KANNUR-
The Land of Forts and Beaches
On
to the North of Kerala, sandwiched between the Western Ghats
and the Arabian Sea, lies Kannur, anglicised as Cannanore.
This stretch of land, with every inch in history, has been
a melting pot of races, religions and cultures from time
immemorial. Relics, right from the Neolothic age through
the Aryan invasion, Cheran Conquests, Arab and European
inroads, stand testimony to this.
Apart
from greenery and beaches, Kannur invites tourists to these
monuments of Time-to feel the grave quietness and the tranquility
of the past and to share the warmth and cordiality of its
peaceful and soft spoken people.
St.
Angelo's Fort
This
historical fort, built in 1505 AD by Sir Fancisco DeAlmeiyda,
the first Portuguese Viceroy of India,, is situated near
the sea coast about 2 KM away from Kannur town. This fort
has a legendary past. Having witnessed several wars for
seizing the control of the fort, the British flag flew over
it finally in 1790.
Now
this fort is under the control of the Archaeological department.
It attracts a large number of tourists.
Mopila
Bay
Situated
near the St.Angelos Fort, the Mopila bay has a historical
background. Centuries ago, it was the seat of Kolathiri
Kings. The Kadalayi Fort and Sree Krishna Temple were quite
famous. The remnants of the fort and the temple are still
seen in Mopila Bay. A fishing harbour, built with Indo Norvegian
project assistance, is there in this bay. Boating in the
sea, if the weather permits, will be an unforgettable experience.
Ezhimala
A
place of historical importance Ezhimala ( Elimala) was the
seat of Mooshika kings in the early periods. Ezhimala has
found a place in the travelogues of Iban Bathutha and Marcopolo.
Ezhimala
is also considered to be a treasure chest of medicinal herbs,
situated 286m, above sea level, it is a landmark to mariners,
and is blessed with a long beautiful beach.
The
place is shortly going to find strategical importance in
the Naval map of India. Ezhimala is situated 45 Km. north
of Kannur.
Thalassery
Fort
Thalassery
Fort 20 Kms away from Kannur was built on 20th August 1708,
on a small hill called Thiruvallappad kunnu. This fort was
a formidable stronghold in the past. There are several important
tourist centres in Thalassery. The Church built beneath
the Walls of the Fort with funds left by the Master attendant
Mr. Edward Brennen and the large mosque known as Odathil
Palli attracts several people. The Thiruvangad temple other
wise known as brass Pagode, is dedicated to Sree Rama, Sree
Jaganath Temple is next in importance. This temple dedicated
to Siva was consecrated in February 1908 AD by the great
religious reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
Illikkunnu
Malayalees
cannot forget Herman Gundert and his contributions to the
Malayalam Language.
A
German by birth Gundert resided at Illikkunnu Bungalow near
Thalassery which was his workshop for 20 years from 1939
for his research activities.
Snake
Park
On
the way to the Parassinikkadavu Temple, 16 Kms from Kannur,
is the Snake Park, the only one of its kind in the state.
The
snake Park set up by the Visha Chikista Kendra at Pappinisseri,
has been a centre of attraction to both foreign and domestic
tourists. This Kendra offers effective treatment for snake
bites with almost hundred per cent cure. This is the only
place, perhaps where Ayurveda and Allopathy are effectively
combined for curing snake bites
Valapattanam
Famous
for timber trade, Valapattanam, situated about 8 k.m north
of Kannur has a pride of place in the world map for its
wood based industries.
Valapattanam
was once considered third in the world for timber operations.
Having to depend only on imports of logs, the place today
wear a deserted look with Western India Plywoods being the
only exception.
Azhikkal
port, an all weather medium port, is situated very near
to Valapattnam.
MUZHAPPILANGAD
BEACH
Muzhappilangad
beach is situated about 5 k.m. north of Thalassery and 15
k.m. from Kannur. There is an unpaved road winding through
coconut groves, leading to the beach. The beach is about
5 k.m. 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 a beautiful island called
the "Green Island" which adds to the allure of
the beach. Such a conjunction of beach and island is rare
ANJARAKANDY
Anjarakandy
19 K.m. South east of Kannur, is famous for the Cinnamon
estate located there, and the oil being extracted from it.
The place has historical importance too as Pazhassi Raja
and the British Army fought for the estate in 1903.
GYMNASTIC
CENTRE
Thalassery
is famous for having given birth to many famous circus artists.
True to this tradition the first circus training centre
has now started functioning in Thalassery, known as the
Gymnastic Centre, under the Sports Authority of India. Experts
from India and abroad work in this centre.
PYTHAL
MALA
Sixty four K.Ms away from Kannur and 44 K.Ms north
east of Thaliparamba lies Pythal Mala the beautiful, calm
hillock near the Kerala - Karnataka boarder. 4,500 Ft. above
sea level; this hill is abundant in flora and fauna. Trekking
6 Kms would take one to the top of the hill.
THEYYAM
Kannur
is the centre of 'Theyyam' the famous temple folk art form
of Northern Kerala. The word Theyyam is a corrupt form of
'deivam' in Malayalam which means God. Theyyam is generally
performed in front of the village shrines. Performance of
a particular deity according to its significance and hierarchy
in the shrine continues for 12 to 24 hours in the intervals.
There are a large number of temples in Kannur where Theyyam
is performed.
Clad
in, colourful traditional costumes, masks, face paintings,
head gear, weapons and decorations of tender leaves of coconut
the performance of Theyyam is a rare combination of dance
and music which reflects the important features of a tribal
culture. Theyyam provides a rare cultural treat in the ritual
tradition which no tourist can afford to miss.
