Tourist places In Kannur
Kannur tourism or Cannannore is a town of great historical importance and was the capital of the North Kolathiri Kings for many centuries. Like Muziris (Cranganore) and Kollam (Quilon), it was once a premier port of ancient Kerala.
Kannur tourism or Cannannore is a town of great historical importance and was the capital of the North Kolathiri Kings for many centuries. Like Muziris (Cranganore) and Kollam (Quilon), it was once a premier port of ancient Kerala.
Kannur is full of beautiful tourist attractions that can be visited on a sightseeing trip. This lovely town full of myths and legend will give you more than you have dreamt of. It is bounded by Arabain Sea on the West, Western Ghats in the East andKozhikode andWayanad districts on the South. There are many tourist attractions in and around Kannur like Fort St. Angelos, Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Gundert Bungalow, Pythal Mala etc. that you can’t afford to miss.
Nearest Airport Kozhikode - 93kms
Tel- 0483 - 2711314, 2710417, 2710517.
Telephone code ++91 -497
Railway enquiry Phones Tel: 091 - 497 - 2734379 (south), 2701160
Road (KSRTC) enquiry Tel: 091 - 497 - 2707777,2705960, 2322826, 2503062
Tourist information offices District Tourism Promotion Council, Near Civil Station,
Kannur - Tel: 091 - 497 - 2506336, 2700190
Tourist Attractions Beaches, Backwaters, Wild Life, Water Falls, Forts, Kettuvallam, Other tourist sites
Other Information Hotels & Resorts, Hospitals, Ayurveda Centres, Yoga Centres, Shopping AreasPayyambalam Beach
The beautiful Payyambalam beach is just 2 km from Kannur. Facing blue waters of the Arabian Sea, the beach is an ideal place for anyone who likes to spend a relaxed and laidback evening amidst calm surroundings.
One can enjoy the panoramic views of the Sunrise and Sunset in Payyambalam beach. Aside from its clean and secluded location, the well laid out garden also pulls many tourists to the beach. The massive landscaped sculpture of mother & child erected by noted sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman makes it extremely captivating.
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Payyambalam is also an ideal picnic spot where one can have a leisure time while enjoying the slice of nature. The best time to visit this beach is during October to May
Facilities in Payyambalam Beach
The Beautiful sandy beach punctuated with wonderful palm groves is also blest with the Vijaya Beach Park with a great entertainment facility for the visitors-boating. Another attraction here is the nearby lighthouse.
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
The beach festival is celebrated in the month of April and
it is one of the important tourist attraction in the district of Kannur in
Kerala. The youth also try many driving stunts in cars like drifting and
wheeling in bikes as this is a paradise for driving along the shore. Just 100m
from this beach you would find a private island, which can be reached by walk
at times of low tide.
There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves
leading to the beach. To get to this road, if you are driving from Tellicherry
towards Kannur, take the left turn just before the first railway crossing you
encounter after crossing the Moidu bridge. The beach is about 5 km long and curves
in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Local laws allow
beachgoers to drive for a full 4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The
beach is bordered by black rocks, which also protect it from the stronger
currents of the ocean.
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 is dharmadam iseland. Dharmadam island isvery beautiful to see it from the beach. With permission from the owner, you can enter the Dharmadam Island. As this island is surrounded by water, during low tides, it is possible to cross the water by walking.HOW TO REACH | ||
| District | : | Kannur |
| Nearest Bus Station | : | Thalasseri bus stand at a distance of 4 kms |
| Nearest Railway Station | : | Thalasseri railway station at a distance of 4 kM |
The mountain ranges of Ezhimala
The mountain ranges of Ezhimala are situated in Kannur district. The hillocks have a height of around 286 m. It has some historical significance because this was the headquarters of the Ezhimala Rajya in the Sang period. It was the seat of the Mooshika dynasty. This area was formerly known as Ezhi mala which means ‘high hillocks’. This name later reduced to form Ezhimala. It was the landmark for the sailors. At the bottom of the hills there are burial chambers, caves, platforms etc which indicate that these areas were inhabited from the ancient times itself. The hills are home to some of the rare medicinal herbs.
Ezhimala is close to the Arabian Sea. According to the legends, the Ezhimala is related to Ramayana tradition. It says that during the battle between Rama and Ravana, many from Rama’s army were killed. In order to bring them back to life, the senior member of the vanara sena named Jambavan prescribed to bring four medicinal herbs from the Himalayas. Hanuman was sent in search of it. On reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman could not recognize the medicinal herbs and so he plucked the whole mountain and flew back to the war land. On the way a piece of the mountain fell into the sea and that was Ezhimala. It is the belief of the local people here and so they think that Ezhimala still possess those medicinal values.
