Kannur

Kannur (Cannanore), 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 has the Arabian sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south.
There are three taluks viz;Taliparamba,Kannur and Thalasserry. There are 84 Panchayaths and 129 villages in Kannur. Panchayats are AZHIKODE, CHIRAKKAL,PALLIKKUNNU, PUZHATHI,VALAPATTANAM, ANJARAKANDY,CHELORA,CHEMBILODE,EDAKKAD, ELAYAVOOR, KADAMBUR, MUNDERI,MUZHAPPILANGAD,PERALASSERY, ERUVASSI,IRIKKUR, KOLACHERI,KUTTIATTUR, MALAPPATTAM,MAYYIL,PADIYUR,PAYYAVOOR, SREEKANDAPURAM,ULLIKAL,ARALAM,AYANKUNNU,KEEZHALLUR,KEEZHUR-CHAVASSERI,KOODALI,MATTANNUR,PAYAM,THILLENKERI CHITTARIPARAMBA,KUNNOTHPARAMBA,KUTHUPARAMBA, MANGATTIDAM,MOKERI,PANNIYANNUR,PANOOR,PATTIAM,TRIPPANGOTTUR, VENGADCHERUPUZHA,CHERUTHAZHAM,ERAMAM-KUTTUR,EZHOME, KADANNAPPALLYPANAPUKANKOLE,ALAPPADAMBA,KARIVELLURPERALAM, KUNHIMANGALAM,MADAYI,MATTOOL,PAYYANNUR,PERINGOME, RAMANTHALI,KANICHAR,KELAKAM,KOLAYAD,KUTTIYOOR,MALUR, MUZHAKKUNNU,PERAVOOR,ALAKKODE,CHAPPARAPADAVU,CHENGALAYI, CHERUKUNNU,KALLIASSERI,KANNAPURAM
KURUMATHUR,NADUVIL,NARATH,PAPPINISSERI,PARIYARAM,PATTUVAM, TALIPARAMBA,UDAYAGIRI,CHOKLI
DHARMADAM,ERANHOLI,KADIRUR,KARIYAD,KOTTAYAM,NEW MAHE,PERINGALAM and PINARAYI.

Kannur is a land with a resonant past. Myths and legends abound. The ships of Solomon, they say: anchored along our coasts to collect timber for building the \'Temple of the Lord\'. Kannur finds mention as NAURA in the \'Periplus of Erithrean Sea\' a Greek work of great antiquity.

For long, local Rajas held sway over the land. The Kolathiris were based at Chirakkal. The Pazhassi Raja ruled from Kottayam in Tellicherry (Thalassery) taluk.

The quest for spices lured several European powers to this land. The advent of the Portuguese (1498) marked the beginning. They were followed by the Dutch and the English. Fortifications at Thalassery and Fort St. Angelo attest to their arrival. Solemn Churches surrounded by mildewed grave stones also silently speak of the European presence.

The march of time has left his its imprints. Ancient monuments, mosques, temples and churches offer the visitor eloquent testimony of a rich cultural heritage. The Sri Rama Temple at Tellicherry traces its legends back to millennium or more! As early as the 7th century Malik Bin Dinar built the first mosques at Madayi & Dharmapattanam (Dharmadam).

Kannur has been since olden days, the cradle of ageless folk art and music. Even today, the myriads of Kavus (small shrines) which dot the district are centers of the Theyyam, a ritual dance in which men impersonate supernatural beings and indeed elevate Kannur to a land of fabulous fantasies.

Theyyam or Theyattam is an ancient and still popular ritual dance of Malabar viz North Kerala. It’s a unique combination of dance, music and also reflects the main features of a tribal culture. The Theyyam performance has an aura of divine splendour as its accompanied by rituals & other devotional hymns. Its indeed an unprecedented experience to watch this dance symbolising the ultimate power. Theyyam is generally performed in front of the village shrines. Performance of a particular deity according to its significance and hierarchy in the shrine continues for 12 to 24 hours in the intervals. There are a large number of temples in Kannur where Theyyam is performed.

The Theyyam perfromance can be observed from Oct to March at various Kavu (small temples) spread over the district. Watching theyyam in the midnights invoke the inner feelings of our mind.

Famous place in Kannur District

St.Angelo Fort:

Etched against the blue skylines, the imposing walls of the Fort St.Angelo remain as the monument to the Portuguese adventure on the Malabar Coast.

