Kerala, God’s Own Country, is endowed with indescribable beauty. There are ample places here that satiate one’s desire for travel among luscious greenery that spreads infinitely. One such beautiful destination is Kannur. Kannur is the prime jewel of Kerala, with expansive beaches, lakes, hills, and whatnot to offer! If you’re someone who loves both beaches and mountains, Kannur is the perfect place for you – it has everything! Let’s explore some of the pristine tourist places in Kannur for you to visit on your next trip!
20 Tourist Places in Kannur for Your Next Trip!
1. Payyambalam Beach
This beach is one of the most popular tourist places in Kannur. It is an untouched and inviting beach where the slow tidal waves of blue water and white foam blending with each wave will enchant you. The golden sand on the beach is the cherry on top. You can relax here or try your hand at adventure sports like parasailing and kayaking. You must visit Kannur for an amazing evening with your loved ones.
2. Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary is an ecotourism destination in Kerala where you can marvel at nature’s wonders. The life nature has bestowed upon this sanctuary is unmissable. Many exotic wildlife species have made this sanctuary their home, and the tall, sky-high trees are worth it all! You can sport wildlife here, engage in photography, trekking, camping, jungle safari and much more! The opportunities this nature reserve has to offer should all be taken for a holistic experience of touring Kerala.
3. St. Angelo Fort
St. Angelo Fort, also called Kannur Fort, is one of the earliest and most beautiful forts in Kannur. The fort is situated right next to a beach and offers expansive views of the Arabian Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of tales from the Portuguese and Dutch fights to take it. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean, Dharmadam Island, and Mopilla Bay, a natural harbour, from the fort. There are lovely, well-kept gardens inside the fort. The entire place has a really soothing atmosphere, making it one of the top tourist places in Kannur.
4. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach
The Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach is the longest drive-in beach in India and is considered one of the best in terms of cleanliness and tourism as well. It is also considered one of the best drive-in beaches in Asia. The beach has a 4-kilometres long stretch where you can drive your car and have a picnic with your loved ones. You can enjoy the typical beach life here and experience the salty air as you run along the waves and write your name in the sand.
5. Kannur Lighthouse
Kannur Lighthouse is Kerala’s first-ever lighthouse and was established in 1903. It is also Kannur’s only lighthouse and is situated next to Payyambalam Beach. Although the architecture of the building is not exactly attractive, the surrounding areas and the view from the top are what make it one of the most frequented tourist places in Kannur. The well-maintained lawns and gardens surrounding the tower are worth a visit. As the lighthouse is of considerable height, it gives a panoramic view of Kannur city, the Arabian Sea, and the surrounding beaches. You must visit this place on your trip.
6. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
If you have kids on this trip with you, they will love the Parassinikkadavu Snake Park. It is a one-of-a-kind park that houses snakes of all kinds – poisonous and non-poisonous as well! All the snakes are in their natural habitat and can be viewed from behind a glass. The park makes for a fun educational tour about snakes, their habits, moods, breed, origin and more. Not only that, the park also houses many reptiles and birds for one to gain knowledge about them as well.
7. Palakkayam Thattu
Palakkayam Thattu is a hill station in the Kannur district of Kerala that boasts an altitude of 3500 metres. This amazing place is home to clouds that you can feel passing over your head. The lush green expanse of the town makes it a chosen destination among tourists who are looking for peace and relaxation. Its height attracts many who love trekking. It offers exhilarating trekking experiences and expansive views of the surrounding scenery.
8. Madayipara
Madayipara is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Kannur. The beauty of the place changes with every season and makes one feel like they’re in heaven. It is often called the ‘land of flowers’ and compared to the tulip gardens of Amsterdam in spring. The whole expanse of Madayipara is dotted with colourful flowers and looks marvellous. In monsoon, the area is covered in green and looks so fresh it is extremely soothing to the eyes. In autumn, the expanse turns brown, and you will feel like you’re in the American countryside during the fall. The ever-changing and beautiful colours of Madayipara make it one of the best tourist places in Kannur.
9. Paithalmala
Renowned for being home to the tallest peak in the area, Paithalmala is a trekker’s dream come true in Kannur. The breathtaking scenery at this well-liked location enthrals both photographers and wildlife lovers. For those who enjoy hiking and photography, June to March is the best time to visit. The month of November is an exceptional chance to see Kerala’s natural surroundings with the extra appeal of guided wildlife trips. Paithalmala is a place where adventurers and people who want to have a close relationship with Kannur’s natural beauty must go.
10. Vayalapara Floating Park
Explore Kannur’s charming Vayalapra Floating Park, a perfect place for a picnic. The park, which boasts an expansive gaming zone with bumper cars, snooker, net cricket, and an exhilarating 9D movie, is sure to satisfy visitors of all ages. With a separate play area that includes a trampoline and seesaws, kids are in for a treat. Enjoy the delicious food that the area has to offer, the beautiful scenery that the walkway offers, and the reasonably priced boating options that include pedal boats, power boats, and small houseboats. This park’s sunset is not to be missed. Group boating and kayaking are also offered, as well as family boating for up to 25 people. A massage of the fish feet will complete the experience.
