Places to Visit in Kannur

Considered as one of the most historic sites in Kannur, the St. Angelo Fort was constructed by the first Portuguese viceroy of India. The fort is triangular in shape appears as a massive yet magnificent structure standing at the helm of the ruthless sea. 

The laterite walls made of stone lend it an even more imposing air and it is a must-visit destination for architecture students. The sea wall segregating the fort from the sea provides breathtaking views of the Mopilla Bay. Visit the fort for taking a relaxing walk in the complex and enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

Distance: 2.0 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM, every day

Entry fee: INR 10.

Famous as Kerala’s only drive-in beach, the Muzhappilangad offers some of the most stunning views of the yellow and orange sun setting along the golden sandy beaches of Malabar coast. 

The 4 km stretch of land running along the ocean is perfect for taking a romantic, leisurely stroll with your partner or just drive on the beach and soak in the naked natural splendour around. 

Photography enthusiasts can take breathtaking shots of the ocean and food lovers can munch on authentic Malabar snacks sold on the beach.

Distance: 13.8 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: No timing restrictions

Entry fee: There is no fee charged to enter the beach but if you want to drive a vehicle on the beach, you are charged INR 10.

Palakkayam Thattu is one of the alluring places to visit in Kannur near the Western Ghats because of the verdant greenery and dizzying height of about 3350 feet above the sea level. It also happens to be one of the most visited hill stations in the state of Kerala. Populated by dense forests and several hillocks, the quaint hamlet is a favoured destination for avid trekkers.

Towering at the height of 75 feet, the lighthouse in Kannur is the first lighthouse to be constructed in Kerala. First built in 1903, the place has a history as well as cultural significance. The vantage point offers spectacular and awe-inspiring views of the entire district of Kannur, the vast expanse of the Arabian sea, and the Baby beach. 

The bewitching backdrop delights the viewer and the feeling the wind on your face at the highest point will leave you truly breathless. Tourists can also enjoy a leisurely walk in the well-maintained gardens and enjoy the mesmerizing water fountain show in the evenings.

Distance: 2.6 km from Kannur bus stand

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM, every day

Entry fee: No entry fee.

Vismaya Water Park is one of the most visited tourist places in Kannur. The water park found its way into the limelight in the year 2008 by the Malabar Tourism Development Co-operative Limited (MTDC) and since then it has been boasting with its world-class architecture of splash pools, amusement rides, restaurants, casual shops, prayer halls, and conference halls that the tourists enjoy.

Situated near the famous St Angelo’s fort, the Mapilla Bay a natural yet revamped fishing harbour offering spectacular views of the pristine Arabian Sea waters. The bay holds historical significance because of the Indo-Norwegian pact under which it was modernised. 

A walk around the bay is a curious and memorable experience, watching the fishermen in various stages of fishing, mending their nets, sorting the catch. The wall extending from the fort into the bay offers gorgeous views of the waters. Boat riding from the bay into the sea is a truly exhilarating experience and will stay etched in your memory forever.

Distance: 2.1 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: 1 AM to 10.55 PM, every day.

Entry fee: No entry fee.

Perched at a height of 4500 meters above sea level, this bewitching hill station is located about 65 kms from Kannur and is one of the most amazing places to visit in Kannur. Adrenaline rush seekers will find a haven here – the trek to the village is 6 kms and enlivens up the senses. 

The panoramic view of lush green forests, waterfalls featuring pristine waters and an array of flora and fauna keeps you on your toes throughout the trek. The hamlet itself is secluded from everything that makes modern life exhausting and serves to act as a salve for frayed nerves.

Distance: 52 km from Kannur bus stand

Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM, every day

Entry fee: No entry fee.

Spread over a massive 700 acres, the hillock of Madayipura is considered as one of the most famous Kannur tourist places. The gorgeous laterite plateau offers unique and differently coloured hues in every season. Visit the hillock in summer and feast your eyes on the lovely earthy brown and tangerine shades. 

Watch the place covered in a blanket of green in rain witness it turns blue in spring. Along with bewitching vistas, the Madayi fort of the Vallabha king and the Jew pond offer an excellent treat for history buffs. The rich ecological variety in the form of rare species of flora and fauna and a rare collection of insect-eating plants make the plateau an attraction for botany enthusiasts.

Distance: 26.6 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: No timing restrictions.

Entry fee: No entry fees.

Embark on a journey that will transport you to a time a hundred years ago as you travel to Ezhara beach. Boasting of providing a completely solitary experience and seclusion from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life, the Ezhara beach is one of the last places on earth that is still true to its roots and unperturbed by the concrete jungles. 

Enjoy a fun-filled picnic with your family on the golden sandy beaches, or go for a leisurely walk on the beach with your beloved partner. Splash around water with your friends and make memories worth cherishing forever. Get pampered in the arms of nature like never before.

Distance: 11.2 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: All days of the week except Sunday, 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Entry fee: No entry fee.

Perched at a height of 286 meters, the Ezhimala hill is one of the most visually appealing Kannur tourist places. The hill is a part of an isolated cluster of hills and the vantage point offers bedazzling views of the sheer naked natural splendour around – hills covered in a blanket of green, cotton white clouds covering the clear blue skies, and the beautiful valley underneath. 

The place also has cultural and historical significance – the place was a battlefield during the Chola-Chera wars. Buddhists consider the place sacred because it is believed that Lord Buddha visited Ezhimala.

