Overview
Kannur sits on the Malabar Coast of northern Kerala, a relaxed seaside city of Portuguese forts, handloom cooperatives and long, uncrowded beaches. It is best known for Theyyam, the vivid temple rituals staged across the region from roughly December to April. Since Kannur International Airport (CNN) opened at Mattannur in 2018, reaching this corner of Kerala from the UK has become far simpler, though journeys still involve one stop.
Best time to fly to Kannur
The dry season runs from October to March, with warm days, cooler evenings and little rain, ideal for the beaches and for Theyyam season. April and May turn hot and humid, while the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain from June to September, when fares and hotel rates tend to fall. For the most reliable weather aim for November to February, and check the price charts on this page to see how fares shift through the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Kannur, so every routing involves one connection. The most popular options run through the Gulf: Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha and Etihad via Abu Dhabi all link UK airports to Kannur with a single change, often on a regional carrier for the final leg. Air India and Air India Express connect through Indian hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Expect a total journey of roughly 12 to 16 hours depending on the layover, with around 11 hours in the air.
Things to do in Kannur
Kannur rewards travellers who enjoy culture and coastline over big-ticket attractions.
- St Angelo Fort: A weathered seafront fort begun by the Portuguese in 1505, with wide views over the Arabian Sea.
- Theyyam performances: Northern Kerala's dramatic temple ritual, with towering costumes and body paint, held mainly from December to April.
- Muzhappilangad Beach: A rare drive-in beach, one of the longest in Asia, great for a paddle and a sunset.
- Payyambalam Beach: The landscaped town beach, busy with local families in the evenings.
- Arakkal Museum: The former palace of Kerala's only Muslim royal family, with heirlooms and documents on display.
At Kannur International Airport (CNN)
The airport lies near Mattannur, about 25 km east of Kannur city centre, roughly a 45 to 60 minute drive. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs wait outside arrivals, and KSRTC buses run to Kannur, Thalassery and beyond. For journeys deeper into Kerala, Kannur railway station is well connected south towards Kozhikode and Kochi.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kannur
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best balance of price and choice, and use the When to book chart above.
- Fly midweek where you can, and avoid the mid-December to early-January and Easter peaks along with UK school holidays.
- Keep your dates flexible; shifting by a day or two, or flying into nearby Kozhikode or Kochi, can lower the fare.
- Compare Gulf carriers against one-stop Air India routings, as the cheapest choice changes with the season.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for India. Most travellers apply online for an e-Tourist visa before departure, with approval usually taking a few working days. The currency is the Indian rupee, and rates are generally better on arrival than buying rupees in the UK. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, but check the NHS Fit for Travel website for current advice, drink bottled or filtered water, and take out travel insurance that covers medical care.