» Introduction
» Prime Attractions of Kannur
» Tour from Kannur
How to Reach Kannur
By Air
The nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode, about 93kms south.
By Rail
Kannur railway station is an important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State.
By Road
Kannur is accessible by road.
Mahe, Travel to Kannur, Kannur in Kerala
Climate
Summer : 32.6 °C
Winter : 21.4°C
Rainfall : 344 cm. (Annual)
Kannur - The Coastal Town
Kannur is a land with a resonant past. Myths and legends abound. The ships of Solomon, they say: anchored along our coasts to collect timber for building the 'Temple of the Lord'. Kannur finds mention as NAURA in the 'Periplus of the Erithrean Sea' a Greek work of great antiquity.
Tucked far away from the madding crowd, lies Kannur, the most enchanting district of Northern Kerala. The scene is breath taking. The Lakshadweep Sea washes the sands of sugary beaches laced with rows of green coconut palms. Long rivers break into silvery spray and merge into the blue green waters of the sea. Obviously Kerala is the most beautiful of all Indian states and Kannur definitely shows Kerala at its best.
Kannur, the sea coast town in the northern Malabar area was for many centuries the capital of the Kolathiri Rajas, the rivals of the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Formerly a major port area, Kannur is now a city known for its handloom and beedi industries.
Some of Kerala's finest weavers come from this district. Kannur is also the headquarters of the country's largest and best-run beedi cooperative. Marco Polo is supposed to have referred to Kannur as a great emporium of spices.
In the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived in Kannur to establish one of their earliest settlements. A reminder of this is the St. Angelo's Fort built in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy. Kannur's history is marked by foreign invasions and the activities of colonial powers.
The Portuguese factory built by Cabral in 1501 AD, was captured by the Dutch in 1633. In 1708, the British built a fort at Thalasseri (Tellicherry), just outside Kannur. The nearby town of Mahe was developed as a trading centre by the French in the 18th century. Around 1792, after the Mysore Wars, the British took over Kannur.
Prime Attractions of Kannur
Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary
A mere 55 sq.kms in area and located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats, the Aralam sanctuary is the northern most wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. It was established in 1984. Forest coast tropical evergreen and west coast semievergreen forests are predominant. There are about 490 ha of teak and eucalyptus plantations within the forest area. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty, 55 kms from Kannur. The sanctuary adjoins the Central State Farm at Aralam More»».
Dharmadam Island
 |
Dharmadam Island is 17 Kms away fro Kannur, is a beautiful beach, located 17 kms from Kannur. The small 5-acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. It is 100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam. |
Jagannatha Festival
Jagannatha Festival is a colourful eight-day festival, which is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/ March) at the Jagannatha Temple at Madathiparambu, near Thalassery in Kannur.
The idol of Lord Siva, the presiding deity was installed here by the famous social reformer and philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru on 13th February, 1908. The seventh day of the festival is the most auspicious.
Celebration Preparations & Decorations
The event highlights religious conferences participated by eminent scholars and social reformers, elephant processions, fireworks display and cultural programmes.
Madayi Mosque
Madayai Mosque is situated 22 Kms away from Kannur. This beautiful ancient mosque was originally built in 1124 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by its founder, who came to India to spread the word of Muhammad, the Prophet.
Interior of Madayi Mosque, Kannur, Kerala. Nearby is a dilapidated fort is believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore.
Main Attraction : A Fort Built by Tipu Sultan
Moppila Bay
Moppila bay, the famous fishing harbour is situated near the St.Angelo's Fort. The beach is a natural and now a modernised fishing harbour built with assistance under the Indo Norwegian pact.
The remnants of the temple & fort are still seen in Moppila bay. The bay was famous during the Kolathiri's regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countries, in imports.
A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. If the weather is favourable a ride in the sea will be a memorable experience.
Main Attraction : Remnants of Temple and Fort.
Palotukavu Festival
Palotukavu Temple is located at a panoramic site in Azhikode, 6 kms from Kannur, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as 'Matsya' (Fish).
