Kannur is one among the northernmost districts in the south western state of Kerala. The old name ‘Cannanore’ is the anglicised form of the Malayalam word Kannur.
Kannur is cradle of many colourful Folk Art And Folk Music Of Kerala. Kannur is rightly described as “The land of Looms and Loresâ€. Kannur is well known for its handlooms. The handloom cloths of Kannur have won international reputation. Apart from greenery and beaches, Kannur has many heritage monuments as a testimony to the district’s rich history.
St. Angelo’s Fort
A massive triangular laterite fort, built in 1505 AD by Sir Fancisco DeAlmeiyda, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. The Fort, which is now under the Archaeological Survey Of India, offers fascinating views of the Mappila Bay Fishing Harbour. It is situated near the sea coast about 2 km away from Kannur town.
Mopila Bay
This natural harbour was the seat of Kolathiri kings centuries back. It is situated near St:Angelo’s Fort . One can see the remnants of the Kadalayi Fort and Sree Krishna Temple are still seen in Mopila Bay.
Ezhimala
This mountainous region is 55 kms away from Kannur. It is considered to be an important historical site as it was one of the major battlefields of the Chola-Chera Wars of the 11th century. Ezhimala is a treasure trove of medicinal herbs. It is endowed with long stretch of beautiful beach.
Ezhimala has a prominent place naval history of the country as one of the largest naval academy is commissioned here.
Thalassery Fort
Thalassery Fort 20 Kms away from Kannur was built on 20th August 1708, on a small hill called Thiruvallappad kunnu. It was the military centre of the British.
The square fort, with its massive walls, secret tunnels to the sea and intricately carved huge doors, is an imposing structure. .
Illikkunnu
Dr. Herman Gundart who stayed at Illikkunnu for more than 20 years, is a pride of Thalassery. He was a German missionary and scholar, who compiled a Malayalam grammar book, Malayalabhaasha Vyakaranam (1868), the first Malayalam-English dictionary (1872), and translated the Bible into Malayalam.
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
Parassinkkadavu Snake Park is about 16 km away from Kannur town in the Kannur district of north Kerala. The snake Park set up by the Visha Chikista Kendra at Pappinisseri, has been a centre of attraction to both foreign and domestic tourists. There are about 150 varieties of snakes including the spectacled cobra, King cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper living in the park.
Valapattanam
This town is in the on the banks of Valapattanam river, was well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. It is situated about 8 k.m north of Kannur. Valapattanam is also a famous fishing harbour as well as the main source of the irrigation project in the district. The famous Muthappan temple is in the bank of Valapattanam river.
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Muzhappilangad beach also known as the only drive-in- beach present in Kerala, is situated about 5 k.m. north of Thalassery and 15 k.m. from Kannur. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which protects it from deep currents . Muzhappilangad Beach with its shallow waters makes it ideal for swimmers.
From Muzhappilangad, one can view the Dharmadam Island or the Green Island. A remarkable conjunction of beach and island is just across the Anjarakkandy River.
Anjarakandy
Sprawling an area of 200 acres, famous cinnamon Estate is situated in Anjarakandy 19 K.m. South east of Kannur. Anjarakandy cinnamon plantation is considered as the largest cinnamon plantation in Asia.
Gymnastic Centre, Thalassery
Gymnastic Centre, Thalassery is home to many circus artists and to continue the tradition the first circus training centre has now started functioning in Thalassery, known as the Gymnastic Centre, under the Sports Authority of India.
Pythal Mala (Vaithal Mala)
Paithalmala, the highest hill in Kannur, stands close to the Karnataka border and is very rich in flora and fauna. One has to trek 6 km from Kudiyanmala nearby Thalipparamba to reach the hill top, which is 4500 ft. above the sea level.
Theyyam
Kannur is the centre of ‘Theyyam’ the famous temple folk art form of Northern Kerala. There are a large number of temples in Kannur where Theyyam is performed. Theyyam originated from “Kaliyattam” once practiced by the tribal community of north Kerala.












