Kannur’s coast is refreshingly low-key: after the resort strips of the south, north Kerala’s beaches feel like the ones the crowds forgot. They’re wide, clean and made for sunsets rather than sunbeds, strung along the district from the town out to the dramatic Ezhimala headland. Here are the ones worth your time.
Payyambalam
The town beach and the local favourite, Payyambalam is a broad sweep of clean sand with a landscaped garden behind it and unbroken Arabian Sea sunsets in front. It’s the easiest beach to reach, close to the fort and the lighthouse, and the natural place to end a Kannur day.
Muzhappilangad, Meenkunnu and Thottada
South of town lies Muzhappilangad, the drive-in beach where you can take a vehicle onto the sand at low tide — the district’s headline beach, worth a guide of its own. Quieter still are Meenkunnu, a long clean stretch near Azhikode, and the small, cove-like beaches around Thottada, backed by homestays and good for a slow few days by the sea.
Dharmadam Island and Ezhimala
Off Muzhappilangad sits the palm-covered Dharmadam Island, reachable by wading at low tide (with care, as it’s private land). Further north, the Ezhimala headland rises 286 m straight from the sea — a striking promontory and the site of the Indian Naval Academy. The academy is a defence establishment, so the hill itself is off-limits, but the beaches and views around its base are memorable.
- These are open, largely unpatrolled beaches — mind the currents and swim within your depth.
- Sunset is the moment on this coast; Payyambalam is the easiest spot for it.
- Muzhappilangad has its own quirks (tide-dependent driving) — read up before you go.
- Ezhimala’s hill is a naval academy area and closed to visitors; enjoy the setting from the beaches nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best beach in Kannur?
Payyambalam is the easy town favourite — broad, clean and great for sunset. For something unusual, Muzhappilangad is the drive-in beach; for quiet, try Meenkunnu or the coves around Thottada.
Are Kannur’s beaches crowded?
Much less than Kerala’s southern beaches. The north Malabar coast is quiet and uncommercialised, which is a big part of its appeal — expect space and sunsets rather than resort scenes.
Can you visit Ezhimala hill?
No — Ezhimala is the site of the Indian Naval Academy, a defence establishment, so the hill itself is closed to visitors. You can still enjoy the beaches and the dramatic headland scenery around its base.