The cradle of many a colorful folk art form like Theyyam.Kannur is said to be the ancient port ofNature , from whose shores king Solomon’s ships collected timber to build the great temple of Jerusalem.Known even to the Greeks, Romans and the Arabs, Kannur’s trade links goes back a long way.Acclaimed by celebrated travel Marco Plo as the great emporium of the spice trade,this nature rich land has been a key contributor to the cultural,religious,political and industrial heritage of the State.Bounded by the Western Ghatsin the east and the Lakshadweep Sea in the west,Kannur showcases its remarkable history in the ancient forts , old shrines and august cultural and educational institutions that dot its scenic landscape.
Payyambalam Beach
(2km from kannur)This beach is famous for its flat late rite cliffs that just into sea.The well-laid gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of Mother and child make it extremly captivating. The nearby Baby Beach accessed through the Burnassery Cantonment is delightfully queit.
St.Angelo Fort
(3 km from Kannur.Open 0800-1800 hrs) This seafront laterite fort was constructed in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy.Don Francisco De Almeda,with the consent of the ruling KolathiriRaja.Ammunition dumps, stables,undergroundjails,secret tunnels to the sea and an old dilapidated chapel can all be still seen within its precincts.After changing hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch and then to the English , the fort became one of the important military centers of the British in Malabar.ST.Angelo Fort offers a fascinating view of the Mappila Bay fishing harbour.
Valapattanam
(7 km from Kannur).The small town on the Valapattanam River is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and Azhikkal Beach are located nearby.Western India plywoodsLimited , the Largest wood -based industry in the Country and also one of the largest of its kind in South East Asia, is a major industrial concern here.
Muzhappilangad Beach
(15 km from Kannur and 8 km from Thalassery )Black rocks project this long ,clean beach from the currents of the deep,making its shallow waters a swimmer’s paradise.Perhaps this is Kerala’s only drive -in beach where you can drive down the entire length of 4km. Adventure Club:Maintained by the youth development wing, the adventure office here offers a variety of water sport options as well as paragliding,parasailing , micro-lite flights etc.
Pythal Mala
(65 km from Kannur)This enchanting hill station ,situated 4500ft above sea level near the Kerala-Karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna.It is a 6km .trek to the top of the hills.