Home :: South India Travel Destinations :: Kannur India

Tucked far away from madding crowd, lies Kannur, the most enchanting district of Northern Kerala. The scene is breath taking. The Lakshadweep Sea washes the sands of sugary beaches laced with rows of green coconut palms. Long rivers break into silvery spray and merge into the blue green waters of the sea. Obviously Kerala is the most beautiful of all Indian states and Kannur undoubtedly shows Kerala at its best ! 

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. 

Prime Attractions of Kannur
St.Angelo's Fort: The first Portuguese Viceroy Don Francisco De Almedia, on a high land jutting out into the Lakshadweep Sea, constructed a huge triangular structure built with laterite, called St. Angelo's fort, in 1505 A.D. In 1663,the Dutch captured the fort but in 1790, it came into the possession of the British. The British rebuilt it and made it their important military centre in Malabar. The fort is now a protected monument under the Archaeological survey of India, which offers fascinating views of Mappila bay fishing harbour and Dharmadam Island.

Arakkal Palace: Residence of Arackal Ali Rajas,the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. It is about 3 kms from Kannur.

Madayi Mosque : This village near Kannur is famous for its 12th Century mosque and beach. Built by Malik Iban Dinar, the white marble used in the mosque is said to have been brought from Arabia.

Dharmadam Island: A Buddhist stronghold, Dharmadam Island is located beside the Muzhappilangad beach, 100 metres offshore surrounded by rivers and sea. A conjunction of beach & island, it was earlier known as Dharmapattanam.

Ezhimala Beach: The Ezhimala Mountain and Beach lie at the northern boundary of Kannur. Rare medical herbs (Ramayana) with mythological significance grow on Ezhimala, the strange seven-peaked range.

Around 50 Kms from here, is the Mount Deli Lighthouse, an old tower of great antiquity. It's maintained by the Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer that in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins.

Payyambalam Beach: 2kms from Kannur. Payyambalam, the long, lovely beach is a local picnic spot. Flat lateric cliffs jut into the sea at one end. Picturesque and incredibly beautiful, the beach is only walking distance from . The Naura Cafeteria and well laid out gardens greet the visitor to Payyambalam.

Kizhunna Beach:11 Kms From Kannur. This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala.

Excursions
Pazhassi Gardens & Dam: 37 kms. East of Kannur near Mattannur, the Pazhassi dam & reservoir offer panoramic view of the place. The added attractions of the place are the gardens and amusement park that have been recently. The Buddha's mountain at Pazhassi and the sculpture of Pazhassi King are visual delights.

Pappinisserry: 16 kms from Kannur town, the snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons.

A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed to be set up here. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are getting extinct gradually.

Pythal Mala: 65 kms north of Kannur, this hill is located on the Kerala-Karnataka border. Perched at an altitude of 1,372 metres above sea level, this place is ideal for trekking. A base reception centre and a watchtower atop the cliff function should not be missed.

Muzhappilangad Beach: Muzhappilangad Beach, one of the longest beaches in Kerala is located 15 kms south of Kannur. The long beach is the only drive-in beach in India.

Thalassery Fort: Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British.

Gundert Bunglow: Located 20 kms from Kannur, at Nettur, Gundert's Bungalow is on the out skirts of Thalaserry. It is a historically significant place for all lovers of Malayalam Language.

Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a tranquil little sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak of Katti Betta, covered with tropical and semi- evergreen forests rises to a majestic height of 1145 m above sea level.

Moppila Bay: Moppila bay, the famous fishing harbour is situated near the St.Angelo's Fort. The beach is a natural and now a modernised fishing harbour built with assistance under the Indo Norwegian pact.

Main Festivals
• Jagannatha Festival
• Palotukavu Festival
• Parassinikkadavu Festival

How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode, about 93kms south.

By Rail: Kannur railway station is an important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State.

By Road:Kannur is acc
essible by road.