Kannur Travel Guide

Kannur is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. 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. In addition, Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music. Dharmadam Island (Beach), Parassinikadavu, St. Angelo fort are few of the attractions that make the city a lot more enticing. Kannur in Kerala , the sea coast town in the northern Malabar coats, is vibrant with myths, legends and history. Once the capital of the Kolathiri Rajas, it has earned reputation for handloom and beedi industries. Unlike other tourist sites in Kerala , Kannur draws its trading spirit from its Portuguese history.

However, it would be wrong to describe Tours to Kannur only as a study of history and legends. The most enchanting district of Northern Kerala kissed by the Lakshadweep Sea, decked by the palm-fringed coasts and treaded by a network of rivers, Kannur speaks for its own identity in the map of tourism in Kerala.

Tourist Attractions in Kannur

• Ezhimala hills on the sea shore, is famous for plenty of rare medicinal herbs.
• Madayi Mosque built by Malik Iban Dinar in1124 AD, displays a grand architecture.
• St. Angelos Fort built by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeida draws many tourists for its Portuguese style
• Arakkal Palace, once the residence of Arackal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, also is worth visiting.
• You can also visit Thalassery, a place built by British East India Company where you can find Tellichery Fort or Aralam wild life sanctuary situated in the slopes of Western Ghats
• Trek up to Paithalmala, about 1372 metres above sea level on the Kerala-Karnataka border.
• Pazhassi Dam is the only reservoir with gardens in the district.
• Witness Jagannatha Festival held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham at the Jagannatha Temple at Madathiparambu, near Thalassery in Kannur.
• Don't miss out Moppila Bay, the fishing harbour near St.Angelo's Fort and Payyambalam beach decorated with a beautiful park .

Fairs and Festivals of Kannur
Jagannatha Festival This colorful festival is held in the months of February/March which continues for eight days. The Jagannatha festival is held at the Jagannatha Temple at Madathiparambu, near Thalassery in Kannur.

Palotukavu Festival This festival is held at Palotukavu temple during the months of April/May for eight days.

Parassinikkadavu Festival Parassini Madappura is perhaps the only shrine in Kerala to celebrate a festival round the year. The ‘Utsavam’, the festival begins in December. ‘Theyyam’, the ritual offering here is performed every morning and evening by the priest who is called ‘Madayan’.

Climate
Best time to visit Kannur is between the months of November and February. But those interested in the monsoons, June to August is the ideal time to be at Kannur.

Excursions from Kannur
Meenkunnu Beach (12 km)- It is not crowded, and a tourist's paradise, with golden sand and surf.

Parassinikadavu (16 km)- Sri Muthappan Temple stands on the banks of the Valapatanam river. This pilgrim centre is famous for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening.

Dharmadam Island- The small 5-acre island covered with coconut palms and a dense bush is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.

Muzhpilangad Beach (15 km)- Its shallow waters make it a swimmer's paradise. Perhaps this is Kerala's only drive-in beach where you can drive down the entire length of 4 km. Gundert Bungalow (20 km from Kannur, near Thalasseri town, on the National Highway at Illikunnu): Dr. Herman Gundert, the revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer lived in this Bungalow for 20 years from 1839.

Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangad (23 km)- The temple dedicated to Sri Rama is one of the most important temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings in the temple are said to have been carried out nearly 400 years ago.

Madayi Para (25 km)- 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 at Madayi, which is supposed to have been built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The view from the fort is fascinating.

Malayala Kalagramam (29 km)- This renowned centre for arts and culture at Mahe, conducts courses in painting, sculpture, music dance and pottery.

Thodeekulam Shiva Temple (34-km)- 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

Pazhassi Dam (37 km)- An ideal retreat for tourists, the dam site is famous for its scenic beauty.

Pythal Mala (65 km)- This 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.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (35 km)- Elephants, sloth bears, sambars, mouse deer etc. can be found in the 55 sq. km sanctuary.

Things to see