ITINERARY · 7 min read
A 3-day Theyyam itinerary from Kannur
Land at Kannur airport, see Muthappan by evening, catch a dawn Kaliyattam, and still have time for the beach and a biryani.
Kannur Tourism Guide editorial · 1 November 2026
Day 1 — Arrive, Parassinikkadavu at dusk
Arrive at Kannur International Airport or by train. Check in near Kannur town or a Thottada beach homestay. In the evening drive 18 km to Parassinikkadavu Sree Muthappan Temple for the 6:30 pm Vellattam. Have the temple's free prasadam meal, then walk on the river bank. Nightcap: kallummakkaya (mussels) in Kannur town.
Day 2 — Dawn Kaliyattam, then sea
Leave at 3:30 am for the Kaliyattam nearest to you on the calendar (in Kumbham you might choose Andalur Kavu near Thalassery, Neeliyar Kottam near Mayyil or one of the Payyanur kavus). Watch the fire Theyyams before dawn and the principal Bhagavathi at sunrise. Breakfast at the kavu, then rest.
In the afternoon, St. Angelo Fort and Arakkal Museum, sunset at Payyambalam or drive the length of Muzhappilangad beach.
Day 3 — North to Madayi and Payyanur
Drive north on NH 66: Madayipara plateau and Madayi Kavu, the Kadannappally and Cherukunnu kavus if a festival is on, then Kavvayi backwaters for a country-boat ride. Return via Taliparamba to see the Rajarajeshwara Temple, or continue to Paithalmala if you have an extra day.
Practical
- Hire a car with a local driver; kavus are in villages and roads are narrow.
- Carry cash, a torch, a shawl and modest clothing.
- Confirm every date with the temple office directly, or check dtpckannur.com — the calendar shifts each year.