Things To Do
in Kannavam
Kannavam is a tranquil village in Kerala's Kannur district, set amid lush coconut and spice groves. It sits along scenic rural roads that connect to Kannur city and other coastal towns. The area blends agricultural charm with access to the region's historical and natural attractions.
Visitors can expect warm hospitality, slow-paced village life, and easy access to beaches, markets, and hill-country scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kannavam and check into a cozy local homestay. Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast while soaking in the lush greenery that surrounds you. Take a brief stroll to familiarize yourself with the tranquil village atmosphere.
Explore the nearby paddy fields and engage with local farmers to learn about their agricultural practices. A visit to the local crafts market offers insights into the region's unique handicrafts. Conclude the afternoon with a refreshing coconut water from a roadside vendor.
Savor a delicious dinner made from locally sourced ingredients. Attend a cultural event where you can enjoy traditional music and dance performed by local artists. As the night sets in, relax by a bonfire and share stories with fellow travelers.
Wake up early to the sounds of chirping birds and embark on a morning trek to the nearby hills. The hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and is a perfect opportunity for photography. Enjoy a packed picnic breakfast amidst nature before returning.
Visit the nearby cascading waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Spend the afternoon amidst the natural beauty, absorbing the peaceful ambiance. Consider trying your hand at fishing with the locals in the nearby rivers.
Return to your homestay for a hearty dinner, enjoying local specialties like fish curry and appam. Join the village community for an evening of storytelling and folk tales around a fireplace. The night's sky filled with stars provides a wonderful backdrop to the stories shared.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🚗Auto-rickshaw start fare | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich coastal cuisine and spice heritage
- Calm, scenic rural landscapes with a slow-paced vibe
- Limited nightlife compared to major cities
- Monsoon season can disrupt travel and road conditions
- "Namaskaaram" - Hello
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Dayavittu" - Please
- "Ente peru [Your Name] aanu" - My name is [Your Name]
- "Ithu entha?" - What is this?
Places to Visit in Kannavam
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic coastal fortress offering sweeping sea views and a vantage on the old town.
A long, palm-fringed shore ideal for sunset photography and wide-angle coastal shots.
One of India’s longest drive-in beaches; dramatic shoreline and tire-tracks in the sand create unique compositions.
A reed-fringed island at the mouth of a river; great for wildlife and golden-hour coastal photography.
A relatively quiet beach with rocky coves and clear water, offering serene ocean vistas.
Food in Kannavam
Kannavam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature Malabar dish where pearl spot fish is marinated with spices and shallow-fried for a crispy, flavorful finish.
Must-Try!
Coconut-milk-based fish curry with aromatic spices, commonly served with steamed rice or fluffy appam.
Steamed layered rice cake served with spicy black chickpea curry; a comforting breakfast or light meal.
Fragrant, saffron-tinted biryani featuring chicken or mutton with regional masalas, widely enjoyed in Malabar eateries.
Spiced beef curry paired with flaky flatbread; a popular hearty option in coastal Kerala.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market district with fresh fish, coconuts, spices, banana chips, and local snacks.
Street-food hubs offering kappa (tapioca), fish curry, halwa, and other coastal snacks.
Casual seaside stalls serving fried fish, prawns, and fresh coconut-water drinks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly; shoulders and knees covered when visiting temples. Remove shoes before entering homes or temple precincts when required.
Greet with a respectful Namaste; a small bow with hands pressed together is common.
Ask before photographing people or religious sites; avoid intrusive photography at sensitive locations.
Safety
Tipping in Kannavam
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest. 5-10% in restaurants if service is good; small tips to guides or drivers are appreciated but not always expected.
Cash is widely accepted; cards are common in hotels and larger shops; UPI/phone payments are increasingly popular for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with bright sunshine. Start early to avoid midday heat, carry water, sunscreen, and hats; coastal winds provide some relief near the beaches.
Heavy rainfall and lush greenery; travel can be slower due to rain and occasional landslides in Western Ghats hinterlands. Enjoy dramatic skies and green landscapes, but plan extra travel time.
Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity; comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Sea conditions can vary—check local advisories before beach visits.
Kannavam at Night
Hiking in Kannavam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging forest trail near Iritty in Kannur district offering lush scenery and panoramic viewpoints.
Short coastal hike and island walk with opportunities for birdwatching and shoreline photography.
Airports
How to reach Kannavam by plane.
Located at Mattanur, about 25–40 km from Kannur city; good for quick connections to major Indian cities and some international routes.
Located near Kozhikode, roughly 100–120 km from Kannur; alternative for longer or international itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant community with temple-centric cultural calendars and varied traditional practices.
Major communities in the region contributing diverse cultural and religious life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across Kerala; local grounds host amateur matches.
Popular in schools and clubs; weekend games are common in urban and rural areas.
Common indoor activity with courts available in hotels and community centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kannavam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Kerala veg options include avial, olan, thoran, sambar, rasam, poriyal, and bhaji. Many places serve dosa, idli, and appam with vegetable gravies; clearly request no fish or meat if needed.
Ask for no ghee or dairy; request coconut oil-based dishes and vegetable curries without ghee.