Kannur
(IPA: [kaɳɳuːr] ( listen) Malayalam: കണ്ണൂര്), also known as Cannanore, is a city in
Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the administrative
headquarters of the District of Kannur and 518 km north of state capital
Trivandrum. During British rule in India, Kannur was known by its old name
Cannanore (Land of lord Krishna[citation needed]), which is used only by the
Indian Railway as of now. It is the largest city of the North Malabar region.
Kannur Municipality was established in 1867 and is one of the oldest
municipalities in Kerala.Kannur is one of the Million-Plus urban agglomerations
in India with a population of 1,642,892 in 2011. Kannur is known as the Land of
Looms and Lore, because of the loom industries functioning in the district and
ritualistic folk arts held in temples. Kannur is famous for its pristine
beaches, Theyyam, its native performing art, and its handloom industry.
Kannur
is of great strategic military importance. It houses one of the 62 military
cantonments in the country, the Kannur Cantonment, and is the current
headquarters of the Defence Security Corps and Territorial Army’s 122 Infantry
Battalion (under Madras Regiment). Ezhimala Naval Academy(INS) is situated 35
km north of Kannur City. It is Asia's largest and the world's third largest
naval academy. An Indian Coast Guard Academy is approved to be built at Kannur.
This Coast Guard Academy will be built on the banks of Valapattanam River at
Irinave, east of Azhikkal. Kannur Cantonment is also one of the important
cantonments in India.
PILGRIM CENTRES IN KANNUR
KUNNATHURPADI
Kunnathurpadi,
invoking of Sri Muthappan (malayirakkal) is from Puralimala whereas at
Puralimala, it is from Kunnathurpadi. In all other madappuras, this is done
from Kunnathurpadi. On the first day of the festival, four theyyams appear at
Padi Puthiya Sri Muthappan, Puramkala Sri Muthappan, Naduvazhissan Daivam and
Thiruvappana. One special thing at Padi is that Thiruvappana and Vellattam do
not appear simultaneously as in many other Muthappan Temples. Here Thiruvappana
is performed at night.
Kunnathur
Padi, the Aroodam of Sri Muthappan in located near Srikandapuram in Payyavur
Village of Taliparamba taluk in Kannur District. Kunnathurpadi festival which
starts in Malayalam month of Dhanu 2nd and ends in Makaram 2nd. There are no
temples for Muthappan in Kunnathur padi. This area is beautiful with its
greenery and is 3000 feet above sea level atop Udumbamala of Sahyadri
Mountains.There is an open place and a cave in the middle of the forest. During
the festival season, a temporary madappura is erected here, which is called
Sreekovil. On the west side of this madappura, there is a stone, a rock stand
and a mud platform. On each side of the cave there is a palm tree. On the north
side, there is a spring called Thiruvankadavu. Beyond that is Aadipadi.
Thanthries do the purifying rituals (Sudhi, Pasudanam, Punyaham, Ganapati homam
and Bhagavathiseva).
SREE MUTHAPPAN KATHAKALI
YOGAM
SREEMUTHAPPAN
always encourages art and culture. It is only here that we can see the folk art
of THEYYAM dance performed every day. The temple gives encouragement to
different forms of folk art. Earlier there was Muthappan Nadakayogam that
performed various plays based on Ramayana and Mahabharatha .After the drama
troop, a KATHAKALI troop was formed. Now SREEMUTHAPPAN KATHAKALIYOGAM is one of
the leading Kathakali troops in Kerala. .To train youngsters in the art, a
school for KATHAKALI have been started. Students from many part of the state
are given free coaching, free meals and free accommodation.
