Kerala’s northern coast sees a fraction of visitors compared to the south. The district of Kannur is atypical Kerala: languid backwaters, long coastline, and laidback charm in abundance. Larger settlements Kannur and Tellicherry (Thalassery) experienced boom times under the Portuguese, Dutch, and British; led by the pepper and cardamom trade - flavours which continue to dominate the rich ‘Mopillah’ cuisine – later giving way to textiles and cashews. This area of Kerala has a much larger Muslim population, perhaps explaining the more conservative, quieter lifestyle. There is much to explore here, and drastically lower tourist numbers, so plenty to reward the dedicated traveller!