The Ezhimala hills, renowned for rare medicinal herbs with mythological significance, is around 55 km from Kannur. Bordered by the sea on three sides, it is located at an altitude of 286m above sea level. Ezhimala, believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha, was one of the major battle fields of the Chola-Chera war in the 11th century. The place is also known as Mrithasanjeevani garden as there is a legend that a piece of plant filled earth fell in this area, while Hanuman was carrying the hill with the medicine to Lanka for saving Lord Rama. There is also a temple dedicated to Hanuman here with a 41feet tall statue of the Anjaneya. 

The major attraction of Ezhimala is the beautiful beach. The beach sand here is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. One could enjoy watching dolphins at the Ettikulam bay. An ancient burial chamber, a carved stone pillar and an old mosque that contains the mortal remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif can be seen at the foot of the hills which are of archaeological importance. There is a Naval Academy here.