Vishuvilakkutsavam, the eight-day annual festival at Palotukavu temple, falls in the month of Medam (April/May). Grand Theyyam performances are staged every morning and evening of the festival. On the concluding night, an array of awe inspiring Theyyams like Daivathareeswaran, Kurathi, Kundora Chamundy, Nellorthy, Pothy, Angakaram, Oorvasi, Vettakkorumakan etc. are presented till day break.
Best Time to Visit : April / May.
Parassinikkadavu Festival
This centre of worship and faith has in store many unique practices and rituals, and the temple architecture itself stands testimony to this aspect. Located 16 km away from Kannur, a northern district of Kerala, the Parassinikadavu Muthappan (Siva) Temple on the banks of the Valapatnam River attracts people from all sections of the society; irrespective of religion, caste and promotes the essence of "Vasudaiva Kutumbakam - The whole world is one family."
The origin of the Muthappan temple is connected to the appearance of a child who roamed the region with a string of interesting incidents and later vanished without a trace. The incidents up to the point of his disappearance later made the denizens feel the divine presence of Muthappan (Siva) who immediately erected a place of worship, which today is popularly known as the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple.
The temple is also a popular destination for travellers and pilgrims to savour the charm of Theyyam, a ritual that is performed here on a daily basis. Men adorning masks and costumes with a riot of colours perform this temple art form and it represents conflict between good and evil, with good ultimately emerging victorious.
St. Angelo'S Fort
How to Reach
By Air
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 93 km away
By Rail
Nearest railway station: Kannur, about 3 km away.
St. Angelo Fort, the sea front fort was constructed in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy Don Francisco De Almeda with the consent of the ruling Kolathiri Raja.
After changing hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch and then to the English, the fort |
|
became one of the important military centers of the British in Malabar. A huge triangular structure built of laterite, with a moat and strong flanking bastions.
St. Angelo Fort was captured by the Dutch from the Portugese in 1663 AD and sold off to Ali Raja of Kannur in 1772 AD. The British rebuilt it and made it the most important military base in Malabar for their soldiers during the British colonial rule, after capturing it in 1790 AD.
The fort offers a fascinating view of the Moppila Bay, a natural fishing bay, and the five-acre Dharmadom Island situated 100 mts away from the mainland in the Arabian Sea. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. The bay is, today, a modern fishing harbour, developed under an Indo-Norwegian pact.
Historical : Served as a Military Base for the British.
Arakkal Palace
 |
The palace, which is about 2 kms. from Kannur Town, was the palace of Beebi (Queen) of Arakkal. Having deep historic connotations, it belongs to Kerala's only Muslim Royal family that controlled parts of the coast and even Lakshadweep. |
Some claim that ancient coins date the Arakkal rulers to the 8th century. Kerala historian Mr. A. Sridhara Menon seem to believe that the Arakkal kings came to power in 16th or 17th century and issued their coins at the earliest in the 18th century. One of the rulers that presided over the kingdom was Junumma Beevi who ruled for 49 years. By 1909 Arakkal rulers lost Cannanore and cantonment. By 1911 there was further decline with loss of "chenkol and udaval". During those years they allied and clashed with the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English. The British played the biggest part in removing all vestiges of titles and power from the Arakkal rulers. One of the last kings Arakkal Abdu Rahiman Ali Raja (1881 -1946) was active in helping his subjects. The last ruler was Ali Raja Mariumma Beevi Thangal. After her time the family broke up.
Pythalmala
The enchanting hill station, situated near the Kerala-Karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna.
Sixty four K.Ms away from Kannur and 44 K.Ms north east of Thaliparamba lies Pythal Mala the beautiful, calm hillock near the Kerala - Karnataka boarder. 4,500 Ft. above sea level; this hill is abundant in flora and fauna. Trekking 6 Kms would take one to the top of the hill.
Abundant in flora and fauna, this place is now being developed as a hill resort. One has to trek 6 kms to reach the top of the hills. There is a proposal to set up a zoo at the top of the hill. The enchanting hill station offers a challenging trek to those inclined to stretch their legs. Trekkers are rewarded by a profusion of exotic flora and fauna and an exhilirating view from the top.
Tour from Kannur
Ezhimala Beach
Ezhimala is 55 Kms away from Kannur. Nestled atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286m is situated Ezhimala, 55 kms from Kannur. Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Furthur uphill is an ancient Mosque.
