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KANNUR കണ്ണൂര്‍

Kannur, (Malayalam: കണ്ണൂര്‍), is a city and a municipality in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the administrative headquarters of the district of Kannur. It is known as Land of Looms and Lores. During British rule in India, Kannur was known by its Anglicised name of Cannanore, which is still in fairly common usage. Kannur is the fourth largest urban agglomeration in Kerala after Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, and has a population of 498,207. According to data compiled by the economics research firm Indicus Analytics on residences, earnings and investments, Kannur is one of ten best cities in India to live. Indicus considered six parameters — health, education, environment, safety, public facilities and entertainment — for preparing the 'reside-in' index. It is popularly known as the city of Looms and Lores. Kannur is famous for its pristine beaches, its native performing art Theyyam, and its handloom industry. Kannur is of strategic military importance. It houses one of the 62 military cantonments in the country, the Kannur Cantonment, and is the current seat of the Defence Security Corps.

HISTORY

Kannur was an important port on the Arabian Sea and carried out trade with Persia and Arabia in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It was also the British military headquarters on India's west coast up to 1887. In conjunction with her elder sister Tellicherry, it was the third largest city on the western coast of British India in the eighteenth century after Bombay and Karachi. St. Angelo's Fort was built in 1505 by Sir Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India and is situated along the Arabian sea about 3 km from Kannur town. The fort has changed hands several times. In 1663, the Dutch captured it and sold it to the Arakkal royal family in 1772. The British conquered it in 1790 and transformed it into one of their major military stations on the Malabar Coast. It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it is on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The head of Kunjali Marakkar was exhibited in the Fort after his assassination. Here Kerala Police have posted six Tourism Police officers for the protection and guidance to the tourists. Among them one Policeman named Sathyan Edakkad Has written and published a book of this fort named Vasco da Gaamayum Charithrathile Kaanaappurangalum (Vasco da Gama and the unseen pages of history). He has detailed knowledge about the fort and the surrounding places.

Country: India
State:Kerala
Headquarters:Kannur
Area:2,966 km2 (1,145 sq mi)
Population:2,412,365 (2001 update)
Density:813/km2 (2,106/sq mi)
Collector:
Official Website:kannur.nic.in
Kannur
Ancharakandy · Azhikode North · Azhikode South · Chala · Chelora · Cherukunnu · Cheruthazham · Chirakkal · Chockli · Dharmadom · Elayavoor · Eranholi · Iriveri · Kadachira · Kadirur · Kalliasseri · Kanhirode · Kannadiparamba · Kannapuram · Kannur · Kannur Cantonment · Kuthuparamba · Kottayam-Malabar · Mattanur · Mavilayi · Munderi · Muzhappilangad · Narath · New Mahe · Paduvilayi · Pallikkunnu · Panniyannur · Panoor · Pappinisseri · Pathiriyad · Pattiom · Payyanur · Peralasseri · Peringathur · Pinarayi · Puzhathi · Taliparamba · Thalassery · Thottada · Valapattanam · Varam
 

There are many myths and legends behind the name Kannur. It is said to be a portmanteau derived from two Malayalam words, ‘Kannan’ (Krishna), a Hindu deity, and ‘Ur’ (place), making it the place of Lord Krishna. According to another version, Kannur is a derivation of ‘Kanathur’, an ancient village, the name of which survives even today as a ward in the municipality of Kannur. In keeping with Kannur's association with the legend of Lord Krishna, it is worth mentioning that the deity of the Kadalayi Srikrishna Temple was originally installed in a shrine at Kadalayi Kotta in the southeastern part of the present Kannur town. It is also said that the ships of Solomon had anchored along the coasts of Kannur to collect timber for building the Temple of the Lord. Kannur also finds mention as Naura in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a Greek work of great antiquity.

