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Tourist attractions in Kannur

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Kannur,Indiahas a number of tourist attractions including beaches, hills, temples and other monuments.

Beaches[edit]

Kannur has severalbeaches,some are:

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach 2
Payyambalam Beach
  • Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach:is Kerala's only drive-in beach, situated about 5 km north of Thalassery and 15 km from Kannur.[1]There is an unpaved road winding throughcoconutgroves,leading to the beach. The beach is about 5 kilometres long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur beach on the north. To the South and about 200 metres away from the beach there is an island called the "Green Island" which adds to the allure of the beach. And another important point is that there are home stays and beach resort available in Muzhappilangad drive in Beach such as corniche Beach Resort, palm resort, sun villa and samudra and in all resorts you could get fresh home made food which are prepared from homes on orders they get from the visitors you can get Kerala style food Kannur and thalassery special food and you could get homely atmosphere.

Another important point is that you could get fresh air from the sea without smoke are good for old people and people who have health problems.

  • Payyambalam Beach:It is the beach of the Kannur city. It has an unbroken coastline of a few kilometres. From the beach, one can seeshipsin transit along theMalabar Coast,that is, beyondKozhikodeand moving towardsMangalore,GoaandMumbai.The well laid out garden and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother and child erected by noted sculptorKanayi Kunhiramanmakes it extremely captivating.
  • Baby Beach: It is so called as it is smaller than its bigger neighbourhood,Payyambalam Beach.TheSt. Angelo Fortis adjacent.
  • Meenkunnu Beach:Situated at Azhikode, it is 10 kilometres from the Kannur city. This beach has Meenkunnu cliff where the view ofEzhimalahills can be seen and Meenkunnu view point over the small hill where the view of entire Payyambalam beach can be seen.
  • Mappila Bay:Situated near the St. Angelo's Fort, the Mopila bay has a historical background. Centuries ago, it was the seat of Kolathiri Kings. The Kadalayi Fort and SreeKrishnaTemplewere quite famous.[citation needed]The remnants of the fort and the temple are still seen in Mopila Bay. A fishing harbour, built withIndo-Norwegian Projectassistance, can be seen at this bay.
  • Chal Beach: 11 km from Kannur city, is a beach in Kerala. A Beach park is also available for visitors there.
  • Kizhunna Ezhara Beach: 11 km from Kannur, is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala.[citation needed]
  • Chootad Beach: 27 km fromKannurcity and 4.6 km fromPazhayangaditown. It is one of the cleanest beach of Kannur. The Beach park and Ezhimala view point are located at this beach.
  • Palliyamoola Beach: 5.2 km fromKannurcity. It is one of the cleanest secluded beach located in the Kannur district. Several beach resorts are there in this beach for the tourists.
  • Dharmadam Island:(100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam): The small 5 acre (20,000 m2)islandcovered withcoconutpalms and dense bushes is visible from the Muzhappilangad beach. During lowtide,one can walk to theislandfrom the beach. It is surrounded byriversandseas.Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. Dharmadam, earlier known as Dharmapattanam, was aBuddhiststronghold.

Snake Park[edit]

Snake Park is a landmark in the district of Snake Park atParassinikkadavu,en route from Kannur to Taliparamba, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from National Highway (NH) 17. Here there are a large genre of snakes and other small animals as well as a live show, where trained personnel play and 'interact' with a variety of snakes, includingcobrasandvipers,and seek to quell mythical fears and superstitions about snakes. The Snake Park was set up by the Visha Chikista Kendra at Pappinisseri and has become a centre of attraction to both foreign and domestic tourists. This Kendra (center) offers effective treatment for snake bites with almost 100% cure. This is the only place, perhaps whereAyurvedaand Allopathy are effectively combined for curing snake bites. The snake park houses about 150 varieties of snakes including theSpectacled Cobra,King Cobra,Russell's viper,Kraitand variouspit vipers.There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes includingPythons.A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed for the location. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are facing gradual extinction. The laboratory is located 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Kannur. Parassinikkadavu is noted for theMuthappan temple.This is the only temple in Kerala where a Theyyam performance is a daily ritual offering.

