Now this is where you definitely will be in for a twist. This is one part of Kerala, with its legendary, traditional and cultural history that would astonish you. Give heed to the mythical folklores the land narrates and have eyes for the never before seen vistas of Theyyam, the ancient ritualistic folk art.

Situated in the northern Kerala, Kannur is a quite town in Malabar that offers a choice for every traveler , the place is now known for its handloom industry; handloom artifacts are keepsakes that every traveler here prefers to carry back home.

By Air
The nearest International Airport to reach here is at Karipur, Kozhikode located 93 km to the south of Kannur. The Mangalore airport forms the next option, situated 170 km to the north.

By Road
Regular road transport facilities are available that connects Kannur with the rest of the destinations in Kerala, as well as in South India

By Rail
Kannur forms an important railhead in Southern Railways and hence has trains arriving and departing from/to almost all major towns in the State as well as the country.

Fort St. Angelo:- Conjuring up the images of bygone years stands Fort St. Angelo at a distance of three kilometers from Kannur town. The structure is as hyped for its structural prominence as it is for its historical significance; erected in 1505 the fort is the living example of Portuguese architecture in an alien land. Built in the headland that project into Laskhadweep Sea, the fort takes in a triangular layout with adjoining citadels and a trench. The original grandeur as it was during the possession of British is still preserved, although parts of it have fallen prey for the test of the time.

Thalassery Fort:- Enter the huge gateway at Thalassery Fort (Kannur Fort) and you will soon be lost somewhere in the early 18th century when colonial imperialism was at its peak. Once a military cantonment of the British in Kerala, the fort stands testimony to the glorious past of Kannur! Pitched atop a hill with a view of Thalassery beach, the fort takes in excellent form and shape that have stood the transition of time and weather. With massive walls, a secret tunnel that leads to the sea, and an upright lighthouse, the structure is as magnificent and imposing it can be! A walk along the empty corridors here, listening to the enigmatic notes of waves, is in itself a refreshing experience.

Arakkal Palace:- With the vibes of Thalassery Fort (Kannur Fort) lingering in you drive down the street and stop by Arakkal Palace. So rich in historical significance, Arakkal Palace bears a regal connotation of being the abode of the only Muslim family of royal origin in Kerala. Take a tour inside the palace to get a closer view on the lifestyle of Ali Rajah, the male rulers and Arakkal Beevis, their female counterparts.

Mosque at Thalassery:- A structure dating back to 7th century, Thalassery Mosque is of great eminence. One of the oldest, it talks about a history of thousand years and has underwent renovation to display Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

Madayi Mosque:- A 12th century structure, Madayi Mosque in Kannur is a historically important location. The mosque with its enormous white marble said to have brought from Mecca is magnetic in attracting tourists. Within easy access to the mosque is a fort built by the Muslim ruler Tipu Sultan. Though a major portion of it has been ruined, the fort is worth stopping by as the view there is simply fascinating!

Gundert Bungalow:- Closely linked to the history of the State, Gundert Bungalow is where the German Missionary Dr. Herman Gundert once lived. Located 20 km from Kannur within the premises of Thalassery Town, the bungalow is also significant - one of the first Malayalam dictionaries and newspaper took shape here!

Snake Park at Parassinikadavu:- Do you fancy the exotic? Snake Park at Parassinikadavu is the abode of the creepy reptiles, rare animals and bird species etc. Get engaged in the hair rising episodes of both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes on display, most of which are nearing extinction! Endangered species like Simhavalan Monkeys (Lion Tailed Macaque) and Crocodiles of some rare variety too are preserved here. However it is the snake show that attracts tourists; the park is open from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. everyday.

Kannur Beaches:- As many as the myths and legends the land is known for, there equals a number of beaches, spreading an air of serenity and delight!

Payyambalam Beach:- Payyambalam beach, located 2 km from Kannur, is the much preferred spot for evening outs and weekend getaways by locals. The strange yet captivating sculpture of ‘mother & child’ is sure to leave one amazed.

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach:- Housed at a distance of 11km from Kannur is Kizhunna Ezhara Beach, the beauty of which one can vouch on; being one of most secluded of Kerala beaches this is much preferred among honeymooners. And when the evening breaks the sound and vibrancy of Kathakali fills the air.

Moppila Bay:- Situated at close proximity to St. Angelo’s Fort is Moppila Bay, which now hosts an advanced fishing harbor. The beach here is natural with a climate that is seldom hostile.

Ezhimala Beach:- Ezhimala beach and the cluster of hillocks are to explore and move ahead. The sight here is truly kaleidoscopic as surprises unfold at every other step you take! Exuding beach with its elegantly carved stone pillars, centuries’ old mosque, and an ancient burial chamber, are sure to hold your interest intact. The hills here are said to contain some rare medicinal herbs that has takers all round the globe. However as the rule says make sure that your tour operator has taken prior permission to enter Ezhimala Beach.

Drive-in Beach:- Perhaps the only drive-in beach in India Muzhapilangad beach enjoys solid preference among tourists and hence has activities galore. Take a drive along the tranquil shoreline that stretches for about 4 km, feeling the golden sand and the saline water on you! The beach is with boulders that defend the destructive currents. The water here is shallow and is perfect for swimmers to plunge in. The truth might take you by surprise; the beach is a less explored one that ensures the privacy you demand.

Beach Surfing:- Top the trip with little adventure; one of the best surf breaks in Kerala, Meenkunnu Beach is hardly a few kilometers from Kannur Town. The golden sand and the surf here are much talked about among tourists!

Bird Watching and Trekking at Aralam:- The treasure trove of rare species of birds, wildlife and vegetation, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary expands over 55 sq.km. The park is often flocked by nature lovers and travelers with an urge for adventure; take a slow pan from bird watching to wildlife viewing, while you trek along the ups and downs!

Trekking at Pythal Mala:- An emerging hill resort at Kannur, Pythal Mala offers mind-blowing vistas of flora and fauna! Apart from the scenic brilliance, the place is known for its trekking tracks; 6 km trek is what it takes to reach the top of the hill, which in fact worth trying for. The view from atop the hill is rather exhilarating in the company of cold breeze and fogy environment.

Leisure at Pazhassi Gardens & Dam:- Team up exotic beauty and a delightful leisure at Pazhashi Gardens & Dam. One can try boating in the huge reservoir and there are facilities for accommodation too.

The hotbed of folklores and the birthplace of Theyyam (a ritualistic art form performed in temple premises), Kannur has festivals that are rather vibrant and colorful. Theyyam Festival at Kannur popularly known as Theyyams at Kanathoor attracts aficionados from far and wide. A celebration of color, dance and music, Theyyam is a rare vista where the performers are adorned with ornate headgears, facial and body tattoos, and colorfully decorated attires. Theyyam performers who disguise themselves as deities yell and scream, and move with the rhythmic beats that accompany. The festival dawns with the break of mid-October and continues till mid-June and is the best way one can get accustomed to the history and tradition of the bygone era.

The festival at Parashinikadavu Temple is with the unique feature that it is celebrated throughout the year. Theyyam too forms a part of festival features and hence is flocked by tourists in great number. Quite bizarre for a temple of its kind, toddy forms the main offering to the deity.