GEOGRAPHY

The district lies between latitudes 11° 40' to 12° 48' North and longitudes 74° 52' to 76° 07' East and covers an area of 2,996 km² . Kannur can be geographically divided into highland, midland and lowland regions. Highlands are the mountainous region forming part of the Western Ghats and are covered by rainforests, plantations of coffee, tea and different types of spices like cardamom. There are also timber plantations in this region. The midland region lies between the highlands and lowlands and is made up of undulating hills and valleys. The lowland is the narrow stretch comprising of rivers, deltas and the coastal region. Six rivers drain Kannur, the longest being the Valapattanam river with a length of 110 km. Other rivers flowing through Kannur district are Kuppam, Mahe River, Anjarakandi, Thalassery, Ramapuram and Perumba.

Climate

The district has a humid climate with an oppressive hot season from March to the end of May. This is followed by the South-West monsoon which continues till the end of September. October and November from the post-monsoon [North-East Monsoon] or retreating monsoon season. During the months of April and May, the mean daily maximum temperature is about 35 °C. Temperature is low in December and January and the minimum temperature is about 20 °C. On certain days the night temperature may go down to 16 °C , although this is extremely rare. The annual average rainfall is 3438 mm and more than 80% of it occurs during the period of South-West monsoon. The rainfall during July is very heavy and the district receives 68% of the annual rainfall during this season.

Beaches

Kannur has several beautiful beaches, some of which are :
Payyambalam Beach:
It is the beach of the Kannur town. It has an unbroken coastline of a few kilometres. From the beach, one can see ships in transit along the Malabar coast, that is, beyond Calicut (Kozhikode) and moving towards Mangalore, Goa and Bombay (Mumbai). The well laid out garden and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother and child erected by noted sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman makes it extremely captivating.
Baby Beach:
It is called so as it is smaller than its bigger neighbourhood, Payyambalam Beach. The famous St. Angelo Fort is adjacent to it.
Meenkunnu Beach:
Situated at Azhikode, it is hardly a few kilometres from the town. The virgin beach is a tourist’s paradise with golden sand and surf.
Mopila Bay:
Situated near the St. Angelo’s 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 Norwegian project assistance, can be seen at this bay. Boating in the sea, if the weather permits, will be an unforgettable experience.
Kizhunna Ezhara Beach:
11 km from kannur, this beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in kerala.
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach:
A long clean beach, its enchanting ambiance invites you to swim, sunbathe or just lounge around. It is Kerala’s only drive-in beach and one could drive the entire length of 4 km. Muzhappilangad beach is situated about 5 km north of Thalassery and 15 km from Kannur. There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves, leading to the beach. The beach is about 5 kilometers 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.
Dharmadam Island: (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam):
The small 5 acre (20,000 m²) island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, one can just walk to the island from the beach. It is surrounded by rivers and seas. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. Dharmadam, earlier known as Dharmapattanam was a Buddhist stronghold.

ECONOMY

Majority of the population of the district are dependent directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihood. The main crops grown in the district are paddy, coconut, pepper, cashew, tapioca, arecanut and plantation crops like rubber. Paddy occupies the largest area among annual crops. Under the high yielding variety programme, substantial increase in paddy production has been achieved, even though the percentage of area sown under paddy is decreasing year after year, due to conversion of paddy fields to other purposes. The average yield of paddy is recorded as 2146 kg. per hectare. Next to paddy, coconut is the most important crop in the district. Coconut is extensively grown throughout the district. An important cash crop grown in the district is cashewnut. The district plays a unique role in its cultivation and production. The vast stretches of suitable waste lands with low fertility status extends scope for expansion of cashew cultivation and its allied industries. Among spices, pepper occupies an important place. Pepper is mostly grown as an intercrop with coconut, arecanut and various fruit trees. In the hilly areas of the district, the inter-cultivation is done with rubber and cashew. Rubber is the most important industrial cash crop among the plantation crops. About 55% of the rubber cultivation of Kannur district is in Taliparamba taluk, followed by Thalassery and Kannur taluks. The yield of rubber per hectare varies from 2000 kg to 4000 kg.

