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Kannur

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Kannur

Kannur also known by its English Name – Cannanore is a Municipal Corporation in the Kannur district. Situated 518 km from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur is the 6th largest state of Kerala and 27th largest in India.

The northern coast of Kerala is way less touristy than its southern coast. This is an attraction in its every right. The major draw card of this end of the coastal Kerala is the underdeveloped but very beautiful beaches found here. Besides this the enthralling theyyam possession rituals conducted here are also equally magnificent.

During the role of the Kolathiri rajas, Kannur was the key port that was brimming with the international trade. Kannur was then also christened as the ‘great emporium of spice trade’ by the explorer Marco Polo. Ever since then, the regular colonial suspects such as the British, Dutch and Portuguese have gone a step ahead to exert their influence on this region. Presently, Kannur is an unexciting yet consenting town of Kerala that is largely known for its cashew trade and the weaving industry. Given the fact that Kannur is predominantly, a Muslim area, the tourists must keep in mind their culture and traditions and further act accordingly.


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Kannur FAQ's

Travel Advice

  • Never leave your important documents or cash and valuables in the hotel room.

  • Always make sure that you book a hotel or a resort in the bustling area.

  • If you are lost anywhere or someone from the group is lost, you must immediately seek the help of the police.

  • Do not get involved in drugs of any form.

  • Do not get involved in physical or verbal spat with anyone.

  • Don’t flash your valuables in the public area.  

  • Do not hire a guide who is not from a trusted or authentic agency.

  • Never trust any stranger who gets friendly with you in just a short while.

  • Don’t eat food off the street vendors.

  • Carry with you a copy of your licenses and passport.  

  • Don’t let anyone in the city misguide you. Acquire sufficient information before heading to a new place.

  • Dress appropriately.

  • Nudity is strictly prohibited here.

  • Do not film or do videography without the legal permissions.

  • In case the banner or sign says, ‘No Photography’ obey it.

  • Avoid traveling alone in the night hours.

  • Do not go around with too much cash during the night hours.

  • Take a comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.

  • Keep the touts at bay.

Drinking Law

The legal age for drinking in Kannur is 21 years.


Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

Fort St Angelo: St Angelo Fort was long known as the Kannur fort which was built by a Portuguese viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeida. In the 17th century, the Dutch took away the St Angelo Fort from the Portuguese and sold it to Ali Raja of Kannur. After this, the fort was further passed on in the hands of the Britishers. As of today, the St Angelo Fort or the Kannur Fort is supervised by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India). From the fort you can avail magnificent views of the Moppila Bay. It is a fishing harbor and a natural fishing bay. On the other end, there is Dhramadom Island that is spread over an area of 5 acres. Separated by the mainland by a mere 100 meters, the island and the Arabian sea unite at a distance. Another place to see near the fort is St. Anne's Chapel.

Arakkal Kettu: 
Arakkal Kettu was once the residence of the erstwhile royal family of Kerala – The Arakkal. A number of modifications have been done on this place lately. Descendants of the Raja still live somewhere in the vicinity of the Arakkal Kettu.  

Meenkunnu Kannur Beach: 
When you make your way through the coarse patches of the coconut groves, you don’t expect something fascinating around. However, that’s not true in this part of Kerala. Here, you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful Meenkunnu Kannur Beach. The blue waters from the beach splash onto the rocks and produces loud noises. Further, the beach’s golden sand is inviting and will allure you. You can rent a luxurious Kannur beach house and have a pleasure filled and luxurious stay near the beach.

Payyambalam Beach: 
Payyambalam Beach is definitely the biggest beach of Kannur. It attracts a number of tourists all round the year. On the entrance of the beach there is a beautiful garden and a huge statue of a mother with a child. This statue is a work of the renowned sculpture Kanayi Kunhiraman. Usually, the tourists who are in Kannur for a holiday spend an evening in the park near the beach. Go a little further from here and you can enjoy the beautiful sunset here.

Shri Muthappan Parassinikadavu: 
Shri Muthappan Parassinikadavu is a temple that is devoted to the hunter version of Lord Vishnu, Shri Muthappan. Visited in large numbers, the temple is an important sightseeing attraction of Kerala.