Forts[edit]

St. Angelo Fort[edit]

St. Angelo Fort

St. Angelo Fort,built in 1505 by SirFrancisco de Almeida,the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, is situated near the coast and about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Kannur town. This fort witnessed several wars for its control until the British flag finally flew over it in 1790. Even now, it is in a fairly good state of preservation, and is a protected monument underArchaeological Survey of India(ASI). A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind the fort can be seen in theRijksmuseuminAmsterdam.

St Angelo Fort is an important historical monument and tourist centre. Kerala Police has posted six Tourism Police Officers for the protection and guidance of tourists. Among them, Sathyan Eddakkad has detailed knowledge about this fort and the surrounding places. He wrote and published a book in Malayalam namedVasco Da Gaamyum charithrathile kaanaappurangalum(Vasco Da Gama and the unknown pages of history) in which he describes the past and present of the Fort.

The fort, though not as large as the well knownBekal FortinKasaragod,boasts lush greenery and well maintained surroundings. ThePayyambalamand Government guest house are some of the other landmarks near the fort.

Tellicherry Fort[edit]

Tellicherry Fortis inThalassery(Tellicherry) a town. Tellicherry was one of the most important European trading centers of Kerala. In the 17th century the British opened a factory north of Tellicherry. Later they obtained a site from Vadakkelamkur, the de facto ruler of Kolathunad and established a factory at Tellicherry in 1708.

Paithalmala[edit]

Paithalmalais a hill station on the Kerala-Karnataka border and is 65 km north of Kannur. Ideal for trekking; it is around 1,371.6 metres above sea level. A base reception centre and a watchtower atop the cliff function for the benefit of tourists and trekkers. It is near toKudianmala.

Ezhimala[edit]

Ezhimala,the capital of the ancientMooshika kings,is considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north ofKannurtown. A flourishing sea port and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of theChola-Cherawar of the 11th century. It is believed thatBuddhahad visited Ezhimala. An oldmosque,believed to contain the mortal remains ofShaikh Abdul Latif,aMuslimreformist, is also located here. The hill is noted for rare medicinalherbs.There is an old tower of great antiquity here, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by theIndian Navyand is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. AtEttikulam bay,one can enjoy watching dolphins. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the Naval history of the country, subsequent to the proposal for commissioning theIndian Naval Academythere.

Madayipara[edit]

Madayi Para in August

Madayiparais significant owing to itsbiodiversityas well as history. 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 ofKolathunadu.

The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient Jewish settlers, is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva Temple, and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extent, form another attraction. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu – family temples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame.

With regard to the biodiversity of Madayipara, 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. Coming to avian life, Madayipara sustains about 100 species of butterflies and about 150 species of birds. Among the biggest butterflies in the world, theAtlas butterflyis a visitor to Madayipara.

V-Pra Kaayal Floating Park[edit]

Vayalapra Kaayal Floating Park known as V-Pra Park is inaugurated on 5 June 2016. It is situated in Vayalapra lake nearMadayi.

District Agricultural Farm, Taliparamba[edit]

Established in 1905, District Agricultural Farm, Kannur is one of the oldest farms in South India. Located atTaliparamba,20 kilometers from Kannur city, this station was started by Sir Charles Alfred Barber at the behest of the erstwhile Madras Government, based on the recommendation of the Famine Commission of 1880 of Government of India.

Hanging Bridge (Thookku Palam) – Peralassery[edit]

The hanging bridge ofPeralasseryis a notable tourist attraction. This is one of the few hanging bridges inKannurdistrict.

Kanjirakolly Waterfalls, Payyavoor[edit]

Kanjirakkolly Falls

The Kanjirakkoly Falls are situated around 55 kilometres (34 mi) from Kannur. There is a viewing point 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the falls at Sasippara.

