28 Must-See Places in Kannur

The city Kannur is considered as the crown of the paradise called Kerala. As soon as you enter the city on the Malabar coast, you are greeted with the refreshing and breathtaking scent and sight of nature, historic forts, ageless folk arts, and more. This is the place where you can enjoy a quiet time amidst nature and get a chance to learn the rich history at forts, old shrines, and museums. You can also get a taste of its world-famous spices and lots more. While there’s so much to explore, naturally there’ll be numerous places to visit in Kannur . Kannur’s charm is evident everywhere.
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Top 28 Places To Visit In Kannur
Kannur is home to numerous places, be it temples, trekking trips, or thrilling experiences. We have curated a list of some of the best places to visit in Kannur that are not to be missed. Scroll through to know which ones are these!
1. Payyambalam Beach
Payyambalam Beach, a popular tourist spot in Kannur, makes one feel like the world has just started! It is a secluded beach that shines without any signs of human damage or spoilage. It has beautiful golden sand that sparkles like pearls under the sun. It merges foamy and white water. It won’t be a surprise if you find yourself each evening of your visit on this calm beach. While being one of the best tourist spots in Kannur, this beach also lets you enter the adventure mode when you are done relaxing in its peaceful lap. Go swimming, boating, skiing, parasailing, etc. in its inviting currents.
Location: Payyambalam, Kannur, Kerala 670001
Timings: Open 24 hours
2. St. Angelo Fort
St. Angelo Fort is more than a stunning edifice on the Arabian Sea. It is a world heritage site with tales of Portuguese and Dutch conquest. The fort offers stunning views of Mopilla Bay, Dharmadam Island, and the sea. Gardens are well-kept within the fort. The atmosphere is soothing. Kannur’s greatest attraction is this fort.
Location: Burnacherry, Kannur 670017, near Cannannore Cantonment
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
3. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach has several attractions. India’s longest drive-in beach. Kannur’s cleanest beach. It’s Asia’s greatest drive-in beach. Drive around this beach’s picturesque 4 kilometer length, enjoying the waves, sea wind, and dreamlike beauty created by visiting birds. The beach offers once-in-a-lifetime activities including parasailing, paragliding, powerboating, and more. The best. places to see in Kannur.
Location: Muzhappilangad Beach Rd, Kerala 670663
Timings: Open 24 hours
4. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the must-visit Kannur attractions , Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary is simply unmissable for a nature lover. This forest is home to exotic species of birds and animals that turn more distinctly wondrous as you move deeper into it. If you love trekking, you can enjoy it here on its landscape that reaches a height of 1145 metres. It is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.
Location: Kannur, Kerala 670674
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
5. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
This is an unusual and one of the best Kannur sightseeing locations. This unique park has venomous, non-poisonous, endangered, and unusual snakes. Glass enclosures allow viewing. The park features other reptiles and birds. The park provides extensive information on its animals and birds. Their origin, traits, attitude, and habits are listed. Visit this site with family, particularly youngsters.
Location: Parassinikkadavu – Mayyil Rd, Dharmasala, Parassinikadavu, Kerala 670563
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
6. Arakkal Museum
Arakkal Museum honors Kerala’s sole Muslim royal dynasty, Arakkal Ali Rajas. The royal family’s Durbar Hall, where monarchs and nobles met, houses the museum. The museum’s furnishings, paintings, weaponry, and more reveal their civilization. The palace makes this one of Kannur’s top attractions, even for non-historians. Its regal magnificence transports you to the past. Visitors always gasp at the palace.
Location: Ayikkara Government Hospital Road, near District Hospital, Kannur, Kerala 670013
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM, Monday closed
7. Kavvayi Islands
If you are wondering when will Kerala’s famed backwater lakes feature in the list, here they are! Head to Kavvayi, a group of small islands that together form the largest backwater island in Kerala. Kavvayi islands, also called as Kavvayi Kayal are spread over the districts of Kannur and Kasaragod. Enjoy a heavenly ride on a boat on the beautiful waters with cool breezes lifting up your spirits. Nothing more can be written on this. You simply need to sit on that boat ride and experience the bliss for yourself.
Location: Kannur, Kerala
8. Madayipara
A variety of flowers blooming on a large green canvas. What a sight it would be. Find out by visiting the land of flowers, Madayipara! This place is famous for being one of the most picturesque places in the entire Kerala. And one can see why. Located on a hillock near Pazhayangadi, the bed of flowers grabs the attention of even the most impatient souls and makes it lose itself in the wild yet manicured beauty. And what’s more charming is that the blossoming landscape looks different every season.