Valapattanam Backwater: 
River Valapattanam originates in the Kodagu’s Western Ghats. In the Malabar region, this is believed to be the lengthiest one. When here, taking a boat ride to explore the surroundings here is the most important thing to do. The boat ride starts from Parassinikadavu Temple. You also have an option to stay here overnight in a houseboat.

Muzhapilangad Beach: 
Muzhapilangad Beach is the longest beaches of Kerala. It is equally delightful for those who want to enjoy a good swim in the clear waters or those who wish to simply laze around in the solitude. It is not very crowded and happens to be cleaner than the other beaches in the vicinity. It happens to be the solo drive in beach of the country.

Subramania Peralassery: 
Subramania Peralassery Temple is a place where Lord Rama along with Lakshman took a stoppage to free Goddess Sita from the clutches of Ravana in Lanka. You can find a number of copper and bronze idols of snake everywhere here. You can also find a temple tank that is must see sight here.

Tellicherry Fort: 
Tellicherry fort is situated about 22 km from Kannur. Parched on top of the rocky hill on the. Thalasseri beach, this fort was built by Lord Wellesley in the year 1708. Back then, it was largely used for military purposes. From the top of the fort, you can get the view of ruins of old Angelican Church and St Rosary Church. It also holds the cemetery of Edward Brennan

Gundert's Bungalow: 
Gundert's Bungalow is the erstwhile residence of Dr. Herman Gundert who was a German scholar. This bungalow is one fine example of colonial mansion. Inside the bungalow, there is a massive door, wide verandah and deep eaves that allows you to explore and roam around.

Aralam Wild Life Sanctuary: 
Situated about 35 km from Thalessery, the Aralam Wild Life Sanctuary is home to the semi evergreen and tropical forests. Inside the sanctuary you can find animals such as Elephants, various type Squirrels, Leopards, Boars, Jungle Cats, Deer, Bisons along with few rare species of birds.

What you will like there?

Boating at Payyambalam Beach

Unwind yourself with a pleasant boating experience at Payyambalam Beach. It is the resting ground for the bigwigs of Kerala. This sandy delight is a prominent tourist attraction and is known for its turquoise waters and pristine shores. Avail a guided tour of 10 minutes anytime from 10 AM to 5 PM. Do not get in the boat without safety jackets. When you head into the clear waters of Arabian Sea, you’ll witness the scenery unfold before your eyes.  

Banana Boat Ride at Payyambalam Beach

If you have seen Mani Ratnam’s Alaipayuthe, you must have noticed the protagonists enjoying the fun banana boat ride here. If you too are at the Payyambalam Beach, taking a banana boat ride is an important thing to do. This 10 minute ride can be a delightful fun for all.

Wave runner Payyambalam beach

By now, you might have already accessed how thrilling and adventurous the Payyambalam beach is. So, after you have enjoyed some boating and banana ride, another water sport that you can enjoy at the Payyambalam beach is a wave runner ride. For all adventure enthusiasts, this activity can be a delightful fun.

Parasailing at Payyambalam Beach

In comparison to the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, Payyambalam beach is a little lesser known. However, this beach not just offers a great scenic beauty but is   also a host of adventure activities for tourists. So, go ahead and feel light as a feather as you float in mid-air when you go to the Payyambalam Beach. The pristine beauty here only amplifies your experience further. It is a 5 minute activity that will be incredibly fun and thrilling. Also known as parakiting or parascending, parasailing requires the parasailing wing, necessary gear and a motor vehicle. To enjoy parasailing, you will need a harness attached to the strong rope on one end and parachute on the other. Tied to the motor vehicle, you’ll be tugged at a high speed and soar into the air.
Dolphin Ride at Payyambalam Beach

Dolphin ride is a winsome adventure activity conducted at the Payyambalam Beach. Conducted in the early hours of the morning between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, this is one of the best activities conducted at the beach. Have fun watching this uber cute beings in their natural habitat. This activity can be a great fun especially for the kids.

Rafting

Get on a daring adventure on Tejaswini River to enjoy the sea full of rapids gushing through the Kannur’s Western Ghats. Riding amidst the rapids is a unique experience since the scenery here is breath taking. This activity is best enjoyed during the monsoon season. Usually a two hour excursion, you’ll be rafting amidst the rapids of Lower Tejaswini and Upper Tejaswini.


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