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Places to See in Kannur

By Manoj

Take a trip to the land of lores and looms this vacation. Kannur, more popularly known as Cannanore, is a northern district in Kerala famed for its vibrant culture and rich heritage. It shares its borders with the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea and the region exhibits abundant natural beauty and cultural traditions. It has gathered worldwide attention with its unique fabric industry and temple folklore forms such as Theyyattam.

Kannur is best known and much sought-after for its vast stretches of sandy beaches which enchants travellers. The most renowned beaches of the region include Payyambalam, Meenkunnu, Kizhunnu Ezhara and Muzhuppilangad Beach. It is also a land of temples with the most prminent ones being, the Sundareswara Temple, Kottiyoor Shiva Temple, Oorpazhassi Kavu, Sri Mavilayikkavu Temple, Sri Raghavapuram Temple, Sri Subramanya Swami Temple and the Kizhakkekara Sree Krishna Temple.Here is a travel guide to the place one should visit when travelling to Kannur.

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How to Reach

How to Reach

Kannur does not have an airport of its own and the nearest airports are located at Mangalore (150 km) and Calicut (125 km) from here. Calicut International Airport is well connected to all leading Indian cities. One can reach Kannur by availing a taxi from the respective airports or by taking a bus as well. Kannur Railway station is one of the major railheads of northern Kerala and is well connected to all major towns and cities of India. The railway station is located at the heart of Kannur town, and travelers can hire taxis/auto rickshaws or take buses to explore the town.

 

Arakkal Kettu

Arakkal Kettu

Arakkal Kettu which is located a few kilometers away from Kannur is a palace which has been converted into museum and attracts tourists with its royal history and artifacts. An excellent collection of royal heirlooms is exhibited in the museum including family seals, old pathayams (wooden boxes for storing grains), Holy Koran used by the members of the Royal Family, an old telephone, swords, bronze and silver vessels daggers, royal furniture and a telescope. Visitors coming here have to pay an entry fee to explore the palace as well as visit the museum.

Photo Courtesy: നിരക്ഷരൻ

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of about 35 km from Thalassery and 60 km from Kannur. Lying along the thickly forested slopes of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals and birds. The highest peak of the region is Katti Betta which is situated at an altitude of 1145 meters. The sanctuary is a true delight to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts with its exciting variety of fauna that include Elephant, Spotted Deer, Gaur, Bison, Jungle Cats, Leopard, Hanuman Langur, Barking Deer, Sambar, Nilgiri Langur and Malabar Giant Squirrel. It is also a hotspot for those who are into bird watching as 215 kinds of bird species and 172 kinds of butterflies are recorded in this region.

Photo Courtesy: Tambako The Jaguar

Cherukunnu

Cherukunnu

Cherukunnu is a small town located about 20 km away from Kannur town and is best known for its religious places. The name Cherukunnu means small hill in Malayalam and it has a number of tiny islands which adds to its picturesque beauty. Chief attractions of the town include the Thavam Church, Oliyankara Juma Masjid and St. Martin de Porres Hospital. Annapoorneshwari Temple, better known as Cherukunnilamma Temple, is what attracts travelers and devotees to Cherukunnu. This is one of the few temples in India where Sree Annapoorneswari is worshipped. Many a devotees come here to pay their respect to the Goddess.

Photo Courtesy: Anoopan

Fort St. Angelo

Fort St. Angelo

Fort St. Angelo is popularly known as Kannur Kotta or Kannur Fort is located at distance of 3 km from the town of Kannur. It offers excellent view of the surrounding regions as it lies facing the roaring waves of the Arabian Sea. The fort is presently listed as a protected monument and is under the administration of the Archaeological Survey of India. As a heritage monument that shaped the history of the region, the fort attracts millions of visitors every year.

Photo Courtesy: Shiju Balagopal

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach, located 12 km from Kannur, is a collective name given to Kizhunna and Ezhara, two scenic beaches that lie alongside each other. It is one of the most pristine and undisturbed beaches located on the Kannur coastal line which attracts tourists with its serene ambience and shallow waters. Vast stretches of sandy shores, surrounding rocks and mild waves touching the golden sands add to the beauty of the beach. The bay is shallow and calm making it an ideal spot for swimming and sun bathing.

Photo Courtesy: Ks.mini

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple is the collective name given to the twin temples of Akkare Kottiyoor and the Ikkare Kottiyoor and is a major attraction and a popular pilgrim center of northern Kerala. The temple is located in the village of Kottiyoor which is popularly known as Dakshina Kashi. The temples of Akkare Kottiyoor and Ikkare Kottiyoor are located on the eastern and western banks of River Bavali amidst the scenic stretch of thick forests. The Vaisakha festival lasts for 28 days, and millions of devotees make their way to this temple to participate in the rituals and ceremonies.

