Kannur district

Kannur is an administrative district in Kerala, India, that stretches along the western coast from the Arabian Sea to the forested hills of the Western Ghats. The landscape includes coastal strips with fishing boats and sandy shores, as well as inland villages nestled among rice paddies and spice plantations.

The district was formed in 1957 after the creation of Kerala state from areas that had previously been part of the Malabar district under British rule. Before colonial times, this coastline served as a trading hub for spice merchants and seafarers from the Mediterranean and East Asia.

The area is known for its Theyyam performances, where dancers in elaborate costumes and masks embody local deities, and visitors can experience these ritual movements in temple courtyards. These ceremonies take place mainly between November and May and bring village communities together to watch the dancers.

The best time to visit is between October and March, when the monsoon rains have eased and the weather is sunny and comfortable. The area is accessible by bus routes and trains that connect smaller towns with larger centers along the coast.

Handloom weaving has thrived here for centuries, and visitors can watch weavers work on wooden looms to produce cotton textiles in small workshops. The woven cloth is often sold directly in small shops beside the workshop spaces.