Kannur (കണ്ണൂര് Kaṇṇūr), formerly Cannanore, is a seaside city on the northern side of Kerala (Keralam), India. The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary on the Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kannur (old name Cannanore) is known as Land of Looms and Lore because of the importance of the fabric industry and the concentration of Theyyam temple dance festivals. The main language spoken is Malayalam. English is also understood. Kannur is the most politically sensitive district of Kerala and most people here have a socialist leaning.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Autorickshaws charge ₹30 for the first km and then ₹15 per km. Buses charge ₹7 for 3 km. City buses can be boarded from 'Prabhath bus stop' at the end of the Bank Road. This will ensure you a seat. For longer distances you have to go to the Thavakkara Bus Station. Taxi - Taxis are available at reasonable rates. Car - Parking is a serious problem almost everywhere in the town, except the beach side. You have to park the car somewhere and go in an auto rikshaw to cope with the traffic bottlenecks. Walk - Walking is not pleasant in town and city areas, as there are numerous noisy motorcycles, even in the narrow footpaths .
1 Arakkal Palace & Museum, Near the beach (1 km). Samples of pre-colonial art and architecture, Moplah Bay is nearby. (updated Mar 2026) 2 St. Angelo's Fort (3 km). Built in 1505 by the Portuguese. Very good garden and view to the sea. Short footpath into the sea near Malsyafed office. (updated Apr 2015) 3 Snake Park, Parassinikkadavu (18 km). (updated Apr 2015) 4 Valapattanam (7 km). Riverside village. (updated Apr 2015) 5 Science Park, Mele Chovva Road (2 km). The science park is a small facility containing displays of scientific and technological topics meant for school students. (updated Dec 2015) 6 Azhikode Chal Beach. (updated Jun 2026) 7 Azhikkal beach (12 km).
1 Birdwatching (8 km). At Munderi Bird Sanctuary, near Varam. Many exotic birds can be spotted at Madayippara near Pashayangadi, 24 km. (updated Apr 2015) City Esplanade @ Caltex. Start walking from Caltex junction. Proceed to the collectorate and turn right to old bus stand. You will pass the police parade ground, exhibition ground and the oval stadium complex building. After the Stadium complex, you can turn left twice and walk in front of the policemen's houses and again turn left to reach Caltex junction. The total distance to walk is 5 km. (updated Jun 2015) Climbing a Hill, Avera Kunnu (6 km). You can start from Thazhe Chovva bus stop and go beyond Chovva Railway Station up the hill.
Kannur follows all the traditional Kerala-Malabar food like rice, biriyanis, dosa, puttu, appam, idly, and seafoods. Stuffed mussels (Arikkadukka) are available with most of the local vendors. Acquaris Vegetarian, Near old bus stand (in the basement), ☏ +91 4972700558. No parking facility. (updated Apr 2015) Bharath Vegetarian, Railway Station Rd (inside Abhilash Tourist Home). The best place for Masala Dosai, a fermented crepe made from rice batter, black lentils, potato and onions. ₹35 Grass Hopper Vegetarian, Thavakkara busstand building. Paid parking facility. (updated May 2015) Golden Dish Restaurant, Opp. KSRTC, ☏ +91 4972703009. With a peaceful attic section.
Appoos Icecream, opp. District Bank, Stadium Complex (2 km). Air conditioned. (updated May 2015) Brownies Bakery and Coolbar, Near AKG Hospital, Thalap junction, NH (2 km). Comfortable attic seats with street view. (updated Aug 2015) The Grand Savoy Bar, Payyambalam. Sadhoo Hotel, puthiyatheru. Sannidhaan Bar, Caltex. Sona, bank Rd. Near Nikshan Electronics. Velocity Pub, Puthiyatheru. Near Amana Wholesale Shoppe. Juice Corner, Caltex Junction. Famous for their cocktail juices. (updated Jan 2021) Bulbul Cafe, Opposite LIC, Talap. Popular for their Mint Vanilla and Parotta Rolls. (updated Jan 2021) Thavakkal Stores, Anayidukku Road. Avil Milk Shakeː ₹40, Ginger Serbathː ₹15.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Kannur typically sees ~27°C daytime highs and 31 rainy days.
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