Kannur
The cradle of a colourful folk art form like Theyyam, Kannur is said to be the ancient port of Naura, from whose shores King Solomon’s ships collected timber to build the great temple of Jerusalem. Known even to the Greeks, the Romans and the Arabs, Kannur’s trade links go back a long way. Acclaimed by celebrated traveller Marco Polo as the great emporium of the spice trade, this nature-rich land has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the State. Bounded by the Western Ghats in the east and the Lakshadweep in the west, Kannur showcases its remarkable history in the ancient forts, old shrines and august cultural and educational institutions that dot its scenic landscape.
Place to Visit
Payyambalam Beach: (2 km from Kannur town) This beach is famous for its flat laterite cliffs that jut into the sea. The well-laid gardens and the massive landscaped Mother and Child sculpture make it extremely captivating.
Dharmadom Island: (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadom and 5 km from Thalassery) This uninhabited island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes sits beyond the confluence of Anjarakandy and Thalassery rivers. It is just 100 metres from the sandy beach of Dharmadom, which is set off from the mainland by rivers that surround it on three sides and the sea on its western side. You can wade to the island at low tide.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: (61 km from Kannur Town) Elephants, sloth bears, sambars, mouse deer etc. can be found in this 55 sq.km sanctuary Ph: 0490-2413160
Muzhappilangad Beach: (15 km from Kannur and 8 km from Thalassery) Kerala’s only drive-in beach, you can whiz along nearly 4 km of tightly packed sand through its palm-fringed shore. The drive is ideal for sampling the famed Malabar cuisine from the many eateries in the immediate hinterland. Back rocks protect this long, clean beach from the currents of the deep, making its shallow waters a swimmer’s paradise. Adventure sports like paragliding, parasailing and microlite flights are possible at the Muzhappilangad Beach in Thalassery. Other attractions include water sports, power boating or a simple catamaran ride.
Thalassery Fort: (22 km from Kannur. Open 10.00-05.00 hrs) This fort, constructed in 1708 by the British, was once their military centure. The holy Rosary Church where Edward Brunnen is buried can be seen from here. Overbury’s Folly, a colonial bungalow now turned into a restaurant is located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. The SAI Gymnastic Centre, an old Muslim mosque, the Jagannatha Temple and Thiruvanagad Sree Rama Sawmy Temple are other attractions nearby.
St. Angelo Fort: (3 km from Kannur. Open 08.00-06.00 hrs) This seafront laterite fort was constructed in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeda, with the consent of the ruling Kolathiri Raja. Ammunition dumps stables, underground jails, secret tunnels to the sea and an old dilapidated chapel can all be still seen within its precincts. After changing hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch and then to the English, the fort became one of the important military centres of the British in Malabar. St. Angelo Fort offers a fascinating view of the Mappila Bay fishing harbor. Ph: 0497-2732578
Special Attractions
Arakkal Kettu Museum: (3 km from Kannur, Opp. Ayikaara Mappila Bay. Closed on Mondays) This was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim Royal Family of Kerala. Protected by the Archaeological and Tourism Department, this palace complex is today a museum housing splendid display of numerous artefacts and heirlooms belonging to the Raja. Ph: 9446017949
Chirakkal: (6 km from Kannur) There is splendid folklore museum here. In an effort to preserve the rich heritage of the 130 year old abode of Chirakkal family, the Chirakkal Kovilakam was converted into a museum. The Kolathiri Rajas once lived here.
Cinnamon Valley, Anjarakandy: Spread over nearly 200 acres, the Cinnamon Valley on the banks of the Anjarakandy River, is considered the largest cinnamon plantation in Asia. The white pepper grown here is very popular in British and other Western countries. The Anjarakandy Medical College functions here.
Ezhimala: (55 km from Kannur) A hillock, which is 286 m high, rises above the beautiful beach here. Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The hills are well known for its rare medicinal herbs. A Naval Academy, one of the largest of its kind in Asia, is located here. Permission is required for entry.
Gundert Bungalow: (20 km from Kannur near Thalassery, on the Illikunnu NH) Dr. Hermann Gundert, the revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer lived in this bungalow for 20 years from 1839. It was here that the first Malayalam dictionary and the first Malayalam newspaper-Paschimodayam-took shape. The bungalow is at present occupied by a technical training institute.
Kanhirode Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd.: (13 km east of Kannur. Open 09.00-03.30 hrs. Closed on Sundays) About 400 workers create high quality furnishing fabrics, shirts, sarees as well as Khadi fabric. Ph: 0497-2857259
Loknath Weavers Co-op Society Ltd.: (3km from Kannur Town) Handloom Weaving factory that manufactures curtains, cushion covers, table covers, runners, placement, kitchen towels etc. Ph: 0497-2857259
Kizhunna Beach: (11 km from Kannur) This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala.
Kunhimangalam: This place in Payyanur is famous for its unique bronze lamps and sculptures.
Madayi Para: (25 km from Kannur) 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 a Madayi which is supposed to have been built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The view from the fort is fascinating.
Mahe: Formerly a part of Kerala, Mahe is today a union territory. This picturesque little town with a French flavour, originally called Mayyazhi, was renamed Mahe after the Frenchman who captured it. The St. Teresa’s Church is famous all over Malabar for the efficacy of prayers said here. People of all religions converge here from all over Kerala and even from as far as Singapore, Sri Lanka and England during the fete (October 5-22), which is considered an especially auspicious time.
