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THE
COASTAL TOWN
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.
FORTS
& PALACES
St. Angelo's Fort:
Now, a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India, the Fort
St.Angelo's is in the west of Kannur town. It was built in 1505 by the
first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeida, with the permission of
the Kolathiris.
It is still a landmark in Kannur. Though parts of the fort have
collapsed, it is still in a fairly good state of preservation. A few
ancient cannons are on display inside the fort. more...
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.
MOSQUES
Madayi Mosque: Originally
built in 1124 AD by Malic Iben Dinar, a Muslim preacher, it is a beautiful
ancient mosque. 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 the prophet. 
Near by is the dilapidated fort, which is supposedly built by Tipu Sultan
- the ruler of Mysore. more...
BEACHES
Ezhimala Beach:
The Ezhimala Mountain and Beach lie at the northern boundary of Kannur.
Rare medical herbs (Ramayana) with mythological significance grow on
Ezhimala, the strange seven-peaked range.
Around 50 Kms from here, is the Mount Deli Lighthouse, an old tower of
great antiquity. It's maintained by the Navy and is a restricted area. The
beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer that in other
areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins. more...
Payyambalam Beach:
2kms from Kannur. Payyambalam,
the long, lovely beach is a local picnic spot. Flat lateric cliffs jut
into the sea at one end. Picturesque and incredibly beautiful, the beach
is only walking distance from Fort
St. Angelo. The Naura Cafeteria and well laid out gardens greet the
visitor to Payyambalam. more...
Kizhunna Beach: 11 Kms From Kannur. This beautiful stretch of sand
is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala.
OTHERS
Dharmadam Island:
A Buddhist stronghold, Dharmadam Island is located beside the
Muzhappilangad beach,
100 metres offshore surrounded by rivers and sea. A conjunction of beach &
island, it was earlier known as Dharmapattanam. more...
HILL
STATIONS
Pythal Mala: 65
kms north of Kannur, this hill is located on the Kerala-Karnataka border.
Perched at an altitude of 1,372 metres above sea level, this place is
ideal for trekking. A base reception centre and a watchtower atop the
cliff function should not be missed. more...
WILDLIFE
Aaralam
Wildlife Sanctuary: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a tranquil
little sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak of
Katti Betta, covered with tropical and semi- evergreen forests rises to a
majestic height of 1145 m above sea level. more...
FORTS & PALACES
Thalassery Fort:
Thalaserry fort,
located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the
military centre of the British. more...
BEACHES
Muzhappilangad
Beach: Muzhappilangad
Beach, 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. more...
OTHERS
Pazhassi Gardens & Dam: 37 kms. 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.
Pappinisserry: 16 kms 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.
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. more...
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. more...
Air: The nearest airport is at Karipur,
Kozhikode, about 93kms south.
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.
Road: Kannur is accessible by road.
Choice Sea Side Hotel, Cantonment.
Centaur Tourist Home, M A Road.
Kamala International, S M Road.
Kavitha Tourish Home, S N Park.
Motel Aram, Kalliassery.
Omars Inn, Station Road.
Yatri Nivas (KTDC), Near Police Club.
Jagannatha
Festival
Palotukavu Festival
Parassinikkadavu
Festival
Kasargod (66
km)
Kozhikode
(Calicut) (90 km)
Palakkad (209 km)
Kochi
(Cochin) (278 km)
Area: 2997 sq.km.
Population: 2,251,727.
Altitude: Sea level.
Temperature:
Mean Max: 32.6 °C.
Mean Min: 21.4°C.
Rainfall (annual): 344 cm.
Clothing: Tropical cottons.