Kannur is a city, and a district in Kerala, India famous for its beautiful beaches, historical aspects, and cultural heritage. If you are planning to visit it anytime soon, these top 10 places should be included: 

Payyambalam Beach 

One of the busiest beaches in Kannur is Payyambalam Beach which has golden sands and clear waters. A calm area, it is mainly visited by families and couples to view the beach at night. As you stroll along the beach, you will discover a few food stands that serve popcorn and coconut water. In addition to the restaurants, there is a tomb that contains the remains of some legendary Malayalam movie stars close to the beach. 

St. Angelo Fort 

St. Angelo Fort also known as the Kannur Fort is a Portuguese-built structure constructed in the year 1505 and conquered by the Dutch followed by the British. This magnificent fort commands a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and provides a pleasant view of the sea along with the Mappila Bay. There are massive high walls, bunkers, and, secret tunnels within the fort. It is a good location for history lovers and photography enthusiasts as well. 

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach 

Muzhappilangad Beach is known to be India’s longest drive-in beach and is also the most exciting thing that Kannur has to offer. Here, one can make a 4-kilometer drive around while riding on a bike at the edge of the silky sands. The beach is very clean and there are many coconut trees around which would make it perfect for a lovely picnic and long drives. 

Arakkal Museum 

Arakkal Museum was created for the Arakkal family which was the only Muslim ruling family in the state of Kerala. This museum acts as an eye-opener, as it shows how the Arakkal kings who ruled the area lived as well as how they are remembered. You

can even take a look at some of the family’s pieces such as some cliche ornaments, furniture, maps, and some utensils. A tour of this museum is almost as if one is amongst the rulers of the land as it further broadens one’s knowledge of the area, Kannada in this case. 

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park 

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is a great place for children and nature lovers. The park’s primary objective is to conserve different snake species including some rare ones as well as other reptiles. Here visitors will be able to see cobras, vipers, pythons, and even king cobras. The park also accommodates crocs, lizards, and turtles in addition to snakes. This is a suitable area where children can be educated on snakes and understand the roles they play in the environment. 

Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple 

Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple can be found not far from the snake park; it is without a doubt one of the most interesting temples in Kerala. Some of the temples in Kerala have unique representations and worship practices; the rituals are what make this temple stand out. For one this temple offers fish and a local alcoholic drink, toddy, to the deity, which is rare in temples in Kerala. Many devotees possess a belief that Muthappan is a universal priest and offers blessings to all, irrespective of whether they are of different religion and caste. 

Kannur Lighthouse 

Another must-see place is the Kannur Lighthouse which is situated close to Payyambalam Beach. It is the oldest lighthouse in Kerala and at its top one can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Arabian Sea. From the top of the lighthouse, you can look around and view the sea, the nearby beaches, and the town. 

Thottada Beach 

This beach is less populated and if you are looking for some space to relax, this hidden beach would be perfect for you. It is not on a major route, and the area is full of coconut trees and other green plants so it is perfect for becoming recharged. The tourists mainly come to this beach as they can experience calmness throughout the

shoreline, miles away from the noise of the city. A few homestays are located close to the shoreline, and visitors have an option to stay there to get more of the peaceful atmosphere. There are beaches which can be explored in the early morning and this is a good place for meditation as well as just sitting on the shoreline. 

Ezhimala Hills 

Ezhimala has a history dating back to the first century AD. It is said that the various great ancient Indians of the past have resided here including sage Agastya. Sculptures of Buddha, along with Christianity and Hinduism beliefs have been found at Buddhist sites in Ezhimala. It was believed that this place was of great importance for sea trade because of its strategic location on the wrist of India. A large portion of Ezhimala has been reserved for the Indian Navy Academy, nevertheless, parts of the hill can be visited by tourists. This site is ideal for those who are interested in nature, history, and culture. 

Madayi Para 

The Madayi Para or Madayi Plateau offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area, differing from that of the coastal areas of Kannur’s landscape. Such geological landforms are wonderful because they further enhance plateaus such as Madayi by providing them with plants, rocks, and volcano features and essentially help turn the entire ecological system into a wondrous place. Upon viewing this specific spot, one could begin to wonder if there are more such features due to the gorgeous view of vibrancy surrounding the villages combined with endless backwaters, resulting in the Arabian Sea, being present in the near range. There are a couple of historical finings in this regard such as a mosque which is well known to be the old temple in the state of Kerala and a fort made by Tipu Sultan. 

Kannur is a beautiful place with an amazing history and culture that will please all types of tourists. Whether it’s beaches, forts, temple visits, or just some cultural exploration, there is something for everyone in Kannur. Therefore, for those who wish to discover a less traveled part of Kerala, Kannur should certainly be included in the itinerary.