RAJARAJESWARA TEMPLE
Rajarajeswara(Rajarajeswara
is one of the names of Shiva) Temple is situated at Taliparamba, 25 km away
from Kannur. Taliparamba or Perinchalloor was one among the 64 brahminical
settlement. The old name of Taliparamba was 'Lakshmipura' as this place was
considered as an abode of prosperity. All the fame and prosperity to
Perinchelloor Gramam is because of the presence of Sree Raja Rajeswara temple
and the blessings of Perum Thrikkovilappan.Perinchelloor Gramam has been
referred in the Tamil book "Pathittupathu",Chelloor Nadhodaym Chambu
(Sanskrit), Kerala Pazhama, Kerala Mahatmyam,Jambukolpathi,Kokila Sandesam,
Keralolpathi and many more. Between A.D.216 and 333 Perinchelloor was the
capital of Perumakkans as referred in "Pathittupath". Lord Siva here, is known in different
names such as SADASIVA, PERINCHELLOORAPPA, LAKSHMEEPURESA, RAJADHIRAJA etc. In
venerable prayer, though it seems to be pertaining to Siva, the method of
worship is distinct in many ways. Ages before, the deity was consecrated by the
great sage, Agasthya Muni on a Wednesday. Hence ‘darsan’ on Wednesday is
considered very auspicious even today. In ‘Threda Yuga’ Lord Sreeramachandra
paid obeisance to Lord Siva on the Namaskara Mandapam. Hence entry to the
mandapam is restricted. To fill pots made of gold silver and copper with ghee
and dedicate them to Lord are the main offerings here. They are called
‘Ponninkudam’, ‘Vellikudam’ and ‘Neyyamruthu’ respectively. ‘Pattam’, Wedlock
for goddess Sree Parvathi and Pushpanjali are the other important offerings.
Only ghee is used inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. Women are allowed to enter
inside the temple only after the ‘ATTAZHA PUJA’. Children below 4 years are not
allowed to enter inside. There is no well inside the temple.
SREEKRISHNA
TEMPLE TRICHAMBARAM
One
of the ancient srikrishna temple in north kerala (Uthara
Guruvayoor)situated in Thaliparamba
–Kannur dt. The temple enshrines Lord Krishna in his child-form, soon after
slaying Kamsa.The temple is believed to be built by Lord Parashuram, the
mythological architect of Kerala, who had put down the rituals, routine,
worship and details of the annual festival and
Shambara Maharshi worshipped the
Lord here. So the place came to be known as Sri Sambaram which later became
Trichambaram. The annual temple festival (Utsavam) is a
colourful event. The fortnight-long (14 Days)festival begins on Kumbham 22 of
Malayalam calendar (which generally falls on March 6) every year with the
kodiyettam (hoisting of a religious flag) and comes to an end on Meenam 6
(which generallay falls on March 20). At this time the idol of Krishna's
brother Lord Balram is brought from Dharmikulangara Temple at Mazhoor and they
are stay together at Trichambaram. In between these dates, for 11 days,
thitambu nriththam (a sort of dance with the deities of Krishna and Balarama)
is held at Pookoth Nada( NH-47 -1 km from temple).
SREE
VAIDYANATHA TEMPLE
After
around a 20 minute drive further from Shree Krishna Trichambaram temple, we
arrive at the next temple in our temple trail of Kannur in Kerala: The
Vaidyanatha temple.Located at Kanhirangad, 6 kms from Taliparamba and revered
as one amongst the 108 ancient Shiva temples of Kerala, stepping in the temple
is like stepping back in time.A flight of stony stairs running through an
unkempt plantation, the simply structured temple looking from over from the top
and absence of any sign of human life – when you witness scenes like these, it
becomes that much more easier to believe what the legends say.
This
place once served as the hiding abode of Karaskarasura, the demon child of
Bhasmasura. One day when sage Parsuram was passing by the forest, he came
across the demon and both had an encounter. In the skirmish, Karaskarasura got
killed and the sage found a shivlingam in a fountain of the courtyard. On
inquiring more about the beautiful looking shivlingam from the sage Narada, He
came to know of its powerful healing abilities and how its worship had once
cured the leprosy struck Aditya (Sun God) relieving Him of his illness. This
prompted him to install that lingam for the betterment of the whole of mankind,
in the same place that we call the Vaidyanatha temple today – the temple with
magical healing powers.A series of steps take you to the main temple resting
gently on a hilltop. Passing through the structure of the main gate gives a
feeling of having entered the doors of any simple house and that is where, I
believe, this temple’s prime beauty lies - in its sheer simplicity and
minimalist appeal. The gates open in a spacious compound where a large deepam
(lamp) burns bright to the left.
MADAYIKAVU
- THIRUVAR KADU BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE
Madayi
Kavu, also known as Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi Temple, is a famous Hindu temple
dedicated to Kali Amma in Kerala, India. The temple, now under the
administration of Devaswom Board, was originally under the control of the
Kolathiri Kings. The temple, situated in Madayi near Payangadi, is an important
site of worship in the Kannur District and Kerala region. The temple is also
associated with Mannanpurathu Kavu (Nileshwaram) dedicated to Kali, and
Vadukunnu Temple dedicated to Shiva.
