Kannur District Travel Guide
A comprehensive travel guide for Kannur District, including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Kannur District
- List of Places to Visit in Kannur District
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Kannur District
- Best Things to Do in Kannur District: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Kannur District
- Food and Drink Scene of Kannur District
- Where to Stay in Kannur District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Kannur District: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Kannur District
- Best Time to Visit Kannur District
- Do’s and Don’ts of Kannur District
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Kannur District: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Kannur District
- Where to Go Next from Kannur District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Kannur District
Located in the Malabar region of Kerala, Kannur District is home to rich cultural heritage, pristine natural beauty, and an abundance of adventure activities. The district’s rugged coastline, rolling hills, and dense forests make it one of the most picturesque regions of South India. Kannur is known for its unique art forms, festivals, and historic significance. The district is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature.
List of Places to Visit in Kannur District
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
-
St. Angelo Fort - A 16th-century fort, built by the Portuguese, which stands tall on the shore of the Arabian Sea.
-
Kannur Lighthouse - Constructed in 1903, the lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
-
Arakkal Museum - A museum dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala.
-
Pazhassi Dam - A dam constructed for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, surrounded by a lush green landscape.
Natural Attractions of Kannur District: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
-
Payyambalam Beach - A beautiful beach with golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a long walkway.
-
Muzhappilangad Beach - One of the longest drive-in beaches in India, which offers thrilling adventure activities like parasailing, paragliding, and horse riding.
-
Paithalmala - A trekker’s paradise, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
-
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary - A natural habitat for various species like elephants, tigers, leopards, and many more.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kannur District
-
Ezhimala Hill - A popular trekking destination with historical importance.
-
Choottad Beach Trek - A scenic trek that takes you across a forest, hills, and a beach.
-
Valiyaparamba Backwaters - A pleasant bike ride along the calm backwaters amidst the lush greenery.
Best Things to Do in Kannur District: Activities and Tours
-
Theyyam Dance Performance - A traditional ritual enactment of North Malabar.
-
Cycling Through The Countryside - A stimulating ride through the scenic and peaceful countryside.
-
Houseboat Tour in Valiyaparamba - A leisurely trip that offers a chance to relax on a traditional houseboat while exploring the backwaters of the district.
Week-Long Itinerary for Kannur District
Day | Activity |
---|---|
1 | Visit St. Angelo Fort and Kannur Lighthouse. |
2 | Trekking to Ezhimala Hill. |
3 | Enjoy an adventurous day at Muzhappilangad Beach. |
4 | Houseboat Tour in Valiyaparamba Backwaters. |
5 | Explore Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. |
6 | Visit Arakkal Museum and learn about the Arakkal family’s history. |
7 | Relax and rejuvenate at Payyambalam Beach. |
Food and Drink Scene of Kannur District
Must-Try Dishes
-
Malabar Biryani - A flavorful dish with rice, spices, and meat, cooked in a unique style.
-
Nadan Kozhi Curry - A spicy chicken curry, cooked in a traditional way.
-
Parotta and Beef Fry - A popular breakfast dish, made with flaky, layered bread and spicy beef.
Local Beverages
-
Chaya - The traditional Malabar tea with a unique blend of spices.
-
Toddy - A popular alcoholic beverage made from coconut palm tree sap.
Where to Stay in Kannur District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
-
Mascot Beach Resort - A luxury resort located near the famous Payyambalam Beach.
-
Malgudi Homestay - An ideal homestay for budget travelers, located in a peaceful rural area.
-
Kairali Heritage Resort - A serene and peaceful resort, situated amidst lush greenery.
What to Buy in Kannur District: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
-
Handloom Products - Kannur’s handloom textile industry is famous for its unique designs and quality.
-
Spices - Kannur is well-known for its exotic spices, which are available in a variety of blends.
Local Culture and Customs of Kannur District
Kannur District is known for its unique art forms, like the Theyyam dance ritual, and the traditional handloom textile industry. The Arakkal family has a rich cultural legacy that showcases the rich history of the region. Kannur celebrates many festivals throughout the year, including the famous Theyyam Festival.
Best Time to Visit Kannur District
The best time to visit Kannur District is from October to March when the weather is pleasant with cool breeze and relatively low humidity.
Do’s and Don’ts of Kannur District
Do:
-
Respect the local customs and traditions.
-
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the region through various outdoor activities.
-
Try the local cuisine and beverages.
Don’t:
-
Disturb the wildlife in wildlife sanctuaries.
-
Litter the natural surroundings.
-
Disrespect the local culture and customs.
Safety and Health
Safety in Kannur District
Kannur District is generally a safe place to visit, with very low crime rates. However, visitors are advised to take normal precautions like not venturing out alone late at night and taking care of their belongings.
Health in Kannur District
Visitors are recommended to carry personal medications and insect repellents. Kannur has several good hospitals and clinics, in case of a medical emergency.
Getting to Kannur District: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Kannur District
Kannur International Airport is the closest airport, which is well-connected to major Indian cities.
Bus Stations Near Kannur District
Kannur has a well-developed bus network, with regular buses plying from major cities across Kerala and South India.
Other Options
Visitors can also choose to travel by train or hire a private cab to reach Kannur District.
How to Get Around in Kannur District
Visitors can choose to travel via local buses, hire private cabs, or use the services of auto-rickshaws to get around the district.
Where to Go Next from Kannur District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
-
Wayanad District - Famous for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife sanctuaries.
-
Coorg District - Known for its scenic beauty and coffee plantations.
-
Mysore - A culturally rich city known for its palaces, temples, and museums.
Conclusion
Kannur District is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. It offers a unique glimpse into South Indian culture and is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. With so much to explore and experience, Kannur District is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore the diverse culture and nature scenery of Kerala.
Kannur District Image Gallery
![Hanging bridge area, Kuttiyeri, Taliparamba](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/Kuttiyeri_Hanging_Bridge_area.jpg/100px-Kuttiyeri_Hanging_Bridge_area.jpg)
![Valapattanam village](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Valapatanam2.jpg/100px-Valapatanam2.jpg)
![Onam festival at Blathoor](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Blathur_Onam_celebration1.jpg/100px-Blathur_Onam_celebration1.jpg)
![Muthappan dance](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Thiruvappana_and_Muthappan.jpg/100px-Thiruvappana_and_Muthappan.jpg)
![Chalil Temple, Azhikode](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Chalil_Temple_%284329640601%29.jpg/100px-Chalil_Temple_%284329640601%29.jpg)