Near a smattering of beautiful but unsung gold-sand beaches along Kerala's northern reach, Kannur (formerly Cannanore) has laid-back coastal appeal—but most travelers visit to see Theyyam rituals, mesmerizing music, mime, and dance performances unique to the region. After viewing a performance in town or out, options for things to do range from visiting the colonial Portuguese remains of St. Angelo Fort to immersing yourself in local handweaving traditions and spending idyllic days at the beach.
When it comes to planning a visit to Kannur, the weather is an important consideration. The heavy rains during Kerala’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September, douse away the overpowering heat of the March–May summer months. That said, winter (October through February) is a cool, pleasant, and mostly dry time to visit and explore outdoors. Theyyam performances and festivals are typically held from December to April.
Kannur is on the Malabar Coast in the northern tip of Kerala, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Kozhikode (formerly Calicut). The city lies along National Highway 66—which passes roughly from Mumbai to the southern tip of India—and is well connected by rail, with frequent train service to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and other hubs. From the main train station on MK Road, your best friends are rickshaws, which are affordable and can get just about anywhere.
Kerala is said to have some of India’s best beaches—and a few of the state's most beautiful lie in the north near Kannur. Thottada Beach has palm trees and seaside bed-and-breakfasts, while Payyambalam Beach is Kannur’s main urban beach. Kizhunna Beach, which lies just south of town, is spacious, often secluded, and has first-rate swimming and snorkeling when the weather is clear.