The
origin of the temple is ancient, possibly preexisting Vedic times. The main
deity worshipped here is Madayi Kavu Amma or Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi who is
Bhagavathi in the form of Kali. The Bhagavathi is worshipped as the daughter of
Shiva. Other deities are also present. The temple also contains a Shiva shrine.
The Shiva shrine faces East, while the Mata Kali shrine faces towards the West.
The Brahmin priests at the temple, known as Podavar Brahmins, belong to a
particular sect associated with Kali worship, and are not barred from
consumption of meat. A particular aspect of the temple is Kozhi Kalasham, which
is the sacrifice of poultry for the goddess which is held in high regard. The
main offerings in the temple are Raktha Pushpanjali, Sathrupooja, Aalroopam,
and Valiyavattalam Payasam.
SREE RAGHAVAPURAM TEMPLE
Sree
Raghavapuram Temple widely known as ‘Hanumarambalam’ is situated at
Cheruthazham, a nearby village of Payyanur. Even though the main deity
worshipped is Lord Sreerama, the temple is known by the name of Lord Anjaneya.
It is believed that the temple was being constructed in the 8th Century A.D. by
the ruler Udaya Varman Kolathiri and was given to the 237 scholarly Brahmin
families who were invited from the Tulunadu of present Karnataka. Lord Sri
Rama, Lord Anjaneya, Lord Parameswara and Sri Durga Devi are the main deities
worshipped in this temple. Moreover the “Thidambu Nritham” (holy dance
performed by the Brahmins with the Idols of Gods on their head) with four idols
at a time is performed only here. Sree Raghavapuram Temple has many special
features. Lord Sri Rama with Sita Devi and Lakshmana on the same pedestal can
be seen only in this temple. The "Avil prasadam" of Anjaneya Swami
& the "Sarkara Paayasam" of Srirama is famous throughout Kerala.
The main offerings of the temple are Nei Vilakku, Avil Nivedhyam, Gada
Oppikkal, Pushpanjali, Ganapathi Homam etc.
ANNAPOORNESHWARI
TEMPLE
Annapoorneshwari Temple located
at Cherukunnu, is a famous temple of North Malabar. At this temple, Lord
Krishna is co-located with Sree Annapoorneswari. It is believed that Sree
Annapoorneswari has visited the shrine which was under the sea. It is also
believed that this temple have been constructed by Lord Parashurama -
mythological architect of Kerala. The temple is near Cherukunnu Town, around 14
km from Kannur, 16 km from Taliparamba and 18 km from Payyannur. A large Chira
(Swimming pool) is also located near the temple which is very beautiful and
mindglowing.This is one of the 108 Durga Temples. ‘Annadhanam’ is held everyday
to all the devotees coming from far and near places.
Grand celebrations featuring
special rituals and cultural programmes are the highlights of the vishu
vilakkulsavam at Cherukunnu Sri Annapoorneswary temple. The festivities begin
with the hoisting of the festival flag. Purathezunnallippu, a ceremonial
procession with the idol of the deity is held on all days on the temple
premises. The Kazchavaravu, a festival ritual, and fire works held on the
third, fourth and fifth days are another attraction. Thidampu nritham, a
ritualistic dance, in which the performer carries the idol on his head, is held
on all days.
SREE
VELAM MAHAGANAPATHY TEMPLE
There are two sanctum
sanctorums in the enclosed inner ambulatory. Siva is enshrined as Rajarajeswara
in the bigger sanctum sanctorum and as Vaidyanatha in the smaller sanctum
sanctorum. In the southern corridor of the Rajarajeswara temple, Maha Ganapati
is enshrined facing south. Close to Maha Ganapati is ascribed the presence of
Dakshinamurti. In the western corridor of the Rajarajeswara temple facing west
is Sri Parvati. Outside the enclosed inner ambulatory, in the north-west corner
is Sri Krishna temple. The Velam Sri Maha Ganapati temple complex consists of
these.This is the one and only temple in Kerala where two Siva temples
(Rajarajeswara and Vaidyanatha) occur inside a single inner ambulatory. This
temple is special that even though the important deity appears to be
Rajarajeswara, the upadeva Ganapati has more importance and the whole temple
complex is known in the name of Ganapati.It is estimated that the Vaidyanatha
temple is about 2000 years old and the Rarajeswara temple is about 1000 years
old.
