Payyambalam Beach
Just 2 kilometres away from Kannur town, the conveniently located Payyambalam beach is a large stretch of golden sand frilled by coconut greenery. This favorite hangout for locals is the best known of all Kannur beaches. Entrance to the beach is a bit odd. A walking bridge over a small canal is the main access. Immediately after the bridge, on the right side is an area where monuments are erected on tiled floor.
These monuments commemorate the lives of political leaders who belonged to Kannur. You can also see a burial place of Thiyya community, just above the beach. Payyambalam beach is long, wide and quite even. Extending about 4 kms, it ticks most of the boxes for a great beach, even though a lot need to be done to translate potential to reality. A cliff forms a natural border on one side.On top of the cliff is the beach garden.
The beach garden has a couple of interesting structures such as the statue of Mother and Child. Nevertheless, the garden in general needs a bit of a touch up. Mother and child is done by Kanai Kunhiraman, one of the leading sculptures in Kerala. Not too far away is the beach restaurant Naura Cafeteria. Kannur, in ancient times, was known by the name Naura. Payyambalam beach appeared in several South Indian feature films. The Tamil movie Alai Payude, directed by Mani Ratnam, World space ad by A.R.Rahman, and many more have scenes filmed here.
Usually the beach is not so crowded. However, it can get busy during evenings and weekends. The good news is that the fine sandy stretch is quite long that you can always find secluded spots.
The beach is good for swimming and sunbathing. However, it is one of those places that may make you feel to confine to local dressing code.
Water skiing, para sailing and boat rides are conducted by the Tourism Council. The charges are nominal. These activities are scaled back during rainy season when the sea is rough.
Payyambalam is easy to reach. Although distance is walkable (a long walk though), the best option is to hire an auto-rickshaw from Kannur town. The incredibly beautiful Payyambalam Beach 2 kilometres away Kannur Town, is known for its indomitable serenity and golden sand bed bordered by lush coconut greenery. Convenience in arriving at and fine sandy stretches make this place a favourite hangout spot for many including the natives. And you don’t go wrong if you enlist this amongst the best South Indian beaches.
Entrance of the beach is a quite experimental, yet a major tourist spot in Kannur. One can step to the beach through a bridge builds across a small canal. Immediately after the bridge, on the right side there are few monuments erected to commemorate the lives of political leaders who hailed from Kannur. Just above the beach is a cemetery of Thiyya community.
Stretching out at a distance of 4 kilometres the beach is potent enough to be included in the list of the great beaches if subjected to a facelift. A cliff and the beach garden just above the cliff make majestic view to the visitors. The garden parts space for sculptures including that of Mother and Child encarved by renowned sculptor Kanai Kunhiraman.
Payyambalam beach have stories to unwind on its onscreen presence several times. It was featured in several South Indian feature films including evergreen Tamil hit Alai Payude, directed by Mani Ratnam and in World space ad by A.R.Rahman, and many more.
Payyambalam beach is a must destination for people who wish to be away from crowd. Also if you like to go for a swim or try sunbath, this beach is a good option. No matter you prefer the local dress code there, you will always be comfortable.
As part of their promotion activities Tourism Council comes up with activities like water skiing, para sailing and boat rides when the sea is calm. And this too at a nominal charge.
The taste of Kannur can be explored from a nearby beach restaurant Naura Cafeteria. Kannur was previously known as Naura.
Nearest railway station: Kannur, about 2 km
Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport, about 30 km | Calicut International Airport, about 93 km to the South.
Check Payyambalam Beach at Google Map
