Kannur - Kerala
PayyambalamBeach:
(2 km from Kannur) This beach is famous for its flat laterite cliffs that jut into the sea. The well-laid gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of Mother and Child make it extremely captivating. The nearby BabyBeach accessed through the Burnassery Cantonment is delightfully quiet.
ArakkalKettuMuseum:
(3 kmfrom Kannur, opp. AyikaaraMapillaBay. Closed on Mondays) This was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas,the only Muslim Royal Family of Kerala. Protected by the Archaeological and Tourism Department, this palace complex today is a museum housing a splendid display of numerous artefacts and heirlooms belonging to the Rajas
St. Angelo Fort:
(3 km from Kannur. Open 0800 -1800 hrs) This seafront laterite fort was constructed in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeda, with the consent of the ruling Kolathiri Raja.Ammunition dumps, stables, underground jails, secret tunnels to the sea and an old dilapidated chapel can all be still seen within its precincts. After changing hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch and then to the English, the fort became one of the important military centres of the British in Malabar. St. Angelo Fort offers a fascinating view of the MappilaBay fishing harbour. Ph: 0497-2732578
Chirakkal:
(6 km from Kannur) There is a splendid folklore museum here. In an Y effort to preserve the rich heritage of the 130-year,oId abode of Chirakkal family, the Chirakkal Kovilakarn was converted into a museum. The Kolathiri Rajasonce lived here.
Valapattanam:
(7 hmfrom Kannur) The small town on the ValapattanamRiver is well known for its wood, based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and AzhikkalBeach are located nearby. Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood-based industry in the country and also one of the largest of its kind in South East Asia, is a major industrial concern here.
KizhunnaBeach:
(11 km from Kannur) This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala.
Meenkunnu Beach:
(12 km from Kannur) Uncrowded, the beach is a tourists' paradise, with golden sand and surf.
Peralassery Subramania Temple:
(14 km from Kannur. Open 0400 - 1600 hrs. Prayer Timings: 1100 hrs and 1630 hrs) This temple is believed to be where Rama and Iakshmana halted on their way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita.
Parassinikadavu:
(18 km from Kannur) The DTPC provides pleasure boating and houseboat cruises at the Parassini River, Accommodation is available nearby. The snake park here is the only one of its kind in the State. Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large crowds (Open 0830 - 1730 brs everyday).
Parassinikadavu Temple:
(18 km northeast of Kannur. Open. 0500 - 0800hrs, 1600 - 2000 hrs) The Sri Muthappan Temple of Parassinikadavu stands on the banks of the valapattanam River and is one of the most important shrines here. This pilgrim centre is famous for the Mutbappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. Visitors can go around the temple and even enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple which gives an unusual offering of dried fish and toddy to the deity. A Kathakali Club at the temple arranges shows on request after 11 in the night, which lasts for two and a half hours
Thalassery:
A remarkable town by the sea, it is famous for many reasons. The British sport Cricket was first played here, the first cakes in India introduced by the British were baked here at the Mambally's Royal Biscuit Factory and Indian circus has its origins in this town as well.
Thalassery Fort:
(22 km from. Kannur. Open 1000 - 1700 hrs) The fort constructed in 1708 by the British was their military centre. It is now a historical monument. The Holy Rosary Church where Edward Brunnen is buried can be seen from here, Overbury's Folly, a colonial bungalow now turned into a restaurant is located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. An old Muslim mosque, the jagannatha Temple and Thiruvangad Sree llama Swarny Temple are other attractions nearby.
Gundert Bungalow:
(20 km from Kannur near Thalassery, on the Illikunnu NH) Dr. Hermann Gundert, the revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer lived in this bungalow for 20 years from 1839. It was here that the first Malayalam dictionary and the first Malayalam newspaper- Paschimodayam - took shape. The bungalow is at present occupied by a technical training institute.
Muzhappilangad Beach:
(15 km from Kannur and 8km from Thalassery) Black rocks protect this long, clean beach from the currents of the deep, making its shallow waters a swimmer's paradise. Perhaps this is Kerala's only drive-in beach where you can drive down the entire length of 4 km. Adventure Club: Maintained by the youth development wing, the adventure office here offers a variety of water sport options as well as paragliding, parasailing, micro-lite nights ete.
Dharmadom Island:
(100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadom and 3 km from Thalassery) The small 5-acre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach, Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. You can wade to the island at low tide. An overnight stay (minimum 10 people) on the island, which includes food, can be arranged through the Tourism Department.
Raja Rajeswara Temple:
(25 km rom Karmur, in Thaliparamba) Situated near Thaliparamba Town on the National Highway, this temple is dedicated ro Lord RajaRaieswara (Lord Siva worshipped as the presiding power). An unusual custom is that women are allowed inside only after 8 pm as it is said that Lord Siva is with His wife Parvathi then and will therefore, grant women their wishes.