Photo Courtesy: Deepesh ayirathi

Meenkunnu Beach

Meenkunnu Beach

Meenkunnu Beach located about 10 km from Kannur is an annex of Payyambalam Beach and is situated in Azhikode. The beach is rich in natural beauty which is magnified by its long stretches of sandy shores and coconut trees lined along the shores. Unlike the other beaches of the region, Meenkunnu Beach is a less explored one and hence enjoys an undisturbed ambience. It is an ideal holidaying spot for those who want to spend their time in tranquility.

Photo Courtesy: 

Muzhuppilangad Beach

Muzhuppilangad Beach

Muzhuppilangad Beach, lying 8 km from Thalassery and 16 km from Kannur, gathers its fame as the only drive-in beach in India as well as in Asia. This beach is frequented by thousands of people every year and is an ideal location for one day tours and family picnics. Travelers can drive along the entire stretch of 5 km and enjoy the scenic beauty of sandy shores. The beach becomes crowded with youngsters and adventure seekers during the beach festival held here every year.

Photo Courtesy: Goutham Mohandas

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kannur. This unique park, which is set up to conserve the rare varieties of reptiles facing the threat of extinction, has gained attention from across the country. It is the only snake park in Kerala and one of the most prominent reptile preservation centers in India. The park boasts of an exciting variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes including King cobra, Spectacled Cobra, Russel's Viper, Pythons, Krait and Pit Viper. Apart from snakes, the park is home to a number of other reptiles, birds and animals. About 150 species of reptiles are recorded here. Another major attraction of the village is the Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple and travelers can cover the park and the temple in a single trip

Photo Courtesy: Mark Dumont

Payyambalam Beach

Payyambalam Beach

Payyambalam Beach is a popular tourist attraction in the region of Kannur and is situated at a diatnce of about 2 km from the town. The major attraction here is a magnificent sculpture of a mother and a child. The beach has a well maintained garden adjacent to it where people can spend their evening watching the beauty of the roaring ocean. One will find families, visitors, tourists and youngsters thronging the beach during the evening taking in the beautiful site of the setting sun.

Photo Courtesy: Nisheedh

Pazhassi Dam

Pazhassi Dam

Pazhassi Dam is situated about 35 km from Kannur town and is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors with its beauty and entertainment facilities. The Tourism Promotion Council of Kannur district organizes boating facilities in the reservoir with the aim of attracting visitors. The statue of Pazhassi Raja and Buddha's mountain is the major attractions near the dam area. The dam along with its surrounding garden area serves as an ideal spot for school picnics, family tours and one day trips.

Photo Courtesy: Vinayaraj

Peralassery

Peralassery

Peralassery, a small town located at a distance of about 14 km from Kannur, is famous for its Subramania Temple here. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan and one can see the idols of snakes made of copper and bronze here. The temple has a beautifully constructed step well and a tank which attracts visitors with its architectural beauty. Many folk art forms and dances are performed at the temple including Seethankan Thullal, Chakyarkoothu, Ottanthullal, Kathakali and Parayan Thullal. Tourists come here to admire the architectural splendour of the temple and also the various art forms performed here.

Photo Courtesy: Baburajpm

Taliparamba

Taliparamba

Taliparamba located at a distance of about 21 km from Kannur is best known for its scenic beauty. The serpentine hills surrounding the town and long stretches of fields attract travellers. The major attractions of Taliparamba are the hanging bridge located at Kuttiyeri and the Muthappan temple at Parassinikkadavu. Taliparamba has a number of worship places which draws travellers from all over Kerala. Sree Rajarajeswara Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Trichambaram Temple which is dedicated to Lord Krishna are the most prominent religious places of the region.

Photo Courtesy: Ajeesh.valliyot

Tellicherry Fort

Tellicherry Fort

Tellicherry Fort also known as Thalassery Fort, is located in the town of Thalassery and lies at a distance of about 22 km from Kannur. Huge blocks of Laterite stones serve as the foundation of the fort, and it has an awe inspiring structure comprising of colossal stone walls, carved doors, and secret tunnels leading to the Arabian Sea. It is a popular tourist attraction and is under the administration of the Archeological Survey of India. An Anglican Church, a cemetery that houses the tombs of many British officials and Wellesley's Bungalow are the other prominent attraction situated close to the fort.

Photo Courtesy: Akhil chandran

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