യാത്ര · Getting here and around
How to reach Kannur
Kannur sits on the Konkan–Malabar coast, 90 km north of Kozhikode and 110 km south of Mangalore. It has its own international airport, is on the main railway line, and NH 66 runs through it.
By air
Kannur International Airport (CNN) at Mattannur, 25 km from town: direct flights from Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and the Gulf. Prepaid taxis (₹900–1,200 to Kannur), KSRTC buses to Kannur, Thalassery, Taliparamba and Payyanur.
By train
Kannur (CAN) is a major stop for trains from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mangalore and Thiruvananthapuram. Thalassery, Payyanur and Kannapuram serve the south and north of the district; Pazhayangadi and Valapattanam are useful local halts for the kavu belt.
By road
KSRTC and private buses connect Kannur with all Kerala cities, Mysuru (via Iritty–Virajpet, 5 h), Bengaluru (8 h) and Mangalore (3 h). NH 66 (coast) and the Kannur–Mysuru highway (SH 30) are the main roads. Cars can be hired with driver from DTPC-listed operators.
Getting to the kavus
Most kavus are in villages 10–50 km from Kannur, along the Taliparamba, Payyanur, Mattannur and Thalassery roads. Buses reach the nearest junction; the last 1–3 km is by auto-rickshaw or on foot.
Night travel: the main Theyyams appear between midnight and 7 am. Book a car with driver for the night (₹2,500–4,000) or stay at a homestay near the kavu. Auto-rickshaws are scarce after 10 pm.
Parking: big Kaliyattams have volunteer-run parking on paddy fields; follow the committee's signage.
Local buses start around 5 am and run till 10 pm on main routes. KSRTC Kannur enquiry: 0497 270 7777 (verify).
Useful hubs for Theyyam trips:
- Taliparamba bus stand — Sreekandapuram, Naduvil (Kunnathoor Padi), Kudianmala (Paithalmala)
- Payyanur — Karivellur, Kunhimangalam, Ezhimala, Kavvayi
- Pazhayangadi — Madayi Kavu, Kadannappally, Cherukunnu
- Thalassery — Andalur Kavu, Dharmadam, Pinarayi, Muzhappilangad
- Mattannur — airport, Iritty, Aralam, Pazhassi Dam
Transport hubs on the map
Airport
Kannur International AirportCNN
Kerala's fourth international airport, 25 km east of Kannur town at Mattannur. Direct flights from major Indian cities and the Gulf. Prepaid taxis and KSRTC buses to Kannur, Thalassery, Taliparamba, Payyanur and Iritty.
Railway stations
Kannur Railway StationCAN
On the Konkan / Mangalore–Shoranur main line with trains from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore. The bus stand and DTPC office are within 1 km.
Thalassery Railway StationTLY
Serves Thalassery, Dharmadam, Andalur Kavu and Muzhappilangad (south of the district).
Payyanur Railway StationPAY
Gateway to the Payyanur–Karivellur Theyyam belt, Kavvayi backwaters and Ezhimala.
Pazhayangadi Railway StationPAZ
Closest station to Madayi Kavu, Madayipara and the Kadannappally / Cherukunnu kavus. Passenger trains only.
Kannapuram Railway StationKPQ
Local station between Kannur and Pazhayangadi; near Cherukunnu and Ezhome.
Bus stands
Kannur KSRTC Bus Stand
State-transport hub with services across Kerala, to Mysuru, Bengaluru, Mangalore and Coorg. Next to the private (Central) bus stand and 800 m from the railway station.
Thalassery Bus Stand
Buses to Kannur, Kuthuparamba, Mahe and Vadakara.
Taliparamba Bus Stand
Hub for buses to Sreekandapuram, Naduvil (Kunnathoor Padi), Kudianmala (Paithalmala) and Alakode.
Payyanur Bus Stand
Buses to Karivellur, Kunhimangalam, Ezhimala, Kavvayi and Kasaragod.
Mattannur Bus Stand
Closest town to the airport; buses to Iritty, Peravoor, Kannur and Thalassery.