Kannur, not so well known among the normal people of India is nothing other than a paradise on Earth. Look into the article below why you should visit too!! Kannur is one of the major attractions of South India and invites travellers around the globe throughout the year. Kannur has great cultural vitality in the southern region and is famous for its tranquil natural long stretched beaches among peace needy people. It is one of the important cities of Kerala and is situated 274 km north of Kochi. Cannanore is the former English name of the coastal city which is Cananor in Portuguese and Kannanur in Arabic. The land of forts, temples, beaches, hills, and wildlife is regarded as "The Africa of Kerala''. The art and dance forms of the city are attracting many aesthetic people to the southern region. The cuisine of Kannur is abounded with local spices and hence called "The Great Emporium of Spice Trade" by Marco Polo. Kannur marks its place among the must-visit once in a lifetime places for the major events and serene beaches by the mountains. Here you can experience some stunning places to visit in Kannur.

The history of Kannur

Kannur is the place of ancient historical importance that can be rarely found in the region now. The Taliparamba-Kannur-Thalassery area has rock-cut caves, dolmens, and burial stone circles that give evidence of the prehistoric era of human inhabitants. During the Sangam Period, Kannur was the seat of a powerful kingdom. It is believed from the Arabic inscription on a copper slab found from the Madayi Mosque that Kannur was founded in 1124 CE. In the 12th century, Kannur was one of the vital trading centres of the country and had commercial connections with Persia and Arabia like countries.

The culture of Kannur

Kannur is one of the most spoken places in terms of culture and traditions of the southern state of Kerala. The folk music and dance of the region has a special part in the performing arts of India and is celebrated across the planet. The Theyyam dance originating from Kannur is the prominent dance of Kerala and is performed in temples as a ritual. The Theyyam festival is observed on an annual basis to appease the deities where the dancers are dressed in colourful vibrant clothes, jewelleries and their faces have been done with artistic paintings. Kathakali, Marathukalli, Poorakkali are some other dance forms. Vadakkan Pattukal is a song format which is performed to praise the past heroes of the state. 

The city of cultural significance, Kannur has also gained international certification for its unique textiles and handicrafts in clothing. It is famous for the handloom industry and is known as "The Land of Looms and Lores". 

Eating places in Kannur

Kannur can be treated as the paradise for people who love southindian food. Yet the culture is somehow different from other places of Kerala and so is the cuisine. Malabar Biryani is famous here which is a variant of Thalassery cuisine. Haluva, which means Sweet Meat, is also another famous dish in the city. Banana Chips from Kannur is traded on a global level and no one stops at just one packet. Being situated at a coastal area, Kannur is renowned for its mouth-watering sea foods which include prawns, fishes, and mussels. Kallummakkaya (mussels curry), Irachi Puttu (meat dishes), Pathiri (rice pancake) are some of the specialties of the locals. The city has a blend of different cultures and cuisines that is reflected on its food. Black pepper, cardamom, and cloves are some of the spices you would find in the Kannur recipes. 

• Hotel Odhens
• Chifonets Restaurant
• Sahib's Grill
• Cool Land

Places to visit in Kannur

• Payyambalam Beach: One of the most picturesque spots and popular places to visit in Kannur district is Payyambalam Beach, situated at 2 km away from the city railway station and is perfect for a family picnic. This place is heaven for people needing calm and tranquility. Water sports are available here.
• Muzhappilangad Beach: The 4 km stretched beach gives one of the fantastic views of the world while driving on the pretty seashore. It is the longest drive-in beach in Asia and to showcase its pleasantries, the annual beach festival is observed in the month of April which is why this is one of the popular places to visit in Kannur. 
• Kannur Lighthouse: Kannur Lighthouse is a must explored places to visit in Kannur if you are interested in ancient history. The 75 feet tall lighthouse is Kerala's first lighthouse and offers a romantic top view of the sea and land together. There is an auditorium to make people fall in love with the place and its whereabouts. 
• St. Angelo Fort: The Fort is one of the best tourist attraction points and places to visit in Kannur and is situated at 3 km from the centre of Kannur. The fort was built during the arrival of Vasco-da-gama and the raw archetypes showcase the beauty and bitterness this fort has faced. 
• Baby Beach: Baby Beach is the extension of Payyambalam Beach is situated nearer to all the travel places of the city. As the name suggests, the beach is small yet one of the popular-among-tourists places. The rare rocky beach happens to be in the favor of the visitors. 
• Palakkayam Thattu: Presented on the Western Ghats, Palakkayam Thattu is the most picturesque hill station of Kerala and a delightful places to visit in Kannur. It is at 3500 feet above the sea level and often used as the trekking point for the youngsters. This place is a must go if you like offbeat calming places in nature. 
• Arakkal Museum: The museum is one of the rarest and often visited places in Kannur, Kerala which serves the artefacts and heritage items of the Arakkal Dynasty. This is a memorial for the Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala. 
• Madayipara: Madayipara, the 700 acres landscape is nothing less than a fairyland. This is famous for 300 species of flowers, 30 species of grass and uncountable numbers of butterflies that linger through the town. It changes its appearance seasonally and is regarded as "The Land of Flowers". 
• Ezhimala: Ezhimala is everyone's dream place where a 286 meter high hill is surrounded by sea waters. This is situated 38 km from the town and the fascinating fact about the area is that the herbs found on this part have miraculous healing properties.
• Paithalmala: Paithalmala is situated at 4500 feet height from the sea level and has the best scenic spots to offer. This is the tallest peak of Kannur and due to its height, is often used for trekking by travellers. Among the woods and in the arms of nature this place is sublime and must be visited during a trip to Kannur. No wonder this is one of the amazing places to visit in Kannur.
• Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the surely-visited places of Kannur district where one can connect to nature and wildlife. Various species of animals and birds are found here among the thick greens and tall grasses. Katti Betta is the highest peak here and 15 rs is charged to visit the sanctuary.
• Parassinikkadavu: The town Parassinikkadavu is famous for Parassinikkadavu Snake Park where one can spectate various species of snakes starting from King Cobra to Python and many more. The Muthappan Temple is the only Hindu temple in Kerala and Sree Muthappan is the presiding deity.
• Peralassery: Peralassery is 12 km away from Kannur city and known for Peralassery Subrahmanya Temple. The sight that evokes epic religion from Ramayana has a significant pond Kannur is one of the frequently visited tourist places of Kerala and hence well connected to the major cities of the world. 

How to reach Kannur?

• Airways: Kannur International Airport is the nearest airport. Calicut International Airport at Kozhikode is 93 km from the city. 
• Roadways: Government and private road services are provided 24/7 to reach Kannur from all the important towns of South India. 
• Railways: Kannur Railway Station and Thalassery Railway Station are 2 important railway stations of the city and numerous trains connect Kannur to different states of the sub-continent.

Best time to visit Kannur 

Kannur falls under a wet tropical monsoon climate. Like the other areas on the Malabar Coast, it receives heavy rainfall during the rainy season.

• Summer: March to June- 23°C to 36°C (not too hot)
• Rainy: July to September- 23°C to 33°C (annual heavy rainfall)
• Winter: December to February- 16°C to 35°C (pleasant weather)