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Kannur District

Kannur District – The Land of Looms & Lores  

Kannur city comes under Kannur District which is one of Kerala’s 14 districts and a popular tourist destination, is known for scintillating beaches, magnificent temples, colonial architecture, and picturesque hills. So, fasten your seatbelt and drive towards the seashores of Kannur. 

An ancient port town in Kerala, Kannur has many tales of rulers, invaders, and traders to tell. Its rich heritage is the reason why it’s also known as the crown of Kerala and an interesting fact about Kannur is that it's named after Lord Krishna who, in the local language, is referred to as Lord Kannan. Kannur holds a significant position in the history of Kerala as in the late 12th century until the time Britishers ruled in India, was a popular business destination. Dutch, Portuguese, and French traders would land here through the sea route to access the Indian market. 

After independence, Kannur caught the attention of tourists, and today it’s a hotshot tourist destination in South India. The flavors of Kannur don’t just have the taste of western culture but also have the fragrances of Mughalian and Hindu culture in the form of magnificent monuments and temples. Apart from elaborately carved structures, one can also relish the natural beauty of the places that lie in its lush green forests, amazing beaches, and hill stations. 

History of Kannur

Kannur is also known as Kolathunadu which was the prominent region during the 12th and 13th centuries. It was ruled by the great Kolathiris Royal Family. The Kolathiris have ruled the city for centuries. They were also the successors of Cheras, Pandyas, and Ay. 

The Portuguese Invasion

While the Portuguese were ruling the southern region, they also got the parts of Kannur. St. Angelo Fort which was built in 1505 left with our evidence of the bygone era. The fort was built by Dom Francisco de Almeida who was also the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. 

British Rule

The city was also the headquarters for British militaries until 1887 along with Tellicherry. Kannur also faced rigorous revolt during the British Rule. 

Major Attractions in and Around Kannur

1. Muzhappilangad Beach

A rare, exotic, and ideal destination for a long drive! Muzhappilangad Beach is Asia’s only beach where one can drive along the beach shore in a stretch of about 4km. Apart from taking a long drive, tourists can enjoy paragliding, parasailing, swimming, and those beautiful sunsets as well as sunrises by the beach.  

2. Ezhimala

It is a beautiful hill station situated at a height of 286 meters above sea level. The name itself is a good reason to visit the place if you are a mountain person! The name ‘Ezhimala’ is an amalgamation of two words 'Ezhu’ which means 7 and ‘mala’ which means mountains they together connote a place of 7 mountains.  

3. Tellicherry Fort

Explore this architectural specimen built in 1708 by the British East India company. Thalassery Fort or Tellicherry Fort featuring huge stone walls around and intricately carved doors still guard the tales of the bygone era and is a delight to watch.   

4. Paithalmala

Paithalmala is another must-visit hill station to explore in Kannur. The place is adorned with waterfalls, lush green forests, and breathtaking scenery. 

5. Sundareswara Temple

Dedicated to the destroyer and the first yogi Lord Shiva, the Sundareswara temple is a spiritual spot where tourists come to experience his divine presence. Locals believe that Lord Shiva resides in the temple in the form of Sundareswara, who is the God of beauty.   

6. Kannur Beach

Set amidst cashew trees, golden sand, eternal sky, scenic beauty, and an infinite sea, this is Kannur beach. This beach has everything to mesmerize you. Kannur Beach is among one of the famous beaches in Kerala.

Things to Do in Kannur

• Drive Along Muzhappilangad Beach – A thrilling beach-driving experience.
• Watch a Theyyam Performance – Witness the vibrant and sacred dance ritual.
• Explore Historical Forts & Palaces – Visit St. Angelo’s Fort & Arakkal Museum.
• Trek to Paithalmala – Enjoy a scenic hike with breathtaking views.
• Relax on Pristine Beaches – Visit Payyambalam, Thottada, and Ezhimala beaches.
• Wildlife & Nature Photography – Explore Aralam Sanctuary & Ezhimala Hills.
• Taste Malabar Cuisine – Try local delicacies like Pathiri, Kallummakkaya, and Thalassery Biryani.

Best Time to Visit Kannur

• Winter (October – March): Best for sightseeing, beach visits, and trekking.
• Monsoon (June – September): Ideal for lush greenery and waterfalls but not great for beaches.
• Summer (April – May): Hot and humid but suitable for exploring hill stations like Paithalmala.

How to Reach Kannur District

To reach Kannur, you will need to cover a total distance of about 2,280, 1,036, 2,195, 310 km from Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here are the details on how you can travel to Kannur via some means of public transport. 

By Air

Deboard at the Kannur International Airport (KIAL) or Calicut International Airport aka Karipur Airport (CCJ) situated at about 20-30 km and 115.7 kilometers away respectively. Both the airports enjoy regular flights with major cities of India as well as overseas. From the airport, you will need to continue your journey via some means of public transport. 

• From Pune - Board IndiGo flights from Pune Airport. The airfares start from INR 4,000-5,000
• From Mumbai - Board IndiGo, Air India flights from Mumbai Airport. The airfares start from INR 4,000-5,000
• From Nashik - Board Air India, IndiGo flights from Nashik Airport. The airfares start from INR 9,000-10,000

By Train

Kannur Railway Station is the nearest railway station for you if you have planned a trip by Indian railways. After deboarding, one can take the local taxi or bus to reach the hotels or the nearby beaches. 

By Road

Kannur is well-connected through roads hence one can reserve a seat on a local bus to Kannur from nearby cities and states. Apart from that, one can also plan on traveling via private taxis or self-drive here.  

• From Mysuru - 180 km via Mangalore-Mysuru Highway
• From Udupi - 195 km via NH66
• From Coimbatore - 267 km via NH66

Frequently Asked Questions about Kannur District

Q. What are the popular tourist ɫ������̳ in Kannur District?
A. Some popular tourist ɫ������̳ in Kannur district are St. Angelo Fort, Kannur Beach, Dharmadam Island, Mappila Bay, Payyambalam Beach, and Meenkunnu Beach.

Q. Is Kannur a good weekend getaway?
A. Yes! Kannur is a perfect weekend destination, offering a mix of beaches, heritage sites, and cultural experiences.

Q. Is Kannur a good weekend getaway?
A. Yes! Kannur is a perfect weekend destination, offering a mix of beaches, heritage sites, and cultural experiences.