When visiting a new city, having a knowledgeable local guide or using a tour operator can make your experience much more enriching and stress-free. Kannur, with its rich cultural history, beautiful beaches, and historic sites, offers several tour operators and guides that can help you explore the city and its surroundings. Below is a detailed guide to the best local guides and tour operators in Kannur, ensuring that any new tourist won’t need to look elsewhere for this information.
1. Kannur Tourism
Website: Kerala Tourism
Phone: +91 471 2321132
What It Offers:
- The Kannur Tourism department provides an official tour guide service, helping tourists understand the culture and history of the region.
- They offer personalized tours of historical sites, beaches, and temples.
- Guided tours for heritage walks, beach tours, and cultural experiences like Theyyam performances.
Why It’s Useful:
- Certified and experienced guides with in-depth knowledge of Kannur’s heritage and history.
- Officially recognized by the Kerala government for cultural tours.
Secret Tip:
- Book in advance through the official Kerala Tourism website for the best guided experiences.
2. Kerala Sights and Tour
Website: Kerala Sights
Phone: +91 484 4021555
What It Offers:
- Offers customized tour packages in Kannur and other parts of Kerala, including historical and cultural tours.
- Specializes in private tours, including sightseeing tours, Theyyam performances, and nature walks.
- They offer transportation services along with professional tour guides.
Why It’s Useful:
- Tailored itineraries based on your interests (beaches, history, culture, etc.).
- Experienced guides with excellent customer service.
Secret Tip:
- Ask for their cultural tour packages, which include both the tourist attractions and a deep dive into local traditions.
3. Trip India Tours
Website: Trip India Tours
Phone: +91 11 46423853
What It Offers:
- Offers private guided tours and group tours to Kannur and other destinations in Kerala.
- Specializes in cultural, historical, and nature tours.
- Local guides with deep knowledge of the area’s history, folklore, and traditional crafts.
Why It’s Useful:
- Multilingual guides available to cater to tourists from different parts of the world.
- Provides all-inclusive packages, including transportation, accommodation, and meals.
Secret Tip:
- Check out their private group tours if you are traveling with family or friends for a more intimate experience.
4. Cumin Spice Tours
Website: Cumin Spice Tours
Phone: +91 497 2790051
What It Offers:
- Specializes in cultural and culinary tours of Kannur, offering tours to spice plantations, local food tasting, and cooking classes.
- Guided tours of historical landmarks, including St. Angelo Fort, Thalassery Fort, and Muzhappilangad Beach.
Why It’s Useful:
- Great for tourists interested in Kerala cuisine and learning about local spices and cooking methods.
- Provides a unique cultural experience that combines food, history, and nature.
Secret Tip:
- Participate in their spice plantation tours to see how Kerala’s world-famous spices like pepper, cardamom, and cloves are grown and harvested.
5. Malabar Tour Operators
Website: Malabar Tour Operators
Phone: +91 497 2701818
What It Offers:
- Specializes in offbeat tours of Malabar, including Kannur, Thalassery, and nearby destinations.
- Offers eco-tours, beach tours, and cultural heritage walks.
- Professional tour guides provide insight into local traditions and folklore, including Theyyam performances.
Why It’s Useful:
- Focuses on offbeat experiences, allowing you to explore hidden gems of Kannur that are not typically covered in mainstream tours.
- Offers small-group tours, which are more personalized and immersive.
Secret Tip:
- Check out their eco-tourism packages, which focus on sustainable travel and offer a unique experience.
6. The Kerala Travel Group
Website: The Kerala Travel Group
Phone: +91 484 2354411
What It Offers:
- Offers a wide range of tour packages that include heritage walks, wildlife tours, and beach tours in Kannur.
- Tailors tours based on the specific needs of the tourist, such as photography tours, nature walks, or adventure tours.
Why It’s Useful:
- Offers flexible itineraries based on your interests.
- Provides experienced guides who are experts in local history, wildlife, and Kerala’s unique culture.
Secret Tip:
- Ask for the wildlife tour package, which covers Kannur’s lush forests and nearby sanctuaries.
7. Coastal Kerala Tours
Website: Coastal Kerala Tours
Phone: +91 487 2357072
What It Offers:
- Specializes in beach holidays, backwater tours, and village tours in Kannur and surrounding areas.
- Provides local guides who will walk you through the traditional coastal lifestyle and natural wonders of the region.
Why It’s Useful:
- Perfect for travelers interested in a relaxing coastal holiday while learning about Kerala’s beach culture.
- Offers boat rides, backwater exploration, and sunset viewings.
Secret Tip:
- Book their beach and backwater tours to experience both Kannur’s beaches and the tranquil backwaters.
8. Kerala Backwater Tours
Website: Kerala Backwater Tours
Phone: +91 487 2357072
What It Offers:
- Offers customized backwater tours, houseboat stays, and nature walks in and around Kannur.
- Local guides take you on boat rides and introduce you to the traditional Kerala village life.
Why It’s Useful:
- Great for tourists who want to experience Kerala’s backwaters in a serene and relaxed manner.
- Houseboats provide a unique experience for overnight stays with beautiful views.
Secret Tip:
- The best time to book houseboat tours is during the cooler months (October to March), for optimal weather and scenic beauty.
9. You & Me Kerala Tours
Website: You & Me Kerala Tours
Phone: +91 479 2453939
What It Offers:
- Offers guided tours of Kannur’s temples, beaches, historical sites, and cultural festivals like Theyyam.
- Personalized tours are designed to meet the needs of different tourists, whether they prefer nature, culture, or relaxation.
Why It’s Useful:
- Known for small group tours, which provide a more personalized experience.
- Guides are fluent in English and other languages, making communication easier for international tourists.
Secret Tip:
- Explore their themed cultural tours, where you can witness traditional performances like Theyyam or explore Kerala’s unique rituals.
10. Kerala Trails
Website: Kerala Trails
Phone: +91 471 2345601
What It Offers:
- Offers bespoke travel experiences focusing on heritage, cultural tours, and eco-tourism.
- Includes visits to beaches, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries in Kannur.
Why It’s Useful:
- Great for off-the-beaten-path travel, including ecotourism and nature tours that highlight Kannur’s rural charm.
Secret Tip:
- Opt for the eco-tourism package to experience rural Kannur in a sustainable and authentic way.
Conclusion
Using local guides and tour operators in Kannur will not only enhance your travel experience but also provide you with deeper insights into the city’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in local traditions, beach holidays, or wildlife tours, these companies will help you make the most of your trip to Kannur.