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Kannur is the compound of two words Kannan (Lord Krishna) and Ur (Place). It is also said that 'Kannur' is a derivation from Kanathur, an ancient village in Kannur. Kannur is famous for its folk art and music. It is the centre of Theyyam, a ritual dance in which men impersonate supernatural beings. Kannur is also famous for its beautiful beaches. Kannur District is known as the land of looms and lores, because of the number of looms functioning in the district and festivals held in temples. The district is a major centre of Theyyam, a ritual dance of northern Kerala, and small shrines known as kavus associated with the Theyyam dot the district.

Places to Visit

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Aralam wildlife sanctuary is located 35 kms from Thalasserry and 60 kms from Kannur town. The Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq kms of forest highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here, which is Katti Betta, rises to 1145 m above sea level. The sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. You can see herds of deer, elephant, boar, bison, leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels here. Aralam also has a 3060-hectare Central State Farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.

Muzhappilangad Beach

Muzhappilangad Beach is a drive-in beach in the state of Kerala located parallel to National Highway 17 between Kannur and Thalassery. An unpaved road through the coconut groves leads to the beach. The beach is about 5 kms long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Black rocks border the beach, which protects it from the stronger currents of the ocean. Around 200 m south of the beach is a private island called Dharmadam Island, which is also called Pacha Thuruthu in Malayalam. It is possible to walk to the island during low tide.

St. Angelo Fort

St. Angelo Fort is situated 3 km west of Kannur town, north Kerala. From the fort you get a view of Moppila Bay, a natural fishing bay, Dharmadom Island and a sea wall projecting from the fort separating the rough sea and inland water. This fort is also called the Kannur Fort and was constructed by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francesco de Almedia in 1505. St. Angelo Fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The bay has now turned into a modern fishing harbour, developed under the Indo-Norwegian Pact.

Thalassery Fort

Thalassery Fort is situated 22km from the northern district of Kannur. The fort was built by the East India Company, which had established its settlement on the Malabar Coast in 1703. The imposing square fort has massive walls, huge, intricately carved doors and secret tunnels to the sea.

Payyambalam

Payyambalam is a beautiful stretch of sand and surf, which is located 2 km from Kannur town, north Kerala. The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot. It has a garden close to it that has a sculpture of Mother and Child by Kanayi Kunhiraman, which is an attractive feature. A part of the garden is children’s play area.