Your Tour 
Kannur (old popular name - Cannanore)
Location
Kannur figures among important towns on the Kerala coast. It was the capital of the Kothagiri kings for many centuries. In ancient Kerala also Kannur was a favourite destination of foreign travellers from Europe, China and Arab countries. In his book of travels, Marco Polo, recounting his visit to the area in 1250 A.D, refers Cannanore as a great Emporia of spice trade. In the ‘Periplus of the Erithrean Sea,’ a Greek work of great antiquity, Kannur finds mention as 'Naura'. Other famous visitors included Fahian, the Buddhist pilgrim, and Ibn Batuta, writer and historian of Tangiers.
Tourist Attractions
Fort St. Angelos: This fort, located in the West of Kannur town, was built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeida with the permission of the Kolathiris, on the promontory jutting into the Lakshadweep sea. The Dutch captured the fort in 1663 and sold it to the Ali Raja of Kannur in 1772, and in 1790 it came into the possession of the British. The British rebuilt it and made it their most important station in Malabar. This fort is in a fairly good state of preservation though some parts of it have collapsed. A few ancient cannons are on display inside the fort. The fort, a protected monument, is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India. Snake Park at Parassinikadavu: This park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes that are facing extinction. Situated 18 km away from Kannur town, it is home to a large collection of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. Snake demonstrations conducted here every hour draw large crowds of tourists.
Payyambalam Beach: A local picnic spot, this long secluded beach is situated around 2 km from Kannur town. It has a well laid out garden and a massive sculpture of mother and child erected by famous sculptor Kanayi Kunchiraman. Thalassery Fort: The British arrived in Thalassery in 1683 and erected a trading shed here. Later they shifted their commercial capital to Thalassery from Kozhikode following obstruction from the Dutch. In 1700, the British built the Thalassery Fort on a small hill called Tiruvellapadakunnu and in 1708, it was strengthened by increasing its height and with bastions. This fort is a square structure built of laterite. It is distinguished by its massive ventilated walls and strong flanking bastions. It was here that Haider's captain was imprisoned. The famous St. John’s Anglican Church, situated behind this fort, is another tourist attraction in Kannur.
Valapattanam: This small town, located 7 km from Kannur, lies on the banks of the Valapattanam river. Also known as Baliapattom, it is famous for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The Azhikkal port and Azhikkal beach are located nearby. The Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood-based industry in the country and one of the largest in South East Asia, is a major industrial concern here.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a tranquil sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests. Situated 35 km from Thalassery, the sanctuary is home to herds of deer, elephants, boar and bisons. Leopards, jungle cats, various types of squirrels and rare species of birds are also found here. Around 160 species of birds, including some species considered extinct, can be seen here.
Ezhimala: Situated 55 km from Kannur, Ezhimala has a beautiful beach with a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hillock. The Ezhimala hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs with mythological significance. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins. A Naval Academy is being developed here. Permission is required for entry.
Pazhazzi Dam: The Pazhazzi Dam and reservoir present an awesome scenic beauty. Located 37 km east of Kannur near Mattanur, the site is an ideal retreat for tourists. One can cruise down the river in DTPC boats often crossing small islands inhabited only by birds. An added attraction is the amusement park. The Buddha’s mountain at Pazhassi and the sculpture of Pazhassi King are interesting places to visit. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.
Madayi Para: It is situated 25 km from Kannur. The Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadukunnu Temple and the 12th century mosque (1124 A.D) built by Muslim preacher Malik Bin Dinar with white marble imported from Arabia are the major attractions here. There is also a dilapidated fort at Madayi which is believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The view from the fort is fascinating.Parassinikadavu: Parassinikadavu is famous for its Snake Park and the Sri Muthappan temple. It is the only place where the ritualistic dance Theyyam is performed round the year. Sri Muthappan Temple, standing on the banks of the Valapattanam river, is the pilgrim centre famous for the 'Muthappan Theyyam' performed every morning and evening. The best time to visit the temple is between 5 and 8 am or 6.30 and 8.30 pm when the pooja is held and the Theyyam performed. Non-Hindus also can watch the Theyyam performance. The DTPC provides boating service on the river near the temple, a pleasure trip amidst surrounding lush greenery and the river opening up to the sea ahead. Accommodation is available nearby. The Snake Park here has three snake pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for King Cobras. Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large crowds of visitors. There are frequent bus services from Kannur to Parassinikadavu.
Gundert Bungalow: In this bungalow lived revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer Dr. Herman Gundert for 20 years from 1839. It is situated 20 km from Kannur, near Thalasseri town, on the National Highway at Illikunnu hill. It was here that one of the first Malayalam dictionaries and the first Malayalam Newspaper - 'Paschimodayam' - took shape. Dr. Herman Gundert has also written 18 books in Malayalam including a grammar book. The Gundert's Bungalow today houses part of the Nettur Technical Training Foundation, an institution started by the Swiss Foundation.
Kottiyoor: This place, 60 km away from Kannur town, is famous for its Siva Temple situated on the banks of the Bavali river. Thousands of devotees attend the temple’s annual 27-day festival during May-June.
Malayala Kalagramam: This renowned centre for arts and culture is situated at New Mahe, 29 km from Kannur. It conducts courses in painting, sculpture, music, dance and pottery.
Pythal Mala: This enchanting hill station, located 65 km from Kannur town, is at 4500 ft. above the sea level near the Kerala-Karnataka border. It is rich in flora and fauna. It takes 6-km trek to reach the top of the hill.
Thodikalam Siva Temple: This temple, located 34 km southeast of Kannur, is is famous for its mural paintings. Believed to have been built 2000 years ago, the temple was closely connected with the Pazhassi Raja family of Kottayam (Thalasseri taluk).
Dharmadam Island: This small five-acre island, 100 metres away from the mainland, is covered with coconut palms and dense bushes. Surrounded by rivers and seas, it presents a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, one can just walk to the island from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. Dharmadam, earlier known as Dharmapattanam, was a Buddhist stronghold.