Kannur district has had its industrial importance from very early days. Being blessed with a variety of factors such as good soil, salubrious climate, rich forests, enormous fishing potentials, minerals as well as infrastructural facilities like road, rail, inland water transport, etc., the district offers ample scope for the development of industries. Nevertheless, Kannur is an industrially backward district in the state. There are only one major and five mini industrial estates in the district. Keltron Complex, Mangattuparamba and Western India Plywood's, Valappattanam are the two major industries. The Western India Plywoods is one of the biggest wood based industrial complexes in South East Asia. The district has 12 medium-scale industries, most of which are either cotton textile or plywood manufacturing. Textiles, beedi and coir are the important traditional industries in the district. About one lakh people depend on the textile industry for livelihood. The textile industry which accounts for 40% of all Small Scale Industrial (SSI) units in the district, was introduced in early 19th century by the German Basel Mission. The first ready-made garment unit in Kannur and the first hosiery unit in Kuthuparamba were started around the end of the 19th century. The beedi industry provides employment to about 50,000 people. Famous beedi co-operative ‘Dinesh Beedi’ is in Kannur district. The coir industry which uses traditional technology provides employment to about 11,000 workers. There are 6934 small scale industrial units in the district. The district has 202 sick units which is about 9.3% of the sick units of the state. Only 4828 units are working now. 162 industrial societies and four power loom societies are also functioning here. Kannur, Thalassery, Payyannur, Taliparamba and Edakkad have been identified as growth centers, having potential for industrial development.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The District has a population of 2,412,365 as of 2001. This is the most urbanised district in Kerala. About 50.35% of the population reside in the urban agglomerations. The total urban population of Kannur district is 1,212,898. This is the second largest urban population in Kerala after Ernakulam and is more than the population of a metro city. The high urban population of the district is due to the 45 towns in the district which is the highest toll in Kerala. Kannur district has 7 statutory towns namely Kannur, Kannur Cantonment, Thalassery, Payyannur, Thaliparamba, Kuthuparamba and Mattannur. In addition to this there are 38 census towns which are Ancharakandy, Azhikode North, Azhikode South, Chala, Chelora, Cherukunnu , Cheruthazham, Chirakkal, Chockli, Dharmadom, Elayavoor, Eranholi, Iriveri, Kadachira, Kadirur, Kalliasseri, Kanhirode, Kannadiparamba, Kannapuram, Kottayam-Malabar, Mavilayi, Munderi, Muzhappilangad, Narath, New Mahe, Paduvilayi, Pallikkunnu, Panniyannur, Panoor, Pappinisseri, Pathiriyad, Pattiom, Peralasseri, Peringathur, Pinarayi, Puzhathi, Thottada, Valapattanam, Varam. The Kannur city has, apart from Malayalees and Tamils, a small Portuguese, French, Punjabi and Gujarati speaking population too.

TRANSPORT

Kannur is easily reachable by road, rail, air and sea. Kannur is on the National Highway 17 (NH-17) between Mahe and Talapady. The roads in the city are well laid out, although the condition of the roads is affected during the monsoon season. The two airports at Mangalore, Karnataka in the north and Kozhikode in the south are just about 125 kilometers away from Kannur. Kannur International Airport is proposed at Mattanur. Kannur is an ancient sea port. The nearest all-weather sea port is Mangalore, presently in Karnataka state. The inland water transport system connecting Perumba and Thaliparamba was constructed in 1766 by the Ali Raja of Kannur. This 3.8 km long canal is known as the Sultan's Canal. The west flowing rivers are used for navigation. The Valappattanam river, 55 km and Anjarakandi river, 23 km. The nearest airport is in Kozhikode.

