Kannur Travel Guide: Exploring Kerala’s Hidden Gem & The Only Drive-in Beach in India

Kerala, often called ‘God’s Own Country,’ is full of stunning landscapes, cultural

heritage, and breathtaking coastal experiences. Among its many gems, Kannur stands out for its unique blend of history, tradition, and adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or thrill-seeker, Kannur has something special to offer.

In this blog, we take you through our cinematic journey to Muzhappilangad Beach, India’s only drive-in beach, and explore the best things to do in Kannur—all while sharing travel tips on how to get here from Bangalore.

Why Visit Kannur?

Kannur is a coastal town rich in history and culture. It has been an important trade hub for centuries, influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers. The town is also famous for its traditional art form, Theyyam, an ancient ritualistic performance that showcases Kerala’s vibrant folklore.

Things to Do in Kannur

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach – The only beach in India where you can drive your car or bike along the shore for a thrilling experience.
St. Angelo Fort – A 16th-century fort offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Arakkal Museum – Showcasing the history of Kerala’s only Muslim royal family.
Payyambalam Beach – A serene beach perfect for relaxing walks and sunset views.
Kannur Lighthouse – A historical landmark offering a bird’s-eye view of the coastline.
Theyyam Performances – Witness one of Kerala’s most intense and colorful ritualistic dance forms.

The Ultimate Road Trip: Bangalore to Kannur

Our journey began with a nostalgic conversation about past adventures and the excitement of finally setting off on a new one. From Bangalore, Kannur is around 300 km away, making it a perfect road trip destination.

How to Reach Kannur from Bangalore

By Car: A road trip from Bangalore to Kannur takes approximately 6-7 hours, covering scenic landscapes and winding roads through Coorg before reaching Kerala’s coastline.
By Train: Direct trains are available from Bangalore to Kannur Railway Station, taking around 8-9 hours.
By Flight: Kannur has its own airport, Kannur International Airport (CNN), with direct flights from Bangalore, making it the fastest option.

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: The Highlight of Our Trip

One of the most surreal experiences in Kannur is driving on Muzhappilangad Beach, India’s only official drive-in beach. Imagine cruising along a 4 km stretch of hard-packed sand with the ocean waves lapping beside you—it’s an adrenaline rush like no other!

What Makes Muzhappilangad Beach Special?

Only Drive-in Beach in India – Feel the thrill of driving your vehicle right on the sand!
Spectacular Sunsets – Golden hues reflecting on the water make for stunning photographs.
Adventure Activities – Jet skiing, paragliding, and off-road biking.
Perfect for Photography – A dream location for drone shots and cinematic travel videos.
Pet-Friendly – Our Shih Tzu, Myra, had the time of her life playing on the shore!

Best Time to Visit Muzhappilangad Beach

The best time to visit is October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the tides are perfect for driving on the sand.

How to Get There?

Muzhappilangad Beach is just 15 km from Kannur city center.
If traveling by train, the nearest station is Kannur Railway Station, from where you can take an auto or taxi.
From Kannur Airport, it’s a 30-minute drive.

Where to Stay in Kannur?

For a comfortable and budget-friendly stay, book your accommodation with OYO Hotels in Kannur. Enjoy contactless check-in, sanitized rooms, and beautiful properties near the beach.

Final Thoughts

Our adventure in Kannur was nothing short of magical. From experiencing a nostalgic road trip vibe to driving on the beach at sunset, every moment was filled with excitement. Stay tuned for the next episode of our Kerala travel series, where we explore Kochi’s famous backwaters and toddy experience!

🚗 WATCH THE FULL KANNUR EPISODE HERE:

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