Kannur is often called the Crown of Malabar. It is a coastal gem in northern Kerala renowned for its pristine golden beaches, rich colonial heritage, ancient Theyyam rituals, and lush green Western Ghats. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking quiet coastal vibes, Kannur offers an incredible blend of culture and natural beauty. Here is your curated guide to the top places to visit in Kannur.
Top Places To Visit In Kannur
1. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach
Stretching over four kilometers, Muzhappilangad is celebrated as Asia’s longest drive-in beach. The firm, hard-packed sand allows you to drive cars and ride motorcycles right along the edge of the crashing Arabian Sea waves. Visit during low tide in the late afternoon for the smoothest sand drive and breathtaking photography.
Ideal For: Sunsets, driving experiences, and coastal street food.
How To Reach: Take a taxi or local bus towards Thalassery
What To Do: Drive along the beach, enjoy the sunset, sample local seafood, and relax by the shore.
2. St. Angelo Fort (Kannur Fort)
Constructed in 1505 by the Portuguese, this massive triangular laterite stone fortress stands dramatically over the Arabian Sea. Having changed hands between the Dutch and the British, it offers sweeping panoramic views of Mappila Bay and the surrounding coast.
Ideal For: History buffs, colonial architecture, and sea views.
How To Reach: Easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus.
What To Do: Explore the fort, admire colonial architecture, and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
3. Parassinikkadavu Sree Muthappan Temple
Situated gracefully along the banks of the Valapattanam River, this revered temple breaks traditional temple norms. Dedicated to Lord Muthappan, it is famous for hosting daily live Theyyam ritualistic art performances, welcoming visitors of all faiths.
Ideal For: Spiritual seekers and authentic Keralan cultural art forms.
How To Reach: Reach by taxi or buses heading towards Taliparamba.
What To Do: Witness the Theyyam performance, seek blessings, and enjoy the riverside surroundings.
4. Paithalmala Hill Station
Located nearly 1,300 meters above sea level near the Karnataka border, Paithalmala is the highest peak in the Kannur district. It features a scenic six-km trek through dense evergreen forests, opening into lush grasslands and an observatory tower at the summit.
Ideal For: Trekking, nature photography, and cool mountain air.
How To Reach: Hire a taxi or drive via Taliparamba. The final stretch requires a short trek to the summit.
What To Do: Trek through the hills, visit the watchtower, and capture scenic mountain views.
5. Arakkal Museum
Housed inside a section of the historic Arakkal Palace, this museum honors the only Muslim royal family of Kerala. The museum showcases royal heirlooms, ancient navigational compasses, swords, and silver seals used during their maritime rule over Malabar and the Lakshadweep islands.
Ideal For: Cultural history and royal heritage.
How To Reach: Easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus.
What To Do: Explore royal artifacts, learn about the Arakkal dynasty, and discover Kerala’s maritime history.
6. Payyambalam Beach
Located just two km from Kannur city center, Payyambalam is a beautifully manicured, calm beach featuring golden sand dunes and an iconic seaside cliff garden. It is the ideal place for a relaxing evening stroll or a peaceful family picnic.
Ideal For: Evening leisure, swimming, and family outings.
How To Reach: Easily reached by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or on foot from nearby areas.
What To Do: Take a leisurely beach walk, enjoy the sunset, or relax with family by the sea.
7. Palakkayam Thattu
An emerging offbeat hill station tucked inside the Western Ghats, Palakkayam Thattu offers misty mountain views, zip-lining, off-road jeep rides, and camping options above the clouds.
Ideal For: Adventure sports, sunrise views, and camping.
How To Reach: Best reached by private vehicle or taxi. The hilltop is accessible via a motorable road.
What To Do: Enjoy zip-lining, camping, jeep rides, and breathtaking sunrise or sunset views.
8. Kavvayi Backwaters
Forming the third-largest backwater stretch in Kerala, Kavvayi is a serene network of small islands (kayals) fed by five rivers. You can hire traditional houseboats or kayaks to explore the quiet mangrove forests.
Ideal For: Kayaking, mangrove tours, and peaceful houseboat cruises.
How To Reach: Reach by train to Payyanur or by road from Kannur. Local boats and kayaks are available nearby.
What To Do: Go kayaking, take a peaceful boat ride, and explore the mangroves and islands.
9. Madayipara
A fascinating 700-acre laterite plateau that transforms dramatically with the seasons. During autumn, it becomes a blue carpet of rare Utricularia flowers, while monsoon brings lush green meadows and natural freshwater ponds.
Ideal For: Ecological walks, seasonal wildflower blooms, and sunsets.
How To Reach: Drive or take a bus/train to Pazhayangadi (about 26 km from Kannur), then travel the last two km by auto or a short walk to Madayipara, which is just off NH 66.
What To Do: Walk across the scenic laterite plateau, enjoy seasonal wildflowers and birdwatching, admire panoramic views, and visit nearby landmarks like Madayi Kavu, Vadukunda Shiva Temple, and the ruins of Pazhi Kotta.
10. Kannur Lighthouse
Standing 75 feet tall near Payyambalam, this active lighthouse was built in 1903 and remains Kerala’s first official lighthouse. Visitors can climb to the top deck in the late afternoon for a 360-degree view of the coastline.
Ideal For: Panoramic coastal views and photography.
How To Reach: Easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus.
What To Do: Climb the lighthouse for panoramic coastal views and spend time at the adjoining Sea View Park.
Book a lighthouse ticket here for just INR 10 per person.
Here’s a convenient look at the destinations and how much time to spend here:
| Attraction | Category | Key Highlight | Ideal Duration |
| Muzhappilangad Beach | Coastal/Adventure | Drive cars along the shore | Two Hours |
| St. Angelo Fort | Heritage | 16th-century Portuguese fortress | 1.5 Hours |
| Paithalmala | Hill Station | Mountain trekking through grasslands | Half Day |
| Parassinikkadavu Temple | Cultural | Daily live Theyyam performances | Two Hours |
| Kavvayi Backwaters | Backwaters | Kayaking through mangrove islands | Three Hours |
Kannur Travel Itinerary And Sightseeing Route
To make the most of your travel time across coastal, cultural, and mountain zones, follow this Kannur travel itinerary and sightseeing route:
First Day: Coastal And City Center (Historic Forts, Palaces And Beaches)
Start your morning at St. Angelo Fort and the adjacent Arakkal Museum. In the afternoon, head to Payyambalam Beach and climb the Kannur Lighthouse for panoramic sea views at sunset.
Second Day: Culture And Drive-in Thrills (Theyyam Culture And Coastal Drives)
Visit the Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple in the morning to witness a live Theyyam ritual. In the afternoon, head down to Muzhappilangad Beach to drive along the ocean shore and explore nearby Dharmadam Island during low tide.
Third Day: Western Ghats Escapes (Western Ghats Hills And Backwaters)
Take an early morning drive up to the cooler heights of Paithalmala or Palakkayam Thattu for a light trek. Wind down your trip in the late afternoon with a sunset kayak session through the Kavvayi Backwaters.
Also Read: 6 Of The Best Beaches In Kannur
Summing Up
Kannur stands out as one of Kerala’s most authentic destinations, offering a world-class mix of drive-in beaches, mountain treks, colonial history, and living ritualistic traditions without heavy tourist crowds.
