Kannur is the fourth largest urban agglomeration in Kerala after Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. Kannur is one of ten best cities in India to live. Indicus considered six parameters health, education, environment, safety, public facilities and entertainment, also known as the city of Looms and Lores. Kannur is famous for its pristine beaches, its native performing art Theyyam, and its handloom industry.
History
Kannur was an important port on the Arabian Sea and carried out trade with Persia and Arabia in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It was also the British military headquarters on India's west coast up to 1887. In concurrence with her elder sister Tellicherry, it was the third largest city on the western coast of British India in the eighteenth century after Bombay.
St. Angelo's Fort was built in 1505 by Sir Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India and is located along the Arabian sea about 3 km from Kannur town. The fort has changed hands several times. In 1663, the Dutch captured it and sold it to the Arakkal royal family. The British conquered it in 1790 and transformed it into one of their major military stations on the Malabar Coast. It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it is on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The body of Kunjali Marakkar was exhibited in the Fort after his assassination.
Air:Nearest airport: Kozhikode (93 km)
Rail:Kannur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways. Road:An excellent road transport system connects Kannur to all the major towns of South India
TOURIST PLACES
The tourism potential for Kannur district is high. The St. Angelos Fort in the Kannur Cantonment, which was constructed in 1505, is a symbol of Portuguese architecture and attracts plenty of tourists. The Thalassery Fort is an important tourist centre. Kannur beach and Ezhimala are known for scenic beauty. Places of historic importance, like the house of
Fort St. Angelos
Fort St. Angelos is in the west of Kannur town. It was built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeida, with the consent of the Kolathiris, on a promontory jutting into the Lakshadweep Sea. The Dutch captured the fort in 1663 and sold it to the Ali Raja of Kannur in 1772 and in 1790 it came into the possession of the British. The British rebuilt it and made it their most important station in Malabar. This fort is in a quite good state of preservation, though parts of it have collapsed. A few obsolete guns areseeh at the place. The fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.Facing the sea, this is one of the most attractive centers in Kannur district in Kerala. It is also known as Kannur Fort. This fort is 3 kms away from Kannur town in the western direction. The fort stands close by the Arabian Sea.
Thalassery Fort
The British arrived in Thalassery in 1683 and erected a goods shed there. They shifted their commercial capital to Thalassery from Kozhikkode, following impediment 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.The fort is situated in the Thiruvallippad hill of Thalassery town, 20 kms away from Kannur in the south direction. It was constructed by the British East India Company in the year 1708. this fort has to tell many stories of the victory and defeat of Kalathiri, Tippu Sultan and Pazhassi Raja.
This fort is built of red bricks in an area of two acres. The British used this as a jail and currency manufactory. It was here that the leader of the Hyder Ali’s army was imprisoned and the death bed of Swathi Thirunal’s successor was arranged. Thalassery silver coins were also minted here. St. John’s Church is nearby this fort. Here rests Edward Brennen who contributed significantly to the cultural and educational fields of Thalassery.
Muzhappilangad Beach
Black rocks protect this long; clean beach from the currents of the deep, making it shallows waters a swimmer's paradise. Perhaps this is Keralas only drive- in beach. Where you can drive entire length of 4 K.m... The special feature of this beach is that the vehicles can be driven without getting stuck into the sea sand. This is why the beach is considered to be the only drive in beach in the State. This beach which extends from Muzhuppilangad to Moidu Bridge is considered as swimmers’ paradise since there are no waves in this part due to the rocks here and there and the sea is not deep. This beach is 15 kms away from Kannur in the south direction and 8 kms away from Thalassery in the north direction. A tourist can reach this beach through five panchayat roads starting from the National Highway. The transportation to this beach will be better as the coastal road is completed. In order to turn this beach into a drive in beach and arrange water sport facilities through exploiting to the maximum the natural specialties there, the District Tourism Promotion Council has chalked out projects and they are being implemented. Children’s park and huts to enjoy the natural beauty of Dharmadam Isle have been constructed.
Payyambalam Beach Resort
The Payyambalam beach is one of the beautiful beaches in this State and is an ideal place to spend evenings, irrespective of seasons. It is very near Kannur town. ,The mortal remains or' Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pilla, A.K. Gopalan, K.P. Gopalan, Pamban Madhavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort. Payyambalam beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala.
As part of a targeted comprehensive tourism development, this natural beauty spot is fast changing into a tourist center of international standard. It is the famous sculptor and the State Tourism Advisory Committee member, Shri Kanai KunjiRaman who is imaginatively beautifying Payyambalam. In the park attached to the beach, he is preparing a beautiful piece of sculpture, “a mother with a child lying facing the sea”. This structure has a 80 feet length and 15 feet height. The landscaping of the park is over. The construction of other pieces of art is also going on. The models of folk arts of Malabar including Theyyam are being prepared. A park for the children also is being set here. The aim is to make arrangements to attract children for amusement and exercise. The Payyambalam canal will be widened and deepened without delay for the pleasure boating of the children. A footpath has been brick-laid between the guesthouse and the lighthouse from where sunset can be enjoyed and the beauty of Dharmadom Island towards the south and the headquarters of Ezhimala Navel Academy towards the north can be seen.
