Are you looking for a peaceful and serene getaway in the land of God’s own country? Do you want to explore the rich culture, history, and nature of Kerala? If yes, then you should visit Taliparamba, a small town in the district of Kannur, Kerala, India. Taliparamba is a hidden gem of Kerala’s temple towns, where you can witness the beauty of ancient temples, mosques, churches, rivers, hills, and spice markets.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Taliparamba, including its places to visit, best time to visit, food and cuisine, how to reach, top hotel collections, and other top ranking places in Kannur. Read on to discover the wonders of Taliparamba and plan your trip accordingly.
Places to Visit in and around Taliparamba
One of the main attractions of Taliparamba is its temples, which are among the oldest and most revered in Kerala. Some of the famous temples in and around the town are:
Rajarajeshwara Temple:
This is the most prominent temple in Taliparamba, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that this temple was built by the Chera king Rajashekhara Varman in the 8th century CE. The temple is known for its unique architecture, rituals, and festivals. The temple has a 90-feet tall gopuram (tower), a circular sanctum, and a golden flagstaff.
The temple is also famous for its rare offerings, such as dried coconut, plantain, and ghee. The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, such as Shivaratri, Vishu, and Thiruvathira. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The entry is free for all.
Trichambaram Temple:
This is another ancient temple in Taliparamba, dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed that this temple was built by the Perumal king Sthanu Ravi Varma in the 11th century CE. The temple is known for its exquisite mural paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures.
The temple has a 60-feet tall gopuram, a rectangular sanctum, and a mandapam (hall). The temple is also famous for its annual festival, which lasts for 14 days in March-April. The festival features various cultural and religious programs, such as Kathakali, Ottanthullal, and Thayambaka. The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The entry is free for all.
Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple:
This is a unique temple in Taliparamba, dedicated to Muthappan, a folk deity of Kerala. It is believed that this temple was established by a tribal couple who found a child in the forest and raised him as their own. The child later revealed himself as Muthappan, a manifestation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its unconventional rituals, such as offering fish, meat, and toddy to the deity. The temple also performs a daily ritual called Muthappan Theyyam, which is a form of ritual dance and worship. The temple is open 24 hours a day and the entry is free for all.
Other attractions
Apart from the temples, there are many other attractions in and around Taliparamba, such as:
Kuppam River:
This is a scenic river that flows through Taliparamba, offering a refreshing and relaxing experience. You can enjoy boating, fishing, or swimming in the river, or simply sit by the banks and admire the nature. The river is also home to many birds and animals, such as kingfishers, herons, otters, and turtles. The river is accessible throughout the year and the entry is free for all.
Paithalmala:
This is a hill station that is located about 40 km from Taliparamba, offering a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. You can trek to the top of the hill, which is about 4,500 feet above sea level, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Paithal Waterfall, the Nallur Tirtha, and the Kudiyanmala Temple. The hill station is best visited during the monsoon season, from June to September. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Spice Markets:
Taliparamba is also known for its spice markets, where you can buy fresh and organic spices, such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. You can also learn about the cultivation, processing, and usage of these spices from the local farmers and traders. The spice markets are open throughout the year and the entry is free for all.
Best Time to Visit Taliparamba
The best time to visit Taliparamba is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You can also witness some of the festivals, such as Vishu, Christmas, and New Year, during this time. The winter season is also the peak season for tourism, so you may find higher rates and crowds in the hotels and attractions.
The monsoon season, from June to September, is another good time to visit Taliparamba, if you love rain and greenery. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C, making it humid and wet. You can enjoy the lush and verdant landscape, the waterfalls, and the rivers, during this time. You can also witness some of the festivals, such as Onam, Thiruvathira, and Muthappan Theyyam, during this time. The monsoon season is also the off-season for tourism, so you may find lower rates and fewer crowds in the hotels and attractions.
The summer season, from March to May, is the least preferred time to visit Taliparamba, as the weather is hot and dry. The temperature ranges from 30°C to 40°C, making it uncomfortable and exhausting. You may also face water scarcity and power cuts during this time. The summer season is also the lean season for tourism, so you may find cheaper rates and less crowds in the hotels and attractions.
