors can meet bell-metal artisans there and watch demonstrations of Panchaloha idol-making.

Kannur is closely associated with Theyyam, a ritual dance form that brings mythology, folklore and spirituality together. The Kerala Folklore Academy houses a folklore library, a museum and a publications department. Its museum contains more than 300 folk art objects, including life-size replicas of Theyyams and Patayani, folk and tribal musical and percussion instruments, agricultural tools and weapons. This offers another way to explore the region’s traditions, alongside the insights into craftsmanship available in Kunhimangalam.

Mountain trails, wildlife sanctuary and backwaters

Paithalmala is a hill station at 1,372 metres above sea level and is one of the highest peaks in Kannur district. There are two trekking routes, each six kilometres long; one is more challenging than the other. A six-kilometre trekking trail features rare endemic species, waterfalls and panoramic views. If you are planning a hike, you can consider the two routes in light of the difference in difficulty described here—they are the same stated length.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in Kannur district. The Kavvayi Backwaters offer another perspective on nature: they are formed where the five rivers Kavvayi, Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu and Kuniyan meet. Boat trips pass through islands, by village landscapes and through biodiverse wetlands. Trekking, the wildlife sanctuary and the backwaters represent different ways to experience nature that you can consider when choosing the focus of your trip.

Getting there, cuisine and finding accommodation

Kannur is well connected to other major cities in India by regular train services. Kannur International Airport provides air access to Kannur.

Cuisine is also part of Kannur’s character: Malabar biryani and fresh seafood are prepared with traditional spices from Kerala. They add a culinary focus to the region’s natural and cultural experiences. Together with the beaches, Theyyam, handicrafts and inland landscapes, they offer a varied range of themes for your trip.

Other places to explore: Payyanur, Pappinisseri, Nayattupara, Muzhappilangad, Periya, Chakkarakkal, Iritty, Taliparamba and Azhikode South.

For the main travel overview: Kerala.