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HOW TO REACH
| District | : | Kannur |
| Nearest Bus Station | : | Payyanur bus stand at a distance of 8 kms |
| Nearest Railway Station | : | Payyanur railway station at a distance of 7 kms / Kannur railway station |
| Nearest Airport | : | Karipur International Airport at a distance of 95 kms |
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.
The Thottada river ( a small one) flows into one end of the beach. There is also a dam/bund built across the river 3 decades ago to keep the fresh water from salt water. Away from the sea the river spreads to form swamps which makes a great inhabitat for various birds and fishes.
Location: 7 kms south of Kannur.
Nearest Railway Station: Kannur
Nearest Bus Station: Kannur
Nearest Airports: Mangalore(120 kms), Kozhikode (120 kms).
Arrakkal Museum
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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.
Arakkal family is the royal family which ruled Kannur for several centuaries. They had family relationship with Kolathiris, the rulers of the neighbouring Chirakkal kingdom. Arakkal family had trade relationship with Arabs and later with Europeans. The islands of Lakshadweep and Maldives were ruled by Arakkal family. The king of Arakkal kingdom was known as Arakkal Raja and the Queen was known as Arakkal Beevi.
Although renovated by the government, the Arakkalkettu is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and does not fall under the control of the country's archaeology department, the Archaeological Survey of India. The government had taken a keen interest in preserving the heritage of the Arakkal Family, which had played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. A nominal entry fee is charged by the Arakkal Family Trust from visitors to the museum.
Location: 3 kms from Kannur
Nearest Railway Station: Kannur
Nearest Bus Station: Kannur
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (120 kms)
Madayipara
Madayipara is a significant spot owing to its bio-diversity as well as history. In the past, Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings. In and around Madayipara, one can find remnants from the past. At the southern side of the hill, stand the remains of a fort called Pazhi Kotta (kotta means fort in Malayalam). Here one can also find watchtowers at the four corners of the fort. Between AD 14 and AD 18, Madayipara used to be the site for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of the erstwhile Kolathunadu.
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| MADAIPARA |
The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a ples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame.religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient jewish setllers is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva Temple and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extension form yet another attraction at Madayipara. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms at Madayipara. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu ? family tem
With regard to the bio-diversity of Madayipara, it has been found that the region contains about 300 flowering plants, about 30 varieties of grass, and several insect-eating plant species. Madayipara is also home to several rare medicinal herbs, which are sought by people from near and far off places. Coming to avian life, Madayipara sustains about 100 species of butterflies and about 150 species of birds. Among the biggest butterflies in the world, the Atlas butterfly is a visitor to Madayipara.
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Location: Madayi, 25 kms north of Kannur
Nearest Railway Station: Pazhayangadi
Nearest Bus Station: Pazhayangadi
Nearest Airports: Mangalore(100 kms), Kozhikode (140 kms).
Mappila Bay
Mappila Bay Kannur: Mappila Bay is a famous fishing harbor situated near by St. Angelo’s Fort. This fishing harbor is equipped with modern technology and equipment. It was built under Indo-Norwegian treaty and is a joint collaboration of two countries.
situated near the St. Angelo's Fort, in Kannur.
The fort faces the Arabian Sea
and affords a splendid view of the
palm-fringed beach and Mappila
Bay. The fishing harbour at
Mappila Bay is part of an Indo-
Norwegian project, andnow it is a
modern harbour. A sea wall
extending
to a huge height, projecting from the fort
separates the rough sea and inland water. This sea wall was built under the Indo-Norwegian
pact. There are remains of a temple and fort at Mappila Bay. The bay was famous during the
Kolathiri's regime as a commercial harbour thatlinked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and
foreign countries, in imports. Boat trips are arranged from his beach and if the sea is not rough,
it is worth taking a trip.
St. Angelo Fort
St. Angelo Fort (also known as Kannur Fort or Kannur Kotta),
is a fort facing the Arabian Sea,
situated 3 km from the town of Kannur, a city
in Kerala state, south India.
St. Angelo's Fort was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de
Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India and is on the Arabian sea coast
about 2km from Kannur town
On August 1509 Almeida, refusing to recognize Afonso deAlbuquerque's as the new portuguese governor to supersede himself, arrested him in this fortress after having fought the naval Battle of Diu. Afonso deAlbuquerque was released after three months' confinement, and become governor on the arrival of the grand-marshal of Portugal with a large fleet, in October 1509.
The fort changed hands several times. In 1663 the Dutch captured it and sold it to the Arakkal Royal Family in 1772. The British conquered it in 1790 and transformed it into one of their major military stations on the Malabar Coast.
