Planning a peaceful Kerala coastal trip from Gujarat? Here’s a complete guide based on my journey from Vadodara to Kannur, including budget details, stay, transport challenges, and must-visit places.
Kannur is one of the most underrated destinations in North Kerala — known for forts, beaches, Theyyam culture, and spiritual spots.
How We Reached Kannur from Vadodara
We booked a 3AC train ticket from Vadodara to Kannur.
Ticket price: ₹2,500 per person
Journey type: Comfortable long-distance train travel
Train travel is one of the most budget-friendly ways to reach Kerala from Gujarat compared to flights.
Where We Stayed in Kannur
We stayed at Varsha Homestay, Kannur.
Cost: ₹6,000 for 2 nights
Type: 3BHK full homestay
Ideal for families or group travelers
The property was spacious and comfortable.
⚠️ Important Travel Tip About Transport
One major issue we faced in Kannur:
No Ola
No Uber
No Rapido
Autos are not easily available
So if you’re visiting, either:
Arrange a rental vehicle in advance
Stay near main town area
Or depend on local buses like we did
We used local bus transportation to save money.
Day 1 in Kannur
1. St. Angelo Fort
Entry ticket: ₹25 per person
St. Angelo Fort offers stunning Arabian Sea views and is perfect for photography and sunset lovers. The fort is well maintained and gives a historic vibe of Kerala’s colonial past.
2. Neelyar Kottam (For Theyyam)
We visited Neelyar Kottam to witness Theyyam — the famous ritual art form of North Kerala.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the performance.
Important Tip:
If you want to see Theyyam:
Call the temple in advance
Check the performance timetable
Confirm date and timing before visiting
Theyyam is seasonal and time-specific.
3. Payyambalam Beach (Evening)
In the evening, we visited Payyambalam Beach.
It’s clean, peaceful, and perfect for sunset walks. Less crowded compared to major Kerala beaches, making it ideal for relaxed travelers.
Day 2 in Kannur & Thalassery
4. Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple
We started our morning at Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple.
This temple is unique because:
It has a different style of worship
Devotees offer fish and toddy as ritual offerings
The riverside setting makes it peaceful and spiritual.
5.Thalassery Village & Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
From Kannur, we went to Thalassery village.
Here, we rented a car and drove on:
Muzhappilangad Beach – Asia’s Largest Drive-in Beach
Entry fee: ₹50
This beach allows you to drive your car directly on the sand — a rare experience in India.
Driving along the coastline with waves on one side is truly unforgettable.
6. Thalassery Fort
After the beach, we visited Thalassery Fort.
It offers:
Beautiful sea views
Historical architecture
Less crowd
A peaceful and photogenic location.
Temples & Churches in the Village
We also explored small temples and churches in Thalassery village, experiencing local culture and architecture.
Budget Summary
Train (3AC): ₹2,500 per person
Stay (2 nights 3BHK): ₹6,000
Fort entry: ₹25
Drive-in beach entry: ₹50
Local buses: Budget-friendly
Using local buses helped us control transportation costs since app-based cabs were unavailable.
Final Thoughts
Kannur is perfect if you love:
Forts
Cultural experiences like Theyyam
Peaceful beaches
Budget travel
Offbeat Kerala destinations
It may not have metro-city transport facilities, but that’s also what makes it authentic and less commercial.
If you’re planning a Kerala coastal trip, don’t skip Kannur.