Payyambalam Beach is a popular travel destination in Kannur. It is a white sandy beach which stretches for four kilometres. From Kannur railway station, it is three kilometres. Visitors can hire autos to get there. But no buses ply on the route.
Safety at Payyambalam Beach
The waters are deceptively shallow. Swimming in the sea is not allowed. Lifeguards patrol the beach in the evenings. But they do not have the equipment to mount any rescue operation.
Approach to the Beach
The way in to the beach is remarkable. A pedestrian bridge over a small canal is the main entry. On crossing the bridge, you will notice on the right side an area where several tombstones have been erected. The tombstones commemorate the lives of well-known citizens of Kannur.
In the mornings, people can be seen walking, jogging and exercising on the beach. On weekends and holidays, there are big crowds which often cause traffic snarls. So it is advisable to stay away in the weekends.
During the rainy season, the sea can become rough. The fishermen then do not go out into the sea. The beach wears a deserted look.
Payyambalam beach has shown up in some South Indian movies. Director Mani Ratnam shot the movie Alai Payuthe here. The Worldspace ad featuring A.R. Rahman had Payyambalam Beach as the location.
A cliff forms a natural border on one side. Adjacent to the beach is the Beach Park. It houses the mud sculpture Mother and Child created by the famous sculptor Kanai Kunhiraman. Some other sculptures can also be seen. A portion of the park is kept specially for children. A small entry fee is payable.
Activities
You can take long walks along the beach, play games and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. There are no facilities for water sports. Washrooms have not been provided either.
Payyambalam Beach Road stretches parallel to the beach for 4.2 km. It connects Neerkkadavu beach which is another beautiful beach in Kannur. There are a number of resorts in the area. Roadside shacks serve fried fish and snacks in the evenings.
Getting There
Kannur International Airport is the closest airport. Fast trains link Kannur to all parts of the country. Free parking is available near the beach. Kannur light house and Sea View Park are at a distance of 2.2 km (6 min by car).
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