When I planned a trip to North Kerala, I had no idea that there are so many wonderful places to roam around. All I wanted was a beach vacation, a short getaway from routine. But North Kerala did surprise us with its variety of places. Dive in to see what all you can plan in this underrated part of Kerala?

Thalssery fort
The entrance of the fort is set on a 10 meter wall that the visitors have to ascend the stairs to enter it. The fort has a wide courtyard, underground chambers, tunnels and also a light house on its terrace.

The panorama from the terrace of the fort is so archetypal with a scene of beautiful yellow church, European styled houses with high pitched roof and a sea in the background to complete a look imitating a European old town.

Overbury’s folly, a recreational seaside park is also just a stone throw from this fort. If planning this vacation with kids, do include this place in your itinerary(Preferably evening to watch a surreal sun set over arabian sea)

Experience a bit of Pondicherry in Mahe
Have you heard about a quaint town tucked between Kannur and Kozhikode of Kerala which is a part of Pondicherry? Yes Mahe it is. Remember mapping it in Geography maps? Once a French colony, Mahe still holds traces and remains of the same.

From well-maintained hillock to lamp studded walkway to colorful colonial houses, this panoramic town has so much to offer. Read my  detailed blogpost on top things to do in Mahe!

Stay in a homestay with a splendid beach view
I have always assumed waking up to the sound of waves is something luxurious. That was until I stumble upon this gorgeous property in Kannur.

Be it the splendid sea view from bed or the access to the private beach, this homestay has got you covered for a perfect sea vacation. For a matter of fact, there are many houses in Kannur which are converted into a homestay with private beach access. But we loved our stay in Manshore Bay Guesthouse in terms of Sea view and hospitality. Check out my detailed blog on this homestay here.

St Angelo fort
Originally built by Portuguese, the Dutch seized the fort after 150 years. After that, British took control over the fort and renovated it to make it their important military station in Malabar coast. Built with red laterite stones on the coast of Arabian sea, this fort has vast stables, a prison and an ammunition granary.

The aura of this fort is very relaxing with well maintained gardens and a gorgeous view of the sea.

Arakkal museum
Arakkal family being the only muslim family of Kerala, their royal residence, Arakkal kettu has been converted into a museum to showcase a part of their lives. The museum was brimming with stories of the past and lot of heritage furniture, weapons, art and antiques kept for show.

When you walk out of the Arakkal museum, chance upon a stunning teal colored mosque named Moideen palli. Doesn’t the color and architecture of this mosque sparkles your soul?

Muzhapilangad Drive-in beach
Muzhapilangad beach is a wonderful white sand beach studded with coconut trees and greenery all around. This is one of the longest drive-in beach in India. Apart from being cleanest and calmest beach, this beach also offers adventure sports like parasailing, paragliding and powerboating for adrenaline junkies.

From this beach, you can also access Dharmadham island, a secluded place 100 meters from the mainland, during low tide. We couldn’t venture to it as we went during high tide.

Kannur Light house
From cool breeze to bird’s eye view of the town to the mighty Arabian sea, climbing the spiral stairs of Kannur lighthouse is worth every energy spent. Isn’t the view from Kannur light house so exhilirating?

Apart from this, Kannur light house also houses a museum for lighthouses and has an audio-visual depicting the history of lighthouses.

Kannur Walkway
How I wish we have a walkway like Kannur walkway near my residence so that walking a mile doesn’t feel like it. With cool sea breeze ruffling your hair, take a leisurely stroll on this stunning cliff walkway to soothe your heart.

Relax on the sit-out with your favorite person and enjoy the sun go down the Arabian sea magnificently.

Slurp the savory North Kerala food
North Kerala has been in my bucket list just for its food. From chemeen unda to Arikadukka to Meen pathiri, Kannur did surprise us with its variety of gastronomical delights. Read my blog on all the food you can savour if you are planning a trip to North Kerala.

Spice Shopping
Kerala has been a treasure house of spices for many centuries. From cinnamon to star anise, everything was available at dirt cheap prices as the tropical climate of Kerala favors the cultivation of many of these expensive spices.

One of the main reasons I packed my bags to North Kerala was to watch Theeyam performance, a 800 year old spectacular dance form. But I couldn’t to watch it. A valid reason to plan my next trip to North Kerala(Wink).

Many more places like Thenmala, Kavvayi backwaters deserves to be part of your North Kerala itinerary. But due to time constraints, we couldn’t venture much.

As I had mentioned earlier, North Kerala is really underrated compared to its south counterpart. North Kerala sure makes up for a brilliant getaway with its hidden gems, serene white beaches, lip-smacking food and great hospitality.

Are you convinced enough to plan your trip to North Kerala?

Pin me to read later!