Location: Kannur, Kerala
9. Dharmadam Island
Dharmadam Island offers tranquility in Kannur. You can escape city life on the island. If you’re vacationing in Kannur, you may spend the whole day lounging. Three rivers and the Arabia Sea encircle the island. Enjoy the Anjarakandy and Thalassery Rivers confluence, large coconut trees and plants bordering the beach, and the pleasant atmosphere.
Location: Thalassery, Kannur District, Kerala
10. Kannur Lighthouse
Kannur’s lighthouse was Kerala’s first. Therefore, it is highly recommended. places to see in Kannur . Even though it is merely a red cylindrical tower, it is still a pretty big deal in Kannur. The scenery in which it is set is stupendous and worth seeing with your own eyes. It is located on Payyambalam Beach and lies adjacent to Sea View Park. Before you ask, yes, the lighthouse is still very much active. This place is also surrounded by some of the best hotels in Kannur.
Location: Burnacherry, Kannur, Kerala 670013
Timings: 10 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6 PM, Monday closed
11. Baby Beach
Another one of the best places to visit in Kannur Baby Beach is small. It’s one of Kannur’s most scenic places and has great Arabian Sea views. Locals picnic here. People sit on enormous black boulders on the beach and ponder life while looking at the ocean. Kannur’s most serene spot is Payyambalam Beach’s expansion.
Location: Kannur, Kerala
Timings: Open 24 hours
12. Sundareswara Temple
Sundareswara Temple is one of the two most significant temples. tourist places in Kannur . Sree Narayana Guru Devan dedicated the Kannur temple and led a spiritual movement to let backward people within. The temple has an eight-day event worth attending. Large procession.
Location: Talap, Kannur, Kerala 670002
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
13. Meenkunnu Beach
One of the most beautiful places to see in Kannur Meenkunnu Beach. It’s great for relaxing as well as fishing. Rocks, cliffs, and tree-covered rocks frame the sandy crescent beach. Swim at low tide. Beach isolation is ideal for reflection. Beach shacks offered spicy delicacies.
Location: Kannur, Kerala
Timings: Open 24 hours
14. Ezhara Beach
Ezhara Beach, a Kannur hideaway, rivals other beaches. Palm trees and rock make the beach lovely. The beach’s end mosque is another wonderful feature. Enjoy the Arabian Sea from the beach in tranquility. Visit this Kannur beach for the marine views.
Location: Kannur, Kerala
Timings: Open 24 hours
15. Thottada Beach
Thottada Beach, on Kannur-Tellichery route, is another Kannur beach worth visiting. The beach lies in picturesque Thottada. Swimming and sunbathing are ideal here. You can even stay at a seaside guesthouse. The lovely Thottada River pours onto the seashore.
Location: Kannur-Tellichery highway
Timings: Open 24 hours
16. Mapilla Bay
Looking for the best Kannur tourist places ? Mapilla Bay is a natural harbor situated in Kannur town serving as a major port. Surrounded by colonial-era architecture, Fort St. Angelo is located on one side of the harbor while the other side is the Arakkal Palace and Museum. The Mapilla Bay also known as Mopila Bay is mainly a fishing harbor. There are boating facilities available wherein you can enjoy a boat ride that will take you on a harbor tour.
Location: Burnacherry, Kannur, Kerala 670013
Timings: 1 am to 11 pm
17. Mridanga Saileswari Temple
One of the greatest Hindu temples is Mridanga Saileswari. tourist places in Kannur . It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is one among the 108 temples dedicated to Durga in Kerala. The deity is believed to have been established by the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is visited by pilgrims throughout the year and especially during the Navratri and Pooram Mahotasavam festivals.
Location: Mridanga Shaileswary Temple Rd, Muzhakkunnu, Kerala 670703.
Timings: 5 am to 12.30 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm
18. Pallikunnu
Pallikannu is another large town. places to see in Kannur . Its Shree Mookambika Temple is famous. Navratra devotees go to seek Goddess grace. Kanathoor Maha Vishnu Temple is another city attraction.
Location: 3 km from Kannur
19. Ezhimala
Visually stunning, Ezhimala is one of the best places to see in Kannur . It gives the greatest view of nature below and surrounding and brilliant blue sky with clouds above at 286 meters. Chola-Chera battles were fought on this mountaintop. Buddhists consider this area important since Lord Buddha visited there.
Distance from Kannur: 34 km
Location: Kerala
20. Muthappan Temple
Muthappan Temple located in Parassini Kadavu. The deity is Lord Shiva. The temple considers dogs as creatures since Lord Muthappan traveled with a dog. Temples celebrate several rites and festivals. Most revered Kannur destinations Festival visitors flock to the temple. Attending the party would be exciting.
