Things To Do
in Kanur
Kanur (commonly spelled Kannur) is a coastal city in northern Kerala known for its long sandy beaches, historic forts, and vibrant cultural traditions. The area blends quiet fishing villages, verdant hills and spice-scented markets with active port and trade heritage. Kannur is famous for Theyyam — a dramatic ritual dance — and for strong local football and boat-racing cultures.
The city is a good base for short hikes, beach photography and exploring Kerala’s northern traditions while still offering modern amenities and a recently opened international airport.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic St. Angelo Fort, where the morning sun casts stunning reflections on the Arabian Sea. Explore the fort's ancient walls and learn about its rich history while enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets nearby, where local vendors display their colorful wares.
Indulge in a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, sampling famous Kannur dishes like biryani and seafood curry. After lunch, visit the Arakkal Museum to delve into the history of the Arakkal dynasty and its influence on the region. Don't miss the chance to take a walk along the beach, feeling the cool sea breeze and soaking in the serene atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to the Payyambalam Beach to enjoy a picturesque sunset, with hues of orange and pink lighting up the sky. Find a cozy spot on the beach to relax, listen to the soothing sound of the waves, and perhaps enjoy some fresh coconut water. For dinner, treat yourself to a seaside dining experience at a beach shack, savoring the freshest catch of the day.
Kickstart your day with an energetic breakfast at a beachfront café, where you can enjoy local delicacies while overlooking the serene waters. Afterward, head to Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, the longest drive-in beach in Asia, where the soft sands invite you to relax. Spend some time sunbathing or strolling along the shoreline, breathing in the salty sea air.
Engage in thrilling water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides offered at the beach. The afternoon sun will keep you warm as you splash in the waves, creating unforgettable memories. After the excitement, find a shaded spot to enjoy a packed lunch or grab a bite from a local vendor offering snacks and drinks.
As the day winds down, take a leisurely drive along the coast to explore nearby beaches, stopping to appreciate the beauty of the sunset. Consider visiting a local restaurant known for its seafood specialties, where you can indulge in fresh catches of the day. End your evening by attending a cultural performance showcasing traditional music and dance of the region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto ride | $1-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🎟️Entry fee to attractions / local museum | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful unspoiled beaches and coastal scenery
- Rich local culture and unique Theyyam performances
- Excellent seafood and Malabar cuisine
- Less crowded than southern Kerala tourist hubs
- Limited nightlife and entertainment compared with larger cities
- Monsoon rains can disrupt travel plans
- Fewer international-standard amenities in some neighborhoods
- Signage in English may be limited in rural areas
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Greetings
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Sughamano?" - How are you?
- "Ivide evide?" - Where is this?
- "Bhakshanam nannayi?" - Is the food good?
- "Enikku vegetarian aanu" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Kanur
Visit one of these nice places.
Long sandy beach with a distinctive walk path, sculptures and open horizon — excellent for sunrise, portraits and long-exposure shots of waves.
A 16th-century fort with weathered ramparts and panoramic views of the sea and harbor — great for architectural and coastal panorama photos.
A rare driveable beach where you can shoot vehicles on sand, wide coastal vistas and kite-surfing activity during windy days.
Hilltop views over the Arabian Sea with sunrise and sunset vantage points; ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Colorful stalls stacked with spices, fish markets and woven goods — ideal for vibrant street and detail photography.
Food in Kanur
Kanur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy, coconut-based curry made with tamarind or kokum and local spices; ubiquitous at coastal restaurants and family homes.
Must-Try!
A fragrant, shorter-grain biryani made with a special rice (kaima) and subtle spices; try it at popular biryani joints in town.
Soft lacy fermented rice pancakes served with vegetable or meat stew in coconut milk — common for breakfast or dinner.
Sweet fried banana fritters sold by street vendors — a popular snack with tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling markets selling spices (pepper, cardamom), fresh fish and local snacks; ideal for tasting fried seafood and buying spices to take home.
Small stalls and shacks serving grilled fish, fried snacks and chai — perfect for casual seaside dining and photography.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect local customs by dressing conservatively — cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or conservative neighborhoods.
Remove shoes before entering temples, ask permission before photographing rituals, and follow local rules about offerings and access.
A simple 'Namaskaram' or a polite 'Hello' and handshake (if appropriate) is appreciated; use your right hand for giving/receiving items.
Kannur has Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities living side-by-side — be sensitive around places of worship and during religious festivals.
Safety
Tipping in Kanur
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. Round up bills, leave small change for hotel staff and Rs. 50–200 for good restaurant service or taxi drivers for longer trips. For guides and drivers on day trips, tipping around 5–10% is common if service is good.
Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used, especially at markets and small stalls. Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept cards and UPI/mobile payments; ensure you have some cash for rural areas and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid, temperatures often between 28–35°C (82–95°F). Coastal sea breezes can offer relief but midday heat is strong — drink water, wear sun protection and schedule outdoor activities for mornings/evenings.
Heavy southwest monsoon rains make the landscape lush but can disrupt travel and beach plans; roads may get slippery and some attractions close. Good season for seeing waterfalls, enjoying cooler temperatures and photographing dramatic skies if you’re prepared for rain.
A pleasant period with clearing skies and comfortable temperatures — ideal for festivals, Theyyam seasons in certain nearby temples and comfortable sightseeing.
Mild and the most comfortable season with daytime temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F); great for outdoor activities, beach visits and cultural events.
Kanur at Night
Hiking in Kanur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal hills with panoramic views over the Arabian Sea; several short trails and vantage points ideal for sunrise or sunset hikes.
Forest trails with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy shaded hikes; better with a guide and during drier months.
A scenic hill station a bit inland offering trekking routes, grassy slopes and pleasant weather — popular for weekend treks.
Less-developed trails into the Western Ghats offering deeper forest treks and birdwatching; best attempted with local guides and appropriate gear.
Airports
How to reach Kanur by plane.
The closest airport (around 25–45 km depending on your part of the district) with domestic and growing international connections; convenient transfers by taxi and shuttle buses.
About 120 km south of Kannur, with frequent domestic flights and some international routes; reachable by car or train plus a short drive.
North of Kannur, an option for some international and domestic flights; transfer times vary and overland travel can be scenic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population practicing Hindu traditions; active in temple festivals and cultural practices like Theyyam.
A large Muslim population with historic trade links to the Arab world, influencing cuisine and local customs.
Established Christian communities with churches and unique local Christian traditions, particularly in coastal areas.
Communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing, boat-building and coastal trades; they shape local cuisine and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Extremely popular locally — you'll find passionate local clubs, matches and strong community support for the sport.
A national favorite throughout India, commonly played in parks, beaches and open grounds.
Traditional boat racing in Kerala is a regional spectacle during festival seasons; coastal communities have their own rowing events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kanur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Kerala — dosas, appam with vegetable stew, and vegetable curries. Always ask for 'no ghee' or 'no fish gravy' if avoiding animal products, and confirm preparation methods at smaller stalls.
Many traditional dishes use coconut oil and coconut milk, making vegan meals accessible, but watch for ghee and yogurt in some curries. Ask vendors about ingredients to avoid hidden dairy.
Rice-based dishes dominate, so gluten-free travelers will find many safe options like appam, rice-based biryani and fish curries. Confirm batter and spice-mix ingredients at bakeries and snack stalls.