St. Teresa's Shrine
A much-loved Catholic shrine from the 18th century, with a huge feast every October.
Mahé
A tiny old French town on the Kerala coast, with a riverside walk, a famous shrine and cheap liquor.
Mahé is India's smallest district, a patch of about 9 sq km on the Malabar coast, enclosed by Kerala and part of Puducherry, on the far side of the country. The French held it from the 1720s until 1954, and its old mansions, wide riverside and quiet streets feel different from the towns around.
Kerala's taxes are high and Puducherry's are low, so its many liquor shops, often the first thing you notice, are a big draw. Stay a little longer and you'll find a lovely river walk and one of the region's most loved churches.
- Best Time
- October–February
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- Mahe railway station is on the main Mangaluru to Kozhikode line. Kannur Airport (CNN) is about 35 km away, and Kozhikode Airport (CCJ) about 90 km.
The Short List
3 sights, 3 of them free. Tick off what you've seen and rise from Sailor to Captain of Mahé.
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Must-SeeMahe Riverside Walkway
A pretty promenade and park along the Mahé River, the town's best place for an evening walk.
On the Map
Getting Around
It's small enough to walk everywhere in an hour or two, and autos handle the rest.
Plan Your Visit
- Morning: See St. Teresa's Shrine.
- Afternoon: Walk along the river promenade at Tagore Park, then on to the seafront.
- If you have longer: Continue on to Thalassery and Kannur for forts and theyyam.
Know Before You Go
- You can only take a small amount of alcohol into Kerala, and police check vehicles and buses at the border.
- October's feast at St. Teresa's draws very large crowds.
Where to Stay
Our picks are on the way.
What to Eat
- Malabar BiryaniA fragrant biryani made with short-grained rice, and found all along this coast.
- Mussels and Fish CurryLocal kallummakkaya, stuffed or fried, along with Malabar fish in coconut.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Traveler Reviews
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Go Next
1–3 of 18
Worth a DetourKozhikode
Kerala
About 35 miles away
Where Vasco da Gama landed, known for its beach, biryani and old trading streets.
Guide Coming Soon
Worth a DetourKannur
Kerala
About 16 miles away
North Kerala's beaches, sea forts and fierce Theyyam ritual dances.
Guide Coming Soon
Worth a DetourWayanad
Kerala
About 38 miles away
Spice and coffee hills with wildlife parks, ancient caves and misty peaks.
Guide Coming Soon
The Full Short List
Last checked 2026-11-04.