Kannur, also known as Cannanore, is a beautiful city on the northern side of Keral State in India. It is also fondly called as the Land of Looms and Lores because of a considerable number of loom industries functional in this area and also the rituals and folk lores practiced in the temples of this region.

The great explorer Marco Polo described the city of Kannore as “the great emporia of spice trade”. Cannanore the original name is believed to mean ‘the land of Lord Krishna’. Kannur is famous for its wide naval base which is the largest in Asia and the third largest in the world.

Marks of Attractions in Kannur-

• Theyyam- Theyyam, the magnificent and very powerful ritual dance of Kerala is the main attraction of Kannur District. You can see Theyyam performance in more than 1000 temples or Kavus starting from November till April every year. This entire time period seems like a period of festivity and celebration.

• St Angelo’s Fort- It was built in 1505 by dom Francisco de almeida, the first Portuguese viceroy of India and is on the Arabian sea, at a distance of 3 km from the main town of Kannur. The fort lies in the modern day Cantonment area of Kannur. It has had its own exciting history and the legacy of history is still evident in the regal architecture of the court.

• Moppila Bay- In the vicinity of  St Angelo’s fort, it was once the seat of Kolathiri Kings. The remnants of the fort and Sri Krishna Temple were quite famous. The remnants of the fort and the temple are still seen in Mopila Bay. This site is an awesome site for boating if the weather is suitable.

• Azhikkal Ferry- There is the Valapattanam river joining the Arabian Sea, Azhikkal ferry gives a magnificent view of the sunset. There is a granite pathway around 2 km into the sea at this place. Reaching this point, one is surrounded and completely “at sea” (pun intended). The glory of the mighty sea will leave you dumbstruck.

• Dharmadam Island- the small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, the island is a small walk from the beach. This place is an exhilarating experience.

Temples- Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple is a very famous temple in north Malabar and so is the Peralassery Sree Subrahmanya temple.

Places of Attraction in the Town- There are many beautifully made buildings that exhibit the architectural genius. Some of these places that one must visit are Gundert Bungalow, Nettur Hill church, Thalassery Fort, Odathil Mosque and Holy Rosary Church. The different buildings that stand tall in Kannur speak volumes about its rich historic legacy.

Other places in the vicinity of Kannur that are worth paying a visit are Aralam wildlife Sanctuary, Ezhimala, Kizhunna Ezhara Beach, Kottiyoor and two temples situated there. Madayi, Mahe Malayalakalagramam, Parassini Kadavu, Sri Muthappan temple etc.

The city of Kannur, the beach and the places in its vicinity combine to make a wonderful holiday package. If you love nature, history and cultural ambience, then Kannur is a cake with a cherry topping for you.