Ezhimala:  The main tourist attraction near Payyanur is Ezhimala.  Apart from its beautiful beaches and hillock, Ezhimala is of high historical importance also.  This was the head quarters of the Ezhimala Radii during the Sang period.  In Sang literatures, this area is referred to as “ezhil malai” which means high hillock.  It is believed that in the later years ezhilmalai reduced to ezhimala. This region is also known as “Elimala”, “Mooshika Sailam”, “Sapta Sailam”,”Mount Eli” and “Mount the Eli” in the history.

The beautiful beach in Ezhimala and the nearby hillock, which is 286 m high, is a major tourist attraction. Carved stone pillars, an ancient mosque and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs.  The Mount Dilli LightHouse here remained a tourist attraction until this area was acquired by the Govt. of India for the development of Naval Academy.

A Naval Academy is being developed here. The Naval project whose  estimated cost is around 500 crores will be largest of its kind in the whole Asia.  It is believed that the completion of this massive project will change the whole face of this region.  Permission is required for entry to these premises from the Naval Academy Authorities.

The Ezhimala beaches are also known for its rare view of Dolphin jumping.   Guru Freddy’s Ashramam was another attraction of Ezhimala till 1983.  Guru Freddy, the Belgium –born, who is known as the “white Malayalee” is a follower of Sree Narayana Guru.  He established his Ashram at Ezhimala as per the advice of Nataraja Guru. The naval authorities acquired the Ashram in 1983. Presently he is running his ashram at Somanahalli, near Bangalore.  

Madayi:   Madayi, a nearby place of Payyanur is another historically important location.  It is believed that the place “Manthagara” mentioned by the ancient travelers like Ptolemy (AD 23-79) and Plini (AD 150) is none other than the present Madayi. The main attraction of Madayi is the 12th century mosque built by Malik bin Dinar with white marble imported from Arabia.

Other main attractions of Madayi are the Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadukunda Temple and the lake near by this temple.  There was a proposal for building a domestic Airport at Madayi Para but the idea was dropped later. There is also a dilapidated fort at Madayi, which is supposed to have been built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The view from the fort is fascinating. Madai Co-op College is situated here

Parassinikadavu:  Parassinikadavu is famous for its Sree Muthappan Temple. The  Temple stands on the banks of the Valapattanam River. This pilgrim centre is famous for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. This is the only temple in Kerala where Theyyam is performed daily.Sree Muthappan is the hunter incarnation of Lord Siva. The offering made to Muthappan is quite different from the traditional offerings at other temple.  Toddy, Fish and Meat are the usual offerings to this hunter god. Tea, Lunch and dinner are supplied free of charge to the devotees by the temple authorities.

The Parassinikadavu Snake Park is one of the major attractions of Kannur District itself.  The Snake Park, which is a subsidiary unit of the Pappinisseri Vishachikitsa Society, is the only one of its kind in the State and perhaps the whole of India. There are three snake pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for King Cobras in the park. Other than the snakes, there are other kinds of rare animals, reptiles and birds like the endangered species of Simhavalan Monkeys and Crocodiles.  The Park, which was fully demolished by some miscreants a few years ago, is fully functional now.  Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large crowds of visitors. (Open 0900 - 1730 hrs everyday).  The MK Ummerkoya Memorial Ayurveda Hospital, which is another unit of the same society, is  very next to the Snake Park. This hospital offers all kinds of traditional Ayurveda therapy and special health and treatment packages are available for tourists.