Kannur , India

Kerala Theyyam Ritual Dance From Kannur

Active

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant_then_manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Kerala is famous for its elaborate dance forms like Kathakali. On this tour, watch a Theyyam performance that showcases the elaborate costumes of the performers, who bring to life legends and stories of divine beings and heavenly spirits. The larger than life image of the performers is treated with great respect by the audience. This tour gives you a glimpse into this traditional religious ritual of Kerala.

Highlights

● Theyyam ritual

● Elaborate costumes of the performers

● Interaction with locals

Available options

1-8 Travelers

Private Vehicles.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

02 bottles of mineral water per person

Local English speaking guide

Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up from your hotel in Kannur and driven to a village temple or a Hindu home where Theyyam is performed. The timing of the ritual is based on the lunar Hindu calendar and keeps changing each month.

On reaching the site of the ritual, you may take pictures of the performer and his elaborate costume. If you are lucky you might get to see a fire Theyyam, which is performed from time to time, again based on the lunar calendar.

The entire ritual can last for several hours. The elaborate costumes and the heavy make-up of the performers add to the mystical aura of the ritual.

At the end of the performance, you will be driven back to Kannur and dropped off at your hotel.

What's not included

Food or drinks, unless specified

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Adult pricing applies to all travelers.

Confirmation will be received within a week of booking.

Theyyam is a religious ritual performance and, therefore, it is important for visitors to dress and behave properly. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.

Footwear is not allowed inside the temple or the host home.

Consider wearing comfortable walking shoes.

Tour does not operate from June to October.

About Kannur

Kannur, a coastal city in Kerala, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Known for its handloom textiles and historic sites, it offers a blend of traditional charm and modern attractions.

Top Attractions

St. Angelo Fort

A historic fort built by the Portuguese in 1505, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and a glimpse into the region's colonial past.

Historical 2-3 hours INR 20

Muzhappilangad Beach

One of the longest drive-in beaches in India, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half-day Free

Arakkal Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 20

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kallumakkaya (Mussels) Curry

A spicy and flavorful curry made with mussels, coconut, and a blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood

Thalassery Biryani

A fragrant and flavorful biryani with a unique blend of spices and tender meat.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Unniyappam

A sweet and delicious fried snack made with rice flour, jaggery, and banana.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Beach sports Hiking in nearby hills Beach relaxation Ayurvedic spa treatments Visiting historical sites Attending local festivals Swimming Boat rides

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This period offers the best weather with cool breezes and clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

20°C to 32°C 68°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Malayalam, English
Widely spoken: Hindi, Tamil
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

IST (UTC+5:30)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kannur is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crimes and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use trusted taxi services or app-based cabs.
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.

Getting there

By air

Calicut International Airport • 100 km
Mangalore International Airport • 120 km

By train

Kannur Railway Station

By bus

Kannur Central Bus Stand, Private Bus Terminals

Getting around

Public transport

Kannur State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses are the primary mode of public transport, connecting major parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Thalassery Payyambalam

Day trips

Mahe

30 km • Half day

A former French colony with a rich history and beautiful beaches.

Pappinisshery Beach

20 km • Half day

A serene and less crowded beach with clear waters and beautiful sunset views.

Festivals

Theyyam Festival • November to April (varies by temple) Arakkal Festival • February/March (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the local handloom shops to buy authentic Kannur saris and textiles.
Try local seafood dishes, especially mussels and prawns, which are a specialty of the region.
Attend a Theyyam performance for a unique cultural experience.
Explore the historic sites and forts to learn about Kannur's rich history.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach in the evening for stunning sunset views.