Fascinating Sculptured stone pillars are scattered all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Ezhimala is poised to occupy a significant niche on the naval history of India when one of the largest naval academies is commissioned here. A naval academy is being developed here.
Gundert Bunglow
Located 20 kms from Kannur, at Nettur, Gundert's Bungalow is on the out skirts of Thalaserry. It is a historically significant place for all lovers of Malayalam Language.
Home of Dr. Hermann Gundert (1814-1893), a scholar of the German Basel Mission, who compiled the first Malayalam English dictionary. The revered German priest and lexicographer lived in the bungalow for 20 years from 1839. |
|
Mr. Gundert was the publisher of one of the Malayalam's oldest newspapers, the 'Paschimodayam', and also authored several books on Malayalam grammar.
Significance : Malayalam's Oldest Newspaper Took Shape Here.
Muzhappilangad Beach
Muzhappilangad, one of the longest beaches in Kerala is located 15 kms south of Kannur. The long beach is the only drive-in beach in India.
Still untouched, this long, clean beach protected by the black rocks from the deep currents, make its shallow water a swimmer's paradise.
One can drive down the entire length of 4 kms from Kannur to Tellicherry. The enchanting ambience of the beautiful Muzhappilangad beach invites one to swim, sunbathe, or just laze around.
From Muzhappilangad, one can view the Dharmadam Island or the Green Island. A remarkable conjunction of beach and island is just across the Anjarakkandy River.
Significance : One of the longest Beaches in Kerala
Unique Features : Only Drive-In Beach In Kerala
Payyambalam Beach
Payyambalam Beach is 2 Kms away from Kannur. The Payyambalam beach located near the Kannur town is one of the beautiful beaches in the state of Kerala. This beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best locale for a relaxed evening.
The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot of the local people and holds much potential for development into a tourist resort.
Nearby is Ezhimala, the capital of the ancient Mooshika kings, considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory.
A flourishing seaport and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of the Chola-Chera war of the 11th century.
Significance : Tthe mortal remains of Swadeshabimani Ramakrishna Pillai, A.K. Gopalan, Pamban Madavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort.
Pythal Mala
Pythal Mala is 65 Kms from Kannur. Pythal Mala, the enchanting hill station, situated near the Kerala-Karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna. It is a 6 kms trek to the top of the hills. This beautiful, calm hill station, is at an altitude of 4500 ft. above sea level.
Abundant in flora and fauna, this place is now being developed as a hill resort. One has to trek 6 kms to reach the top of the hills. There is a proposal to set up a zoo at the top of the hill.
The enchanting hill station offers a challenging trek to those inclined to stretch their legs. Trekkers are rewarded by a profusion of exotic flora and fauna and an exhilirating view from the top.
General Information : Pythalmala
Main Attraction : Its Exotic Flora And Fauna
Thalassery Fort
Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British.
 |
The British arrived in Thalassery in 1683 and errected a goods shed there. They shifted their ommercial capital to Thalassery from Kozhikkode, following obstruction from the Dutch. In 1700, the British built the Thalassery Fort on a small hill called Tiruvellapadkunnu and in |
1708, it was strengthened by increasing its height and with bastions. The fort is square structure built of laterite and is distinguished by its massiv ventilated walls and strong flanking bastions. It was here that Raider' captain was imprisoned.The famous St. John's Anglican church is behind this fort.
Main Attraction : Jagannatha Temple, Thiruvadi Sree Rama Swami
Kizhunna Beach
This tourist paradise is 11 Kms From Kannur. This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala. The Beach is clean and not crowded with golden sand.
Pappinisserry
Pappinisserry is 16 kms away from Kannur town, the snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons. A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed to be set up here. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are getting extinct gradually.
Pazhassi Gardens & Dam
Pazhassi Gardens & Dam is 37 kms from East of Kannur near Mattannur, the Pazhassi dam & reservoir offer panoramic view of the place. The added attractions of the place are the gardens and amusement park that have been recently. The Buddha's mountain at Pazhassi and the sculpture of Pazhassi King are visual delights. |
|
|
