3-Day Kerala Itinerary from Bangalore: Kasaragod, Kannur and Kozhikode

Day 1
Kasaragod

Kasaragod and Malik Deenar Mosque

  1. Bengaluru–Kasaragod drive — Via Mysuru and Sullia; allow ~8–10 hours, leaving around 4–5 AM to reach Kasaragod in the afternoon. Plan rest stops and confirm parking at your accommodation.
  2. Malik Deenar Mosque — Thalangara; visit this historic mosque and nearby tomb after arrival, allowing ~45–60 minutes and dressing modestly.
  3. Bekal Fort — Bekal; explore the sea-facing ramparts and viewpoints for ~1.5–2 hours, ideally in the late afternoon.
  4. Malabar dinner in Bekal or Kasaragod — Choose a well-reviewed local restaurant for Kerala meals or seafood; allow ~1 hour and budget roughly ₹300–700 per person.

Early morning to afternoon: Drive from Bengaluru

Leave Bengaluru around 4–5 AM for Kasaragod, taking the route via Mysuru and Sullia. Allow 8–10 hours, including breaks; traffic leaving Bengaluru and slower stretches after Mysuru can add time. Stop for breakfast and fuel along the way, and check with your accommodation in advance about parking and whether early check-in is possible. After arriving, take a breather before heading out.

Afternoon: Thalangara and Bekal

Visit Malik Deenar Mosque in Thalangara first, allowing 45–60 minutes for the mosque and nearby tomb. It’s an active place of worship, so dress modestly, remove footwear where required, and ask locally about visitor access and prayer times. From there, continue by taxi or car to Bekal Fort—roughly 30–40 minutes from central Kasaragod, depending on traffic. Give yourself 1.5–2 hours for the sea-facing ramparts and viewpoints; late afternoon is a lovely time to wander, but check the day’s closing time before setting out (hours and entry fees can change).

Evening: Dinner

Stay in Bekal for dinner if you’d like to linger by the coast, or return to Kasaragod for a wider choice of local restaurants. Look for a Kerala meals plate or seafood, and budget about ₹300–700 per person. Keep the drive back in mind, especially if you’ve spent the evening around the fort.

Day 2
Kannur

Kannur coastal route

Getting there from Kasaragod
Direct train on the Mangaluru–Kozhikode coastal line (about 1.5–2 hours, roughly ₹100–500 depending on class). Check timings and book through IRCTC; aim for a morning departure around 7–8am to reach Kannur in time to continue to Muzhappilangad by taxi.
KSRTC or private bus (about 2–3 hours, roughly ₹150–400); check KSRTC booking or redBus. Allow extra time for road traffic.
  1. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach — Muzhappilangad; enjoy the long sandy shoreline in the morning for ~1.5 hours, checking local conditions before driving on the beach.
  2. Dharmadam Island viewpoint — Dharmadam; see the island from the shore, allowing ~30–45 minutes; access can depend on tides, so avoid attempting a crossing without local guidance.
  3. Lunch at a Kannur seafood or Malabar restaurant — Around Thottada or Kannur town; take a relaxed meal and budget roughly ₹300–700 per person.
  4. St. Angelo Fort — Kannur town; walk the historic coastal fort and enjoy its sea views for ~1–1.5 hours.
  5. Payyambalam Beach — Kannur; unwind by the shore near sunset for ~45–60 minutes.

Morning

Once you reach Kannur, take a taxi or pre-booked cab north to Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach; allow roughly 30–45 minutes from town, depending on traffic. Spend about 1½ hours along the shore, but check with local staff before driving onto the sand: access and safe driving areas can change with the tide, and it’s best not to take a rental car onto the beach without permission. Then continue a short distance to the Dharmadam Island viewpoint for 30–45 minutes. The island is tide-dependent, so enjoy it from the shore rather than attempting to wade across without local guidance.

Lunch and afternoon

Head back toward Kannur for lunch at MVK Restaurant in town, a handy stop for Malabar-style meals and seafood; budget around ₹300–700 per person, and ask what fish is fresh that day. After lunch, visit St. Angelo Fort for about 1–1½ hours. The sea-facing ramparts are especially good for a slow walk and coastal views; it’s generally open during daylight hours, but check locally for current timings and entry charges.

Evening

Finish at Payyambalam Beach, about a 10–15-minute ride from the fort, and leave 45–60 minutes to unwind near sunset. The beach is popular with locals in the evening, so expect a relaxed, lively atmosphere rather than a secluded stretch; carry cash for small vendors and arrange your ride back into town before it gets late.

Day 3
Kozhikode

Kozhikode and return to Bangalore

Getting there from Kannur
Direct train on the coastal line (about 1.5–2 hours, roughly ₹100–500 depending on class). Book via IRCTC and choose an early departure, around 6–7am, to arrive in time for the morning temple visit.
  1. Tali Siva Temple — Palayam; visit this historic Kozhikode temple in the morning for ~45 minutes, observing local visitor guidelines.
  2. S. M. Street (Mittai Theruvu) — Central Kozhikode; browse the busy shopping street and pick up local sweets for ~1–1.5 hours.
  3. Paragon Restaurant — Kannur Road; enjoy a well-known Malabar meal before departure, allowing ~1 hour and budgeting roughly ₹400–900 per person.
  4. Kozhikode Beach — Beach Road; take a brief seaside walk and see the old pier area for ~45 minutes.
  5. Kozhikode–Bengaluru return journey — Take an evening train if schedules suit, or allow roughly 7–9 hours by road via Mysuru; check train availability and, if driving, plan around the Bandipur night-traffic restrictions.

Morning

After the early train from Kannur, take an auto-rickshaw or cab from Kozhikode Railway Station to Tali Siva Temple in Palayam; allow around 10–15 minutes, traffic permitting. Spend about 45 minutes here, checking the temple’s current visiting hours and entry rules before you go—traditional dress is appreciated, and access may be restricted to Hindu visitors. Keep the morning unhurried, especially if your train arrives later than planned.

Late morning and lunch

From Palayam, a short auto ride brings you to S. M. Street (Mittai Theruvu). Give yourself 1–1½ hours to browse its lively shops and pick up Kozhikode’s famous sweets; ask for a small tasting before buying a larger box. Then head by auto or cab to Paragon Restaurant on Kannur Road for a Malabar lunch. Allow about an hour and budget roughly ₹400–900 per person; it gets busy, so expect a short wait at peak lunchtime.

Afternoon and evening

Take a cab to Kozhikode Beach for a relaxed 45-minute seaside walk and a look at the old pier area. Leave a little buffer for traffic and for getting back to collect your bags. For the return to Bengaluru, check evening train availability from Kozhikode Railway Station and book ahead; if travelling by road instead, allow roughly 7–9 hours via Mysuru and plan around Bandipur National Park’s night-traffic restrictions.