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THE
LAND OF THEYYAMS |
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Kannur
district, is flanked by the lofty western ghats in the east and Arabian
sea in the west. It has a long coastline (about 152 km.), interspersed
with many rivers, coconut fringed lagoons and beautiful backwaters.
The district is bounded by Kasargod district in the north and Wayanad
district, Kozhikode district and Mahe (Pondicherry UT) in the south. The
district is endowed with many rivers, it has about 19 out of the 44 rivers
in the State. Kannur district is industrially backward despite
being rich in natural resources and other infrastructural faciities. The
district has a flourishing traditional handloom industry both in the rural
and urban area. lt was also a thriving centre for hosiery industry but
has subsequently declined due to various reasons. Kannur is also the centre
for production of cashewnut, copra, rice, tiles, electric bulb, hard board
and plywood. Kannur town has country's best run beedi
co operative which produces the famous brand Kerala Dinesh Beedi. The
historical town was formerly a major port area, the city is mentioned
as "a great emporia of spice trade" in Marco Polo's travel records.
Today it is known as the 'weaver city' due to the thriving handloom industry. |
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PLACES OF INTEREST |
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Ezhimala
A
small hilly town besides the sea is perched at a height of 885
feet and is located 55 km. from Kannur town. Atop the hill an ancient
mosque with sculptured stone pillars is worth a visit. At the foot
of the hill there is a cave and an old burial chamber. The
combination of high hills and beautiful beach has made
Ezhimala a popular tourist resort. Ezhimala has also been
earmarked for setting up of Country's as well as Asia's largest
Naval Academy. A wealth of rare medicinal herbs is also found in
Ezhimala and surrounding areas. |
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Thalassery
fort
The magnificent fort located on the Thalassery
beach was built by the British in 1708. The grand gateway and a lighthouse
are major attractions within the premises of the fort. Arrackal
Kottaram.
Located 3 km. from the town, it is the residence of Arrackal Ali
Rajas, the only Muslim royal family in the state.
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Parassinikkadavu
Muthappan Temple
The famous temple is located 18 km. from
Kannur on the banks of river Valapattanam. It is one
of the important pilgrim sites of Kerala. The temple
is known for its ritual art form "Muthapan
Theyyam" performed everyday in the early mornings and
evenings. A peculiar custom here is the offering of toddy
and dried fish to the deity. Pleasure boating
facilities are available.
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St
Angelos Fort
The formidable triangular fort is a standing sentinel
to the history of the region. Built originally by the Portuguese
in 1505, it passed into the hands of Dutch (1663), Ali Raja (1772)
and finally occupied by the British in 1790. Under the British
many
renovations were carried out and it became a major military base.
The fort faces the Arabian Sea and affords a splendid view
of the palm fringed beach and, Mappila bay (Fishing Harbour)
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Madayi
The tiny
village 22 km. from Kannur is known for the 12th century mosque built
by Malik Bin Dinar. The marble used in the mosque is believed
to have been brought from Arabia. There is a fine beach at
Madayi. |
Gundert Bungalow
The former residence of German scholar Rev. Dr. Herman Gundert, who
compiled the first Malayalam dictionary. He is also credited for
publishing first newspaper in Malayalam. He also built a church
on Nettur Hill in 1889. |
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Anjarakandi
Located in the Kannur taluk, the town is known for its cinnamon
plantations which are believed to be the biggest in Asia. In 1797, the
East India Company set up a 1000 acre plantation of coffee, cinnamon,
pepper, nutmeg, sugarcane and sandal wood plant. The plantation
was destroyed by Pazhassi patriots in 1803, which was revived
later on. Coffee was first grown here before being introduced in
Wayanad area. |
Aralam
Wildlife sanctuary
The
sanctuary covers an area of 55 sq. km. and is a treat for wild life
lovers. It is easily accessible by road. The key fauna include elephant,
sloth bear, mouse deer etc. Rich and varied types of
avifauna and reptiles can also be seen here. |
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Payyambalam
Beach
The
long, quite and clean beach is located 2 km. west of the Kannur
town.
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Parassinikkadavu
Snake Park
The
unique snake farm is located 14 km. from Kannur amidst scenic settings.
It is dedicated to preservation and conservation of the snakes.
There are about 150 snakes of different species housed in hygienic
and scientifically maintained pits and glass cages. The various
poisonous and non poisonous varieties of snakes in the farm are
cobras, king cobra, russel viper, pit viper, python etc. |
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Mahe
The
tiny enclave of Pondicherry UT on the west coast was once under the
French governance. It is known for the sea skirting roads and
unique culture with French flavour. |
Communication
Air: Nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode about 93 km. from Kannur.
Rail:
Kannur is one of the important railway station of Southern Railway.
Road:
Thedistrict
has good road network. Kannur is well connected by bus services
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