Rajesh Kakkanatt · File:Kannur-Fort-22.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) · cropped and resized · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kannur-Fort-22.jpg
Kannur
The cultural heart of North Malabar — Theyyam, a Portuguese-built fort above the sea and a four-kilometre drive-in beach.
Kannur
Kannur lies on the Malabar Coast in northern Kerala. Incredible India calls it the cultural heartbeat of North Malabar, best known for Theyyam, a ritual art in which performers transform into deities. Kerala Tourism also notes its handloom industry and folk arts.
Explore Kannur on the map
City locations, drawn from our published destination data. Attractions, hotels and restaurants are not mapped yet.
What Kannur is for
Culture, a fort and two very different beaches.
Culture and history
- Theyyam. A ritual art in which performers, in elaborate costume and to the beat of drums, become deities. Performances are held at village shrines, so ask locally for dates.
- St. Angelo Fort. Built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida; the fort later passed through several hands, and the Dutch sold it to the Arakkal royal family in 1772.
- Thalassery. A coastal town in the district, listed by Kerala Tourism among Kannur's attractions.
Coast and countryside
- Payyambalam Beach, about 2 km from Kannur town, for sunsets by the Arabian Sea.
- Muzhappilangad Beach, 7 km from Thalassery: a four-kilometre stretch of firm sand where vehicles can drive to the water.
- Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary with the Meenmutty waterfalls, the Pazhassi Dam, and the snake park at Parassinikadavu.
How long to give it
Fort and beach
St. Angelo Fort in the morning, then Payyambalam Beach for sunset.
Thalassery and Muzhappilangad
Thalassery town, then the drive-in beach at Muzhappilangad.
Bekal or Wayanad
Bekal Fort lies to the north; Wayanad's hills are inland.
Arriving & getting around
Kannur has its own international airport and a railway station near the fort.
Getting there
- Kannur International Airport serves the district. Kannur railway station is close to St. Angelo Fort, which can be reached by a short auto-rickshaw ride, according to the airport's tourism page.
- Thalassery and Muzhappilangad are best reached by road.
When to visit
Kerala Tourism and Incredible India point to the cooler months.
The usual visiting season for the Malabar Coast, per Incredible India.
Performances are scheduled by village shrines. Ask your host or the local tourism office for dates during your stay.
How to be a good guest
Theyyam is worship, not a stage show.
Etiquette
- Theyyam performances are religious rituals. Follow local guidance on where to stand and when to photograph.
- Dress modestly at shrines and temples.
Insider tips
- Ask about Theyyam dates before you fix your trip.
- Combine Kannur with Bekal for a north Kerala coast route.
- Check driving rules on the beach before you drive onto the sand.
Related to Kannur
Journeys that include Kannur — each one visits the city as part of its itinerary.
Common questions
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