Dreaming of a coastal getaway filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty? Discover Kannur, often called the “Crown of Kerala”, a charming city once known as Cannanore, rich in legends and historic significance. Its title identifies the abode of Lord Krishna as ‘Kannan’. This town has a port of the UK regime and a hub of exports. It has a rich, historic heritage and many surrounding it. Explore the best tourist places in Kannur and uncover why this beautiful town continues to captivate travellers from around the world.

The historic Fort St. Angelos is gigantic, triangular, and built of laterite. It can also be known as the Kannur Fort and was built by the Portuguese in 1505. The credit for building the fort goes to the Portuguese Viceroy, that is, first of all, Dom Francisco De Almeida. Offering stunning views of the surrounding sea and fishing activity, it is also among the notable places to visit near Kannur for history lovers.&nbsp; Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Historic Portuguese architecture, panoramic sea views, and rich colonial heritage</li><li>Best Time to Visit: October to March</li></ul>

Curious to explore Kannur’s royal past? The Arakkal Museum has numerous displays that may provide you with a glimpse of the spice maritime and trade earlier. It houses unique artefacts of the Arakkal family, including the royal seat, a traditional grain storage unit (pathayam), wooden document boxes, swords, daggers, and copies of the Quran, highlighting the question, " What is Kannur famous for?”, in terms of heritage and culture. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Royal heritage of the Arakkal family, spice trade history, traditional storage units, weapons, and manuscripts</li><li>Best Time to Visit: October to March</li></ul>

Looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature? Kavvayi is a group of tiny islands in Kannur, which comprises the wetland that is the biggest in north Kerala and is known for its serene beauty. Enjoy the cool breeze, and allow your eyes to feast on the greenery all around, making it one of the most refreshing Kannur tourist spots to unwind and reconnect with nature. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Serene backwaters, the largest wetland ecosystem in North Kerala, and peaceful boat rides</li><li>Best Time to Visit: October to March</li></ul>

Paravur Backwaters is amongst the lesser-known, tightly held areas that can be key to southern Kerala. With a relatively narrow stretch, it offers a secure environment for boating without the fear of drifting far. Its serene charm and scenic beauty make it one of the best places to visit in Kannur for a relaxing getaway. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Calm and safe backwaters, peaceful boating experience</li><li>Best Time to Visit: September to December</li></ul>

<h3>By Air:&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>The airport that is nearest to Kannur may be the Calicut Overseas Airport, Kozhikode. Numerous flights from coast to coast, including Mumbai, Delhi, Mangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, fly right down to the Calicut airport terminal.&nbsp;</li></ul> <h3>By Road:&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>The connectivity for the town by roads will act as a positive point for folks anticipating visiting the spot, having a well-developed road system sprawling through the town of Kannur.</li></ul> <h3>By Rail:&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Kannur has its railway station, where a large number of trains, including the Nizamuddin Express, Madgaon Express, Kochuveli Express, Mangalore Express, and New Delhi AC Express, ply through.</li></ul>

Kannur stands out as one of India’s most captivating destinations, offering countless opportunities to explore, unwind, and create memorable experiences. From scenic beaches to heritage sites and nearby getaways, there’s something for every traveller. Discover the best places to visit in Kannur and make your trip truly unforgettable with family or friends.

Kannur Beach is a scenic stretch of five beautiful shores. Those are - Payyambalam, Meenkunnu, Adikadalayi, Baby Beach, and Thayyil Beach. The Payyambalam coastline is considered the most popular for domestic and international tourists. Perfect for relaxing walks, enjoying stunning sunsets, and soaking in the refreshing sea breeze, it is one of the top things to do in Kannur, especially during the monsoon months from June to September, when the coastline looks most vibrant.

Curious to experience a temple unlike any other? explore the Muthappan Temple, which is situated on the banks of the Valapattanam River in Kannur and has Sree Muthappan as its principal deity. Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple is a Hindu temple renowned locally for its worship. Unlike traditional rituals, worship here takes the form of the vibrant Muthappan Theyyam dance, making it one of the most unique places in Kannur to explore.

Looking for an offbeat nature escape in Kerala? The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary could be the northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala and is found in the forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats,&nbsp;rising to 1145 meters at Katti Betta. Known for its rich biodiversity and vibrant butterflies, it’s perfect for trekking and nature walks. It is one of the top 10 tourist places in Kannur to explore, especially from November to May for the best experience.

Madayipara is a laterite hillock, positioned in Kannur, with breathtaking views of this Payangadi city, with all its biodiversity and significance that is historical. Perfect for walking and exploration, visitors can also spot ancient fort ruins here, making it an ideal destination to visit from July to October when the landscape turns lush and vibrant.

Ever wondered where you can see rare and fascinating snakes up close? Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is where you will find both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and has been set up to protect and conserve different species of snakes, a lot of which are listed under endangered types like python, King Cobra, viper, krait, and others. You shall also find other reptiles as well as birds,&nbsp;making it one of the most exciting and educational among the Kannur famous places to explore.

Ever wanted to drive along a beach like never before? It is one of many rare and greatest drive-in beaches of not only Asia but the globe. You can enjoy a drive that is memorable, as the coastline, a stretch of 14 km, is open to driving. It's a breathtaking sight watching the waves hit the stones, splashing water all around. Enjoy scenic drives, watch waves crash against the shore, take a refreshing swim, or simply relax by the sea; perfect for capturing stunning Kannur tourist places images and unforgettable memories. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Beach view</li><li>Best Time to Visit: October to May</li></ul>

A Guide to Kannur

India > Kerala > Kannur

20 Apr 2026

Explore in Kannur

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