FLORA & FAUNA

Kannur district is very rich in vegetation. Natural vegetation, except in some coastal regions, consists of different types of forests. But, in spite of generally favourable climatic conditions, vegetation is not uniform. In restricted regions, with their own micro climate or special edaphic features, plant formations assume different characters. Thus, plant communities, ranging from psammophytes and mangroves to evergreen forests are seen in this district. The coastal region is a comparatively narrow zone, characterised by secondary soil which is rather lose and sandy. The sterile sandy tract supports only a poor vegetation of the psammophyte type. Plants are few and mostly prostrate. Erect species are small and short. Owing to very poor water holding capacity of the soil, these plants are provided with special xerophytic adaptations. Another conspicuous feature of this area is the mangroove vegetation, found at the estuaries of rivers and backwaters, and often extending to the interior along their banks. Human interference has much changed the vegetation of the coastal region. Major part of the district comes under midland region with numerous hills and dales and it presents an undulating surface gradually ascending and merging into the slopes of Western Ghats. Soil is secondary and lateritic with underlying rock of laterite or disintegrated gneiss. Typical flora of this area is deciduous forest consisting of a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees. Undergrowth consists of a variety of annuals and perennials. The mountains are a continuation of the midland region, gradually ascending to the main ridge of the Western Ghats. Soil in the western slopes is a ferrugenous red, sandy loam. Vegetation over the whole area is of the forest type. Irregular distribution of teak, localised areas of bamboo dominance, change of good quality forest into open grass lands, etc are characteristic.
The Aralam Wildlife sanctuary is spread over 55 square kilometres of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It was established in 1984. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty, a small town about 55 kilometres from Kannur. The sanctuary adjoins the Central state Farm at Aralam. Aralam wild life is situating in Muzhakkunnu panchayathu and Aralam panchayath. Muzhakkunnu is also a tourist spot. The elevation varies from 50 m to 1145 m. The highest peak here Katti Betta rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here. The proposed Ranipuram wildlife sanctuary of Kasaragod district also has similar flora and fauna as that of Aralam wildlife sanctuary

EDUCATION

In the 14th and 15th centuries, during the regime of the Kolathiri Rajas, Taliparamba was renowned all over Kerala as a seat of learning, enlightenment and culture. In the early days, the Eshuthu pallies under the Ezhuthachan or village school master, provided facilities to pupils to acquire elementary education. After undergoing the preliminary course of study in these institutions, the children were sent to the kalaries for acquiring training in gymnastics and in the use of arms and then they were sent to study Sanskrit in Vedic schools under well trained teachers. This district had in the past, its share of such kalaries and Vedic schools. The art, kalaripayattu, is particularly associated with this district. The beginning of western education in the district may be traced back to the middle of the 16th century. The first English school, known as the Basel German Mission English School, was started on 1 March 1856 at Thalassery. The Brennen School at Thalassery, the nucleus of the present Govt. Brennen College, was started in 1862 with the generous donation made by Mr. Brennen, Master Attendant at Thalassery. Kannur University was established by the Act 22 of 1996 of Kerala Legislative Assembly. The University by the name “Malabar University” had come into existence even earlier by the promulgaton of an Ordinance by the Governor of Kerala, on 9 November 1995. The University was inaugurated on 2 March 1996 by the Hon. Chief Minister of Kerala. The objective of the Kannur University Act 1996 is to establish in the state of Kerala a teaching, residential and affiliating University so as to provide for the development of higher education in Kasargod and Kannur revenue Districts and the Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad district. Kannur University is unique in the sense that it is a multi-campus university with campuses located at various locations under its jurisdiction. The present Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University is Dr P. K. Michael Tharakan, who took over from Dr P Chandramohan.

