Kannur District is in Malabar area of Kerala state. The population is 2.4 million and the density is 813 people per km². Kannur has coastal and hilly towns and villages.
The people of Kannur District are very friendly on first appearance. But they are also very conservative and sensitive in political issues. Strong communist sentiment runs in the veins of most Kannurians and political murders are a monthly phenomenon here. The tourists are never affected by the local politics except that they get marooned in one of the general strikes that close all businesses, eateries and transportation.
As well as Kannur International Airport (IATA: CNN) There is an airport at Kondotty, 121 km. There is another airport at Mangalore, 157 km. Trains are available from all Indian cities to Kannur. Direct buses are available from all South Indian cities.
Buses charge ₹7 for three km. Autorikshaws charge ₹15 for every km. Air-conditioned taxis and jeeps are also available.
The main attractions of Kannur District are its beautiful beaches. The beaches in Azhikode area are pristine and unvisited. Meenkunnu beach in Azhikode, for example, is highly valued by European visitors but locals don't care for the bent coconut trees or the rocky shoreline. There is a beach at Muzhappilangad where sand is solid enough to drive on for kilometres. The temples and Theyyam dances are another attraction, if you can visit the riverside temple at Parassinikkadavu. There are beautiful forts at Kannur and Thalassery. There is an old Muslim palace called The Arackal palace at Kannur beach. There are secluded beaches in places like Adi-Kadalayi and Thayyil in Kannur city. If you are a temple visitor, there are numerous choices in every part of the district. The best of all, you can go up a hill in the very middle of Kannur city by climbing the Avera Kunnu near Thazhe Chovvva. It is an undiscovered place and you will be the first visitor on any day.
Kerala-style food is available both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Western food is available only in upmarket hotels and resorts. There are many north Indian workers here, but north Indian food is not available because the workers are adapted to Kerala food.
Beer and wine are available in Kannur District. For stronger alcoholic drinks you have to go to Mahe, 31 km away, which is an enclave administered by Pondicherry.
Kannur district is notorious for sudden general strikes that come without any prior warning for political reasons. Tourists are forced to remain at the railway station or the hotel for the entire day and restaurants and shops will remain closed during a general strike.
Primary administrative division