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Kannur, a city known for its pristine beaches, emerald landscapes, and bustling culture, has a treasure trove of tourist attractions. This city in the coastal region of Kerala presents richness in natural beauty and embodies historical importance. Backed up by ancient forts and temples, serene beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries, it promises a great experience for travellers. In this section, we will present a few places to visit in Kannur, describing each in detail to give the lead to any person planning an unforgettable trip through this beautiful city.
10 Places To Visit In Kannur
1. St. Angelo Fort
Photo: Suraj / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the Arabian Sea coast, the St. Angelo Fort was built in 1505 by the Portuguese. The fort, dating from the colonial period and already occupied by the Dutch and British, has been an essential part of Kannur’s history. It is built strategically and gives a single picturesque view of the sea and Mappila Bay. The walls, cannons, and underground tunnels represent the military strategies of those days and attract history lovers.
Major Attraction: Panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Mappila Bay.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (25 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (165 km)
Suggested Read: Beaches In Kannur
2. Payyambalam Beach
Photo: Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikimedia Commons
Lined with golden sands, Payyambalam Beach is expensive, clean, quiet, and calm waters. The place is apt for walking in the evening or during the morning. One can sunbathe or watch a beautiful sunset here. Near the beach, there’s a well-kept park and garden, making it a great spot for family picnics. With its peaceful vibe and natural beauty, Payyambalam Beach is a perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself.
Major Attraction: Beachside park and gardens
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (27 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (167 km).
3. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach
Photo: Goutham Mohandas / Wikimedia Commons
Muzhappilangad is the longest drive-in beach in India, extending over a distance of more than 4 kilometres. It is an enigmatic beach where visitors can drive their vehicles on the sandy shores. It is an adventurous experience, especially for those who love driving and aquatic sports. The beauty will add scenic charm and aims to view Dharmadam Island, which makes it one of the ‘must-visit’ places in Kannur.
Major Attraction: Drive-in access and water sports
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (35 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (175 km)
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kannur
4. Arakkal Museum
Photo: Adiraja / Wikimedia Commons
The Arakkal Museum is situated at the Arakkal Palace, Durbar Hall, which is wholly dedicated to Kerala’s great and only Muslim royal family—the Arakkal family. It showcases numerous artefacts, documents, and exhibits that reflect the royal family’s rich heritage and historical background. One can learn about the royal way of life, administrative systems, and the maritime history of this royal family, which played an essential role in moulding and influencing the culture and trade of this region.
Major Attraction: Historical artefacts and royal exhibits
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (26 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (166 km)
5. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
Photo: Rushen / Wikimedia Commons / Image Only For Representation
Located on the banks of the Valapattanam River, Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is among the famous reptile rescue and rehabilitation centres. It has many snakes, including cobra, python, viper, lizard species, and crocodiles. The idea behind creating the park was to create awareness among its visitors about these creatures and induce steps for their conservation. This is, of course, a place of interest for those enthusiasts interested in wildlife and the different reptilian fauna of India.
Major Attraction: Snake and reptile exhibits
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (30 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (170 km)
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Kannur
6. Kannur Lighthouse
Photo: Sarin Vinod / Wikimedia Commons
The Kannur Lighthouse near Payyambalam Beach is a significant landmark, offering magnificent views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline. It stands as an essential symbol of local identity. The lighthouse was constructed in 1903 as a beacon to depict the rich maritime history of Kannur. From the top of the lighthouse, one can view the sea and the city, making this destination popular for photography and sightseeing.
Major Attraction: Panoramic views from the lighthouse
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (25 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (165 km)
7. Thalassery Fort
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Built-in 1708 by the British East India Company, the Thalassery Fort is a historic monument in Thalassery town that played a significant part during the British colonial administration and trade. This place is quite interesting, with massive walls, secret tunnels, and a strategic location overlooking the sea, which interests history buffs. It has a lighthouse and many anciently dated temples of historical and cultural value.
Major Attraction: Historical architecture and ocean views
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (22 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (160 km)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kannur
8. Parassinikadavu Temple
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple also known as Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple, located on the bank of the Valapattanam river, brings people across religions and castes to the district of Kannur. One of the facts that attracts the tourists’ attention is that dogs are treated as sacred, as it is believed that Lord Muthappan travels on the dog. Pilgrim Centre in north Kerala offers free food and accommodation to all ‘guests.’ The temple is indeed very popular and essential in the region. The devotees are offered boiled black beans and tea as Prasadam, which, from the literal meaning, means devotional offering.
Major Attraction: Theyyam performance and unique rituals
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (30 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (170 km)
9. Dharmadam Island
Photo: Jaisen Nidampala / Wikimedia Commons
Dharmadam Island is a small uninhabited island, also known as Green Island, located near Thalassery. The place has an absolute cover of lush coconut palms and dense greenery and is accessible only during low tide. It provides an ideal destination for picnics, nature walks, and bird-watching activities. The island’s serene environment remains untouched, offering a peaceful escape from city life’s busy pace. That’s why in Kannur, Dharmadam Island is truly a hidden gem.
Major Attraction: Island exploration and bird watching
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (24 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (164 km)
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Kannur
10. Vismaya Water Park
Photo: Shareef Taliparamba / Wikimedia Commons
Vismaya Water Park, Parassinikadavu, is a famous amusement park with many water rides and attractions. It is an ideal place for family outings, as it has fun-filled activities to entertain visitors of all age segments. This amusement park has exciting water rides, including thrilling water slides, wave pools, and various recreational sports activities. Excellent facilities are well-maintained, and the fun-filled ambience attracts locals and tourists alike.
Major Attraction: Water rides and entertainment facilities
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (30 km)
Nearest Seaport: Mangalore Port (170 km)
Whether looking at historical forts, scenic beaches, cultural museums, or wildlife parks, Kannur brings an unforgettable experience. Be it a history lover, a nature enthusiast, or an adventure enthusiast, there are innumerable places to visit in Kannur for everyone to see and enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Kannur today with TripXL and soak in this enriched heritage with the charm of this beautiful coastal city.
Cover Photo: Sarinvinod / Wikimedia Commons