SPORTS & GAMES

Many well-known personalities in the field of sports and games have adorned Kannur in their respective fields. The Englishmen of the Military Centre brought field hockey, cricket, football, etc to Kannur during the pre-independence period. The famous Fort Maidan(ground) and Police Maidan provide ample facilities for youths to excel in this field. The CDRE Football team and Hockey team excelled in those days. At the same time, the traditional martial arts like Kalaripayatu has also been flourishing here all along. After independence, the football clubs helped spread the spirit of the game in Kannur. Spirited Youths, Lucky Star, Brothers Club and Gymkhana Club were popular and produced well known players like D'cruz, Soman, Dasan, etc. Sree Narayana College in Thottada was considered a nursery of sporstmen the most prominent of them being B Devananad who captained the college and later Calicut University (the college is now under Kannur University) to national universities title. Devananad later played for the Indian Youth team in Bangkok and several other tournaments to be picked by Tata Football team in Mumbai. He was the fullback when Kerala won its first Santosh Trophy title in 1973. Similarly Mani, the captain of the Santosh Trophy winning Kerala team was another well known player though he faded off the sports horizon. In Hockey too, apart from the military team, there were good teams in Kannur and Thalassery. Cricket, ball-badminton, weightlifting, gymnastics, wrestling, volleyball, etc have been widely played in both urban and rural areas. Volleyball has been concentrated upon by youths in rural areas. Former Indian hockey goalkeeper Manuel Fredricks is from Kannur. When Sports Divisions were started in schools in 1976 to tap talents, one of its divisions was started in the district. The Sports Division attached to Govt. Higher Secondary School, Kannur, produced international stars like P.T Usha and M.D. Valsamma in athletics. Leelamma Thomas and Moly Benedict in basketball and Anitha Retnam and Anandavalli in volleyball. The Police Maidan was the venue for M.D Valsamma and Mercy Mathew to practise athletics; P.K. Balachandran, V.P. Sathyan, D'cruz, Rajan, Ramanan, Sugunan, C.M. Chidanandan, B Devananad and George in football and Ford and Olympian Federicks in hockey. Westline & Leslie in cricket had their training at Fort Maidan. Kannur became famous in South India for ball badminton, when T.K. Ramakrishnan and Kumaran were playing. A.M. Bharathan created history in weight lifting in the early fifties. Nelliary Krishnan Nair, the first Malayalee to represent India(weightlifting) at the first Asian Games held at New Delhi in 1951 is from Kannur. It is also believed that the game of cricket first found its way to Kannur, with the British,thus making it the birthplace of the game in India. A few years back, the district cricket association celebrated the 200th anniversary of the game in the district, in a function attended by eminent cricketers like Dilip Vengsarkar.

TOURIST PLACES

Snake Park
nake Park is a famous landmark in the district of Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu, en route from Kannur to Taliparamba, 2 km from National Highway(NH) 17. Here one gets to see a large genre of snakes and other small animals and there is even a live show, where trained personnel play and 'interact' with a variety of snakes, including cobras and vipers, and seek to quell mythical fears and superstitions about snakes. 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(center) offers effective treatment for snake bites with almost 100% cure. This is the only place, perhaps where Ayurveda and Allopathy are effectively combined for curing snake bites. The snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russell's viper, Krait and various pit vipers. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons. A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed to be set up here. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are getting extinct gradually. It is located 16 km from Kannur. Parassinikkadavu is also noted for the famous Muthappan temple. This is the only temple in Kerala where a Theyyam performance is a daily ritual offering.

St. Angelo Fort :
St. Angelo Fort, built in 1505 by Sir Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, is situated near the sea coast and about 2 km 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. Even now, it is in a fairly good state of preservation, and is a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind the fort can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. St Angelo Fort is an important historical monument and tourist centre. Kerala Police has posted six Tourism Police Officers for protection and guidance to the tourists. Among them ,Sathyan Eddakkad has detailed knowledge about this fort and the surrounding places. He wrote and published a book in Malayalam named Vasco Da Gaamyum charithrathile kaanaappurangalum (Vasco Da Gama and the unknown pages of history) in which he describes the past and present of the Fort. The fort, though not as large as the famous Bekal Fort in Kasargod, is a treat to the eyes with lush greenery and well maintained surroundings. The Payyambalam and Government guest house are some of the other famous land marks near the fort.


Paithal Mala
This hill on the Kerala-Karnataka border is 65 km north of Kannur. Ideal for trekking; it is around 1,450 metres above sea level. A base reception centre and a watchtower atop the cliff function for the benefit of tourists and trekkers.it is a very good place where one good see beautiful scenaries. it is near to Kudiyanmala.

