KANNUR : The Land of Looms And Lore

The beautiful city of Kannur is situated in Kerala, the southern state of India. Also known as Cannanore, the city is the largest city in North Malabar Region. The city is said to be the ancient port of Naura, from where King Solomon’s ship collected timber. Kannur was also lauded by Marco Polo as the land of spice trade.

Kannur’s brilliant past can be seen in its ancient monuments, shrines and a breathtaking landscape. Beaches in the southern part of the city are among some of the best beaches in Kerala.

The city derived its name from the name of god Kannan (Krishna) and Ur (place) thus making it the place of Lord Krishna. Aptly known as the ‘Land of Looms and Lore’, the city is famous for its handloom and is one of the largest exporters of handlooms in India.

Having a rich background of traditional art and culture, Kannur is famous for Theyyam, am ancient and still popular dance form. It also houses the Kerala folklore academy. Also, a large number of plays and dances are prevalent among the local tribes.

Blessed with a wealth of natural beauty, Kannur’s beaches, hill stations, back waters and historical monuments are remarkable. The city has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of Kerala.

Some of the noted tourist attractions in Kannur are:

Arakkal Museum: Dedicated to the only Muslim royal family of South India, the Arakkal museum is a part of the Arakkalketu (Arakkal Palace). The family rules Kannur for several years and had trade relations with the Arabs and later Europeans.

Bekal Fort: Built over 300 years ago and spread over 40 acres, Bekal is the largest fort in Kerala. The water tank with a flight of steps and a tunnel to its south, a magazine to keep arms and ammunitions and an observation center are the striking features of the fort. The observation center is remarkable as it helped to know even the slightest movement of the enemy. The fort is said to be built exclusively for fulfilling defense purposes as is evident from the holes found on the walls of the fort.

Ezhimala Hill: Protruding into the Arabian Sea, it was the former capital of Mushika Kings. The Indian Naval Academy is located in the hills and a famous Hanuman temple is among the major tourist attractions. One can enjoy watching dolphins at the Ettikulum Bay as well.

Madayipara: Holding historic and religious importance, Madayipara is an important destination in Kannur. A pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, the Vadukunda Siva Temple are the two most famous attractions in the region. The Pooram festival is also significant in the region. Apart from religious and cultural aspects, the region has about 300 flowering plants and 30 varieties of grass. Also home to several medicinal plants, Madayipara holds a very important place in the bio-diversity sector.

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: The only drive-in beach in Kerala, Muzhappilangad runs parallel to NH 17. One can drive the entire 4km length of the beach. Covered with coconut groves and bordered by black stones, it is among the most important tourist attractions in Kerala.

Payyambalam Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, Payyambalam is the place to be when you want a relaxing holiday. Well known for wellconstructed and laid out gardens, and a sculpture of a mother and child, the beach is known for its cleanliness. A beautiful public spot, its location around 2km away from Kannur makes it an ideal destination.

Vaithal Mala/Pythal Mala: Situated at a height of 4,500 ft. above sea level, Pythal Mala is situated at the Kerala-Karnataka border. Having an abundance of flora and fauna, the place is now being developed as a hill resort. The place is a trekker’s paradise.

Kannur Fort: Also known as St. Angela’s Fort, the fort was built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. It is the most important historical site and a famous tourist center. The fort is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.

Parassinikkadavu Temple: The temple’s architecture is testimony to the many unique practices and rituals followed. The temple promotes the concept of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam- the whole world is one family’, people from all religions are attracted to this place. The temple is also a favored tourist destination for tourists and pilgrims, who wish to enjoy the charm of Theyyam, which is performed here on daily basis.

SPICY DELICACIES

Kannur’s cuisine is largely influenced by its culture, religion and other traditional activities. One can mostly find Kerala-Malabar food like, Dosa, Puttu and Appam. The lip smacking, Spicy Coconut Chammanthy, the Palada Payasam are a part of the special cuisine of Kannur. Seafood is an important part of the region’s food habit, Kannur being a coastal town.

While being in Kannur enjoy tasting stuffed Mussels which are greatly available with the most of the local vendors. The Malabar Food Festival which is organized regularly in the landscapes of Kerala features sumptuous cuisines from the four districts of Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Kasaragode.