Kannur to Bekal
Your options
Ways to make the journey
2 h
The coastal highway runs north from Kannur through Taliparamba, Payyanur and Nileshwar to Kanhangad and Bekal, crossing several rivers. The road is being widened in places, which can slow progress. We stop at Payyanur for its handloom and the Valiyaparamba backwaters near Nileshwar for a boat ride or lunch, arriving at Bekal in time for the late-afternoon light on the fort.
1–1.5 h
Trains on the main coastal line run from Kannur to Kanhangad or Kasaragod in about an hour to 90 minutes. Both stations are about 12–15 km from Bekal and Taj Bekal. Some local trains stop at the small Bekal Fort halt. We meet you at the station.
Worth a stop
- Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple (detour)
- Payyanur
- Valiyaparamba backwaters
- Nileshwar
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Bekal from Kannur?
About 85 km by road, roughly 2 hours by car depending on highway works. Trains from Kannur to Kanhangad or Kasaragod take about an hour to 90 minutes, and Bekal is about 12–15 km from either station. We usually stop at Valiyaparamba on the way.
What can we see between Kannur and Bekal?
The Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple is a short detour from Kannur, Payyanur has handloom and old temples, and the Valiyaparamba backwaters near Nileshwar are ideal for a boat ride and lunch. Theyyam shrines are found along the whole route in season.
Should we stay in Kannur or Bekal for Theyyam?
Both work. Kannur has more shrines nearby and good homestays, while Bekal has the luxury of Taj Bekal and shrines in Kasaragod district. Many guests split their nights between the two, seeing Theyyam in both districts. Your guide plans the nights around the performances.
Which airport should we use for Bekal?
Mangaluru International Airport, about 65 km and 1.5 hours north, is closest and well connected. Kannur International Airport is about 110 km south. A journey arriving in Kannur and departing from Mangaluru avoids backtracking. Both airports have flights to the Gulf and major Indian cities.