Food and Cuisine of Taliparamba
One of the highlights of visiting Taliparamba is tasting its food and cuisine, which is a blend of Malabar, Kerala, and Tamil influences. Some of the popular dishes to try in the town are:
Malabar Biryani: This is a rice dish that is cooked with chicken, mutton, or beef, along with spices, nuts, and raisins. It is served with raita, pickle, and papad. It is a rich and flavorful dish that is a must-try for biryani lovers.
Appam: This is a pancake-like dish that is made from fermented rice and coconut batter. It is soft and fluffy in the center and crisp and thin on the edges. It is served with stew, curry, or egg roast. It is a light and delicious dish that is a staple breakfast in the town.
Puttu: This is a cylindrical-shaped dish that is made from steamed rice flour and coconut. It is served with kadala curry, banana, or sugar. It is a healthy and filling dish that is a common breakfast in the town.
Fish Curry: This is a spicy and tangy dish that is made from fish, such as sardine, mackerel, or pomfret, along with coconut, tamarind, and curry leaves. It is served with rice, appam, or kappa (tapioca). It is a mouth-watering dish that is a favorite among the locals.
Payasam: This is a sweet dish that is made from rice, milk, sugar, and dry fruits. It is flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water. It is served as a dessert or a snack. It is a creamy and aromatic dish that is a must-have for any occasion.
Some of the best restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls to eat in the town are:
Hotel Rajarajeshwara: This is a vegetarian restaurant that serves authentic Kerala cuisine, such as dosa, idli, sambar, and rasam. It is located near the Rajarajeshwara Temple and is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The average cost for two is Rs. 200.
Hotel Paris: This is a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, such as biryani, noodles, and pizza. It is located near the Trichambaram Temple and is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The average cost for two is Rs. 500.
Hotel Muthappan: This is a non-vegetarian restaurant that serves Malabar cuisine, such as fish curry, chicken fry, and mutton roast. It is located near the Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple and is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The average cost for two is Rs. 300.
How to Reach Taliparamba
Taliparamba is well-connected by different modes of transport, such as train, bus, taxi, or flight. You can choose the mode that suits your budget, comfort, and convenience. Here are some of the options to reach the town:
Train:
Taliparamba has a railway station that is located about 3 km from the town center. It is connected to major cities and towns in Kerala, such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur. You can also reach Taliparamba from other states, such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Goa, by taking a train to Kannur and then taking a bus or taxi to Taliparamba. The train journey is comfortable and scenic, as you can enjoy the views of the countryside, the backwaters, and the coast. The train fare varies depending on the class and distance, but it is generally affordable and economical.
Bus:
Taliparamba has a bus stand that is located in the town center. It is connected to major cities and towns in Kerala, such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur, by regular and frequent buses. You can also reach Taliparamba from other states, such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Goa, by taking a bus to Kannur and then taking another bus to Taliparamba. The bus journey is convenient and fast, as you can find buses at any time of the day or night. The bus fare varies depending on the type and distance, but it is generally cheap and reasonable.
Taxi:
Taliparamba can be reached by taxi from any nearby city or town, such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, or Kannur. You can also book a taxi online or through an app, such as Ola, Uber, or MakeMyTrip. The taxi journey is comfortable and flexible, as you can travel at your own pace and stop at any place you want. The taxi fare varies depending on the type and distance, but it is generally expensive and high.
Flight:
Taliparamba does not have an airport, but the nearest airport is the Kannur International Airport, which is located about 25 km from the town. The airport is connected to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, by domestic flights. You can also reach the airport from some international destinations, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat, by direct or connecting flights. The flight journey is quick and hassle-free, as you can save time and avoid traffic. The flight fare varies depending on the airline and destination, but it is generally costly and high.
Top Hotel Collections near Taliparamba
If you are looking for a place to stay near Taliparamba, you have plenty of options to choose from, depending on your budget, luxury, family, or solo preferences. Here are some of the top hotel collections near the town, with their ratings, prices, and links:
Budget Hotels:
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful stay, you can opt for one of the budget hotels near Taliparamba, such as:
Hotel Raj Residency: This is a 2-star hotel that offers basic amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and room service. It is located near the Taliparamba Bus Stand and is close to the Rajarajeshwara Temple and the Kuppam River. The hotel has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 and the price for a night is Rs. 800.
