Kannur.
- WHAT TO DO
- WHAT TO SEE
- WHAT TO EAT
Kannur sits on the Malabar Coast, two hours north of Kozhikode by train and twenty-five kilometres west of its own international airport. It is known across Kerala for living Theyyam rituals in village shrines and a century-old handloom textile trade. Kannur is worth visiting if you want to witness overnight temple rituals, eat fiery mussel roasts at backstreet mess halls, and watch handloom weavers at work. Look elsewhere if you want polished resort beaches, late-night cocktail bars, or easily walkable historic districts without an auto-rickshaw.
Last updated 18 Sept 2026
Field notes
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What to do in Kannur Kerala India
Kannur revolves around coastal rhythms, working harbours, and village temple compounds rather than packaged sightseeing. Mornings belong to fish auctions at Ayikkara and quiet strolls along the sea walls of St. Angelo Fort. Afternoons slow down over clay-pot fish curry and Malabar parottas, while evenings are best reserved for tracking Theyyam performances in rural shrines. It suits travellers who prize raw cultural tradition over polished comforts.
24 hours in Kannur Kerala India
Spend the morning examining the 16th-century stone ramparts of St. Angelo Fort, then head to Fort Road for a lunch of Thalassery biryani. In the late afternoon, catch the sea breeze at Payyambalam Beach before taking an auto-rickshaw to an evening Theyyam performance at a village shrine outside town. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Kannur Kerala India
Day two adds the craft heritage of Chirakkal, where you can watch pit-loom weavers throw shuttles in heritage workshops. Rent a car or scooter to cruise the firm sands of Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, then stop at a roadside shack for spiced kallummakkaya (mussels) and sweet chai. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Kannur Kerala India
A third day allows a thirty-minute train trip south to Thalassery to visit the seaside fort and eat Mappila dum biryani at Paris Restaurant. Alternatively, travel north to the wild laterite plateau of Madayipara to explore ancient rock ponds and watch the coastal sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Kannur Kerala India itineraries by interest
Local Seafood in Kannur Kerala India
Order kallummakkaya fry (spiced mussels), ayala (mackerel) curry, and crab roast at simple military messes along Fort Road.
Sacred Architecture in Kannur Kerala India
Seek out village kavus (sacred groves) and temples like Muthappan at Parassinikadavu, where Theyyam rituals unfold through the night.
Maritime History in Kannur Kerala India
Walk the triangular laterite ramparts of 1505 St. Angelo Fort, built by the Portuguese and later held by the Dutch and British.
Craft Traditions in Kannur Kerala India
Visit working weaver cooperatives in Kanhirode and Chirakkal to see traditional wooden pit looms producing pure Malabar cotton.
Street Food in Kannur Kerala India
Graze on unnakkayi, pazham nirachathu (stuffed plantain), and hot samosas from bakery counters around the central railway station.
Coastal Walks in Kannur Kerala India
Stroll the clifftop footpath at Payyambalam Beach or watch traditional wooden fishing canoes land their catch at Ayikkara Harbour.
Markets & Produce in Kannur Kerala India
Browse stalls piled with Tellicherry black peppercorns, dried fish, green plantains, and fresh coconut along Old Bus Stand market.
Day Trips in Kannur Kerala India
Take a thirty-minute train south to Thalassery for 18th-century English forts, Mappila biryani, and early cricket history.
Beaches in Kannur Kerala India
Drive along the firm, packed sand of Muzhappilangad, one of the few drivable beaches in Asia, four kilometres long.
Folk Traditions in Kannur Kerala India
Watch Kalaripayattu martial artists practice high kicks and wooden sword forms at traditional mud-floor kalari academies.
Local Dining in Kannur Kerala India
Sit down for Malabar fish biryani cooked with short-grain kaima rice, fried onions, and green chilli paste at Chindamani Mess.
Scenic Drives in Kannur Kerala India
Follow the coastal backroads north toward Madayi Kavu and the windswept laterite plateau of Madayipara overlooking the sea.