Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, Kannur (fondly known as Cannanore), is a beautiful city bundled with a plethora of sightseeing options like beaches, monuments, ancient temples and picnic spots.
Steeped in the distinctive local art forms like Theyyam, Kannur still has an aura of the bygone colonial era. The deep footprints of the Dutch, the Portuguese, the British and the Mysore Sultanate are still imbibed into the town and can be witnessed all around. The town blessed with exceptional art of weaving that has earned it the title of the land of loons and huge cashew trees perhaps rooted by Portuguese. Take an evening stroll near the lighthouse beach or explore the Portuguese history at St. Angelo's Fort while you are in Kannur.
St Angelo's Fort is definitely one of the most popular and frequently visited attractions of Kannur and for more reasons than one. The polished yet prehistoric structure of this fortress oozes with unadulterated elegance and overwhelming power. Standing ashore in the Arabian sea, it enjoys a panoramic and unobstructed view of the diorama created by the merger of the magnetic waves and the azure waters. It also overlooks the mesmerising Mopilla Bay, a natural harbour.
Carved with mythological tales of Puranas and a hidden cave leading to a pond, this temple is well preserved for astonishing reactions all for its magnificent architecture. God’s own country has abundant homes of the lord. However, this particular locale is amongst the most visited places in Kasaragod.
The impeccably unspoilt Payyabalam beach is adorned with sparkling pearls of golden sand and foamy white waves of the Arabian Sea. The highlight of Kannur and one of the many beautiful beaches of Kerala, it has an incredibly peaceful and inviting aura.
About 16 km away from Kannur, Parassinikkadavu is a town popular for its Muthappan Temple and Parassinikkadavu Snake Park. The Muthappan temple, dedicated to Sree Muthappan is the only Hindu temple in the state which witnesses a Theyyam performance daily as per ritual.
The Muzzhapilangad Drive-in Beach at Kannur is one referred to with many superlatives- as the longest drive-in beach in the whole of India, as one of the cleanest beaches of Kannur and most importantly, as one of the best drive-in beaches that the entire Asian continent has to offer.
Ezhimala, once served as the capital of erstwhile Mooshika kings, today it is a site of great historical significance. The land has been witness to many great events from war of Chola-Chera to headquarters of the Ezhimala Radii.
The Arakkal Museum in Kannur city is one of the most significant and frequently visited attractions of the south that celebrates the memory and grandeur of Kerala's only Muslim royal family- the Arakkal Ali Rajas. This museum is a testimony to the impeccable Muslim architecture and design.