Kannur (Cannanore) Tourism And Travel Guide

Kannur is aptly seated between the waters of the stunning Lakshadweep Sea and the magnificent folds of the Western Ghats. There is a splendid collection of spiritual, cultural, political and commercial tourism in Kannur. The religious significance of Kannur is denoted by its name itself, which stands for the house of Lord Krishna. Proclaimed as the Land of Looms and Lores, Kannur has also been conferred with international accolades for its prowess in handloom export. Invigorating art forms and ancient forms of worship glorify the essence of Kannur even further. Let us hunt through this travel guide of Kannur to learn more about it.

By Air:

Kozhikode International lies within close proximity to Kannur. Separated by approximately 85 km from Kannur, it operates a number of domestic and international flights. Some of the pre-eminent cities of the country such as Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai have flights plying to this airport on a routine basis. Once at the Kozhikode International Airport, tourists are free to board local transport such as a taxi or an auto to reach their destination with ease.

By Rail:

Kannur has its own railway station that is blessed with great connectivity to other hubs of the country. Express trains and local trains travel to and fro on a frequent basis, offering tourists with ample rail options along this route. Some of the major cities that ply trains to Kannur include Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi and Bangalore. Situated right in the center of the town, Kannur Railway Station also presents visitors with ample local transport means such as autos and cabs to get to their preferred sites.

By Road:

Roads leading up to Kannur boast of scintillating landscapes and sceneries along the way. Kozhikode and Mangalore offer significant road connectivity to Kannur. The NH 66 state highway roads are well-built and provide travelers with smooth commutation. The KSRTC buses steer in and out of Kannur on a regular basis and offer convenient travel for passengers. These buses ply to Kannur from several prime cities of the country, such as Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.

Proximity to coastal waters deeply influences the weather that prevails within Kannur, with temperatures hovering between 22°C and 32°C. The monsoon and summer seasons are not that feasible for tourism due to heavy rainfall and soaking humidity. However, winter season comes to the rescue of tourists, with the inviting climate wooing visitors into the city.

Summer (March to May):

The temperature in the summer season sometimes even mounts to about 40°C. With such humid and brittle climate, tourism is practiced on a lower scale in Kannur during this time of the year. On the other hand, adventurers who do not wither under the heat waves don’t mind making trips to Kannur during the summer.

Monsoon:

Presence of sea waters within close range of Kannur renders a surge in rainfall during the monsoon season. The city continually receives precipitation during the course of the year. However, this undulating rainfall also nurtures splendid vegetation and creates stunning sceneries for tourists to bask in. Those who love the thought of adventuring into nature’s quarters in the company of lush grasslands would prefer this season.

Winter:

Winter season is the prime season for tourism prospects in Kannur. The amount of rainfall drops considerably and the temperatures keep alternating between 13°C and 25°C. The weather remains gentle and cool for most of the time. Visitors can spend time in relaxation across the beaches of Kannur. This is the ideal season to venture into the fascinating tourism spots that the city of Kannur fosters within its territory.

Mementos of History:

The rich historical roots of Kannur even include biblical extracts such as King Solomon’s boats dropping anchor along the coasts of Kannur. This city constantly faced invasions from different colonial powers such as the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and the Mysore Sultans. Several majestic palaces and erstwhile forts constructed throughout Kannur’s terrain are reminiscent of the illustrious colonial times. Museums around the city boast of some tremendous artefacts that revive the brilliant culture of yore. Kannur has all the exquisite ancient traits that attract historians and scholars from all over the globe.

Land of Placid Beaches:

Kannur is renowned for its extensive span of golden beaches that tourists often pursue. Kannur’s beaches possess all the intriguing attributes that can lure in visitors with both amusement and fulfillment. Some of the fantastic beaches that adorn the coastal rims of Kannur are Meenkunnu Beach, Baby Beach, Thottada Beach, Muzhappilangad Beach and Payyambalam Beach. These shores are perfect for those tourists who crave undisturbed spots and desire to get away from the commotion of city life.

Flamboyant Folk Traditions:

Kannur has been one of the prime hubs for breeding several forms of traditional arts and dances. With the variety of tribes that throng the region, comes an interesting variety in the number of folk dances practiced in this district. The most significant resemblance of the tribal traditions that prevail in Kannur is the Theyyam dance form. Dressed in radiant makeup and attire, these Theyyam artists are believed to shower blessings upon the faithful. Other vibrant art forms such as Kathakali, Marathukali and Poorakkali are also practiced with great fervor. Finally, the famous Kalaripayattu form of martial art has been appraised as a vital cog of Kannur’s ethnic heritage.

Bustling Wildlife:

Kannur has been endowed with bountiful flora and fauna. The astonishing countryside and dense forests of Kannur nurture some phenomenal species of wildlife and plants. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is one such distinctive natural reserve that fosters some of the most vivacious snakes that crawl over the planet. This list of snakes includes the Python and the King Cobra. This snake park also boasts of other reptile families that could thrill tourists. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary of the Western Ghats is another excellent sanctuary that nurtures a diverse assortment of flora and fauna. Mighty Elephants grace the grasslands of this sanctuary, forming the center of attraction for tourists.

The food culture of Kannur breeds an eccentric assortment of mouth-watering dishes. A trip to Kannur would be unfinished business if tourists didn’t lay their hands on the delicious Thelassery Chicken Dum Biryani. Kannur’s food collection represents a mixed bag, containing sumptuous dishes such as Neypathiri, Elayada, Kinnathappam, Unnakkaya, Ari Unda, Kalathappam and Pazham Nirachathu. Coastal proximity means that Kannur is gifted with some tasty local seafood. Kallumakkaya is a seafood preparation that is found all around the city, enticing tourists with its perfect blend of plump meat and favorable spices. Just like any other city of Kerala, the famed local banana chips are loved by tourists that travel to Kannur too.

Kannur offers tourists with fascinating shopping opportunities. Popular as the Land of Looms and Lores, it is befitting that this city has several textile and craft developments scattered all over its territory. Almost every product of Kannur exudes a dash of traditional nuances. The city is studded with sparkling shopping arcades. Conventional commodities such as earthenware items, pottery, and ivory carvings are also famous in Kannur. Its stature as the Land of Spices means that tourists can take home a variety of condiments such as pepper, turmeric, and ginger.