11. Valapattanam
Valapattanam, a charming town in Kerala, India’s Kannur district, is tucked away along the picturesque Valapattanam River and begs you to discover its intricate web of history and culture. The town, which is well-known for its history in the timber trade, is charming due to its colourful boat races, particularly the well-known Valapattanam Boat Race. As the river flows into the Arabian Sea with elegance, take in the gorgeous scenery. In addition to its natural beauty, Valapattanam is known for its mosques and temples, which highlight the rich cultural variety of this treasure. Experience the charm of Valapattanam, where peace and tradition coexist peacefully by the waterfront.
12. Mangrove Trail
Just five kilometres from Payannur town, the enthralling mangrove path at Kizhake Kandankali invites tourists to see the mesmerising splendour of the mangrove environment up close. Through this verdant route, nature lovers may explore the complex network of mangrove vegetation that is peculiar to this coastal region. Along with being a peaceful retreat, the walk offers an insightful educational experience on the significance of mangroves in maintaining coastal biodiversity. Experience the peace of this natural refuge with every step as the mangrove masterpiece of Kizhake Kandankali is revealed to you via the careful balance of land and water.
13. Gundert Bungalow
For around twenty years, beginning in 1839, the renowned German missionary, scholar, and lexicographer Dr. Hermann Gundert lived at the historic Gundert Bungalow in Thalassery, Kannur district. This house from the colonial era is evidence of the important contributions Dr. Gundert made to literature and linguistics, especially his groundbreaking research on the Malayalam language. Tucked away in the cultural centre of Thalassery, the bungalow honours Dr. Gundert’s memory while offering a window into his life and work. For those who are interested in the relationship between language and history, this is one of the must-visit tourist places in Kannur.
14. Arakkal Museum
The Arakkal Museum stands witness to the life of the only Muslim royal family of Kerala – the Arakkal Ali kings. It is a testament to the lifestyle of the kings and their families, with many artefacts from their rule, including furniture, weapons, art and more. The museum is situated within a royal palace where the royal family once lived. The palace itself is a work of art that you must see alongside the museum.
15. Kavvayi Islands
The Kavvayi Islands form the largest backwater in Kerala and are a treat to the eyes and soul. Kavvayi is a group of mini-islands spread over Kannur and Kasaragod districts and are as beautiful as they come. They house some of the best Kerala backwaters and offer a tranquillity unknown to any other place in the world. Kavvayi Islands are the best tourist places in Kannur for a relaxing getaway. You can live in a houseboat here or ride a boat along the water for an immersive experience.
16. Mappila Bay
Nestled in Kannur, Kerala, Mappila Bay is a natural harbour with a rich history as a crucial port connecting Malabar to far-off places. The harbour is dotted with historical treasures from the colonial era, such as the impressive Fort St. Angelo, a Portuguese masterpiece from the fifteenth century. The bay hugs the Arrakulam Palace and Museum, which is on the other side and honours the Arakulam kingdom’s 1500s conquest of the Cannanore city-state. A fascinating location for history buffs, Mappila Bay, tells tales of maritime trade and echoes the footsteps of a bygone period, adding to its visual appeal.
17. Sundareswara Temple
Sundareswara Temple, one of the two well-known temples, is one of the most significant tourist places in Kannur. Sree Narayana Guru Devan, who initiated a spiritual movement in the community to demand that backward people be allowed access to the Kannur temple, dedicated the temple. The temple also has an annual eight-day festival that is well worth attending. An elaborate parade is held here during the same.
18. Peralassery
Famous for the Peralassery Subrahmanya Temple, Peralassery is located about 15 km from Kannur. According to legend, while stopping at this temple on their way to Lanka to save Goddess Sita, Lord Ram and Lord Laxman left a holy bracelet behind. The temple is a witness to the legendary meeting, resonating with this spiritual connection. Peralassery is a popular destination for pilgrims and history buffs alike. The town’s centre is a peaceful refuge where the old stories and spiritual atmosphere blend.
19. Taliparamba
The city is charming and home to the well-known District Agricultural Farm, which was founded in 1905, among the many tourist places in Kannur. In addition to being well known for its agricultural past, this well-liked location is home to two noteworthy temples: Trichambaram Temple and Shri Rajarajeswara Temple. The spiritual charm of the city is enhanced by these holy locations, which entice tourists to discover the historical and cultural gems that make up this enthralling area in the centre of Kannur District.
20. Ezhimala
Only 38 miles from Kannur in Payyanur, the towering 286-meter-tall hill of Ezhimala hugs a pristine beach, revealing its magnificence. This area, which is exquisite with its carved stone buildings, is well known for its special medicinal plants. The words “ezhu” and “mala,” which denote seven and peaks, respectively, are the sources of the name “Ezhimala.” Tucked away in Kerala’s lush surroundings, this hill station has a lengthy past. The mythological allure of Ezhimala’s natural majesty is enhanced by the legend that Lord Hanuman, on his route to deliver the Sanjeevani herb to Lord Lakshman, dropped the seven peaks at this sacred spot.
Conclusion
All in all, Kannur is a district with gorgeous attractions. It has all shades of a place – beaches, mountains, changing colours in every season, and more. The tourist places in Kannur are unique and break the traditional beauty and tourism standards, elevating them as well. You must visit this amazing place at least once in your life in God’s Own Country.