KOTTIYOOR
MAHADEVA TEMPLE
Kottiyoor or Kottiyur is an
ancient Hindu pilgrim center devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in
Kannur district, Kerala. The temple is situated on the beautiful Sahya mountain
range valley and is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The Bavali river with
her medicinal waters flow from the Wayanad ghats on the banks of the temple. On
the northern side of the river bank, there is a small lake known as
'Thiruvanchira' and here in the midst of this lake is this temple sans
temple.The temple has a Shiva linga believed to be a 'swayambhu'. Swayambhu
means born on his own or not man made. The small heap where this Shiva linga is
worshipped is known as 'Manithara'. The abhishekam for the Shiva linga is with
milk, ghee (clarified butter) and karikku (tender coconut water). In the same
lake, there is another heap 'Ammarakallu' where Sree Parvati Devi is
worshipped. This way, at Kottiyoor you get the blessings of both Shiva and
Shakthi.Kottiyoor is also known by the names Kudiyoor, Dakshina Kashi.
Thricherumana, Vdakkumkaavu, Kizhakkumkaavu and Vadakeeswaram.At Kottiyoor,
there are two temples - Akkare Kottiyur and Ikkare Kottiyur, located on the
opposite banks of Bavali river. Akkare Kottiyur is open during the Kottiyoor
Vaisakha Maholsavam festival only.
SHREE
SUBRAMANYA SWAMI TEMPLE
The
Peralassery Subramanya Temple is in Peralasseri panchayat, located peralasseri
temple15 kms from Kannur town on Kanur Kuthuparamba road.The main deity of this
temple is Lord Subramania. The main offerings(“vazhipaddu”) in this temple are
“Subramania Puja” and “Mutta Oppikal” (offering of eggs to the revered snake
deity- to get wishes from snake gods).Near by small temples (“Chuttambalam”)
has deities of Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyapa.One week long Kodiyettam festival
associated with the Peralassery Subramanya temple is in the Month of December,
every year.There is a pond which is re built recently which is one of the
biggest temple pond in Kerala.During the vanavasam(stay in jungle) period of
Lord Sri Raman, Lakshmana, Hanuman, they had to stay in a place inside the
forest called Perallasseri. The people around knowing the divine power of
SriRama started to provide all the help needed for them. They began to pray to
this lords for their blessings.
HOLY
TRINITY CATHEDRAL
The
Holy Trinity Cathedral is located where the first chapel was built by the
Portuguese Christian Missionaries in 1501. This church was named after Nossa
Senhora de Vitoria.
HADITH
OLIYANKARA JUMA MASJID
Oliyankara
Juma Masjid located at Cherukunnu, is a famous Mosque of North Malabar. This
mosque is very ancient and historical place for Malabar Muslim Society. It is
believed that the priests in ancient days gave importance to the Hindu Gods at
this Mosque. The Mosque is at Pallichal near Cherukunnu Town, around 14 km from
Kannur, 16 km from Taliparamba and 18 km from Payyannur.Kannapuram
is the nearest rail head (Nearest Major Railway Station is Kannur). Kozhikode
(Calicut) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is under construction
near Mattannur.
THAVAM CHURCH
The
Thavam Church at Cherukunnu, is a famous Latin Catholic Church of North
Malabar. This church is very old which proclamates the presence of Christians
in North Malabar since ancient days. This a heritage place for North Malabar
Latin Catholic Society. This church is under Diocese of Kannur. This church is
at Thavam near Cherukunnu Town, around 17 km from Kannur, 19 km from
Taliparamba and 15 km from Payyannur.
Pazhayangadi
is the nearest rail head (Nearest Major Railway Station is Kannur). Kozhikode
(Calicut) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is under construction
near Mattannur.
