Kannur, the “Land of Looms and Lores,” is a hidden gem on the North Malabar coast of Kerala. While many travelers head south to Alleppey or Varkala, we decided to drive toward the rugged charm of Kannur for a quick 3-day Christmas getaway.
From driving on the waves to witnessing the mystical Theyyam, here is how we spent our long weekend.
The Journey: Bangalore to Kannur
The road trip from Bangalore to Kannur is roughly 315 km and takes about 7–8 hours, depending on traffic.
Our Route:
Bangalore –> Mysore –> Mysore-Virajpet Highway –> Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary –> Kerala Border –> Kannur.
The drive is incredibly scenic, especially the stretch through the Brahmagiri forest. Because it was the Christmas holidays, we hit heavy traffic and reached our destination around 3:00 PM. However, the moment we pulled into the parking lot, the sound of the crashing Arabian Sea waves made the fatigue disappear instantly.
Where We Stayed: Kanbay Beach Resort
Finding a stay during Christmas week can be a challenge, but we were lucky to find Kanbay Beach Resort, located right on Thottada Beach.
Please checkout beauty of Thottada Beach in following video :
The Experience:
- Location: You literally walk out of the garden and onto the sand. The resort offers spectacular views of both sunrise and sunset. We took our drone out and captured some breathtaking aerial footage of the golden hour.
- The Vibe: It’s a beautiful property with very polite staff and clean, well-maintained rooms.
- The Food: Authentic Kerala flavors that hit the spot every single time.
- A Small Note: Being peak season, things were a little bit mismanaged due to the holiday rush, but the warmth of the staff and the beauty of the location more than made up for it.
The Highlights
1. The Mystical Muthappan Theyyam
You cannot visit Kannur without witnessing Theyyam, a ritualistic dance-protest-art form where performers are believed to embody the divine. While we missed the “Fire Theyyam” this time, we were lucky enough to see the Muthappan Theyyam. The energy, the costume, and the vibrant colors are extraordinary—a must-see for anyone interested in culture.
2. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
This was a bucket-list item! As Asia’s longest drive-in beach, it’s a unique thrill to drive your own vehicle right on the shore with the waves splashing against the tires. We spent a good amount of time here before checking out, and it’s easily one of the most Instagrammable spots in Kerala.
Checkout video of Drive in Beach :
Quick Sightseeing Guide for Kannur
If you have more time, here are a few other spots you should consider:
- St. Angelo Fort: A 16th-century Portuguese masterpiece.
- Arakkal Museum: Explore the history of Kerala’s only Muslim royal family.
- Kannur Lighthouse: For panoramic views of the coast.
- Peralassery Stepwell: An ancient temple pond with stunning geometric architecture.
Final Thoughts
Our 3-day trip was a perfect blend of peaceful resort time and high-energy cultural exploration. Kannur has a way of pulling you back; its beauty is raw and its traditions are deep. We are already planning “Kannur Volume 2” to explore even more of this coastal paradise.
Have you ever driven on a beach? Let me know your favorite Kannur memories in the comments below!
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Regards
