Kannur Beach, Kannur: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Kannur Beach Overview

Set amidst beautiful vistas of the rising sun, golden sandy coastline, alluring landscape, pleasant weather, swaying cashew trees and calm demeanor, right in the heart of Kerala, Kannur beach is also popular for its ancient temples, natural treasures and scenic beauty. It also offers an unparalleled charm and an idyllic traditional Kerala hospitality to its visitors.

The beautiful town of Kannur is steeped in history, vibrant culture and distinctive local art forms and has a distinct charm of the colonial era. The stark influence of the exuberant Dutch, Portuguese, British and Mysore culture are still imbibed in to the town and can be witnessed all around this quaint town.

Bordered by the Western Ghats in the east, the Lakshadweep Sea in the west, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south and Kasargod in the north, Kannur beach is one of the must visit beaches in the northern part of Kerala. Kannur features an impressive line up of beaches that garner tourists from across the world, making it one of the favored destinations for a wonderful holiday with friends and family.

The heavenly paradise is a group of five beaches, namely Payyambalam Beach, Meenkunnu Beach, Adikadalayi Beach, Baby Beach and Thayyil Beach, and continues to enchant and enthrall its visitors with open hands round the year. These bewitching beaches are best for those who want to take a break from the crowded mainstream beaches and opt for some secluded spots, to truly appreciate the beauty and serenity and enjoy a nice relaxing holiday amidst the beach’s natural environs.

In totality, the alluring Kannur beach serves as a promising getaway from the dreary city life and provides a shield in its quaint and naturalistic paradise amplified by a labyrinth of azure waterways, vibrant culture and splendid natural grandeur. An enchanting destination in ‘God's Own Country’ Kerala, Kannur, also called Cannanore, is a true paradise for nature lovers, photo fanatics and wanderers.

From sunset viewing, bird watching and stargazing to visiting local villages and witnessing the everyday life of the farmers and fishermen, Kannur beach is one of the most pleasant experiences to have once in a lifetime.

For all those who seek a bit of adventure in their trip, surfing, boating and swimming options are also available, making Kannur beach a favorite haunt for trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure freaks and casual holiday seekers. Indulging in some recreational sports will allow you to wade deeper into the alluring waters of the sea.

The calm and peaceful place is also dotted with eateries where you can enjoy a quick snack in the midst of the beach's pristine terrain, making it a perfect for a family outing. Don’t forget to try the local dishes like Idli, Vada, coconut crepes along with raw mango-lemon chutney, Kerala pappadam, fresh banana chips and the savory Palada Payasam.

Best time to visit Kannur beach: Kannur being a coastal city, witnesses a tropical climate round the year. The best time to visit Kannur is however during the winter months of October and February, when the weather remains pleasant and sunny, making it the perfect environment for nature lovers to enjoy the beaches. Winter months of November and December bring out the true natural grandeur of the coastal city.

Visiting this place during this time also brings with it a chance to get a glance of major festivals like ‘Adoor Gajamela’ and ‘Pongal’ that are beautifully celebrated in Kannur. However, if you like a peaceful holiday and are seeking for solitude away from the touristy crowd, then monsoon months of July to September would be an ideal time for you to plan a striking Kannur holiday trip, when you can also enjoy the rain-soaked greenery, numerous water sports at the enchanting beaches and get some great discounts and offers on hotels and spa and massage treatments.

How to reach Kannur beach: Kannur is well connected with other South Indian cities through all major modes of transportation. Kannur beach is linked to the nearby coastal cities of Kerala through a well-developed network of roads, ensuring smoother travel down to the destination.

By Road: Kannur has a good public transport network to most of the corners of Kerala. You can embark on any of the buses by KSRTC from cities like Mangalore, Kochi, Madurai, Kasargod, Kozhikode, Thrissur, and others, or you can hire private taxis to reach this beach destination.

By Train: Kannur railway station at a distance of 9 km is the nearest rail head point to reach Kannur Beach, and shares a good-connectivity to some of the important destinations in India.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Calicut at a distance of 85 km, from where you can hire a private taxi or use the regular bus services to travel to Kannur beach.