PLACES TO VISIT IN KANNUR
ARAKKAL
MUSEUM
Dedicated
to Arakkal Royal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerela, Arakkal museum
showcases the history and the regional influence of the Arakkal 'Rajas'. The museum
is located 3 km from Kunnar and is easily accessible by buses or taxis.Basically,
the museum is a section of Arakkal Palace, the Durban hall section being
converted to museum by the Kerala government which exhibits old records, maps
and drawings of surveys as well as several other manuscripts.Though renovated
and looked after by the Government of India yet it still belongs to the Arakkal
family and is looked after by the trust. Don’t miss this place during your
visit to Kannur.Located close to the museum is the St. Angelos Fort and
Payyambalam beach which are also good spots to visit.
BEKAL
FORT
Constructed
between 1645 and 1660, Bekal Fort is one of the biggest forts in Kerala
spreading across 40 acres. This sea fortress is located in Kasargod district of
North Kerala, around 49kms south of Mangalore and 93kms north of Kannur. Built
with laterite stones this fort is of prime archeological importance in the
country. Bekal Fort is recognized under the Ancient Monuments and Archeological
Sites Remains Act 1958 (24 of 1958).Bekal owes its history to the 12th century
Mahodayapuram Perumals who were succeeded by the Ikkeri Nayakas who later
fortified Bekal during the 16th century. Sivappa Nayaka of Bednore (Ikkeri
Nayakas) had built Bekal Fort during his reign from 1645-1660. By 1763 Bekal
Fort was captured by Hyder Ali and after the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the
East India Company took over the fort.
DHARMADAM
ISLAND
Dharmadam
Island which is also called as the Green Island is situated in the Kannur
district and is an island that is away from the main land. It is a fascinating
beach and the 5 acre island is covered with large coconut trees and palms. This
island is a best choice for picnic.
ST.
ANGELO’S FORT
St.
Angelo’s Fort, built in 1505 by Sir Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese
Viceroy of India, is situated near the sea coast and about 2 km away from
Kannur town. This fort has a legendary past. Having witnessed several wars for
seizing the control of the fort, the British flag flew over it finally in 1790.
Even now, it is in a fairly good state of preservation, and is a protected
monument under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A painting of this fort
and the fishing ferry behind the fort can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in
Amsterdam. St Angelo Fort is an important historical monument and tourist
centre. Kerala Police has posted six Tourism Police Officers for protection and
guidance to the tourists. Among them ,Sathyan Eddakkad has detailed knowledge
about this fort and the surrounding places. He wrote and published a book in
Malayalam named Vasco Da Gaamyum charithrathile kaanaappurangalum (Vasco Da
Gama and the unknown pages of history) in which he describes the past and
present of the Fort. The fort, though not as large as the famous Bekal Fort in
Kasargod, is a treat to the eyes with lush greenery and well maintained
surroundings. The Payyambalam and Government guest house are some of the other
famous land marks near the fort.
GUNDERT
BUNGALOW
Malayalees
cannot forget Herman Gundert and his contributions to the Malayalam Language. A
German by birth Gundert resided at Illikkunnu Bungalow near Thalassery which
was his workshop for 20 years from 1939 for his research activities. 20 km from
Kannur, near Thalasseri town, on the National Highway at Illikunnu stands his
residence, Gundert Bungalow.
MUZHAPILANGAD
BEACH
Muzhappilangad
beach of Kannur is one of the longest beaches of Kerala. It is situated at a
distance of 15 kilometers from Kannur. The Muzhapilangad beach is the only
drive-in beach of India. This is what makes it unique among all other beaches
of not only Kerala but also India. The long stretch, which measures around 4
kilometers, is the ideal place to laze around or go for a drive. The beach is
clean and well maintained and is one of the best laces to hang around when in
Kannur. The shores of the Muzhappilangad beach are lined with black boulders,
which protects the shores from the lashing waves and also make a natural
shallow place. One can easily swim in this natural shallow pool of water
without having to fear the powerful currents. One can soak up the sun while
lying lazily on the rocks. It is a beach lover's paradise. The calm yet
enthralling ambience of the beach is what makes it a popular getaway for tourists.
The lovely Dharmadam Island is located over here, just a few meters from the
shore. The island and the beach look absolutely beautiful and should be visited
if you want to experience the true beauty of untouched nature.
