Mesmerizing Malabar

The Kakkayam dam, Kakkayam Valley, offers the tourists not only a reservoir and its beauty but also a fantastic chance to enjoy the trekking and the scenic beauty of evergreen forest and grasslands. The main attractions near this tourists place are, Kakkayam valley, Kariyathan rock (Kariyathan Mala) and Urukkuzhi Waterfalls. The Hanging Bridge over these waterfalls is another attraction here. Kappad Beach has historically played an important role in the history of Kerala. On these shores, over 500 years ago in 1498, 170 men led by Vasco- da-Gama first stepped onto Kerala. The entire State, especially the Malabar Coast, would never be the same again. Dharmadam Island, Located about 100 m away from the pristine shores of Dharmadam Beach, Dharmadam Island has turned into favourite for tourists seeking a secluded and tranquil picnic spot. This uninhabited island is covered with a canopy of coconut palms and dense bushes, surrounded by Mainland Rivers on three sides and the sea on the other. One can approach it only at low tide, and strolls around the place give one a brilliant view of the confluence of the Anjarakandy and Thalassery Rivers.

The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is among the finest of its kind in Kerala. It plays host to an exotic array of flora and fauna and is among the most picturesque locations in Kannur district. The forest is peaceful and many trekking options are available as well. A visit to the sanctuary is incomplete without visiting the great Katti Betta, the tallest peak in the area, which is 1145 high. Architectural splendour Peralassery temple, a famous pilgrim centre in the North Malabar region of Kerala, Sree Peralassery temple is situated at Peralassery in Kannur. The main deity worshipped here is Lord Subramanya. The temple pond is a source of wonder for all devotees; this rectangular pond has an impressive architecture with countless steps leading into the pool from all the four sides. This temple is a must-visit destination. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, This beach is the longest Drive-In Beach in Asia and is featured among the top 6 best beaches for driving in the world in BBC article for Autos. Muzhappilangad is the only Asian beach featured in the list. You have a 4 km stretch of sand that awaits you to simply drive along as you soak in the view of the beautiful Malabar Coast. Along the way, one gets to munch on delicacies from a number of shacks that offer authentic Malabar cuisine.

Kannur Lighthouse, Kerala's first lighthouse ever and Kannur's only one, the Kannur Lighthouse is a pretty big deal, Standing tall at the height of 75 feet. Since the lighthouse stands at a considerable height, one is delighted with an enchanting and panoramic view of the entire city of Kannur, the limitless Arabian Sea, the Baby Beach and even parts of Payyaballam Beach. Kanjirakolly (Kanjirakolli) in Kannur district is among the less explored tourist spots in Kerala. This hilly destination located in the border of Kerala and Karnataka about 4000 ft above sea level, is famous for Kanmath para, Sasipara and Alakapuri Waterfalls. Though the Alakapuri Waterfall originates in the forests of Karnataka state, it is best viewed from Kerala. Ezharakund waterfalls in Kudianmala, Kannur is another emerging tourist destination maintained by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). Ezharakundu is a group of seven waterfalls and the name literally translates to seven and a half pits in malayalam. The lush green plains, meandering rivers and the gushing waterfalls make it one of the tourist hotspots in North Kerala. Palakkayam Thattu in Kannur is a verdurous hill station that fits the travel bucket list of every individual keen to explore the lush green and offbeat beauty of the Western Ghats. Touching the clouds at an altitude of 3500 feet, Palakkayam Thattu is one of the least explored locations in the northern Malabar district of Kannur in the state of Kerala. This is surely one of the top tourist places in kannur to visit. Paithalmala, also called Vaithalmala, is a hill station situated in the Kannur region of Kerala. Snuggled in the Western Ghats, the trek takes you through dense forests and opens up to a wide expanse that goes to the Pythalmala peak.(Paithalmala View Point).

Ranipuram, stands at a height of 750 m above sea level and is the region of highest altitude in the district. The region was formerly known as Madathumala. The extensive forests here merge with the Coorg mountains of Karnataka. The place is a paradise for trekkers and Nature lovers who are drawn by the evergreen shola forests, wildflowers, moors and the sprawling meadows. It is said that the breeze here has medicinal properties, as the meadows here are full of lemongrass which has antioxidant properties. If you are lucky, wild elephants can be spotted wandering in the mountains. Achankallu waterfalls, Thirunetti Kallu (Optional).

Posadi Gumpe Hilllock, which stands 1060 ft high above sea level, is situated east of Manjeswaram and 15 kilometres south of Bekal. The nearest village to Posadi Gumpe is Paivalike.The hilltop offers a view of the Arabian Sea, Mangalore and Kudremukh. In the northern tip of Kerala lies the Ananthapura Lake Temple, the only lake temple in Kerala. The lake in which the Sanctum Sanctorum is built measures about 2 acres (302 feet square). An interesting spot to keep in mind while visiting the temple is a cave to the right corner of the lake. Bekal Fort. It is among the biggest forts in Kerala and has been impeccably maintained throughout the years. It rises to 130 feet above sea level and is situated on a headland spanning 35km. Much effort has been put to develop a beautiful beach here called the Bekal Fort Beach. Situated comfortably on steep hills by the sea, the fort provides for an imposing view from the beach. it is amongst the most visited sites in Kerala.

Edayilakkad (Edayilakkadu or Edayilekkadu), is a marshy island situated in the Kavvayi Backwaters, a long, almost isolated, arm of the Arabian Sea. Edayilakkad is noted for its biodiversity and local conservation efforts. Kavvayi Kayal is among the most fascinating backwater destinations in Kerala. This lesser known destination is the result of the five rivers viz. River Kavvayi and its tributary streams Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan. It has been bestowed with many a natural gift and is considered among the most exotic locations in North Kerala. These backwaters form the biggest wetland in north Kerala with an area of roughly 37 sq km. The boat rides will also help you explore each of the different islands. One can also indulge in delicious seafood in the area. It is the perfect place to visit for some well-deserved peace and relaxation. The breeze alone will calm your soul. Valiyaparamba Backwaters, The scenic backwater near the Bekal Fort transports us to a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle. The mesmerizing view from a kettuvallam (houseboat) is probably the one thing that you need to just lay back and relax. Valiyaparamba is the third-largest backwaters in Kerala which provides a picturesque view of the local flora and fauna. The boat ride through the backwaters takes you to Valiyaparamba island, the largest island in Kavvayi backwaters Ezhimala Situated at a height of 286 metres from sea level, Ezhimala is a popular tourist place in the Kannur district which has great historical significance as well. Tourists can view the Payyanur town from the hilltop. Rivers, roads, paddy fields and coconut palms render good photographic visuals. The serenity of the mountain peak and the greenery of the valleys are sure to be etched in the visitors’ memory for a long time. Madayipara, one of the most beautiful destinations in Kerala. An all season destination, this wonderful landscape evokes a fresh experience on every visit. It is said that the during spring, Madayipara drapes herself in a bluish hue, the monsoon bathes her in a stunning greenish hue while autumn leaves her rejoicing in blazing tones of red. Other attractions here are the Madayi Kavu temple, Vadakunnu temple and the 12th century mosque.