It is a seashore fort of Kannur Town. Don Francisco D Almedia, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India built the Fort in 1505 A.D. after obtaining the consent of the Kolathiri Raja. The Fort had a chequered history. It changed hands to the Dutch, then to the Ali Raja of Arakkal in 1772, and finally to the British in 1790. One of the important Military center of British in Malabar.

Today Fort St. Angelo is a protected monument under the Archaeologicl Survey of India. The barracks, the magazine, and its cannons are still intact and continue to enthrall visitors from far flung places. The Fort also offers a vantage view of the picturesque Mappila Bay Harbour, and the Arakkal mosque (Arakkal Kettu).

Arakkal muesium:

Arakkal dynasty is the only one Muslim dynasty in Kerala.It's headquarter is very near to Kannur city.There is a muesium there now.The weapons,instruments,vessels,fan,royal symbols etc. etc. used during that period are kept there.

Thalassery Fort:

Thalassery Fort 20 KM away from Kannur was built on 20th August 1708. It still remains, the sentinel to three hundred years of turbulent history. Relics of an age, long gone by surround the Fort and continue to fascinate visitors old and young alike.

Parassinikkadavu Shri Muthappan Temple:

20 KM north of Kannur on the banks of the Valapattanam River, in a setting of great natural beauty, stands the Shri Muthappan Temple at Parassinikkadavu. Steeped in legend, its all hallowed spot. Open to all, this is the only place where one can see Theyyam performed all around the year.
Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride in the wide river opening up to the blue expanse of the sea ahead.

Sree Ramaswami Temple:

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

Trichambaram Sree Krishna Temple:

Trichambaram Temple is situated 20 km from Kannur. 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 (Utsavam) is a colourful event. The fortnight-long festival begins on Kumbham 22 of Malayalam calendar (March 6) every year with the kodiyettam (hoisting of a religious flag) and comes to an end on Meenam 6 (Marchh 20) with Koodipiriyal (Ending of this festival). In between these dates, for 11 days, thitambu nriththam (a sort of dance with idols of Sri Krishna and Balarama) is held at Pookoth Nada (1 km from Trichambaram temple).

Sree Rajarajeswara temple:

The Rajarajeswara temple is a beautiful Shiva temple (Rajarajeswara is one of the names of Shiva) and is located at Taliparamba, Kannur distrist, Kerala, India.

The temple is regarded as one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples of Kerala. It has a prominent place amongst the numerous Shiva temples in south India. If any problem is encountered in temples of South India, the final solution is sought in this Temple through a prasna, a traditional method of astrological decision making. The prasna is conducted on a peedha (a raised platform) situated outside the temple.

The quadrangular sanctum has a two tiered pyramidal roof. In front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandapam. The temple has no kodi maram (flagstaff) as opposed to other temples in Kerala.

Madayi Mosque:

This beautiful ancient mosque was originally built in 1124 by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by its founder, who came to India to spread the word of the Prophet. Near by, lies a dilapidated fort believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the Ruler of Mysore.

Madayipara:

This is a beautiful place near to the Madayi Temple

Snake Park:

On the way to Parassinikkadavu temple is the Snake Park. The demonstration of snakes is held every hour at the Snake Park.

Aralam wildlife:

A cluster of mangroves on the banks of Vellikeel river in Taliparamba.The Aralam Wildlife sanctuary is spread over 55 square kilometres of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It was established in 1984. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty, a small town about 55 kilometres from Kannur. The sanctuary adjoins the Central State Farm at Aralam.

The elevation varies from 50 m to 1145 m. 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.

Paithal Mala:

This hill on the Kerala-Karnataka border is 65 km north of Kannur. Ideal for trekking; it is around 1,450 metres above sea level. A base reception centre and a watchtower atop the cliff function for the benefit of tourists and trekkers.

Ezhimala:

Ezhimala, the capital of the ancient Mooshika kings, is considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur town. A flourishing sea port and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of the Chola-Chera war of the 11th century. It is believed that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. An old mosque, believed to contain the mortal remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif, a Muslim reformist, is also located here. The hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs. There is an old tower of great antiquity here, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the Naval history of the country, consequent to the proposal for commissioning the Naval Academy there.

Beaches:

Kannur has several beautiful beaches, some of which are :

Payyambalam BeachPayyambalam Beach: It is the beach of the Kannur town. It has an unbroken coastline of a few kilometres. From the beach, one can see ships in transit along the Malabar coast, that is, beyond Calicut (Kozhikode) and moving towards Mangalore, Goa and Bombay (Mumbai). The well laid out garden and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother and child erected by noted sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman makes it extremely captivating.