PAYYAMBALAM
BEACH
One
of the most beautiful beaches in India, the white sandy beach is a popular
tourist attraction in Kannur region of Kerala. Payyambalam is about 3 km from
Kannur and is a good place to spend a peaceful holiday.It is a very clean and
safe beach which makes it ideal for a picnic with family and friends.The
blue-green water rich in marine life and the thick tree cover that stretches
parallel to the sandy beach gives the beach a heavenly look. The serene beach
stretches for about three km along the coast. The beach is widest at its
southern end.The beach has been the preferred location for several Indian movie
directors. Scenes from Mani Ratnam’s Alaipayuthe were shot at the beach.The
most important and popular attraction of the beach is the sculpture of a mother
and her child. The sculpture was made by well known sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman.
A garden next to the beach is popular among tourists for watching the sunset.A
landscaped patch near the beach was the site for the cremation of famous
personalities of the region including former Kerala chief minister E K Nayanar.The
beach also offers opportunities to enjoy water sports like parasailing, jet
skiing, swimming and snorkelling.
VALAPATTANAM
Kannur
is that part of the legendary Malabar Coast where King Solomon's ships anchored
to collect timber to build the 'Temple of the Lord' and to secure most needed
spices. Here in the little hamlet on the banks of the river Valapattanam, is a
giant of the modern timber industry - Western India Plywood Ltd., the largest
wood-based industry in South East Asia.The timber industry of Valapattanam
thrive on the rich forest resources of the district. Teak, Iruli, Elavu,
Karimurukku, sandalwood (Sandalum album) etc. are found in plenty in the
forests here. In addition are cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, tobacco,
cashewnuts etc. Kannur is the only place in Kerala where Pukayila (tobacco)
cultivation is carried on successfully.Valapattanam is also a famous fishing
harbour as well as the main source of the irrigation project in the district.
It is a fascinating experience to watch the traditional mode of timber
transportation - by tying long pieces of timber together and allowing them to
float down the stream.
EZHIMALA
Ezhimala
is one of the famous historical sites of the Kannur region that was the capital
of the erstwhile Mooshika kings. This site served as a battleground during the
war of Chola-Chera.As per a legend, Lord Buddha is believed to have visited
this place. An ancient mosque, which has remains of the Muslim reformist Shaikh
Abdul Latif, is visited by many tourists.This historical site also served as
the headquarters of the Ezhimala Radii during the reign of Sang. It has been
mentioned in the Sang literature as 'ezhil malai', which means high hillock.
Another attraction of this site is a hillock, which is around 286 m high. The
Mount Dilli Lighthouse can also be seen on the hillock. People can enjoy the 286 meters high headland
merging to Arabian Sea and can enjoy striking beach too. India’s naval academy
is placed in Ezhimala, though entering to naval area require permission of
administration of Indian Navy.
PARASSINIKKADAVU
SNAKE PARK
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The
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is located at a distance of 16 km from Kannur. Set
up by Visha Chikitsa Kendra at Pappiniseri, the snake park is a major tourist
attraction. It houses nearly 150 varieties of snakes including the spectacled
cobra, King cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper. The Snake Park also has a
variety of non-poisonous snakes which includes pythons. The park aimed at
preserving and conserving many species of snakes which are on the verge of
extinction. Besides, a research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is
proposed here.
MEENKUNNU BEACH
The
grand Meenkunnu Beach is one of the most popular beaches of the Southern India.
This naturally modified beach side is located in the Kannur district in the
state of Kerala. This naturally modified beach side is greatly covered with
vast stretches of the coconut trees and the golden sand. Most of the people
love to enthrall themselves with the sensational vibes of the flora and the
attractiveness of natural components.There are various observation decks which
are located on the golden shores of this grand beach side. You can easily avail
yourself with the mesmerizing and majestic views of the natural beauty of this
seaside beach through these decks. People love to enjoy the peaceful and
refreshing atmosphere of this attraction of India.This beach side also offers
many attractive features to its visitors like surfing, parasailing, swimming,
beach cricket, volleyball, football, fishing and many more adventurous water
sports which attract a large number of children as well as the youths. There
are various private cottages and restaurants that are located on the shores of
this grand seaside beach. Most of these cottages are reserved for the
foreigners.
MOPPILA
BAY
This
is a natural fishing harbour situated near St.Angelo's Fort. A sea wall
extending to a huge height, projecting from the fort breaks up the rough sea
and inland water. The remnants of the Kadalayi fort and Sree Krishna Temple are
still seen in Mopila Bay.
