TOURISM
Kannur
District derived its name from the location of its head quarters at Kannur town. The old name 'Cannanore' is the anglicized form of the Malayalam word 'Kannur' Early in the 9th Century A.D the Cheras re-established their political supremacy in Kerala under Kalasekhara Varman. They ruled till 1102 A.D with their capital at Mahodayapuram. At the same time a separate line of rulers known as the Mooshaka kings held sway over Chirakkal and Kasaragod areas with their Capital near Mount Eli.
Industries
Kannur district has had its industrial importance mainly in Handloom, Plywood and Beedi industries from very early days. Being blessed with 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. There are only one major and five mini industrial estates in the district.
Art & Culture
The Kolathri Kingdom deserves special mention with regard to the cultural heritage of the state. In the 14th and 15th centuries under the Kolathiri Rajas, Thaliparamba became a famous centre of learning, enlightenment and culture. With the transfer of the capital of Kolathiri from Thaliparamba to Chirakkal, Chirakkal also rose into prominence as a great centre of the arts. The gift of the district in the field of art and culture is its folk arts.
Folk dances
A large number of folk plays and dances are prevalent among the scheduled caster and tribes. Each tribe has its own glorious collection of folk plays and dances which are performed during festivals.
Godavery & Godamuri
It is an entertaining folk play of a quasi religious nature which is performed in the central parts of Kannur districts by the Malayans who are experts in the devil dancing.
Vedan Padal or Vedan Pattu
Vedan Paddal is a peculiar ceremony observed in certain parts of the district on the month of Karkidakam which coincides with the season of scarcity in Kerala.
Theyyam
This is a highly ritualistic dance. The theyyam dance is performed during the festivals of the shrines known by the name like Muchilode, Kavu, palliyera mundya tanam, Madhappura etc. It is essentially a human oration.
Festivals
The traditional Hindu in the district, observes a number of religious festivals. Among them the prominent ones are vinayaka Chathurthi (in chingam August - September) Ashtami Rohini (in Chingam August - September) Navarathri ( in Kanni September - October) Maha sivarathri (in Kumbhom February - March) Onam (in chingam) Vishu (in Medom, April - May) and Pooram (in Meenam, March - April).
Arakkal Palace (3 km from Kannur )
Kannur holds a unique position as having been the seat of the only Muslim ruled dynasty in Kerela-The Arakkal Royal Family.
Fort St. Angelos (2 km from Kannur )
Fort St. Angelos is in the west of Kannur town built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almedia. Though parts of it hare collapsed this fort is in a fairly good state of preservation.
Thalassery Fort (23 km from Kannur )
In 1700, the British built the Thalassery Fort on a small hill called Thiruvellapad Kunnu and in 1708 it was strengthend. It is an important tourist centre.
Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu
The snake park at Parassinikkadavu is situated 18 kms away from Kannur town. It is one of the known Snake Parks in the country. There is a large collection of Poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.
Parassinikadavu
Sri Muthappan Temple stands on the banks of the Valapattanam River. This pilgrim centre is famous for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. Pleasure boating on the river is an exhilarating experience.
Ezhimala (30 km from Kannur )
Ezhimala, the capital of the ancient Mooshika Kings, is considered to be an ancient historical site. It is believed that lord Budha had visited Ezhimala. It is bordered by sea on three sides.
Mappila Bay From Kannur
It is a natural fishing harbour, lying near Fort St. Angelos. The bay was famous during Kolathiri's regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunad with Lakshadweep and foreign countries in imports.
Meenkunnu Beach
Uncrowded, this beach is a tourist's paradise, with golden sand and surf
Payyambalam Beach (1 km from Kannur )
The Payyambalam beach is one of the beautiful beaches in this state and is an ideal place to spend evenings, irrespective of seasons.
Coorg
Entering the evergreen boundaries of Coorg is an unforgettable experience. If luck is on your side you could spot a Barking Deer, Malabar Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, a Panther or, who knows, you may see Sher Khan, the Tiger himself.