Things to do at Kannur beach:

Climb up to the Kannur Lighthouse: Touted as Kerala's first lighthouse and Kannur's only one, the Kannur Lighthouse stands tall at a considerable altitude of 75 feet, and was constructed in the early 1900s by the Britishers. Over the years, this cylindrical concrete tower has managed to withstand the attacks of the Arabian Sea. Visitors can climb up the spiral staircase of the lighthouse to view the scenic beach coastline, the limitless Arabian Sea, the Baby Beach and parts of Payyaballam Beach, from the top of this magical site, and get a glimpse of the striking sunset views.

The adjoining park area is also perfectly maintained and ideal for an evening stroll. It is advised to time your visit in the evening hours to enjoy the joyful musical fountain show highlighting the fascinating lighthouse history.

Savour the local delight of Kannur: Being a popular tourist destination, Kannur beach has countless impeccable eating options offering diverse, refreshing and tropical coastal feast and mouth-watering seafood. There are host of iconic restaurants on and around the beach that specialize in a variety of snacks and local cuisine.

You can eat freshly caught and cooked fish and grill specialties, authentic South Indian coastal food with crabs, traditional fish fry, shrimp and squid entrees and other exotic items, steamed and fried preparations like Puttu, Idiyappam, fried bananas or popular Keralan delicacies such as Payasam, Pickled mango drink, coconut water, meat biryani, Karimeen fry and starchy Tapioca.

Watch the glorious meeting of Sun, sea and sand: The enchanting Kannur beach is a perfect location to witness the best of sunsets and the beautiful hues of orange and red sherbet colored evening sky which happens to be one of the top things to do in Kannur.

The beach remains buzzing during evening hours so tourists can merrily spend some time at the seashore after sunset. You can stroll along the beach and enjoy the picturesque beauty of the coastal line against the gentle sea breeze and relish the panoramic view of the Kannur Lighthouse.

Experience the surreal Muzhappilangad drive-in Beach: Conveniently located at a short distance from Kannur beach, Muzhappilangad is India’s longest drive-in beach with a coastal reach of 5.5 km, and is featured amongst the top six beaches for driving in the world. The sandy beach is wide enough making it convenient for driving or trying stunts like drifting and wheeling in bikes by the seashore.

The Muzhappilangad Beach is known for offering a spectacular view of the Dharmadam Island in the vicinity while taking you through a journey of tranquility. The dense palm trees, majestic sea, frequent visits by rare migratory birds, sun-kissed golden sand and mighty rock formations combine to form a picturesque location that makes visiting this place one of the best things to do in Kannur.

Finish off your trip with a little shopping: No vacation is complete without a bit of shopping and your Kannur holiday is no exception. Kannur beach is bustling with bazaars and street vendors, and is an ideal place to pick up traditional handicrafts, sarees, local spices, cashews, aromatic oil, bell-metal vessels, coconut products and earthenware products from the several opulent and affordable shops lining the beach. Wooden Kathakali face masks that are used for decorative purposes are also a specialty of the place.

Places to visit in & around Kannur beach:

St. Angelo Fort: Walk through the magnificent past at the St. Angelo Fort that lies on the leisurely shore of the Arabian Sea, just 2 km away from the city centre of Kannur. The historical masterpiece dates back to the 16th century and is replete with inventive and historical significance.

The polished yet prehistoric fort is visited by locals as well as tourists to enjoy the breathtaking views of the estuarine engulfing Arabian Sea with the magnetic waves of the Thottada River and serves as a vantage point to watch the glorious sunset.

Walking around the majestic walls of the fort and staring into the crashing waves of the Arabian Sea, you can observe the huge bastions built by the Dutch that are present in and around the structure. Its well-preserved ruins continue to attract thousands of tourists to this quaint part of Kannur.

Arakkal Museum: This well-maintained museum is dedicated to the memory and grandeur of Arakkal Ali Rajas, Kerala’s only Muslim royal family, and is housed within the Arakkal royal palace. Showcasing a host of heritage items from photographs and relics of the royals to antique furniture and weapons used by the regal family between 1545 and 1819, the museum safeguards the remnants of a unique slice of Kerala history and is a true testimony to the impeccable Muslim architecture and design.