Hotel Sky Pearl: This is a 2-star hotel that offers basic amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and room service. It is located near the Taliparamba Railway Station and is close to the Trichambaram Temple and the Paithalmala Hill Station. The hotel has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 and the price for a night is Rs. 900.
Luxury Hotels:
If you are looking for a lavish and extravagant stay, you can opt for one of the luxury hotels near Taliparamba, such as:
Kairali Heritage Resort: This is a 4-star resort that offers premium amenities, such as pool, spa, gym, restaurant, and bar. It is located on the banks of the Kuppam River and is close to the Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple and the Spice Markets. The resort has a rating of 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and the price for a night is Rs. 4000.
Malabar Residency: This is a 4-star hotel that offers premium amenities, such as pool, spa, gym, restaurant, and bar. It is located near the Kannur International Airport and is close to the Kannur Fort and the Payyambalam Beach. The hotel has a rating of 4 out of 5 and the price for a night is Rs. 5000.
Family Hotels: If you are looking for a cozy and comfortable stay, you can opt for one of the family hotels near Taliparamba, such as:
Hotel Rainbow Suites: This is a 3-star hotel that offers family-friendly amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, room service, and laundry. It is located near the Kannur Railway Station and is close to the St. Angelo’s Fort and the Muzhappilangad Beach. The hotel has a rating of 4 out of 5 and the price for a night is Rs. 2000.
Hotel Blue Nile: This is a 3-star hotel that offers family-friendly amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, room service, and laundry. It is located near the Kannur Bus Stand and is close to the Arakkal Museum and the Baby Beach. The hotel has a rating of 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and the price for a night is Rs. 2500.
Solo Hotels:
If you are looking for a simple and convenient stay, you can opt for one of the solo hotels near Taliparamba, such as:
Hotel Central Avenue: This is a 2-star hotel that offers solo-friendly amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and room service. It is located near the Kannur Railway Station and is close to the Kannur Lighthouse and the Meenkunnu Beach. The hotel has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 and the price for a night is Rs. 1000.
Hotel Royal Omars: This is a 2-star hotel that offers solo-friendly amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and room service. It is located near the Kannur Bus Stand and is close to the Thalassery Fort and the Dharmadam Island. The hotel has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 and the price for a night is Rs. 1200.
Other Top Ranking Places in Kannur
If you have some extra time and want to explore more of the district of Kannur, you can visit some of the other top ranking places in the area, such as:
Kannur Fort:
This is a 16th-century fort that was built by the Portuguese and later captured by the Dutch, the British, and the Arakkal rulers. It is also known as the St. Angelo’s Fort and is one of the best-preserved forts in Kerala. You can see the bastions, the moat, the chapel, the museum, and the jail inside the fort. You can also enjoy the view of the Arabian Sea and the Mopila Bay from the fort. The fort is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Payyambalam Beach:
This is a beautiful and serene beach that is located about 2 km from the Kannur town. It is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Payyambalam Park, the Gandhi Park, and the Martyrs’ Column. The beach is open throughout the year and the entry is free for all.
Arakkal Museum:
This is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Arakkal dynasty, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. It is located in the Arakkal Palace, which was the residence of the Arakkal rulers. You can see the artifacts, paintings, weapons, furniture, and coins that belonged to the Arakkal family. You can also learn about their contribution to the maritime trade, the Malabar Rebellion, and the freedom struggle. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Muzhappilangad Beach:
This is a long and wide beach that is located about 15 km from the Kannur town. It is the only drive-in beach in Kerala, where you can drive your car or bike on the sand. You can also enjoy various water sports, such as parasailing, jet skiing, and surfing. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Dharmadam Island, the Thalassery Fort, and the Ezhara Beach. The beach is open throughout the year and the entry is free for all.
We hope this article has given you a glimpse of the beauty and charm of Taliparamba, a hidden gem of Kerala’s temple towns. If you are planning to visit this town, make sure to book your tickets and hotels in advance, as they may get sold out quickly during the peak season.
Also, don’t forget to carry an umbrella, a camera, and a sense of adventure, as you explore the wonders of Taliparamba. Happy travels!