India

Kannur

Kannur

Kannur, also known as Cannanore, is a captivating city located in the northern part of Kerala, India. Situated on the Malabar Coast, Kannur…

Best for you if…

  • A week-long stay
  • Beach tourism travelers
  • Historical sites travelers
  • Visiting in December to February
Recommended stay
5-7 days days
Best time
December to February
Walkability
Moderate
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Kannur is a strong pick for beach tourism & historical sites — plan about 5-7 days days. Peak season: December to February.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 76/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈7.5 km span)

10 Places to explore
5-7 days Recommended days
December to February Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: December to February

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: June · July · August · September

Weather

Summer

March to May - 25°C to 35°C

Winter

December to February - 23°C to 30°C

Monsoon

June to September - 23°C to 30°C

Post-monsoon

October to November - 23°C to 32°C

How to get there

How to Reach Kannur, India

Kannur, also known as Cannanore, is a beautiful city located in the northern part of Kerala, India. It is well-connected to various parts of the country through different modes of transportation. Here are the different ways to reach Kannur:

By Air:

The nearest airport to Kannur is the Kannur International Airport, which is located about 25 kilometers away from the city center. It is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kannur.

By Train:

Kannur has its own railway station, Kannur Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Several trains operate on a regular basis to and from Kannur, making it convenient for travelers. You can check the train schedules and book your tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

By Road:

Kannur is well-connected to neighboring cities and states through a network of well-maintained roads. You can opt for buses, taxis, or private vehicles to reach Kannur. The city is connected to the National Highway 66, which provides easy access to other major cities in Kerala and Karnataka.

By Sea:

Kannur has a port, known as Azhikkal Port, which is situated around 10 kilometers away from the city center. It serves as a major port for cargo and passenger transportation. However, the availability of passenger services may vary, so it is advisable to check the schedules in advance if you plan to reach Kannur by sea.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Kannur is relatively easy and convenient. The city is well-connected and offers a warm welcome to its visitors with its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and historical attractions.

Getting to know Kannur

Kannur, also known as Cannanore, is a captivating city located in the northern part of Kerala, India. Situated on the Malabar Coast, Kannur is renowned for its pristine beaches, historical significance, and rich cultural heritage. The city is blessed with a pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes, making it a popular tourist destination.

One of the major attractions in Kannur is its stunning coastline. The city is home to several beautiful beaches, including Payyambalam Beach, Meenkunnu Beach, and Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach. These beaches offer a perfect blend of golden sands, clear blue waters, and breathtaking sunsets, making them ideal spots for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Kannur is steeped in history and boasts a number of historical landmarks. The St. Angelo Fort, constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, is a prime example of architectural brilliance. This massive fort stands on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea and offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Another notable historical site is the Muthappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Muthappan, a deity worshipped by the locals with great devotion.

The city of Kannur is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. It is famous for its traditional folk art forms, such as Theyyam and Kathakali. Theyyam, a unique ritualistic dance form, showcases a blend of dance, music, and elaborate costumes. Kathakali, on the other hand, is a classical dance-drama that narrates stories from Indian epics. These art forms are performed during various festivals and cultural events, adding color and vibrancy to the city.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Visit the famous Payyambalam Beach for a peaceful evening stroll
  • Explore the historical sites like St. Angelo Fort and Arakkal Museum
  • Don't miss a visit to Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, the only drive-in beach in Kerala
  • Experience the wildlife at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Take a pilgrimage tour to Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple
  • Enjoy a serene backwater cruise in Valapattanam River

Places worth exploring

10 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 5-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Kannur?

Most travelers spend about 5-7 days days in Kannur, India.

When is the best time to visit Kannur?

High season is typically December to February.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Kannur?

Travelers often find better value in June, July, August, September.

What kind of trip is Kannur good for?

Kannur suits Beach tourism, Historical sites, Wildlife sanctuaries, Religious tourism.

Is Kannur walkable?

A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.

Any local tips for Kannur?

Visit the famous Payyambalam Beach for a peaceful evening stroll

Build your trip

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Kannur → Pappinissheri → Payyannur · ≈32 km
  • Kannur → Dharmadam → Tellicherry, India · ≈31 km
  • Kannur → Azhikkal → Pappinissheri · ≈10 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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Nearby places worth adding to your trip

Azhikkal

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Dharmadam

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Talipparamba

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Mattanur

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Tellicherry, India

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Tellicherry, also known as Thalassery, is a vibrant city located on the Malabar Coast in the Kannur district of Kerala, India.

Azhiyur, India

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29 km · Best: November to February · 3-5 days days · Spread

Azhiyur is a village located in the Indian state of Kerala. Situated in the district of Malappuram, it is known for its natural beauty, his…