Kannur: How to explore the land of theyyam, beaches and festivals?

Kannur is a northern Kerala district known for its vivid topography, scintillating nature and mesmerizing culture. Often hailed as the land of theyyam, Kannur lures visitors galore to iconic destinations like Paithalmala, Payyambalam Beach, Thalassery and Mahe. Kannur has grabbed a major spot in the state's tourism map with its unique geographical features and mesmerizing natural beauty. Tourists from outside the state who wish to visit Kannur could land at the Kannur International Airport and then go to various places in buses or taxis. The district is believed to have borrowed its name from a village called Kanathoor, which means the place of Lord Krishna. A municipality ward called Kanathoor still exists in Kannur. 

Payyambalam beach and Muzhippilangad
Kannur's fabulous beaches, including Payyambalam, Meenkunnu, Baby Beach and Thayyil, are well known. The Muzhippilangad Beach here is India’s longest drive-in beach, where you can drive two-wheelers and four-wheelers up to five kilometres. Lots of tourists reach Muzhuppilangad to enjoy a thrilling beach drive. Meenkunnam Beach, which is close to the road to Azheekode, could also be called a part of Payyambalam Beach and is around 10 kilometres from Kannur. With many coconut orchards, this beach isn’t crowded and is the perfect place to enjoy a calm evening with your family. The beautiful park here is the main attraction. Thottada Beach and Keezhunna Beach are also popular among visitors. 

Thalassery Fort and St. Angelo Fort
The iconic Thalassery Fort, built by the British East India Company in 1703, is one of India's remnants of British colonial rule. The fort was the main centre of the British military and the merchants. Currently, the fort is under the Archaeological Survey of India. Meanwhile, the Portuguese built St. Angelo Fort or Kannur Fort in the sixteenth century. This fort is one of the major historical spots in Kannur district that draws history enthusiasts and tourists. St. Angelo Fort, situated atop a hill, offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. 

Parassinikkadavu snake park
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is around 16 kilometres away from Kannur town. Although it is a snake park, visitors can also see fish and emus here. From the commonly seen checkered keelback to the deadly king cobra, the park houses a variety of snakes. Besides, many types of ornamental fish, sea horses, Indian star tortoises and starfish are exhibited at the marine aquarium inside the park. Snakes like the Indian rock python, cobra, Russell’s viper, green vine snake, common krait, saw-scaled viper, rat snake and Bengal krait are exhibited here, along with detailed descriptions of their nature and characteristics. Former minister and MP Raghavan MP started this park at the Pappinisseri Snake Bite Treatment Centre in 1982. Devotees who reach the world-famous Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan temple also visit the snake park. 

Dharmadam Thuruth and Ezhimala
Dharmadam island, which sprawls in two hectares, is just 100 metres from the Dharmadam beach. This island, full of tall coconut trees that sway in the wind, could be seen from the Muzhippilangad beach. Interestingly, you could walk to the island during the low tides. So, this island is a must-visit place if you love adventure. The Kerala government took over the island, once a private property, in 1998 and has since been open to the public. Ezhimala, which has great historical and spiritual significance, is a small hilly region in Kannur. It is believed that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. Besides, Ezhimala is mentioned in the Sangha inscriptions too. The Ezhimala Naval Academy and Madayipuram are the main attractions here. 

Arakkal Palace
Arakkal was the only Muslim dynasty that ruled Kerala. The palace, which is now turned into a museum, is situated at Azheekkal, around two kilometres away from Kannur town. The artefacts that are exhibited here shed light on the palace’s extensive sea trade in ancient times. The pathayam where precious items are stored, adharapetti, the old telephone, swords, daggers, telescopes and rare copies of the Quran could be seen here. Meanwhile, many historical documents, deeds, the Arabic letter sent by the Khalifa of Constantinople (Turkey) during the Hijra year 1194 and the royal emblem of the Arakkal royal family have been exhibited on the museum's walls. 

Paithalmala, Palakkayam Thattu and Kottatahlachi
Located 4500 metres above sea level, Paithalmala is one of the major hill stations in Kannur. You need to purchase a ticket at the entrance, which is around 58 kilometres away from the town. Hiking to the summit of Paithalmala, which is six kilometres away, is truly rewarding, as the pristine forest is home to rare species of flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the verdant grasslands and hills offer scintillating sights. The entry to Paithalmala is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Kottathalachi Mountain is the perfect place for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy off–road riding. Interestingly, this hill, which is known as the Malayattoor of Malabar, is also a popular Christian pilgrim centre. Palakkayam Thattu is another hill station located 3500 metres above sea level. Here, you can try your hands at adventure activities like ziplining, rope crossing, zorbing ball, and archery. These are some of the five-star hotels in Kannur and the distance to all the major tourist destinations from here.