Annapoorneshwari Temple, Cherukunnu
Annapoorneshwari Temple located at Cherukunnu, is a famous temple of North Malabar. At this temple, Lord Krishna is co-located with Sree Annapoorneswari. It is believed that Sree Annapoorneswari has visited the shrine which was under the sea. It is also believed that this temple have been constructed by Lord Parashurama - mythological architect of Kerala. The temple is near Cherukunnu Town, around 14 Kms from Kannur, 16 Kms from Taliparamba and 18 Kms from Payyannur. A large Chira (Swimming pool) is also located near the temple which is very beautiful and mindglowing. Kannapuram is the nearest rail head (Nearest Major Railway Station is Kannur). Kozhikode (Calicut) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is under construction near Mattannur.

Sree Jagannath Temple, Thalassery
Sree Gnanodayayogam the Prominent social organisation of North Malabar and the governing body of Sree Jagannath Temple, Thalassery consecrated by his holiness Sree Narayana Guru, is in the light of centennial celebrations. Sree Varadur Kaniyil Kunhi Kannan visited Guru Dev in December 1904 and put a suggestion that Thiyya Community should have a Temple at Thalassery. Sree Jagannath Temple had been consecrated by his Holiness in 1908 itself is a solid proof to discredit their version. Sree Narayana Guru Dev allowed Varadur to invite Kumaran Asan, as his representative and to convene meetings to ascertain the reaction of the people about the feasibility of a Temple for the community. Kumaran Asan who was staying with Dr. Palpu in Bangalore accepted the invitation and on his arrival the first meeting was convened at ‘Parambath House’ of Sree Cheruvari Govindan Shirastadar on 9 July 1905.

Thiruvangad Temple, Thalassery
The Thiruvangad temple, dedicated to Sree Rama, one of the important temple located in Thalassery. The most striking feature of this temple is the copper sheeting of its roof, due to which it is known popularly as the Brass Pagoda. A part of the temple was damaged by Tipu's troops in the 18th century, but the temple itself is believed to have been saved from destruction by a miracle. It was one of the outposts of the Thalassery fort in the eighteenth century. In its precincts, many conferences were held between the officials of the East India Company and local leaders, after which important political treaties and agreements were signed. The temple contains some interesting sculptures and lithic records. The annual festival of temple commences on Vishu day in Medam (April-May) and lasts for seven days.

Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thalassery
Sree Ramaswami Temple, which is dedicated to Sri Rama, is one of the most important temples in Malabar. It is situated in Thalassery. The exquisite carvings in the temple are believed to have been done nearly 400 years ago.

Sundareswara Temple
This temple was founded in 1916 by Sree Narayana Guru, Lord Siva is the deity consecrated in the temple which has since been opened to all irrespective of caste or creed. Eight day festival is conducted in March-April every year.

Sree Mookambika Temple (Pallikunnu)
Sree Mookambika Temple is situated just 2 km from Kannur town and is just half kilometer from Kannur Central Jail. It is near to Krishna Menon Memorial Government Women College. This is one of the most prominent Mookambika temple after the one in Kolloor, Karnataka. The temple has been renovated recently and the annual "Ulsavam" attracts pilgrims from all over Kerala and Malayalis staying outside Kerala as well. Cherukunnu Annapoorneswari Temple

Trichambaram Temple
Trichambaram Temple is situated 20 km from Kannur, near Taliparamba town which is famous for its spices trade. The deity of the temple is Sree Krishna. The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are a class by themselves. The annual temple festival (Utsavam) is a colourful event. The fortnight-long festival begins on Kumbham 22 of Malayalam calendar (which generally falls on March 6) every year with the kodiyettam (hoisting of a religious flag) and comes to an end on Meenam 6 (which generallay falls on March 20) with Koodipiriyal (Ending of this festival). In between these dates, for 11 days, thitambu nriththam (a sort of dance with idols of Sri Krishna and Balarama) is held at Pookoth Nada (1 km from Trichambaram temple).

