Kannur Tour

Identified as the ancient port Naura, known even to the Greeks and Romans, Kannur, in north Malabar, has been famous for its exports to the outside world from every times, Arabs continued to come to its shores and over time, though overshadowed by nearby Kozhikode’s booming trade, Kannur Kerala came to be known for its quality timber. Today it is a quiet town where modernity has made few inroads. You can still see its rich history in the ancient forts, old shrines and venerable institutes.

The name Kannur is derived from two Malayalam words kannan (Sri Krishna) and ur (place). Kannur Kerala has some beautiful sandy beaches, the longest one being at Payyambalam.

Best time to visit

Hot and humid from March through May. The southwestern monsoon is from June to September and the northeastern monsoon from October to November. Annual average rainfall is 3,400 mm.

The best time to make a tour to Kannur Kerala is May as this is the period for Theyyam performances.

Getting There

By Air
The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport that is about 114 km away.

By Rail
Kannur railway station is well connected to all major cities in the state and also to other important ones in the country.

By Road
Kannur is connected by road to Kozhikode (86 km), Kasaragod (89 km) and Mangalore (138 km) through the NH 17. Kannur’s KSRTC stand is opposite the district collector’s office and has regular services to Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakullam, Bangalore and Mangalore.

Sights and Attractions

Fort St Angelo

In 1501, a man called Joao D’ Nova set up a factory at Kannur Kerala; fortified it and soldiers as guards. Four years later, in 1505, Dom Franscesco de Almeida, the first Portuguese viceroy of India, built a fort nearby, on a cliff overlooking the sea, after obtaining permission form the Raja. The fort was named St Angelo.

This triangular shaped fort is surrounded on all three sides by the sea and has a moat running along its landward side, over which a detachable bridge once provided access. A row of cannons can still be seen, positioned seaward through niches cut into the massive laterite walls. Original cannon balls have been mounted for display and is must visit when on a tour to Kerala.

Payyambalam Beach

Just a stone’s throw from Fort St Angelo is this main beach. At one end, laterite cliffs jut into the sea with the Mascot hotel perched atop. Close by is the beach park, called Baby Beach, beautifully landscaped and adorned with sculptures which will sure to captivate your heart when you are on a tour to Kannur Kerala.

Pythalmala

When on a tour to Kannur Kerala, a must visit destination is Pythalmala. The highest peak in Kannur, Pythalmala attracts a large number of tourists for its perfect setting of meadows atop hills and a surrounding panoramic view of patches of forests.

Situated around 65 kms from the town at a height of 4,500 feet and rich in flora and fauna, it is now being developed into a hill resort with a zoo in its environs.

Cinnamon Valley

In 1798, the East India Company set up a 200- acre plantation of coffee, cinnamon, pepper, sugarcane and sandalwood in an area 18 kms east of Kannur known as Anjarakandi. It was the first time that coffee was being grown in Malabar on this scale; form here coffee was introduced to Wayanad in 1825. At the turn of the 19th century it was the biggest establishment of the colonial powers in Malabar. Before long, the white pepper grown here became a popular in Britain and other Western markets. In 1936, locals estate owners form Kottayam acquired the place and its present owners, Prestige Educational Trust, acquired it in 2003.

There is also an educational trust and a 500- bed hospital inside the plantation. A health tourism project, to be housed in a sprawling bungalow that was built in 1802, is under implementation. Also slated to open is the Cinnamon Valley International School.

Kanhirode weaving cooperative

This is a co-operative where around 400 workers create high quality furnishing fabrics. You can take a tour to the factory, which is highly interesting. Aside from turning out exquisite bed linen, upholstery and curtain material, you can see the weavers at their giant looms and creating fine shirts, colorful mundu and saris. There is also a small outlet where you can buy khadi fabric.

Kerala Folklore Akademi

Six kilometres north of Kannur in Kerala, just off the NH 17, is Chirakkal, the one time capital of the Kolathiri rajas and erstwhile centre for folk arts and culture.

While the ritualistic temple dance Theyyam and the martial art form Kalarippayattu are well known today, there are other dance forms like Marathukali and Poorakali, ballads like vadakkenpaattu and vedanpaatu and folk plays like Godaveri that are lesser known. Then there are mural paintings called todikkalam. In an effort to preserve this rich heritage, 130 year old abode of the Chirakkal family, the Chirakkal Kovilakkom, was converted into a museum. The Muslim dance forms Oppana and Arabana, also find a place here. There is a library as well.

Sanctuary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated 45 kms east of Kannur in Kerala , Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, with an area of just 55 sq kms, is one of the smallest in Kerala and also the northeast. Located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary adjoins the state administrative by the Wayanad division and headquartered at Iritty, a small town that lies 10 kilometres to the east. Good roads connect the sanctuary to Thalassery and Kannur, which also have the nearest railway stations.

A wide variety of flora is found in the evergreen areas. Fauna include animals generally found in the Western ghats like deer, bison and elephants. Jungle cats and leopards are found in smaller numbers.

Activities

What to buy

Traditional as well as contemporary gold jewellery are popular buys here. Even the gold lined kasavu fabrics and fine handloom, and readymade garments are good buys. Hanveev and Icon, opposite the collectorate are best shops.

Nature cure products from Mahatma Nature Cure Centre are must buy when on tour to Kerala

Where to eat

When on a tour to Kerala you could get biryani and other Malabar delicacies such as kallumakkai (mussels) from Palm Grove Restaurant and Hotel Muscat, near the bus stand or the cool bar on MA Road. For vegetarian fare try Hotel Meridian Palace and Hot Stone Restaurant. You must try the kinnathappam, a sweet delicacy made of rice, flour, jaggery and coconut, available at most bakeries.

Things to do

• Spend lazy afternoons at secluded Meenkunnuchal beach, 13 km north of Kannur
• Watch the snake feeding and handling at Parassinakadavu snake park
• Visit the Matsyafed prawn hatchery and research centre at Mappila bay.