Other Attractions[edit]

  • Sadhoo Merry Kingdom is a popular water theme park/tourist attraction in Kannur.
  • St. Angelo Fortwas built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, Dom Francisco de Almeida. In 1663, the Dutch captured it and then in 1772, they sold the fort to the Arakkal King. In 1790, the British captured it, and it was under the British until 1947.
  • Payyambalam Beachis a Kannur beach with an unbroken coastline of a few kilometres. From the beach, one can seeshipsin transit along theMalabar Coast,from beyondKozhikodemoving towardsMangalore,GoaandBombay(Mumbai). It contains a well laid out garden and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother and child erected by noted sculptorKanayi Kunhiraman.But it now lies vandalized by miscreants.
  • Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach(4 km length) is in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It is parallel to National Highway 66 (formerly National Highway 17) between Kannur andThalassery.
  • Arakkal Museum,inAyikkara,is a museum dedicated to theArakkal family,the onlyMuslimroyal family inKerala,South India.The museum is a section of theArakkalkettu(Arakkal Palace). TheDurbar Hallsection of the palace has been converted into a museum by theGovernment of Kerala.It was opened inJuly 2005after a massive renovation and is managed by the Arakkal Family Trust.
  • Sree Peralassery Temple is14 kmfrom Kannur on the way to Koothuparamba.
  • MGS Kalari Sangam is amartial artsand massage training academy founded in 1934.
  • Kannur Lighthouse
    TheKannur Lighthousenear the Sea View Park is another place of interest. The first lighthouse at Kannur was built in 1843 by the British at St. Angelo Fort. Over the years, the lighthouse was renovated. In 1948, it was moved to its current location. The lighthouse is still in use.
  • TheKannur Cantonmentis one of the 62cantonmentsin the country and the only one in Kerala. It was established by the British in the 19th century and is still an important location for Indian armed forces.
  • Mele Chovva, which is situated 3 km south of Kannur in Kannur-Tellichery road, is an entry junction to Kannur town. Kannur Airport road starts from here.
  • Puthiyatheru, which is between Kannur-Taliparambaroad, is one of the busiest streets in Kannur; it consist of three roads to Kattampalli and Panakavu and Chirakkal.
  • Palakkayam thattu
  • TheDefence Security Corps(DSC) Centre and DSC Records are located in Kannur town, on the road toPayyambalam Beach.The area is a part of theKannur Cantonmentand is maintained by the Cantonment Board. The DSC centre at Kannur is the mother depot to allplatoonsin the country.
  • Baby Beach is so called because it is smaller than its larger neighbour, Payyambalam Beach.St. Angelo Fortis adjacent to it. The baby beach is part of the Kannur Cantonment and access may be restricted at times.
  • Meenkunnu Beachis atAzhikode,just a few kilometres from the town.
  • Mapila Bayin Ayikkara, near St. Angelo fort, is a major fishing harbor overlooking theLaccadive Sea.
  • TheAzhikkal Ferryoperates near Azhikode, about 10 km from Kannur town, where theValapattanamriver joins theLaccadive Sea.There is a granite pathway here which stretches 2 km into the sea. Frequent passenger boats are available toMattool,ParassinikkadavuandValapattanamfrom here.
  • The Fort road is the one of the busiest roads in Kannur. There are many malls and shopping streets there. The Kannur City Center is a prominent shopping center onFort Road.
  • Sea View Park, near Payyambalam Beach, is overlooked by the Government Guest House.
  • Kannur Central Bus Terminalis Kerala's biggest bus terminal. At Thavakkara, it is India's first bus terminal to be developed on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis.
  • Kannur indoor stadium at Mundayad, 6 km from Kannur town is the largest indoor stadium in south India.
  • Thottada Beachis a beach in Kannur district. It is about 2.5 km from theNH 17connecting Kannur town andThalassery.
  • Muzhappilanghad driving beach is in Kannur and it is the largest driving beach in Asia.[citation needed]
  • Parassinikkadavu snake park is a snake farm dedicated for the preservation and conservation of snakes is in Kannur.
  • Aralam wildlife sanctuary is known for elephant, sloth bear, mouse deer etc.
  • Elapeedikais a village in the southwestern state of Kerala, India. Elapeedika is around 1000 m above sea level, in the Western Ghats range and is a hill station. The name Elapeedika is derived from the wordselam(cardamom) andpeedika(shop). There were a lot of cardamom plantations in the olden times. Pazhassiraja's force and East India Company had fought a battle in the 18th century at the Periya pass in Elapeedika. Elapeedika is on the Iritty Taluk in Kannur District and is the highest place in the district. The nearest major railway stations are at Tellicherry and Kannur (approximately 50 km by road). The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport, which is 20 kilometres away.
  • Paithalmala, a hillstation bordering Kodagu (Karnataka) in Alakode Panchayat, is in Kannur.
  • Thaboreis a nearby hill station.
  • The Mangrove Trail of Malabar is a day trippers visiting place about 45 km from Kannur. It is a coastal jungle trail offering hiking, birding & boating.
  • Kannur International Airportis an upcoming international facility inMattanurin Kannur District,Kerala,India.It is the fourth and largest international airport in Kerala.
  • Palakkayamthattu is a hill station which attracts many tourists. It is famous for sight seeing, rides and a lot more.