Muthappan Temple
Sree Muthappan is the most popular God in the North Malabar. Muthappan is (also a theyyam) performed in the famous Muthappan temple in Parassinikkadavu 16 km north of Kannur town. Parassinikkadavu Sree Muthappan Temple is situated 18 km away from Kannur on the banks of Valapattanam river. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muthappan, believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. This is the only Temple in Southern India where offering to the God is Fish. Also fish Prasadam is given to devotees. All devotees who eat non-vegetarian food must visit this Temple for blessings. This is also the only temple in Kerala where the Folk art form of North Malabar's 'Theyyam' is presented daily. Toddy and dried fish are the main offerings in this temple, besides boiled grams and fresh tea. Meals as lunch and dinner are provided to the devotees daily. Facility for boating is also available here. Vismaya Water Theme Park and Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is situated near the temple.

Rajarajeswara temple
The Rajarajeswara temple is a beautiful Shiva temple (Rajarajeswara is one of the names of Shiva) and is located at Taliparamba, Kannur distrist, Kerala, India. The temple is regarded as one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples of Kerala. It has a prominent place amongst the numerous Shiva temples in south India. If any problem is encountered in temples of South India, the final solution is sought in this Temple through a prasna, a traditional method of astrological decision making. The prasna is conducted on a peedha (a raised platform) situated outside the temple. The quadrangular sanctum has a two tiered pyramidal roof. In front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandapam. The temple has no kodi maram (flagstaff) which is a unique feature as other temples in Kerala do have one.

Oorpazhassi Kavu
This temple is one of the ancient temples in the region. Bhagavati and Vettakkorumakan are the main deities in this temple. [2]

Muchilot Bagavathi
One of the popular deities in Kannur District is Muchilot Bagavathi. Last ten years witnessed Muchilot Bagavathi perumkaliyattams at Karivellur, Payyanur, Kunhimangalam, Valapatanam, Muyyam, Vellave, Karamel etc. Historian Nandakumar Koroth in his work Theyyam: Anustanangalum Samoohika Prasakthiyum describes the importance of Muchilot Bagavathi in the social formation of North Kerala. There is a practice for supplying food to thousands of devotees in connection with Muchilot Bagavathi. Another work 'Muchilot Bagavathi' narrates the origin and establishment of Muchilot Kavu in different parts of Kannur and Kasaragod District. Highly decorative figures of Muchilot Bagavathi attracts the minds of devotees by its aesthetic appeal. In Cherukunnu and Kannapuram yearly Muchilot Bagavathi Theyyam is performed.

Ezhimala
Ezhimala, the capital of the ancient Mooshika kings, is considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur town. A flourishing sea port and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of the Chola-Chera war of the 11th century. It is believed that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. An old mosque, believed to contain the mortal remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif, a Muslim reformist, is also located here. The hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs. There is an old tower of great antiquity here, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At Ettikulam bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the Naval history of the country, subsequent to the proposal for commissioning the Naval Academy there.

Madayi Mosque
This beautiful ancient mosque was originally built in 1124 by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher. 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 Muhammad. Near by, lies a dilapidated fort believed to have been built by king Kolathiri

Madayipara
This is a beautiful place near to the Madayi Temple, located at Pazhayangadi in Kannur District. Madayipara is a significant spot owing to its bio-diversity as well as history. Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings. In and around Madayipara, one can find remnants from the past. At the southern side of the hill, stand the remains of a fort called Pazhi Kotta (kotta means fort in Malayalam). Here one can also find watchtowers at the four corners of the fort. Between AD 14 and AD 18, Madayipara used to be the site for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of the erstwhile Kolathunadu. The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient Jewish settlers is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva Temple and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extension form yet another attraction at Madayipara. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms at Madayipara. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu – family temples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame. With regard to the bio-diversity of Madayipara, it has been found that the region contains about 300 flowering plants, about 30 varieties of grass, and several insect-eating plant species. Madayipara is also home to several --rare medicinal herbs, which are sought by people from near and far off places. Coming to avian life, Madayipara sustains about 100 species of butterflies and about 150 species of birds. Among the biggest butterflies in the world, the Atlas butterfly is a visitor to Madayipara.

GALLERY