Baby Beach: It is called so as it is smaller than its bigger neighbourhood, Payyambalam Beach. The famous St. Angelo Fort is adjacent to it.
Meenkunnu Beach: Situated at Azhikode, it is hardly a few kilometres from the town. The virgin beach is a tourist’s paradise with golden sand and surf.

Mopila Bay: Situated near the St. Angelo’s Fort, the Mopila bay has a historical background. Centuries ago, it was the seat of Kolathiri Kings. The Kadalayi Fort and Sree Krishna Temple were quite famous. The remnants of the fort and the temple are still seen in Mopila Bay. A fishing harbour, built with Indo Norwegian project assistance, can be seen at this bay. Boating in the sea, if the weather permits, will be an unforgettable experience.

Muzhappilangad Beach: A long clean beach, its enchanting ambiance invites you to swim sunbathe or just lounge around. Its Kerala’s only drive-in beach and one could drive the entire length of 4 km. Muzhappilangad beach is situated about 5 km north of Thalassery and 15 km from Kannur. There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves, leading to the beach. The beach is about 5 kilometers long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur beach on the north. To the South and about 200 metres away from the beach there is a beautiful island called the "Green Island" which adds to the allure of the beach. Such a conjunction of beach and island is rare.

Dharmadam Island: (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam): The small 5 acre (20,000 m²) 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.

Gundert Bungalow

Dr; Herman Gundert ,the revered German Missionary, scholar,lexicographer 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. Gundert bangalow is
20.K.M. away from Kannur, near Thalasseri twon on the national high way at Illikunnu.

Pazhassi Dam:

An ideal retreat for rourists ,the damsite is famous for its scenic beauty. The D.T.P.C provides pleasure boating faciliaties at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.

Vismaya infotainment park:

It is a water theme park on the way to Parassinikkadavu.

Sadhoo merry kingdom:

Sadhoo merry kingdom is also a water theme park at Chalakkunnu near Chala.
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Coordinates:  11°55'5"N 75°20'56"E

