Kerala - Tourism - Kannur @ whatisindia.com

KANNUR
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. With the Lakshadweep sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Kannur is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself, which shares much of this natural splendor, has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition, Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colorful folk art and folk music. Best time to visit Kannur is August to March.

How to get there:
Air: The nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode (Calicut) which is about 93 km south. The Mangalore airport is 170kms north of Kannur.
Rail: Kannur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways and it is major railway station on Shornur-Mangalore line. (Enquiry: Kannur Ph: 705555; Thalasseri Ph: 322250)
There are trains from Mumbai, Goa, mangaloe, Madras, Trivandrum, Kochi, Kozhikode and Coimbatore. All major trains going North through the Konkan and beyond stop at Kannur
Road: An excellent road transport system connects Kannur to all the major towns of South India (KSRTC: Kannur Ph: 707777). There are frequent bus services from Mangalore, Bangalore, Kochi, Trivandrum and Kozhikode.

St. Angelo Fort
It is situated around 3 km from Kannur. The laterite 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 Ali Raja of Arakkal and finally to the English, the fort became one of the important military centres of the British in Malabar. The barracks, the arsenal, cannons and the ruins of a chapel are all standing testimony of history on the sea shore. This fort is more commonly known as 'Kannur Kota' (Kannur Fort). The fort, is now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. Facing the Arabian sea, the fort gives an excellent view of the palm fringed beach, the Moppila Bay fishing harbor.

Payyambalam Beach
This long secluded beach is situated around 2 km from Kannur. This beach is a local picnic spot. There is a well laid out garden and a massive sculpture of mother and child erected by the famous sculptor Kanayi Kunchiraman.

Arakkal Kettu
Arakkal Kettu is situated 3 km from Kannur. This is a palace of historical significance and was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala which ruled parts of the coast and Lakshadweep island.

Valapattanam (7 km from Kannur)
The small town also known as Baliapattom, 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.

Meenkunnu Beach (12 km from Kannur):
Uncrowded, the beach is a tourists' paradise, with golden sand and surf. It is situated at Azhikode, 12km from Kannur.

Muzhapilangad Beach (15 km south from Kannur and 8 km from Thalasseri)
It is one of the longest beaches in Kerala. The beach is clean and less crowded, ideal for sunbathing. Black rocks protect this long, clean beach from the currents, making its shallow water a swimmer's paradise. Perhaps this is Kerala's only drive-in beach where you can drive down the entire length of 4 km.

Dharmadam Island (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam)
The small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, one can just walk to the island from the beach. It is surrounded by rivers and seas. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. Dharmadam, earlier known as Dharmapattanam was a Buddhist stronghold.

Parassinikadavu (16 km north from Kannur town)
Parassinikadavu is famous for the Snake Park and the Sri Muthappan temple, it is the only place where the ritualistic dance 'Theyyam' is performed all around the year. 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. It is best to visit the temple when the pooja is held between 5 and 8am or 6.30 and 8.30pm to watch the Theyyam. Non Hindus also can watch the Theyyam performance. The DTPC provides boating service on the river near the temple, a pleasure trip with surrounding lush greenery and the river opening up to the sea ahead. Accommodation is available nearby. The Snake Park which is situated here has three snake pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for King Cobras in the park. Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large crowds of visitors. (Open 0900 - 5.30 hrs everyday). There are frequent bus services from Kannur to Parassinikadavu.

Thalasseri Fort (22 km from Kannur)
The fort is situated 22 km from Kannur and stands on a rocky cliff, right on the Thelichery beach. Thalassery was the first settlement of the British East India Company on the western coast. The fort constructed in 1708 was the military centre of the British. It is now a historical monument. The Fort has a magnificent gate way and a light house. Around the fort stands the Brennen cemetery, St.Rosario church and the sub-collector's bungalow. Named after Sir Edward Brennen, laid to rest here the cemetery, also have the tomb's of many European officials of the East India Company.

Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangadi
This temple dedicated to Sri Rama is one of the most important temples in Malabar. It is situated 23km from Kannur, near Thalasseri fort. The exquisite carvings in the temple are believed to have been done nearly 400 years ago.

Trichambaram Temple
The temple is situated 20 km from Kannur, near Taliparamba town, famous for its spices trade on the National Highway. It is a sacred place of the Vaishnava cult, the deity of the temple is Sree Krishna. The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are a class by themselves. The annual temple festival, usually held in March, is a colorful event.

Gundert Bungalow (20km from Kannur)
It is situated 20 km from Kannur, near Thalasseri town, on the National Highway at Illikunnu hill. This Bungalow in Tellicherry is of historical significance as this was the residence of Dr. Herman Gundert, the revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer. He lived here for 20 years from 1839. It was here that one of the first Malayalam dictionaries and the first Malayalam Newspaper - 'Paschimodayam' - took shape. He has also written 18 books in Malayalam including a grammar book. Gundert's bungalow today houses part of the Nettur Technical Training Foundation a unique institution started by the Swiss Foundation.

Madayi Para
It is situated 25 km from Kannur. The Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadukunnu Temple and the 12th century mosque (1124 A.D) built by Malik Bin Dinar a Muslim preacher, 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. The view from the fort is fascinating. The Madayi Kavu and Vadakkunnu temple is of tourist interest.

Malayala Kalagramam (29 km from Kannur):
This renowned centre for arts and culture at New Mahe, conducts courses in painting, sculpture, music, dance and pottery.

Thodikalam Siva Temple
It is located 34km southeast of Kannur. This temple is famous for its mural paintings. It is believed to have been constructed 2,000 years ago and was closely connected with the Pazhassi Raja family of Kottayam (Thalasseri taluk).

Aralam Wild life sanctuary
It is situated 35 km from Thalassery. It is a tranquil sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests. Herds of deer, elephants, boar and bisons are quite common. Leopards, jungle cats, various type squirrels and rare species of birds have been found here. Around 160 species of birds, even some species considered extinct, have also been found here.

Pazhazzi Dam
37 km east of Kannur near Mattanur, the Pazhazzi Dam and reservoir are scenic awesome sight. An ideal retreat for tourists. One can cruise down the river in D.T.P.C. boats often crossing small islands inhabited only by birds. The Gardens & Amusement park is an added attraction. The Buddha’s mountain at Pazhassi, sculpture of Pazhassi King are interesting places to visit. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.

Kottiyoor
This place is 60 km away from the town. 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.

Pythal Mala
It is located 65 km from Kannur town. This enchanting 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.

Ezhimala
It is situated 55 km from Kannur. The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Ezhimala hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs with mythological significance. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins. A Naval Academy is being developed here. Permission is required for entry.

References:
http://india-tourism.com/

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