Malayala Kalagramam, New Mahe: (29 km from Kannur) This renowned centre for arts and culture conducts courses in painting, sculpture, music, dance and pottery. The centre also has an art gallery, exhibition hall, library, a 300- seat auditorium, a sculpture garden, cottages for staff and students, separate guesthouses for visitors and a canteen. Visitors are allowed to watch the classes with prior permission from the Director. Ph: 0490-2332961
Parassinikadavu: (18 km from Kannur) The DTPC provides pleasure boating and houseboat cruises at the Parassini River. Accommodation is available nearby. The snake park here is the only one of its kind in the State. Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large crowds. Vismaya Infotainment Centre, one of the largest water theme parks, s situated here. Ph: 2782850 (Open 08.30-05.30 hrs everyday).
Pazhassi Dam & Garden: (37 km east of Kannur) An ideal retreat for tourists, this dam site is famous for its scenic beauty.
Thalassery: A remarkable town by the sea, it is famous for many reasons. The British sport cricket was first played here, the first cakes in India introduced by the British were baked here at the Mambally’s Royal Biscuit Factory and Indian circus has its origins in this town as well.
Valapattanam: (7 km from Kannur) This 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 Indian Plywood 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.
Overburries Folly: (22 km from Kannur) A seashore recreational park near the Thalassery Municipal Stadium is the key attraction here. (Open 08.00-08.000 hrs) Entrance fee: Adults: Rs. 5, Children: Rs. 2.
Meenkunnu Beach: (12 km from Kannur Town) Uncrowed, the beach is a tourists’ paradise, with golden sand and surf.
Places of Worship
Cherukunnu: This place is famous for its Annapoorneswari Temple, and its week-long annual festival that falls in April. There is a Kathakali-Panchavadya school called Asthikalaya near the temple.
Kottiyoor: (Open 05.00-10.00 hrs, 04.00-08.00 hrs. Prayer Timings: 08.00 hrs, 12.00 hrs, 07.30 hrs) Described as the Varanasi of the South, the twin Siva Temples at Kottiyoor called Akkara Kottiyoor and Ikkara Kottiyoor lie on the banks of the Bavali River. Thousands of devotees attend the annual 27-day festival during May-June. Ph 0490-2430434
Odathil Palli Mosque: (Near Old Bus Stand, Thalassery) This 500 year old mosque in the heart of Thalassery was built by an Arab merchant in the typical Kerala Hindu temple style. The mosque, which has neither domes nor minarets, is not open to non-Muslims.
Parassinikadavu Temple: (18 km northeast of Kannur. Open 05.00-08.00 hrs, 04.00-08.00 hrs) The Sri Muthappan Temple of Parassinikadavu stands on the banks of the Valapattanam River and is one of the most important shrines here. This pilgrim centre is famous for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. Visitors can go around the temple and even enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple renowned for its unusual offering of dried fish and toddy to the deity. A Kathakali Club at the temple arranges shows on request after 11 in the night, which lasts for 2 ½ hrs. Ph: 2780722
Payyanur Subramania Temple: (46 km north of Kannur and 21 km north of Thaliparamba. Open 04.00-12.00 hrs, 05.00-09.00 hrs) This lovely temple is famous for the pavitra modiram, a uniquely crafted ring. Made only against order, with gold and the holy darbha grass, it is worn after being sanctified at the temple by Brahmins while performing rituals.
Peralassery Subramania Temple: (14 km from Kannur. Open 04.00-04.00 hrs. Prayer Timings: 11.00 hrs and 04.30 hrs) This temple is believed to be where Rama and Lakshmana halted on their way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita.
Raja Rajeswara Temple: (25 km from Kannur, in Thaliparamba) Situated near Thaliparamba Town on the National Highway, this temple is dedicated to Lord Raja Rajeswara (Lord Siva worshipped as the presiding power). An unusual custom is that women are allowed inside only after 8 pm as it is said that Lord Siva is with His wife Parvathi then and will therefore, grant women their wishes. Ph: 0460-2203457
Sree Ramaswamy Temple, Thiruvangad: (23 km from Kannur) Dedicated to Sree Rama, this is one of the most important temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings in the temple are said to have been done nearly 400 years ago.
Suryanarayana Temple, Kadiroor: (Open 05.30-11.30 hrs, 05.30 - 08.30 hrs) Dating back to the 13th century, the idol here is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama while on his way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita.
Thodeekulam Siva Temple: (34 km southeast of Kannur. Open 05.00-07.30 hrs) Located 2 km from Kannavam on the Thalassery-Mananthavady Road, 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 (Thalassery Taluk).
Trichambaram Temple: (20 km from Kannur, near Thaliparamba town on the NH. Open 05.00-12.00 hrs, 05.00 - 08.00 hrs) A sacred place of the Vaishnava cult that predates the 10th century, the deity of the temple is 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 colourful event.
St. Johns Anglican Church (22 km from Kannur, Near Thalassery Fort) This 141 year old church located behind the Thalassery Fort, is believed to be the first church built in Malabar.
