Forts & Heritage
Kannur Lighthouse
A working lighthouse on the Payyambalam headland with a view along the whole coast.
- 32.3 km from Nesma Palace
- 36 min drive
- Best: Late afternoon
- Ideal for families and anyone who likes a view
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 32.3 km
- Drive time
- 36 min
- Best time
- Late afternoon
- Time to allow
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Category
- Forts & Heritage
- Ideal for
- Families and anyone who likes a view
About Kannur Lighthouse
The Kannur lighthouse stands on the headland above Payyambalam beach. When it is open to visitors you can climb to the gallery for a wide view along the coast and out over the Arabian Sea.
It is a short, easy stop, usually paired with the beach below or the fort nearby, and the view from the top is the reason to go up.
Things to see and do
The climb and the view
From the gallery you can see the coastline run north and south and the sea open out to the west.
Right by the beach
It sits above Payyambalam, so most people do both in one visit.
Sunset timing
Late afternoon gives you the view and the sunset from the same spot.
Best time and tips
Late afternoon, October to March. Check visiting hours before you go.
- Opening hours are limited, so confirm before visiting.
- A small entry and camera fee usually applies.
- Combine it with Payyambalam beach below.
- There is not much shade at the top.
Local tip
Cameras sometimes carry a small extra fee at the ticket counter; carry change.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
32.3 km · about 36 min
- Time to allow there
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 36 min away at Nesma Palace
The lighthouse is about 36 minutes from Nesma Palace and pairs with Payyambalam for an easy evening.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Nearby places to explore
Make a day of it · Full day
Forts & the Coast
Kannur town’s three headline sights in a morning, then south along the coast for the drive-in beach and sunset over Dharmadam.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
29.8 km · 32 min drive
Arakkal Museum1.8 km · 4 min drive
St. Angelo Fort2.6 km · 6 min drive
Kannur Lighthouse (you are here)
3.6 km · 6 min drive
Payyambalam Beach12.6 km · 17 min drive
Thottada Beach9.4 km · 12 min drive
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Frequently asked questions
Can you go up the Kannur lighthouse?
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When it is open to visitors, yes. You can climb to the gallery for a coastal view. Opening hours are limited, so check before you go.
Where is the Kannur lighthouse?
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On the headland above Payyambalam beach in Kannur town, so it is easy to visit both together.
Where to stay near Kannur lighthouse?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 36 minutes away and close to Payyambalam and the town's other sights.