Thalassery Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Thalassery

Thalassery Fort (Tellicherry Fort) is a historical monument built in 1708 by the British East India Company. It played a major role in the commercial and military activities of the British during the colonial period. Built on a cliff that is situated on the banks of the Muzhapilangad Beach, this fort carries within it many stories of colonial rule and the Mysore Invasion.

The structure of the fort comprises huge walls and elaborately carved doors. It has secret tunnels within it that lead to the Arabian Sea. According to history, Hyder Ali (the King of Mysore) made an unsuccessful effort to capture it in 1781. The foundation of the fort is made of huge Laterite stones and magnificent mural painting from the 18th century decorate the entrance.

Thalassery Fort is one of the few monuments preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. There is an information gallery inside the fort in which pictures of burial caves, monuments and ancient paintings are exquisitely displayed.

Timings: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm

Entry Fee: Nil

Overbury's Folly is an unfinished construction and is generally regarded as an architectural folly. This is a recreational park situated on the top of a hill and is close to Thalassery Court and Municipal Stadium. The name of the park is derived from E N Overbury who served his office as the subcollector of the region.

With the aim of developing it into a picnic spot, he started the construction of this park in 1879. Unfortunately, he could not complete the construction and hence, the spot was named Overbury’s Folly. This park was renovated later, and now it serves as a major tourist attraction in Thalassery.

Travellers visit this place to spend their evenings watching the beauty of the surrounding Arabian Sea. There is an open air coffee shop and a view point in the park, and it is located close to the Sub Collector’s Bungalow.

Catholic Rosary Church is an ancient church and a place of worship for the Catholics of Kerala. Situated close to the Thalassery Fort, the church attracts visitors due to its historical significance and architectural marvel. This church is best known for its architectural style that involves excellent glass works that were brought from London.

The Catholic Rosary Church, established in the early 16th century, is amongst the ancient churches in Kerala. It had its share of significance during the colonial times. The administration of the church underwent massive changes since its construction.

Originally it was under the administration of the Archbishop of Goa, which continued until 1609. Later the church was taken over by the Kodungallur Archdiocese and today it is administered under the Kannur Archdiocese. The cemetery of the church, in which many noted colonial officials take their final rest, attracts tourists and history lovers.

The English Church, otherwise called St. John’s Anglican Church, is one of the most visited tourist places in Thalassery. With a history that dates back to over 140 years, this church is regarded as one of the first churches in the Malabar area. The church is located very close to the Thalassery Fort and offers a picturesque view to the visitors.

Adjacent to this church lies a cemetery in which rest many great colonial administrators of Malabar. The grave of Edward Brennen, an Anglican philanthropist who strived for the welfare of Thalassery and donated his fortunes for it, is of great interest to history lovers.

The architecture of the church, with its grandeur and antiquity, attracts visitors. The church has magnificent glasswork manufactured from London that stands as a testimony to the erstwhile English glory. The English Church was renovated recently under the Archaeology Department and is now open to visitors.

Fisherfolk Temple is a scenic shrine located along the coastline that runs from Kannur to Thalassery and Thalassery to Mahe. The strategic location of the shrine makes it an excellent spot of sightseeing. The long stretches of beach on which the temple is located are filled with beauty and tranquility.

The temple stands as a symbol representing the importance sea plays in the lives of the local fisher folks. There are bountiful myths and legends associated with this temple. It is popularly believed that the temple was built by fisher folk to express their gratitude to the sea for its magnanimity and grace.

Situated next to the temple is the famous stadium where cricket was first played in India. Fisherfolk temple is easily accessible from Thalassery town and can be reached using buses or rickshaws. It is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy the serenity of nature and the solace of divinity.

Juma Masjid, one of the most popular religious attractions of Thalassery, is located close to the Arabian Sea. This 1000-year-old mosque was nucleus to the Islamic Renaissance that took place in the region. The mosque was constructed by Malik Ibin Dinar, an Arab trader who arrived in Kerala to spread Islam.

The mosque is well known for its Indo-Saracenic style of architecture which displays not just splendour but antiquity as well. Hundreds of devotees crowd the premises of this mosque during Eid-Ul-Fitr to perform Eid prayers.

The Masjid houses the sepulcher of Kunjayan Musallyar, a figure who contributed massively to the Arabic-Malayalam literature. The heritage and culture of Thalassery is exhibited through this century old religious spot. Located at the heart of Thalassery, Juma Masjid is easily accessible.

Wellesley's Bungalow, a popular tourist attraction in Thalassery, is a gorgeous colonial manor with serene and quiet surroundings. The bungalow derives its name from Lord Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. Lord Wellesley is famed for introducing cricket to the region of Thalassery in the 18th century.