Temples[edit]

Temple festival at Chalad

The place got the name as theLand of Krishna(Kannande uuru) because of the Kadalai Shri Krishnaswami Temple,Shri Rajarajeshwaram,Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan TempleandAnnapurneshwari TempleandMadayikavu,the famed temples of the region.

Other temples:

  • Kottiyoor Vadakkeshwaram Temple
  • Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy Temple
  • Tiruvarkadu Bhagavathy Temple(a.k.a. Madayi Kavu)
  • Andalurkavu,inDharmadom
  • Sree Mahadeva Temple Mudappathur (Vaidyanatha)
  • Payyanur Subrahmanyaswamy Temple
  • Kanhirangad Vaidyanatha Temple
  • Peralassery Subrahmanya swamy Temple
  • Ramanthali Sankaranarayana Temple
  • Thayyil Sree Venkataramana Temple
  • Thalap Sundareswara Temple
  • Trichambaram Sree Krishnaswamy Temple
  • Kandamthalli Sreekrishna Temple
  • Mazhoor Sree Balabhadra swamy temple
  • Koyyam Sree Maha Vishnu Temple
  • Kadalayi Sreekrishna Temple
  • Mattanur Mahadeva Temple
  • Thiruvangad Sriramaswamy Temple
  • Kannadiparamba Dharmasastha Temple
  • Velam Ganapathi Kshetram Temple
  • Ezhome Sree Trikkool Shiva Temple
  • Karippal Nagam Perumbadave
  • Melechovva shiva temple
  • Vadeswaram Sree Mahashiva Temple, Aroli
  • Sree Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple - Puravoor

Mosques[edit]

Churches[edit]

St. Mary's Forane Church and Mariyan Pilgrim center Taliparamba: From the beginning of 1960’s, Syrian Catholics from various places began to settle at Taliparamba for various purpose like education, employment and mercantile. At that time they went to Thrichabaran St Paul’s Church and Pushpagiri CMI Church for their religious purposes. On Dec 25 1990, St Mary’s Parish took birth under the Tellicherry Archdiocese. Their dream came true when the foundation stone for the church laid on 2008 August 15. On April 14 2012 the church was opened for the believers by the function presided by Rev: Mar George Valyamattam Metropolitan. On 2013 March 17 he declared the church as a Forane Church and a pilgrim centre.

References[edit]

  1. ^"Muzhappilangad Beach - Kerala's only drive in beach at Thalassery, Kannur | Kerala Tourism | Kerala Tourism".www.keralatourism.org.Retrieved7 December2017.