Trichambaram Temple:
(20 km from Kannur, near Thaliparamba town on the NH. Open 0500 - 1200 hrs, 1700 - 2000 hrs) A sacred place of the Vaishnava cult that predates the 10th century, the deity of the temple is Sree Krishna. The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are unique by themselves. The annual temple festival, usually held in March, is a colourful event.
Payyanur Subramania Temple:
(46 km north of Kannur and 21 km north of Thaliparamba. Open 0400 - 1200 hrs, 1700 - 2100 hrs) This lovely temple is famous for the pauiira modiram, a type of ring available here. Made only against order with gold and the holy darbha grass, it is worn after being sanctified at the temple by Brahmins while performing rituals.
Suryanarayana Temple, Kadiroor:
(Open 0530 - 1130 hrs & 1730 - 2030 hrs) Dating back to the 13th century, the idol here is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rarna while on his way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita.
Odathil Palli Mosque:
(Near Old Bus Stand, Thalassery) This 500-year-old mosque in the heart ofThalassery was built by an Arab merchant in a typical Kerala Hindu temple style. The mosque which has neither domes nor minarets is not open to non-Muslims.
Sree Ramaswamy Temple, Thiruvangad:
(23 emfrom Kannur) Dedicated lllJ to Sree llama, this is one of the most important temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings in the temple are said to have been done nearly 400 years ago.
Madayi Para:
(25 km from Karnnur) The Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vaclukunnu 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 Suithan of Mysore. The view from the fort is fascinating.
Mahe:
Formerly a part of Kerala, it is today a union territory, The picturesque little town with a French flavour, originally called Mayazhi, was renamed Mahe after the Frenchman who captured it. The St. Teresa's Church is famed all over Malabar for the efficacy of prayers said here, People of all religlons converge here from all over Kerala and even from as far as Singapore, SriLanka and England during the fete (October 5-22), considered an especially auspicious time.
Malayala Kalagramam, New Mahe:
(29 km from Kannur) This renowned centre for arts and culture at New Mahe conduct courses in painting, sculpture, music, dance and pottery. The centre also hasan art gallery exhibition hall, library, a 300-seatauditorium, a sculpture garden, cottages for staff and students, separate guesthouses for visitors and a canteen, Visitors are allowed to watch the classeswith prior permission from the Director.
Thodeekulam Siva Temple:
(34 km south east of Kannnr. Open 0500 - 1930 hrs) Located 2 krn from Kannavam on the Thalassery-Mananthavady Road, this temple is famous for its mural paintings, It is believed to have been constructed 2,000 year'sago and was closely connected with the Pazhassi Raja Family of Kottayam (Thalassery Taluk). It was in this temple that Pazhassi Raja hid from the British.
Pazhassi Dam:
(37 km east of Kannur) An ideal retreat for tourists, the dam site is famous for its scenic beauty, The DTPC provides pleasure boating Facilitiesat the reservoir, Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow.
Ezhimala:
(55 km from Kannur) A hillock, which is 286 m high, rises above the beautiful beach here, Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills, The hills are well-known for rare medicinal herbs, A NavalAcademy, one of the largest of its kind in Asia is located here. Permission is required tor entry.
Cinnamon Valley, Anjarakandy:
Spread over nearly 200 acres, the cinnamon valley on the hanks of the Anjarakancly River, is considered the largest cinnamon plantation in Asia, The white pepper grown here is very popular in Britain ancl other Western countries.
Pythal Mala:
(65 km from Kannur) This enchanting hill station, situated 4500 ft above sea level near the Kerala - Karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna, It is a 6 krn trek to the top of the hills.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary:
(35 km from Thalassery) Elephants, sloth bears, sambars,mouse deer etc. can be found in the 55 sq. km sanctuary, Other attractions: Nature trails, soft trekking, bamboo rafting, coracle boating, stay at tree houses in Pariputhodu and Bhoothamkallu, bathing in the stream at Meenmutty.
Cherukunnu:
Famous for its Annapoorneswari Temple, the week-long annual festival falls in April. There is a Kathakali-Panchavadya school called Asthikalalaya near the temple.
Kottiyoor:
(Open 0500 -1000 hrs, 1600 - 2000 hrs. Prayer Timings. 0800 brs, 1200 brs, 1930 brs) Described as the Varanasi of the South, the twin SivaTemples at Kottiyoor called Akkara Kottiyoor and Ikkara Kottiyoor lies on the banks of the Bavali River. Thousands of devotees attend the annual 27-day festival during May -June.
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