Kannur / Cannanore
Brief
Bounded by a wealth of natural beauty, days of glory of Kannur were under the Kolathiri Rajas. Noted by Marco Polo as a spice trading port, it is a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the State. Though various colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch and British, exerted their influence over this rich Malabar Coast region, Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music of Kerala. Most of the sites of Kannur are a few Km out of town. Formerly a major port area, Kannur is now a city known for its handloom and beedi industries. Some of finest weavers of Kerala come from this district.
History
History of Kannur is marked by foreign invasions and the activities of colonial powers. Kannur was for many centuries the capital of the Kolathiri Rajas, the rivals of the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Marco Polo noted its importance as a spice trading port. From the 15th century various colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch and British, exerted their influence over this rich Malabar Coast region. In the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived in Kannur to establish one of their earliest settlements. A reminder of this is the St. Angelos Fort built in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy. The Dutch captured the Portuguese factory built by Cabral, in 1633. In 1708, the British built a fort at Thalasseri (Tellicherry), just outside Kannur. The French developed the nearby town of Mahe as a trading centre in the 18th century. Around 1792, after the Mysore Wars, the British took over Kannur.
Culture
Bounded by a wealth of natural beauty, Kannur that shares much of this natural splendor has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the State. In addition, Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music of Kerala.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Kannur has a tropical and humid climate throughout the year. With the Western Ghats in the east (Coorg district of Karnataka State), Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadweep sea in the west and Kasaragod in the north, Kannur is situated in the North Malabar area of Kerala.
How to Reach
Kannur is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode, about 93 Km away with regular flights to Mumbai, Coimbatore, Chennai and the Gulf countries. By rail, Kannur railway station is an important and the main railhead and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State. By road, Kannur is accessible by road.
Tourist Places
St. Angelos Fort
Now, a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India, the Fort St. Angelos is in the west of Kannur town. Built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy with the permission of the Kolathiris, it is still a landmark in Kannur. Also known as Kannur Fort, this fort proclaims the strength and beauty of Portuguese architecture. The Dutch captured the fort in 1663 and sold it to the Ali Raja of Kannur before it came into the possession of the British. Though parts of the fort have collapsed, a few ancient cannons are on display inside the fort. The Arabian Sea, the dense coconut trees, the fishing boats and natural harbor Moppila bay are the unforgettable sights; one can have from this fort. Arakkal kettu of historical importance can also be seen from this fort.
Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary
A tranquil little sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats, Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in wildlife, avifauna and reptiles. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, a variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats is found here. Herds of deer, elephants, boar and bison are quite common. Leopards, Jungle Cats and various types of Squirrels have also been sighted in this sanctuary.
Others
ARAKKAL PALACE - The palace, which is about 2 Km from Kannur Town, was the palace of Beebi (Queen) of Arakkal. Having deep historic connotations, it belongs to Kerala only Muslim Royal family that controlled parts of the coast and even Lakshadweep. DHARMADAM ISLAND - This small Island, which is situated in the sea like a green spot just 100 m away from shore, becomes a blissful experience to tourists. This isle is full of coconut trees with only a well here as the symbol of human presence. EZHIMALA BEACH - The Ezhimala Mountain and Beach lie at the northern boundary of Kannur. Rare medical herbs (Ramayana) with mythological significance grow on Ezhimala, the strange seven-peaked range. GUNDERT BUNGALOW - Located 20 Km from Kannur, at Nettur, Gunderts Bungalow is on the out skirts of Thalaserry. It is a historically significant place for all lovers of Malayalam Language. MADAYI MOSQUE - Originally built in 1124 AD by Malik Iben Dinar, a Muslim preacher, it is a beautiful ancient mosque. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by its founder, who came to India to spread the word of the prophet. MOPPILA BAY - Moppila bay, the famous fishing harbour is a natural beach and now a modernised fishing harbour. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countries, in imports. MUZHUPPILANGAD BEACH - The only drive in beach in the State, Muzhuppilangad beach is considered as swimmers paradise. The special feature of this beach is that vehicles can be driven without getting stuck into the sea sand. PAPPINISSERRY - The snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons. PAYYAMBALAM BEACH - Picturesque and incredibly beautiful, the Payyambalam is a long, lovely beach having laterite rock jutting out into the sea on one end. A local picnic spot, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. PAZHASSI GARDENS & DAM - 37 Km east of Kannur near Mattannur, the Pazhassi dam and reservoir offers panoramic view of the place. The added attractions of the place are the gardens and amusement park that have been recently. PYTHAL MALA - Perched at an altitude of 1,372 mtrs above sea level and rich in flora and fauna, Pythal Mala, the enchanting hill station, is an ideal place for trekking. Now being developed as a hill resort, one has to trek 6 Km to reach the top of the hills. THALASSERY FORT - Situated 20 Km away in the Thiruvallippad hill of Thalassery town, it was constructed by the British East India Company in 1708.
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Ashish Bhat - INDIA 25th June 2010Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
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Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
