kannur

Popularly known as the city of Looms and Lores, Kannur has a rich cultural tradition, rituals and in many ways unique. Scholars believe Kannur is the place referred as 'Naura' in ancient times, from where Solomon's ships accumulated timber to build the famous Jerusalem temple. Due to the trade relations with Romans, Greeks, Arabs the place is even referred by the famous Italian traveller – Marco Polo. Famous for its tranquil landscapes, antique forts, rich culture and rituals, and shrines Kannur occupy a special place for the history buff.

ST.ANGELO FORT

Situated some 3 Km from Kannur town, the fort is built by Dom Francisco De Almeida-the First Portuguese Viceroy of India. The Fort was attacked by Zamorin and Kolathiri in 1507 but had little success. The Portuguese held the fort for the Fort till 1663.

The Dutch captured the fort in 1663. They undertook the face lifting of the fort and three bastions were built later. The Fort built by Portuguese is later demolished. Later the Dutch sold the fort to King Alia Raja in 1772. In 1790 the Fort was surrendered to British rule and they used it as a Military Base in Malabar till 1947.

PAYYAMBALAM BEACH

The beach is a popular tourist spot for locals watching the beautiful sunset and to relax.

CINNAMON VALLEY

Developed by the East India Company in 1767 this is arguably the largest Cinnamon Plantation in Asia. By the side of the majestic Anjarakandy River, the estate spread over 200 acres. Surrounded by the thick forests of the Western Ghats, Cinnamon is cultivated here as well as tea, vanilla, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and coffee

HANDLOOM WEAVING CENTER

Kannur is known as the land of looms without a reason. It is famous for its handloom. The weavers from this area are considered to be the best in their craft. The handloom was popularised by the Swiss-based Christian Missionary society known as Basel Mission. They are trailblazers in structuring the industry and found consumers for the products in 1884. Because of this numerous looms where established and Kannur emerged as a monopoly in Khaki. Modernisation of the loom is another advantage out of this which elevated the status of cottage Industries to Factory setups.

MUZHAPPILANGAD DRIVE IN BEACH

Kannur has Asia’s largest drive-in beach the Muzhappilangad Beach. The rocks hemming the beach protects the beach from waves. The beach has a total stretch of 5 KM. The beach is also famous for the beach festival conducted here in the month of April and attracts hordes of tourists.

The beach offers varied entertainment and eating out options. You can either treat your taste buds to the Malabar tastes at the restaurants or satisfy your adrenaline rush by trying out adventure sports like microlite flights, parasailing, power boating, water spots. For the less adventurous there are Catamaran rides.

ARRAKKAL MUSEUM

Once the coveted Durbar Hall of the Arakkal Ali Rajai, the Museum speaks volumes about the history of the only Muslim Royal Family of Kerala – The Arakkals. The relics from their ruling era is preserved and exhibited here.

PARASSINIKADAVU

The temple famous as the Muthappan Temple is by the side of the Valappattanam River. The rarest of the rare the temple is offering a non-Vedic diet of fish, meat and toddy is offered. Muthappan Theyyam is the ritual for worshipping the deity.

GUNDERT BUNGALOW, THALASSERY

Today a major heritage building, once this Bungalow was home to Herman Gundert the German Missionary who published the first English –Malayalam. He was instrumental in translating the Bible to Malayalam besides putting together a Malayalam Grammar book.

TELLICHERY FORT