The entire complex is shaped like a long cuboid that lies amidst a vast open ground where many people continue to offer their daily Namaaz till date.

Madayipara: Perched upon a laterite hillock near Kannur adjacent to the northern bank of Kuppam River, with all its biodiversity and historical significance, Madayipara is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire state of Kerala.

Popularly known as 'the land of flowers', it alters its appearance with the seasons. This natural paradise used to be the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings, so walking around this place, you can find remnants of the past including the ruins of the Pazhi Kotta fort and an ancient Vadukunda Shiva Temple. Embellished with a luxuriant variety of over 300 flowers, more than 30 species of thick grass and over 150 different species of stunning butterflies, Madayipara is no less than a heaven for nature lovers and shutterbugs.

Payyambalam Beach: The bucolic and unadulterated Payyambalam Beach is flanked by picture perfect views of the long sandy stretch, clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea, lush green Palm trees and the changing shades of the evening sky, and leaves its visitors completely mesmerized.

One good thing about this place is that like most other picnic spots near Kannur, it is not that crowded, so you can peacefully revel in the solitude of nature, partake in various recreational activities like boating, swimming, fishing and parasailing or simply bask in the sun and admire its contagious serenity as you relax in the sand. Food and water are easily available from small shops on the beach that also serve refreshing coconut water, fish curry rice, Puttu, Toddy, Appam or other quick snacks.

Places to stay near Kannur beach:

Asokam Beach Resort: This natural and homely Ayurvedic beach resort in the northern district of Kerala is sought after for its heavenly ambiance of green surroundings, vast seashore and elegant coconut trees. The property is most suited for couples who would like to have some calm, quiet and tranquil time, sans any touristy crowds or noise, amidst those immense stretches of water, vibrant colors of rice fields and tea plantations and golden sandy beaches.

Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, travel desk, a garden and a terrace. Treat your taste buds to authentic Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine at the in-house multi cuisine restaurants at the property.

Mascot Beach Resort: Imagine staying in a hotel suite where and when you want to and dream about waking up watching the glorious sunrise every morning. Get the thrill of a long lasting beach experience and cordial hospitality as you stay at this oceanfront resort, situated amidst the picturesque countryside landscape.

The resort is located on a cliff facing the Great Arabian Sea and features an indoor swimming pool along with spacious rooms that are equipped with swanky furnishings. Guests can enjoy fishing, cycling and boating activities, or request for massage services at their in-house wellness and spa center.

Blue Lagoon: Experience opulent stay at the Blue Lagoon resort that features unique rooms with a terrace, complimentary WiFi and 24-hours room service. The seafront holiday home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and guests also have access to a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony. The mesmerizing Arabian Sea in close proximity provides opportunity for a selection of activities from fishing, rowing and swimming to boating, skiing and parasailing. The accommodation is well located and close to popular fishing and scenic spots.

Chera Rock Beach House: An unrevealed tropical destination cradled in a secluded palm plantation beside the Arabian Sea in Northern Kerala, this luxurious resort breathes quietude and offers a rustic charm spelling the true essence of Kerala. The rooms at the resort are splendidly decorated and are replete with all the modern amenities for your comfortable and convenient stay.

The resort also offers spa for Ayurvedic therapies, yoga sessions and sightseeing tours across the city. The restaurant at the property serves South Indian and Oriental dishes including delectable regional cuisines of the land like Karimeen, Kappa and toddy.

Kannur Beach House: Soak in the luxurious living and warmth of Kerala and allow gentle currents of culture to immense you in the true essence of the Kannur beach. Set amidst lush green palms and offering a mesmerizing view of the golden sandy beaches of Kannur, the Kannur Beach Resort offers comfortable stay to the guests.

From exciting water sports at the private beach, play areas for children, traditional Ayurvedic massage to swimming, and bird watching, this 5-star property has something for everyone. The rooms at the resort provide optimal views of the breath taking Malabar coast and the enchanting river that runs alongside the place. The property enthralls tourists with its remarkable comfort and service, and makes for an idyllic escape for leisure travelers.