Ezhimala
Ezhimala, the capital of the olden Mooshika kings, is considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 kms. North of Kannur.A flourishing sea port and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of the Chola-Chera war of the II th century. It is believed that Lord Budha had visited Ezhimala. An old mosque, believed to contain the mortal remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif, a Muslim reformist, is also located here. The hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the naval history of the country, consequent to the proposal for ommissioning the N.aval Academy here.
Malayalakalagramam
29 K.M from Kannur This famous centre for arts and culture at New Mahe conduct courses in painting, sculpture, music, dance and pottery
Pazhassi Dam
37K.M. east of kannur: An perfect retreat for tourists, the dam site is famous for its charming beauty. The D.T.P.C provides pleasure boating facilities at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories. The dam site is across the Kuyilurpuzha. It is a very beautiful spot. Boating facilities are arranged to attract tourists
Pythal Mala
65 km from Kannur Town: This charming hill station, situated 4,500 ft. above sea level near the Kerala - Karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna. It is a 6 km trek to the top of the hills.. These huge mountains lay spread over 500 acres of land. This is a dense forest area. One can go by bus upto Pottanplavu. From there jeep can be driven for six kms. After that, 2 km walk by foot. North of Paithalmala is Kudaku forest. At the base of the mountain, a tourist information center and dormitory have been constructed
Gundert Bungalow
20.K.M.from Kannur, near Thalasseri town on the national high way at Illikunnu):Dr; Herman Gundert ,the revered German Missionary, scholar,lexicographer lived in this bungalow for 20 years from 1839.It was here that one of the first malayalam dictionaries and the first malayalam newspaper Rajyasamacharam took shape.
Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu
The Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu is situated 18 kms. Away from Kannur town. It Is one of the known snake parks in the country . The park is committed to the preservation and conservation of snakes, most of which are becoming extinct gradually. There is a large collection of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.
Moppila Bay
Moppila Bay is a natural fishing harbour, lying near Fort St. Angelos. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris' regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu .
Dharmadam Isle
This small Island which is located in the sea like a green spot just 100 m away from shore becomes a wonderful experience to tourists. This island is full of coconut trees. There is only a well here as the symbol of human presence. One can reach this place by boat from
Parassinikkadavu Temple
It is a famous temple in south India. It is situated 20 kms away from Kannur. It is famous for its natural beauty. Boating facilities are available for tourists.Sri Muthappan Temple stands on the banks of the Valapattanam river. This pilgrim centre is famous for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. The DTPC provides pleasure boating on the river near the temple and houseboat cruises at the Parassini River. Accommodation is available nearby. The snake park here is the only one of its kind in this State and perhaps the whole of India. Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large crowds of visitors (open 0830-1730 hrs everyday). There are frequent bus services from Kannur to Parassinikadavu
Arakkal Kettu): This was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala. Located 3 km from Kannur
Madayi Para
The Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadukunnu Temple and the 12th century mosque built by Malik bin Dinar with white marble imported from Arabia, are the major attractions here. There is also a dilapidated fort at Madayi which is supposed to have been built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. It is located 25 km away from Kannur
Valapattanam
The small town on the Valapattanam River is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and Azhikkal Beach are located nearby. Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood-based industry in the country and also one of the largest of its kind in South East Asia, is a major industrial concern here. This is Located 7 km away from Kannur town
Raja Rajeswara Temple
Situated near Taliparamba town on the National Highway this temple is dedicated to Lord Raja Rajeswara (Lord Siva worshipped as the presiding power).It is located 21 km away from kannur
Trichambaram Temple
A sacred place of the Vaishnava cult, the divinity of the temple is Lord Sree Krishna. The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are unique by themselves. The annual temple festival, usually held in March, is a colorful event. It is located 20 km away from Kannur, near Taliparamba town on the National Highway
Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangad
This temple devoted to Sri Rama is one of the most important temples in Malabar. The superb carvings in the temple are said to have been done nearly 400 years ago.it is located 23 km away from kannur
Cherukunnu:
Famous for its Anna Poorneswari Temple, the weeklong annual festival falls in April. There is a Kathakali-Panchavadya school called Asthikalalaya near the temple.
Kottiyoor:
There is a Siva Temple here on the banks of the Bavali River. Thousands of devotees attend the annual 27-day festival during May - June.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Elephants, sloth bears, sambars, mouse deer etc. can be found in the 55 sq. km sanctuary. Other attractions: Nature trails, soft trekking, bamboo rafting, coracle boating, stay at tree houses in Pariputhodu and Bhoothamkallu, bathing in the stream at Memutty.
To know more about Kannur
http://kannur.nic.in/
http://www.knr.kerala.gov.in/
www.kannoor.com/
www.kannurbeachhouse.com/
