When traveling to a new city, having access to the right apps and websites can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Below is a detailed guide to the top useful local apps and websites for tourists visiting Kannur, covering everything from transportation and accommodation to food and activities. This guide ensures that any new tourist in Kannur won’t need to look for further information.
1. Kannur Tourism Official Website
Website: Kerala Tourism Kannur Page
What It Offers:
- Tourist Information: Offers detailed information on major tourist attractions, heritage sites, and cultural experiences.
- Event Listings: Information on festivals, cultural events, and local celebrations happening during your visit.
- Accommodation: Options ranging from budget stays to luxury resorts.
Why It’s Useful:
- The official site provides reliable and up-to-date details about Kannur, including recommendations on things to do and see.
2. Google Maps
App: Google Maps (Available on Android and iOS)
What It Offers:
- Navigation: Get directions for walking, driving, or using public transport.
- Local Business Listings: Search for restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby.
- Reviews: User-generated reviews for places like restaurants, tourist attractions, and hotels.
Why It’s Useful:
- Essential for navigating the city and finding points of interest such as restaurants, tourist spots, and public services.
Secret Tip:
- Save locations like your hotel, restaurants, and key attractions on Google Maps to easily access them later.
3. Google Translate
App: Google Translate (Available on Android and iOS)
What It Offers:
- Language translation services between English, Malayalam, and other languages.
- Offline translation options, ideal for areas without internet access.
Why It’s Useful:
- Kannur’s primary language is Malayalam, and while many people understand English, using Google Translate can help you communicate better in remote areas or when talking to local shopkeepers or vendors.
Secret Tip:
- Download the offline translation pack for Malayalam before your trip, as it works without an internet connection.
4. BookMyForex
App/Website: BookMyForex
What It Offers:
- Foreign exchange services for tourists visiting Kannur.
- Prepaid Forex cards, currency exchange at competitive rates, and doorstep delivery.
Why It’s Useful:
- Convenient and cost-effective way to exchange foreign currency or buy a forex card.
- It saves you the hassle of going to a bank or currency exchange center in Kannur.
5. Zomato
App: Zomato (Available on Android and iOS)
What It Offers:
- Restaurant reviews and ratings: Browse the best places to eat based on ratings, type of food, and distance.
- Menu and prices: View the menu, check prices, and make reservations at popular restaurants.
- Food delivery: If you’re staying in and want to order food, Zomato connects you with local delivery services.
Why It’s Useful:
- A quick and easy way to find good food options based on your location in Kannur. You can also view customer reviews and decide on a place to eat.
Secret Tip:
- Use Zomato for delivery or take-out when you prefer to eat in your hotel or accommodation.
6. Swiggy
App: Swiggy (Available on Android and iOS)
What It Offers:
- Food delivery from a wide selection of local restaurants and cafes.
- Order tracking and payment through the app for cashless transactions.
Why It’s Useful:
- If you’re tired after a long day of sightseeing or want to try local Kannur cuisine in the comfort of your accommodation, Swiggy is the app for you.
7. Cleartrip or MakeMyTrip
App/Website: Cleartrip or MakeMyTrip
What It Offers:
- Hotel bookings, flight bookings, and bus/train tickets all in one platform.
- Tour packages and sightseeing bookings in Kannur.
Why It’s Useful:
- If you need to book your transport (flights, trains, or buses) or accommodation in Kannur, Cleartrip and MakeMyTrip offer an easy-to-use interface with various options at competitive prices.
8. Kerala RTC (Road Transport Corporation)
App: Kerala RTC (Available on Android)
What It Offers:
- Bus schedules for traveling within Kannur and to nearby cities.
- Ticket booking for long-distance bus travel.
Why It’s Useful:
- If you’re looking to travel to nearby towns or other places in Kerala like Calicut or Kochi, Kerala RTC is the official bus service for intercity travel.
Secret Tip:
- Book your tickets in advance via the app to avoid long queues at bus stations.
9. Paytm
App: Paytm (Available on Android and iOS)
What It Offers:
- Online payments for everything, from food and shopping to transportation and utilities.
- Recharge your phone or pay for electricity and water bills using the app.
- Ticket bookings for movies, events, and more.
Why It’s Useful:
- Paytm is widely accepted in India for cashless payments, and it is very convenient for small transactions like paying for a taxi ride or your dinner bill.
Secret Tip:
- You can also use Paytm to pay for your hotel bills if they accept it as a mode of payment.
10. Ola or Uber
App: Ola (Available on Android and iOS) and Uber (Available on Android and iOS)
What It Offers:
- Ride-hailing services for getting around Kannur.
- Auto-rickshaws and taxis available for short or long-distance travel.
Why It’s Useful:
- Convenient for tourists who are unfamiliar with local transportation.
- Both apps offer cashless transactions, ensuring a smooth and safe experience.
Secret Tip:
- Book an Ola or Uber if you want to avoid bargaining with local taxis or auto-rickshaws.
11. Local Kerala Culture and Festival Apps
App: Kerala Tourism (Available on Android and iOS)
What It Offers:
- Festival listings and information on local events such as Theyyam and Vishu celebrations.
- Information on Kerala arts and performing arts like Kathakali.
Why It’s Useful:
- If you’re visiting during festival time, this app helps you stay informed about the dates and locations of cultural festivals and events.
Conclusion
By using these apps and websites, tourists in Kannur can easily navigate the city, enjoy the local cuisine, manage payments, and plan their transportation and accommodations without hassle. Whether it’s booking a hotel, finding the best restaurant, or checking out local events, these tools will help you have a smooth and enjoyable stay.