It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
The fort is in Cannanore cantonment area. St Angelo's fort is a most important historical monument and a good tourist centre. Here Kerala Police have posted 6 Tourism Policemen for the protection and guidance to the tourists. Among them one Policeman Sathyan Edakkad has detailed knowledge about this fort and the surrounding places. He wrote and published a book in Malayalam language named Vasco da Gamayum Charitrathile Kaanapurangalum (Vasco da Gama and the unseen pages of history). In this book, he describes the past and present situation of the fort.
The Moppila Bay Harbor and Arakkal Mosque are near the fort. The fort is now renovated and well-maintained under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. Tourists are allowed entry to the fort every day of the week between 8 AM to 6 PM.
Location: 3 kms from Kannur
Nearest Railway Station: Kannur
Nearest Bus Station: Kannur
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (120 kms).
Aralam wild life Sanctuary
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The Aralam wild life Sanctuary is located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats. It is the northern most wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. It was established in 1984. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty, a small town about 55 kms from Kannur
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.
Aralam, a village in Thalasserry, is also noted for the Central State Farm, a 3060 hectare farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country
Wildlife Attractions in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
The major wildlife animals found in in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary are the Elephant, Bison, Sambar, Deer, Boar, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Jungle Cat and different types of squirrel.
Location: Aralam, 65 kms east of Kannur
Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery
Nearest Bus Station: Iritty
Nearest Airports: Mangalore(160 kms), Kozhikode (150 kms).
Pythal Mala
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.
Abundant in flora and fauna, this place is now being developed as a hill resort. One has to trek 6 kms to reach the top of the hills. There is a proposal to set up a zoo at the top of the hill.
The enchanting hill station offers a challenging trek to those inclined to stretch their legs. Trekkers are rewarded by a profusion of exotic flora and fauna and an exhilirating view from the top.
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
Location: 65 kms north east of Kannur.
Nearest Railway Station: Kannur
Nearest Bus Station: Kannur
Nearest Airports: Mangalore(100 kms), Kozhikode (140 kms).
Thalassery Fort
The magnificent Thalassery Fort is located at a distance of about 22 km from Kannur. It was built in the year 1708 by the East India Company and was a military centre of the British troops. Situated near the Thalasseri beach, the fort has many attractive features and is worth to pay a visit.
The fort comprises of a lighthouse, a cemetery, a church and the collector's mansion nearby. The surrounding environment of the Thalassery Fort adds a mystical touch to the fort and visiting this site will sure to give a peace of mind and relaxation
Parassinikadavu Snake Park
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.
There are three snake pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for King Cobras in the park. Other than the snakes, there are other kinds of rare animals, reptiles and birds like the endangered species of Simhavalan Monkeys and Crocodiles.
Nearest Railway Station: Pappinissery
Nearest major Railway Station: Kannur
Nearest Bus Station: Parassinikadavu
Nearest major Bus Stations: Taliparamba, Kannur
Nearest Airports: Mangalore(100 kms), Kozhikode (140 kms).
Overbury's Folly
Overbury's Folly is an unfinished construction, or
architectural folly, that now serves as a recreational park located in
Thalassery, south India.
The folly is located on a hill near Thalassery District
Court and is adjacent to a park. It slopes down from the sub-collector's
bungalow to the rocks below and is named after its builder, E. N. Overbury, a
Briton who served as a local judge at Thalassery in the 1870s.
Kerala Folklore Academy
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.
Established in 1995, welfare of the folk artistes is the prime concern of the academy. 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.
The academy functions from traditionally built structure called nalukettu and presently houses a folklore library, a museum and a publication department, besides the administrative departments.
The library at The Kerala Folklore Academy features over 1000 volumes on the folk art traditions of Kerala and is one of the largest of its kind and a popular haunt of scholars and researchers in the field.
And checking out the museum at the academy, one would find a collection of over 300 precious objects of folk art, including life-size replicas of various theyyams and patayani,folk and tribal musical and percussion instruments, farm implements and weapons. Some of these items are used in ritual arts like Kuthurathib, Devakoothu, Chat, Poorakali, Kaliyootu, Mudiyettu, and Kaniyarkali. The museum also has over 175 photographs that depict the drama of these art forms.
One of the missions of The Kerala Folklore Academy is to compile and publish books and periodicals on folklore. The academy has already brought out fourteen volumes on the culture, art and life of the people. It also brings out a quarterly journal named Poli.These publications have gone a long way to promote awareness about folk life, art and rituals among the present generation.
Location: Chirakkal, 7 kms north of Kannur
Nearest Railway Station: Chirakkal
Nearest major Railway Station: Kannur
Nearest major Bus Station: Kannur
Nearest Airports: Mangalore(120 kms), Kozhikode (120 kms).