Kannur

Kannur ( Where Nature Meets Culture) is one among the northernmost districts in the south western state of Kerala in India. The old name ‘Cannanore’ is the anglicised form of the Malayalam word Kannur. With the Western Ghats in the east and lakshadweep sea in the west, kannur district is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. Kannur is blessed with natural beaches, hill stations, rivers, backwaters, historical monuments and religious centres. Kannur is rich in traditional art and culture.

Must see places in Kannur

• Arrakkal Museum (3 kms from Kannur)

It is situated close to Kannur town. The Arrakkal Museum is a museum dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, south India. The durbar hall section of the palace has been converted into a museum by the Government of Kerala.

• Muzhappilangad Beach (15 kms from Kannur)

It has a length of 4.5 kms. 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.

• Dharmadam Island (17 kms from Kannur)

Dharmadam Island is a small 2 hectare private island in between Kannur and Thalassery. This small Island which is situated in the sea like a green spot just 100 m away from shore, becomes a blissful experience to tourists. This isle is full of coconut trees and dense bushes .

• Thalassery Fort (21 kms from Kannur)

Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British. The fort is a square structure built of laterite and is distinguished by its massive ventilated walls and strong flanking bastions.  The fort has secret tunnels to the sea and intricately carved huge doors. It was here that Haider’s captain was imprisoned.

• Fort St. Angelo (3 kms from Kannur)

Fort St. Angelo isalso known as Kannur Fort or Kannur Kotta. Facing the sea, this is one of the most attractive centers in Kannur district in Kerala. The fort stands close by the Arabian Sea. This fort proclaims the strength and beauty of Portuguese architecture.

• Payyambalam Beach (2 kms from Kannur)

Payyambalam Beach is  one of the most beautiful beaches in the state of Kerala is at a distance of 2 km from Kannur town. This beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best place for a relaxing holiday. The essential plus points about the Payyambalam Beach are its cleanliness, its distance from the town and the beauty of its gardens. Payyambalam beach is a favourite picnic spot for the local residents.

• Meenkunnu Beach (10 kms from  Kannur)

Meenkunnu Beach is endowed with vast stretch of golden sand and coconut trees. Meenkunnu beach is located in Azhikode village. It is an extension of Payyambalam beach. The name meenkunnu is a combination of two Malayalam words meen and kunnu. Meen literally means fish and kunnu a small hill.

• Parassinikadavu Temple (16 kms from Kannur)

This centre of worship and faith has in store many unique practices and rituals, and the temple architecture itself stands testimony to this aspect. 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 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.

• Parassinikadavu Snake Park (16 kms from Kannur)

The Parassinikadavu Snake Park is one of the major attractions of Kannur District itself.  The Snake Park, which is a subsidiary unit of the Pappinisseri VishachikitsaSociety, is the only one of its kind in the State and perhaps the whole of India. The park is dedicated 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.

• Ezhimala (55 kms from Kannur)

Ezhimala is a hill reaching a height of 286 protruding into Arabian sea. It was the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kings, and is considered to be an important historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory.

• Kerala Folklore Academy (6.5 kms from Kannur)

For those keen to follow and understand the artistic heritage during their visits to Kerala, it would be an ideal choice to drop in at The Kerala Folklore Academy, located at Chirakkal in Kannur, the northern district of Kerala. Set up by the Government of Kerala, the academy, while ensuring the welfare of folk artistes also strives for reviving, preserving and promoting the rich folk art traditions of Kerala. The academy is located by the side of the beautiful Chirakkal Lake, which is reputedly the second largest of its kind in Asia.

• Pythal Mala/Vaithal Mala (65 kms from Kannur)

Pythal Mala is an 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. The 300 acre wide sprawling area is a safe home to numerous birds, hundreds of butterflies, rare plants and trees. Even during this sweltering summer at Paithal Mala one can relish a real cool climate. En route to the top of the hill one can see the remains of the run down palace of the tribal king called Vaithalkon.

• Malayala Kala Gramam (29 kms from Kannur)

Located at New Mahe, Malayala Kala Gramam is a centre for art and ideas which providing children and youngsters a Kalari (stage) to practise and perform all forms of fine arts. The centre offers part time as well as full time courses in painting, sculpture, music and dance and art pottery. Spending a day here with the tutors, students and the exotic library is an enlightening experience for any art lover.

• Kavvayi Backwaters/Valiyaparamba Island (50 kms from Kannur)

Kavvayi Backwaters located near Payyannur is the third largest backwater in Kerala and the largest one in north Kerala. The Kavvayi Kayal(Backwaters) is dotted with several small and large islands. Valiyaparamba island is the largest among them and stretches over 16 km2.

• Pazhassi Dam (37 kms from Kannur)

Pazhassi Dam is an ideal retreat for tourists, the dam site is famous for its scenic beauty. The DTPC provides pleasure boating facilities at the reservoir. It is the only reservoir with gardens in  Kannur  district. The  dam  site is  across the  Valapattanam  River,  near  Kuyiloor ( Kuyiloor puzha ). This  dam is near  to the  birth place of  Pazhassi  Raja. So the dam is named  after Raja. A visit to this dam is  really worth  for who all  are  interested in  boating.

• Thottada Beach (7 kms from Kannur)

Thottada Beach is a beautiful beach in Kannur. It is situated at Thottada just about 2.5 km from the NH 17 connecting Kannur town and Thalassery, it is hardly 7 km from Kannur town if you come through aadi Kadalai Temple route. The virgin beach 800 meter long is ideal for sun bathing. Tourists could stay at the beach house or guest house near the beach.

• Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (65 kms from Kannur)

The Aralam Sanctuary is located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats. It is the northern most wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. The Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq km of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here – Katti Betta – rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.