It is believed that the bungalow and the surrounding land were used by Lord Wellesley and his companions for practising cricket in those early days. Thus, the bungalow occupies an important position in the history of Indian Cricket. Today the building is the regional subcollector’s residency.

The bungalow is easily accessible from all parts of the town. It is located near the Thalassery Fort and is close to other attractions of the town such as the Juma Masjid and the English Church. With its history woven into architectural beauty, the building attracts visitors in all seasons.

Randattara Cinnamon Estate stands as a testimony to the prominence Thalassery had in spice trades during ancient times. The coastal location of the town made it a commercial hub and spices such as black pepper, ginger and turmeric were exported to foreign lands through the seaport built by the British.

During the 1790s, the spice trade in Thalassery suffered due to the wars with Tipu, Hyder and Pazhassi Rajah. With an aim to grow spices directly, the British East India Company took steps to start a plantation of its own. The location of this plantation was Randattara, which later came to be known as the Randattara Cinnamon Estate.

The plantation is spread over 1000 acres and according to William Logan (famous colonial historian) special products such as coffee, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and cotton were cultivated here. This is an ideal location for travellers who want to explore the plant life of the region.

Vamil Temple is a religious spot that attracts devotees and visitors primarily due to certain special ceremonies observed here. Visitors can reach this temple on the route that goes from Thalassery to the town of Kannur. This temple is best known and most visited for Theyyam - a ceremonial dance associated with the temples of Malabar.

This ceremonial dance is performed daily at the Vamil Temple. Travellers are allowed to visit the temple during the performance and get a glimpse of this divine art form of hues and fervour.

Every day at 12.30 pm, Vamil Temple becomes the venue for this performance that lasts for about half an hour. For those who fancy a glance of the divine art forms and colourful temple celebrations of Malabar, Vamil Temple is a true delight.

Tagore Park, another major attraction of Thalassery, is an excellent location for leisurely hangouts. The park is located in Mahe, a small town under the administration of Union Territory of Pondicherry. Mahe claims a long-standing history of French colonialism that influenced each nook and corner of the town in unparalleled degrees.

With a unique culture and illustrious history, Mahe invites the traveller to experience and explore. Tagore Park in Mahe is situated about 15 km away from Thalassery. A statue of Marianna, a prominent figure of French insurrection who later became the national symbol of France, is situated in the park.

The statue, which was installed in 1789 as part of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, has the slogan ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’ inscribed on it. A memorial for the freedom fighters is also placed within the Tagore Park. The park is situated close to the Government House and enjoys good connectivity.

Udaya Kalari Shangham is an association for lovers and practitioners of Kalaripayattu - one of the ancient martial forms of South India. This fighting form is unique to Kerala with its techniques handed down through centuries.

Udaya Kalari Shangham is an ideal place for those who want to get a glimpse of this over 2000 years old martial art characterized by sinuous strength and swift movements. Situated on Chombal Beach, Udaya Kalari Shangham is a few minutes drive from Mahe. The building of the Kalari Shangham has a huge hall with high roofs. Traditional Kalari weapons are elegantly displayed in the hall.

As history goes, the practice of Kalari was prohibited during the colonial times but the ardent lovers of this art kept it alive though clandestine groups. Udaya Kalari Shangham played a key role in spreading enthusiasm and propagating this traditional form in South India. An evening spent watching Kalaripayattu at this place will make the visitors spellbound.

Government House, a heritage building and a popular tourist attraction in Mahe, was built by French administrators back in 1855. This scenic spot is located close to the Tagore Park and is easily accessible from the town. The key attractions of the Government House are an ancient light house and a flag post.

The light house, which was built in the 1720s at the time when the French anchored on the shores of Mahe, guided many a sailor and merchant. A short climb to the House offers a picturesque view of the Arabian Sea.

The building serves as an excellent sample of the grandeur of French architecture and attests to the erstwhile glory of the French reign. Situated at the backside of the building is a mini forest that leads to a spectacular viewpoint. As an evening hangout-spot and as a panoramic view point, the Government House surely pleases travellers.

Odathil Palli (also known as Odathil Mosque) is a 200 year old worship centre located at the centre of Thalassery. The mosque attracts devotees from all over Malabar and serves as a popular tourist destination as well. The mosque was constructed in the early nineteenth century by a person named Moosakaka who worked as a contractor with the British East India Company.

The architecture of the mosque is noteworthy for it is built in the traditional Kerala style. The golden dome of the mosque with its copper plate roof adds to the architectural beauty of the building. The dome of the mosque is a tall structure visible from miles away.

The site on which Odathil Palli is situated now was once a sugarcane garden of the Dutch. The name of the mosque is derived from two words: the Dutch word ‘odam’ which means garden and the Malayalam word ‘palli’ meaning mosque.