Distance from Kannur: 19 km
Location : Parassinikadavu, Kerala 670563
Timings: 5.45 AM to 9.30 PM
21. Palakayyam Thattu
Palakkayam Thattu, a prominent hill station in New Naduvil, is picturesque. Kannur tourist places . The western ghats hill station near Kannur’s rich vegetation will rejuvenate you. Clouds make it beautiful due to its height. Trekking is fun for adventurers. If not, drink hot tea and take in the sights. Looking for tourist places in Kannur for one day trip that involves the nature or outdoors, this is the place to be.
Distance from Kannur: 48 km
Location: Karuvanchal – Vellad, Chadikundu-Mavumchal, Palakkayam, Thattu, Kerala 670571
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
22. Paithalmala
One of the most popular Kannur destinations , Paithalmala is where the highest geographic peak in Kannur is located. If you enjoy trekking, then you would love to visit this place as it welcomes you with numerous adventures. It is also a famous spot for nature lovers and photographers. June to March is the best time to visit this place for trekking and photography. If you are visiting the state of Kerala in November, you can also enjoy guided wildlife tours to enjoy the local nature.
Distance from Kannur: 60 km
Location: Kudiyanmala, Kerala 670582
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
23. Peralassery
Peralassery, on the Anjarakandy River, is a Kannur district tourist attraction. It resembles Malgudi settlements. Visit Pealassery to experience rural panchayat. Peralassery’s main feature is the hanging bridge.
Distance from Kannur: 12 km
Location: Kerala
24. Vismaya Water Theme Park
Vismaya Water Park is near Taliparamba in Kannur. Its exhilarating rides, artificial waterfall, and water sports make it ideal for families. The park also has prayer halls, cafés, meeting rooms, and casual stores. It ranks high. places to visit in Kannur.
Distance from Kannur: 17 km
Location: Kannur, Parassinikadavu, Kerala 670563
Timings: 11AM – 6 PM (Monday to Friday) 10.30AM to 6PM (Sundays and other holidays)
25. Taliparamba
Kerala’s modest yet renowned Taliparamba Kannur tourist places. The city is surrounded by lush green fields making the place even more peaceful and perfect for a getaway. There are numerous temples, churches and mosques. The most frequently visited temples by the tourists is Taliparamba Sree Krishna Temple. Being a place offering peaceful vibes, this small city near Kannur is a must-visit.
Distance from Kannur: 21 km
Location: District Kannur
26. Pappinisseri
Kannur’s Pappinisseri is tiny. It ranks high. tourist places in Kannur and a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of modern city life. Spend a few days surrounded by nature’s beauty, lovely hills and enjoy the gorgeous scenic views.
Distance from Kannur: 12 km
Location: District Kannur
27. Kizhunna Beach
If you are looking for a crowd less experience from the main beaches of Kannur, Kizhunna Beach located around 11 kilometres from the city centre is the escapade you need. Come for the crimson sand and pristine beaches that surround this part of the coastline and stay for scenes of the small fishing hamlet in nearby Kizhunna.
28. Sadhoo Merry Kingdom
Sadhoo Merry Kingdom is situated in Chala Hills, 8 miles from the town center, and offers thrill rides and adventure park fun. It’s one of Kannur’s top day trips.
Location: Chala Hills, Kannur, Kerala 670007
Timings: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Related Questions
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What is Kannur famous?
Kannur has beaches, woods, and temples. It’s considered a great vacation spot. Kannur also has culture and history. The Chera dynasty governed Kerala from Kannur.
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Is it worth visiting Kannur?
Kannur is peaceful and scenic. Vacationers may explore several attractive places.
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What are the big towns in Kannur?
Kannur has seven statutory towns: Kannur, Kannur Cantonment, Thalassery, Payyanur, Taliparamba, Kuthuparamba, and Mattannur.
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Which is the highest places in Kannur?
Paithal Mala, 65 miles from Kannur town, is the district’s highest mountain at 4500 ft. Sreekandapuram lies near Kappimala village on the Kerala-Karnataka border.
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How do you spend a day in Kannur?
Top 28 Places To Visit In Kannur
- Payyambalam Beach. Image Source. …
- St. Angelo Fort. …
- Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach. Image Source. …
- Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. Image Source. …
- Parassinikkadavu Snake Park. Image Source. …
- Arakkal Museum. Image Source. …
- Kavvayi Islands. Image Source. …
- Madayipara. Image Source.
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Which place is known as Africa of Kerala?
Kannur
Kannur Cannanore Country India State Kerala District Kannur Taluk Kannur