Kannur – The land of Looms and Lores

Kannur, formerly Cannanore  town, is a  northern district in Kerala state. The district itself which shares much of this natural splendour has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state.

Apart from its idyllic beaches and greenery, this seaside city is an important industrial centre of the state.

Kannur is rightly described as “The land of Looms and Lores”. Kannur is well known for its handlooms. It is one of the major exporter of  handlooms in India. Kannur is rich in traditional art and culture. Kannur is the home of Kerala folklore academy. The gift of Kannur in the field of art and culture is its folk arts. The region is famous for its dazzling ritual performance called Theyyam

The economy of Kannur is dependent on agricultural products. Coffee, rubber and tea form the primary plantations. Timber is also abundant in this district.  An International Airport at Kannur with international standards of safety and comfort  is setting up at Kannur considering the potential of the district.

Places Of Tourist Interests in Kannur

St. Angelos Fort
St. Angelos Fort is called as Kannur Fort, is on the Arabian sea about 3 km from Kannur town. Today, St. Angelo’s Fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort offers a fascinating view of the Moppila Bay and Dharmadom Island. The fort is a magnificent structure with massive walls was built by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeida

Thalassery Fort
Thalassery fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British. The square fort built of red bricks in an area of 2 acres, with its massive walls, secret tunnels to the sea and intricately carved huge doors, is an imposing structure. This fort which had witnessed many ebbs and tides of history is of much importance to tourists who are interested in historical events.

Muzhappilangad Beach
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. This beach is considered as swimmers’ paradise since there are no waves in this part due to the rocks here and there and the sea is not deep.

Parassinikadavu
16 km from Kannur, 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.  The Snake Park is the only one of its kind in the state and perhaps the whole Of india. There are three snake pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for king kobras in the park.

Payyambalam Beach
Payyambalam beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. Here rest the brave nationalist and political leaders like Swadeshabhimani K. Ramakrishna pilla, A.K.G. and Chadayan Govindan. This is two kms away from Kannur town and near the St. Angelos Fort.

Dharmadam Island
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.

Pythalmala
It is 44 kms away from Thaliparampu and 4500 feet above the sea level. These huge mountains lay spread over 500 acres of land. This is a dense forest area. At the base of the mountain, a tourist information centre and dormitory have been constructed.

Pazhassi Dam
An ideal retreat for tourists ,the dam site is famous for its scenic beauty. The D.T.P.C provides pleasure boating facilities at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.

Gundert Bungalow
This Bunglow is 20km from Kannur, near Thalasseri town on the national high way at Illikunnu. Dr; Herman Gundert ,the revered German Missionary lived in this bungalow for 20 years from 1839. It was here that one of the first malayalam dictionaries and the first malayalam newspaper Rajyasamacharam took shape.

Moppila Bay
Moppila Bay is a natural fishing harbour, lying near Fort St. Angelos. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water.

Ezhimala
Ezhimala, isolated cluster of hills, is 38 kms away north of Kannur. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the naval history of the country by setting up a naval academy here.

Arakkal Museum
The Arrakkal Museum is a museum dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, south India. The museum is actually a section of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace). The durbar hall section of the palace has been converted into a museum by the Government of Kerala.

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3. Malayalam Wiki Meet-up 4 at Kannur on Jun 11
4. Sri Kottiyoor Temple, Kannur, Kerala
5. The Bristow Land,Willington Island, Kochi
6. Esperanza 2011 techno-cultural fest at Government College of Engineering Kannur
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