Once a major port on the Arabian Sea, Kannur is at present one of the chief tourist attractions in Kerala. You actually need to visit Kannur to get a feel of the charm of the host of sightseeing spots.

Excursions from Kannur:
The several excursion sites available from Kannur are equally interesting and exciting for the tourists visiting this place. Some of them have been discussed below:


A rather less crowded Meenkunnu Beach with golden sand and surf at 12 km from Kannur is a tourist�s paradise. Parassinikadavu at a distance of 16 km from Kannur town and the Sri Muthappan Temple that stands along the banks of the Valapatanam River are fine tourist attractions in Kannur. This pilgrimage site is renowned for the Muthappan Theyyam that is performed every morning and evening.

Occupying five acres, the small Dharmadam Island is home to several coconut palms and a dense bush all of which provide a captivating sight from the beach. You will need prior permission to enter this privately owned island.

Muzhpilangad Beach at 15 km from Kannur is possibly Kerala�s only drive-in beach where you can take your car down the entire stretch of 4 km. A swimmer�s paradise due to its shallow waters, it is one of the choicest destinations while you visit Kannur. Another tourist attraction here is Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangad at 23 km from Kannur. It is devoted to Sri Rama and the fine carvings in the temple are believed to have been as old as 400 years.


In Madayi Para which is located 25 km from Kannur the Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadukunnu Temple and the 12th century marble mosque constructed by Malik bin Dinar, are the chief attractions. There is also a fort in ruins here, which is supposed to have been erected by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The artistic manifestations displayed here are fascinating.

Situated at 29 km from Kannur Malayala Kalagramam is a well-known centre for arts and culture at Mahe, and it conducts courses in sculpture, music, painting, dance and pottery.

At 34-km southeast of Kannur is positioned Thodeekulam Shiva Temple which stands at 2 km from Kannavam on the Thalassery-Mananthavady road. The temple is renowned for its mural paintings. It is said to have been built 2,000 years ago and was closely associated with the Pazhassi Raja family of Kottayam. Pazhassi Dam at 37 km to the east of Kannur is again a perfect retreat for tourists.

Pythal Mala 65 km away from Kannur town is a captivating hill station, positioned at 4,500 feet above sea level near the Kerala - Karnataka border. It offers a 6-km trek to the top of the hills.

At 35 km from Thalassery the 55 sq. km Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, sloth bears, mouse deer and sambars.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information while you visit Kannur on your tour to India.