PYTHAL
MALA
Pythal
Mala is a famous hill station located 4500 ft above sea level. This hill
station can be reached through a trail, which is around 6 km long. As this
region has varied species of flora and fauna, the authorities are planning to
establish a zoo here. The ruins of the Palace of Vaithalkon, who was a tribal
king, can be seen from this hill station.Other attractions of this hill station
are waterfalls and the village of Kappimala. Kudiyanmala village, located
around 6 km from Pythal Mala, can also be visited.
MADAYIPARA
Madayipara
served as the administrative centre during the reign of the Ezhimala kings. The
ruins of a fort called Pazhi Kotta can be seen from the site. This fort is famous
for its watch towers at the corners.During the reign of the rulers of
Kolathunadu, this historical site served as the place for coronation ceremony.
The Vadukunda Shiva Temple and the adjoining pond are some of the other
attractions near the site.The festival of Pooram of Madayi Kavu is organised at
Madayipara. The region is home to around 300 plants and about 30 types of
grass. Several medicinal herbs can also be seen in this region.
ARALAM
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located
on the slopes of Western Ghats of Indian Peninsula, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
is one of the most renowned wildlife attractions in Kannur, Kerala. It is
sprawling over 55 square kilometers near Iritty town which is 55 kilometers
away from Kannur. Central State Farm located at Aralam is adjacent to it. The
altitude of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur is 50 meters to 1145 meters.
Katti Betta is the highest peak located on the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Zone.The
annual rainfall at the sanctuary is around 3000 mm and the best time to travel
to Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is October to June. The south west monsoons last
from June to September in this area.Main Flora and Fauna of Aralam Wildlife
Sanctuary. A wide range of flora and fauna are found in this park.
KIZHUNNA-EZHARA
BEACH
Kizhunna-Ezhara
Beach is ocated 11km from Kannur Kizhunna Ezhara is enclosed between two
Redstone cliffs. The crescent-shaped shoreline is shallow and the sea is calm
for most of the year except during the monsoons. It is a great place to relax
and enjoy nature. This is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala.
PAZHASSI
DAM
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. Accommodation is
available at the Project Inspection Bungalow.It is the only reservoir with
gardens in Kannur district. The garden is a good attraction with
sculptures. The added attractions of the place are the gardens and
children's park. The Buddha's mountain at Pazhassi and the sculpture of
Pazhassi King are visual delights. 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 named after
Raja. A visit to this dam is really worth for who all
are interested in boating.
CHIRAKKAL
/ KERALA FOLKLORE AKADEMI
Chirakkal, about six kilometres
north of Kannur town, was once the capital of the local rulers and a known
centre of folk arts and culture. In recognition of the place’s importance as a
cultural centre, the Kerala Folklore Akademi has been set up here.The Akademi
was established in 1995 at the Chirakkal Kovilakam, the home of the erstwhile
Chirakkal royal family. The building is close to the Chirakkal Lake. The
tranquil ambience of the fort and its proximity to the lake has given it a
place on the tourist map of Kerala. The 130-year-old building of the Akademi,
constructed in accordance with the Kerala style of architecture, houses the
administrative departments of the Folklore Akademi, a folklore museum and a
library. The Akademi aims at the preservation of the folk culture and heritage
of Kerala. It also strives to ensure the welfare of folk artistes.A visit to
the Folklore Akademi gives one an insight into the artistic heritage of Kerala.
The museum preserves costumes, headgear and other paraphernalia and hundreds of
other objects related to the folk arts. These include life-size models of
performers of the ritualistic temple dances like Theyyam and Patayani, tribal
musical and percussion instruments, farm implements, weapons, photographs of
various art forms and so on.
The Akademi also gives
information about the martial art form of Kalaripayattu, the dance forms of
Marathukali and Poorakkali, ballads like Vadakkanpattu and Vedanpattu and so
on. Folk plays like Godavari, mural
paintings called Todikkalam and Muslim art forms like Oppana and Arabana are
well represented here. Objects used in other ritual arts like Kuthurathib,
Devakoothu, Kaliyootu, Mudiyettu etc too are on display. The Akademi also
promotes learning and research on folk arts like Chavittu natakam, Garudan
thullal and so on.The library, a knowledge hub of folk arts, is frequented by
researchers, scholars and connoisseurs of the traditional arts of Kerala. The Akademi also publishes books and
periodicals from time to time.
THALASSERY FORT
THOTTADA
BEACH
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.
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