The area has the typical midland characteristics of Kerala, with undulating terrain that is mainly used for agriculture. The geographical area of the municipal town stretches between the Irikkur River (a portion of the Valapattanam River) in the north and the Anjarakandy River in the south. The town is located at the foothills of the western shoulders of the Western Ghats, rising at the east side, while the western boundary contains gradual sloping terrain leading to the Lakshadweep Sea. The Thalassery-Coorg Road (SH30) passes through the Mattanur municipal town. The major urban development and activities are confined to the Mattanur junction area, where the Kannur Road meets with the state highway. The Pazhassi Barrage and a garden of the Pazhassi Irrigation Project are located very close to the town, and this spot is a major tourist destination. The main entrance of the Kannur International Airport is in the town area and is just 3 km from the Mattanur junction.