Comments

  • I, Shabeer Alamkandy (KOYA) working as a driver in U.A.E. My native place is Kannur.
  • I am impressed on the details given here, congratulations. Sujith http://www21.brinkster.com/sujithb/
  • Really fantastic. I am proud of myself that I am from Kannur which has so many historical specialities and very notable places. Thank you. ABHISHEK NAMBIAR
  • My dream girl is from this beautiful place of Kerala
  • SARATHI SADAN P.O. MOTTAMMAL
  • i love Staying in Kannur,for my Business purpose only i came to Kolkata
  • i love kannur because it is my native place
  • i love kannur because my best friend is from kannur(my best among the best friend).my friend is also very nice as nice as kannur.
  • kannuris my beautifull place
  • jithin kanadath , panamkave -from bahrain - happy vishu...........to all my friends in panamkave & to all the people in kerela
  • A beautiful peice of land with lot of good things around, only the political rivalary creates tension for the visitors. I love the place with beautiful beaches & temples.
  • kannur is beautiful place ilove kannur because it is my native place
  • Kannur, the land of looms,lores,thaiyyam(folk art from thulam 10 to edavam. kannur,the land of beachas(payyambalam,muzhappilangad drive in beach, meenkunnu beach etc.Vicit kannur.
  • what a buetyful place
  • all knr friends happy onam.................
  • I belong to a small village(kakkara-near Payyanur) in KANNUR.This place is very beautiful and the people are sincere.I AM WORKING IN MUMBAI.
  • I am belongs Chala I am working in POWERGRID COPORATION Trivandrum , please visit kannur
  • hai
  • i love kannur(ERAMAM) because it is my native place
  • KANNUR IS A ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN INDIA
  • HAI FRIENDS MY NAME IS SUMESH / FROM KANHIRODE THERUVU
  • Hello friends worldwide. I am from podikkalam in chirakkal there is the tharavad temple -" Podikkalam Madapura Sri Muthappan Kav ", which is very old. it is close to the railway line near Arpan todu railway gate in kannur. Offerings can be sent to the temple, Chirakkal (RS), Kannur 670011.
  • i love kannur. because i am from kannur. without politics in hear full fill pleasent
  • kannur rocks...
  • Pls add Parappa also
  • KANNURE IS VERY NICE PLACE.
  • I belong to this lovely place, good work - please keep on update mualikannur@yahoo.com
  • I love Kannur, as my native place.
  • You forget to describe kadalayi beach,arackal musium etc so pls enter all beautifull and famous things in kannur.thanking you
  • come on
  • Welcome to one of the most beautiful district of Kerala, very safe for all visitors as well as locals but careful if you are politician!
  • s
  • Hi,I'm atul -student of class 10b3 CVG
  • kannur the land of friendship kannur the land of enemity kannur the land of innocents kannur the land of fighters. can show you the righy path can give you hospitality can give you the precious life can take your precious life.
  • kanuur is te most lukiest place in kerala............................. i lik very much
  • this much area not aqured
  • The area covered under this heading is too less. Kannur is not only a district capital. All people from Kannur irrespective of Caste, religion and politics really mean for Kannur. Kannur is everything for those hails from Kannur and especially residing outside Kerala.
  • m at kannur
  • My home country is very nice.Very good people,Kannur is name of devotional place.
  • I Like my KANNUR. A lot of Sidrabhan for there.saji.Chettipedika
  • Amazing Work!! Am really happy to see my mothers hometown-Kannur, it’s an awesome place with so many places to visit. I had no clue of Kannurs topography and culture since I was born & brought up in Hderabad. This has given me a better idea of North Malabar and I hope to visit this beautiful land more often…. O.M.Shailendren
  • Kannur is a land oppertunities now, come to Kannur you will find a world in terms of Business, Fashion, Education, culture etc., I love my Kannur.
  • hai kannur
  • hello nachushad@yahoo.co.in
  • my plce kannur any good friends welcome nachushad@yahoo.co.in
  • Padiyur Govt.Ayurveda Dispensary is in this District(KANNUR) Dr.I.S.Ajitha Suresh is working here as the Medical Officer. Mr.Balakrishnan(Sreekantapuram),Mr.Dileep & Mr.Krishnettan also working here. Padiyur, one of the beautiful places of kerala. Padiyur is located between Irikkoor & Iritty.
  • I like Padiyur and the people there. Suresh.s.S.,IEL,Venjaramoodu.,Thiruvananthapuram.
  • I am wondering why there is no mention about Brannan saayips presence in the history of kannur or tellichery?
  • The district of Kannur derived its name from the location of its headquarters at Kannur town. The old name 'Cannanore' is the anglicized form of the Malayalam word Kannur. According to one opinion, 'Kannur' is a derivation from Kanathur, an ancient village, the name of which survives even today in one of the wards of Kannur municipality. Another version is that Kannur might have assumed its name from one of the deities of the Hindu pantheon, a compound of two words, 'Kannan' ( Lord Krishna) and 'ur' (place) making it the place of Lord Krishna. Kannur is bounded by the Western Ghats in the east, Kozhikode District and Wayanad District in the south, Lakshadweep in the west and Kasargod District in the north. It covers an area of 2,966 sq km and has a population of over 2.5 million. Plant communities range from psammophytes and mangroves to evergreen forests. Kannur has been the cradle of folk art and music. Even today, the myriads of Kavus (small shrines) are centers of the Theyyam, a ritual dance in which men impersonate supernatural beings. Kannur can rightly be termed as the birth place of Theyyam. A large number of folk plays and dances are prevalent among the scheduled castes and tribes. The traditional Hindu observes a number of religious festivals, among which the prominent ones are Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ashtami Rohini, Navratri, Shivratri, Onam, Vishu and Pooram. Thalassery, in Kannur, is the home of circus in India. Thalassery is also the threshold of the Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art of the state. The tourism potential of Kannur is high. The Muzhappilangad Beach, a long clean beach with its enchanting ambience invites you to swim, sunbathe, or just lounge around. The St Angelo's Fort in the Kannur Cantonment, which was constructed in 1505, is a symbol of Portuguese architecture and attracts plenty of tourists. The Thalassery Fort is an important tourist center. Kannur Beach and Ezhimala are known for scenic beauty. Places of historic importance such as the house of Hermann Gundert, who composed the first English-Malayalam Dictionary and the mosque at Madayi constructed in 1124, using marble brought from Mecca attract many tourists. Calicut Airport is the nearest airport.
  • i am not able to change polygon complectly cover kannur District.pls advice
  • gr8 place with gr8 people
  • Anjarakandy one of the beauty full place in kannur
  • Kannur isabest place
  • i love u kannur..!mwaaaaaaaah
  • kannur peaople are so beautiful like this place only
  • Cannanore - Kannur. Yes, it means a lot. Only Cannanoreians knows the sweetness of it. Home - My home sweet home. Money comes second here. love and help comes first. with love E.Hashim
  • kannur
  • Show all comments
This article was last modified 8 years ago