Distance: 36.0 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: No timing restrictions.

Entry fee: No entry fee.

One of the most famous Kannur tourist places is the Sundareswara temple. The temple is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage places for devotees of Lord Shiva. Shiva resides here in the form os Sundareswara, the God of Beauty. 

The insides of the temple are majestically decorated in the most intricate yet opulent manner by the renowned artist and Shiva devotee, Sri Chaithanyaall Swami. The interiors of the temple with gracefully adorned walls and magnificent ceiling capture the essence of grandiosity like never before.

Distance: 3.9 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM, every day.

Entry fee: No entry fee.

Located 14 km away from Kannur is the famous pilgrimage site known as Peralassery hosting the holy Sri Subramania temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Subramanya, the son of Lord Shiva and a revered figure in the Hindu religion. 

The beautiful idol of Lord Subramania in the serpentine form is one of the main tourist attractions. The temple hosts a gorgeous and majestic pond which is a hotbed for tourists every year. The annual Kodiyettam festival is also a hub for cultural and religious buffs. A visit to the temple will leave you exploring recesses of your soul you never knew you had before.

Distance: 15.0 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: 4.30 AM to 12.30 PM, 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM, every day

Entry fee: No entry fee.

Surrounded by rolling green hills and serpentine pathways, the little hamlet of Taliparamba is one of the most beautiful Kannur tourist places. The village has a prominent place in South India for dealing in spices and hill produce, so you can get aromatic spices and fresh produce here without burning a hole in your pocket. 

Proximity to undulating hills and the rivers Kuppam and Valapattanam makes the village an attractive tourist site. And because it is only 14 kms from the Arabian Sea, you can easily go for a stroll on the beach from here.

Location: 23.3 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM, all days of the week

Entry fee: No entry fees.

Pappinisseri is a small hamlet in the Kannur district of God’s own country and is the perfect idyllic getaway from the lightning-paced lifestyle of modern cities. The beautiful village has a population of less than 35000 and is, therefore, the perfect place to spend a few days away from civilization in the arms of nature. 

Surrounded by lovely green hills and showcasing various little islands in the river Baliapatam, natural beauty is at its full splendour in Pappinisseri. The Vadeswaram hills in the town are also known for their gorgeous scenic vistas.

Distance: 12.2 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: No timing restrictions.

Entry fee: No entry fees.

The untouched shores of the Dharmadam Island offer an escape from routine, worries, and tiredness like never before. Because of its segregation from the hustle and bustle of city life, the island has become a retreat centre for weary travellers. 

Surrounded by rivers on three sides and the Arabian sea on one side, the island features a brilliant view of the confluence of Anjarakandy and Thalassery Rivers. The canopy of tall coconut trees, the picturesque views of the sea, dense bushes peppered along the beach – all of this makes the island a sight to behold. Take a stroll along the sandy beach and dip your toes into the pristine waters. Experience solitude like never before.

Distance: 17.2 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: All days of the week except Sunday, 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Entry fee: No entry fee.

Situated on the Thalassery beach and perched on a rocky cliff, the Tellicherry Fort is one of the most ancient places to visit in Kannur. Square in shape and surrounded by massive stone walls that have been caved intricately, the fort is a tourist hotbed for cultural and architectural enthusiasts. 

The fort also features a beautiful lighthouse that provides stunning views of the nearby landscape. Art lovers will find attending the gallery inside the complex hosting several caves, monuments and ancient paintings a brilliant way to spend an afternoon.

Distance: 20.8 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM, every day

Entry fee: No entry fee.

One of the most curious Kannur tourist places is the snake park in Parassinikkadavu. The park houses over 150 species of reptiles ranging from crocodiles to lizards and snakes, along with endemic and migratory species of rare water birds. 

Wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers will find it extremely satisfying to enjoy the array of animals and their admirable traits. You will be left awestruck watching the delightful traits of these animals.

Distance: 18.8 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM

Entry fee: The entry fees for each visitor depends on their age.
                  0 - 5 years: Free
                  6 - 17 years: INR 20
                  18 - 79 years: INR 30
                  Above 80: Free.

Tropical and evergreen forests stretching over an area of an impressive 55 square meters, the Aralam wildlife sanctuary is truly the finest of its kind. It is truly a wondrous sight to behold – enjoy the exotic array of flora and fauna, catch a glimpse of jumbo elephants and witness the Nilgiri langurs playing on trees. 

Wildlife aficionados will find themselves completely at home. Adrenaline junkies can engage in various trekking options available in the sanctuary too. The serenity of the deep forests also provides a salve to weary souls and gives you an opportunity to truly enjoy an idyllic holiday.

Distance: 59.2 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM, every day

Entry fee: Rs.15.0 per person, 300.0 for the guide, 75.0 for a vehicle, and 25.0 for the camera.

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 into 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.

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.

Formerly the residence of the only Muslim Royal family in Kerala, the Arakkal is one of the most significant places to visit in Kannur. The museum hosts artefacts and heirlooms of the royal family, including the family seal, swords and daggers used by the rulers, a telescope, and royal copies of the Holy Quran. 

The place is a treat for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. The breathtaking architecture is an added bonus and serves to act hundreds of tourists every year. The museum is a must-visit site for those looking to understand the rich cultural heritage of the district.

Distance: 2.0 km from Kannur bus stand.

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM

Entry fee: INR 10.