Sri Muthappan Temple, Parassinikadavu
Parassinikadavu temple or Sri Muthappan temple is situated around 18 km north of Kannur town. This famous pilgrim centre on the banks of the Valapattanam river, attracts people from all sections of the society; irrespective of religion, caste and promotes the soul of 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam'. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his hunter form, known as 'Muthappan', is the only place in Kerala, where the ritualistic dance 'Theyyam' is performed all around the year. 'Muthappan Theyyam' is performed here twice daily at 6.30 in the morning when the temple opens, and 5.45 in the evening when the temple closes. Non Hindus also can watch the Theyyam performance.

The temple is a concrete structure with tiered roofs that is supported by pillars and decorated with elephants. The wooden shrine inside the temple are guarded by bronze temple dogs. The temple is supposed to have been built by the people of the town who felt the divine presence of Lord Shiva amongst them in the form of a small child. There is an interesting story behind the Muthappan Temple. A couple of a Namboothiri family who had no children, got a baby boy and they brought him up as their own child. As he grew, he always used to go to the forest for hunting and ate flesh with the backward communities, which was against the Namboothiri way of living. When he was asked to stop this, he took his parents to the forest and showed his divine form with bow, arrow and fiery eyes. One day on his way to Puralimala, he was attracted by the toddy of palm trees. But the toddy tapper refused to give him toddy and he got angry and aimed an arrow at him. When the tapper's wife saw him lying unconscious she cried and called 'Muthappa' and prayed to God to save her husband and suddenly he recovered from his unconscious state. So after this and other various miraculous incidents, a temple was built that came to be known as Sri Muthappan temple.

The temple has many unique practices and rituals. The daily offerings of this temple include toddy, fish and meat as 'nivedyams' to the deity, unheard of in any other temple. Dogs are also considered sacred and the prasadam (the blessed food) are first offered to them. The annual festival of the Parassinikkadavu temple which falls on 1st of December draws hordes of pilgrims. DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council ) provides boating service in the river near the temple, amidst lush greenery and the river opening up to the sea ahead. Accommodation is available nearby. 

Peralassery Sri Subrahmanya Temple
Peralassery Sri Subrahmanya temple, located at Mundallur on the Kannur - Koothuparambu route, 15kms from Kannur, is one of the famous shrines in Malabar. Lord Subrahmanya, son of Lord Siva, is the presiding deity of this temple. The temple is said to be connected with the famous epic, 'Ramayana'. It is believed that it was here that Lord Rama along with Lakshmana halted on their way to free Sita from Ravana in Lanka. The temple also has a shrine for the serpent God and has a number of bronze and copper idols of snakes. The annual festival of the temple is celebrated for eight days. Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu, Ottanthullal, Parayan Thullal and Seethankan Thullal are the main art-forms performed during the festival. Another important concert during the festival is a highly religious dance, ' Thidampunritham' performed by the priest.

Trichambaram Temple
Trichambaram Krishna Temple is a 11th century shrine situated at Trichambaram on the National Highway, around 20 km from Kannur and 5 kms south of Taliparambu town, famous for its spice trade. It is a sacred place of the Vaishnava cult and the main deity of the temple is Sree Krishna in his child form. The temple is known as Trichambaram because the pratishta (idol) here was executed by Sambara Maharshi . In front of the temple there is an elinji tree which bears no fruits but only flowers. The temple complex has three ponds and also a shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga, surrounded by water on all sides. The annual festival or the Trichambaram Mahotsavam, a colourful event is usually held in the Malayalam months of Kumbham-Meenam ( February-March). 

The temple is believed to be built by Lord Parashuram, the mythological architect of Kerala, who had put down the rituals, routine, worship and details of the annual festival. The temple is of great archeological importance and contains one of the most wonderful collection of mural paintings in South India. The sanctum sanctorum is double storied and has a copper roof in pyramid shape with a golden stupa (pinnacle) at the top. The sanctum has beautiful wood carvings which demonstrate scenes from the Epic Mahabharata, and murals paintings that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are a class by themselves and displays the craftsmanship of ancient times. 

Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangadi
Sree Ramaswami Temple dedicated to Sri Rama is one of the most important temples in Malabar and the oldest among the four temples dedicated to Lord Rama in Kerala. It is situated 23km from Kannur, near Thalasseri fort. The temple is well-known for the exquisite carvings on the walls which are believed to have been done nearly 400 years ago. As the temple roof is made with copper sheets, it is locally known as 'chempadicha melkoora' (brass pagoda). In the18th century, some portion of the temple was destroyed by Tipu's troops but the temple itself was saved from damage by gods miracle. The seven day long annual festival of the temple, 'Vishnu Mahotsavam' is held in the month of Medam (April -May). The festival that commences on the Vishu day, is a colourful event with elephant pageantries, processions, fire works and Panchavadyam. Ramnavami is also celebrated here with great enthusiasm.

Thodikalam Siva Temple
The 16th century Thodikalam Siva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located 34km southeast of Kannur, on the Thalasseri-Mananthavady road. Famed for its mural paintings, this 2000 year old temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pazhassi Raja Family of Kottayam (Thalasseri taluk). 

Shiva Temples, Kottiyoor
Two ancient Shiva temples, Akkare Kottiyoor and Ikkare Kottiyoor are located in the dense forests on the opposite shores of River Bavali in Kottiyoor, 60km from Kannur. Diety in Akkare Kottiyoor temple is the 'swayambhoo lingam' (self-created idol of Lord Shiva). The idol is kept on the ground ('Manithara') formed by a small heap of stones. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during the Vaisakha festival celebrated in the month of May-June every year that lasts for 27 days. Akkare Kottiyoor temple remains open only on these festival days. The 'abhishekam' (offering) here is with milk, ghee (clarified butter) and karikku vellam (tender coconut water). Pilgrims to the temple, before trekking to the holy hills, take a bath in the River Bavali, which is considered to be divine. Daily worship is held at Ikkare Kottiyoor temple. An interesting feature is that this temple remains closed during the 27 day long festival in Akkare Kottiyoor temple. 

Sree Sundareshwara Temple
Sundareswara Temple was founded by Sree Narayana Guru in 1916. Lord Siva is the main deity here and it is opened to all, irrespective of caste or creed. An annual festival is held here in the month March-April that lasts for eight days.

Other Temples
Other main temples in the locality include Jagannatha temple at Thalassery established by the great saint and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, Sree Mookmbika Temple situated 2 km from Kannur town and half a kilometer from Kannur Cenrail Jail, Kalarivatukal Temple near Valapattanam river, Subrahmanya Swamy Temple at Payyanur and Cherupuzha Temple.

Spiritual Centers
The prominent spiritual centers include - The Sri Sathyasai Center at Kanathur Kavu, Shantimadom at Azhikode, Matha Amrithanandamayi Matt at Kakkad, Shirdisai Madom, Prajapathi Brahmakumari's center and Chinmaya Mission.

Odathil Palli 
Built in the year1806 in typical Kerala style of architecture, Odathil Palli, an ancient mosque, is located in the heart of Thalassery town, 21km from Kannur. The large mosque was built by Moosakaka, a loyal contactor of East India Company, in a sugar garden given to him by the British ruler as a prize for his loyalty. Hence it is also known as the Garden mosque. The highlights of the mosque is its copper plate roofing and golden doom. 

Madayi Mosque
Madayi mosque, one of the major Muslim pilgrimage destinations in Kerala, is about 22 kms from Kannur town. Situated in Madayi village, this beautiful ancient mosque was built in 1124 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher. It is said that the white marbles used for the construction of the mosque was brought from Mecca.

Juma Masjid at Thalassery
The Juma Masjid situated in the heart of Thalassery town, near the Maidan is one of the most beautiful mosques in Kannur district. Believed to be more than a thousand years old, the mosque has been rebuilt in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

Holy Rosary Church
Holy Rosary Church, the most ancient Catholic Church is situated below the Thalassery Fort, 22 kms from Kannur. Also known as St. Rosario church, the Church is architecturally remarkable and has unique stained glass works brought from London. 

St. Johns Church
Built in 1869, St.John's Church is one of the most beautiful Anglican churches in India. It is located within the walls of the Thalassery fort, around 22kms from Kannur. In its cemetery rest Sir Edward Brennen and other European officials of the East India Company and the government.