Kannur district derived its name from the location of its headquarters at Kannur town. The old name 'Cannanore' is the anglicised form of the Malayalam word Kannur. According to one opinion, 'Kannur' is a derivation from Kanathur, an ancient village, the name of which survives even today in one of the wards of Kannur municipality. Another version is that Kannur might have assumed its name from one of the deities of the Hindu pantheon, a compound of two words, 'Kannan' (Lord Krishna) and 'ur' (place) making it the place of Lord Krishna. In this context, it is worth mentioning that the deity of the Katalayi Srikrishna temple was originally installed in a shrine at Katalayi Kotta in the southeastern part of the present Kannur town.
There is no evidence of the Palaeolithic man having lived in this region. Nevertheless, rock-cut caves and megalithic burial sites of the Neolithic age have come to light in certain parts of the district. The Thaliparamba-Kannur-Thalassery area abounds in rock-cut caves, dolments, burial stone circles and menhirs, all of megalithic burial order. It can be assumed that the first batch of Aryan immigrants into the State entered the district through the Tuluva region.
Kannur district lies between latitudes 11° 40' to 12° 48' north and longitudes 74° 52' to 76° 07' east. The district is bound by the Western Ghats in the east (Coorg district of Karnataka State), Kozhikkod and Wayanad districts, in the south, Lakshadeep sea in the west and Kasaragod, the northern most district of Kerala, in the north.
The district can be divided into three geographical regions highlands, midlands and lowlands. The highland region comprises mainly of mountains. This is the area of major plantations like coffee, rubber, tea, cardamom and other spices. Timber trees like teak, veetty, etc are grown in plenty in this region. The midland region, lying between the mountains and the lowlands, is made up of undulating hills and valleys. This is an area of intense agricultural activity. The lowland is comparatively narrow and comprises of rivers, deltas and seashore. This is a region of coconut and paddy cultivation.
The district has a humid climate with an oppressive hot season from March to the end of May. This is followed by the southwest monsoon which continues till the end of September, October and November form the post-monsoon or retreating monsoon season. The northeast monsoon which follows, extends upto the end of February, although the rain generally ceases after December.
During the months of April and May, the mean daily maximum temperature is about 35° Celsius. Temperature is low in December and January and records as low as 20° Celsius. On certain days the night temperature may go down to 16° Celsius.
The annual average rainfall is 3,438 mm and more than 80 per cent of it occurs during the period of southwest monsoon. The rainfall during July is very heavy and the district receives 68 per cent of the annual rainfall during this season.
Kannur district is very rich in vegetation. Natural vegetation, except in some coastal regions, consists of different types of forests. But, in spite of generally favourable climatic conditions, vegetations is not uniform. In restricted regions, with their own micro climate or special edaphic features, plant formations assume different characters. Thus, plant communities, ranging from psammophytes and mangrooves to evergreen forests are seen in this district.
The coastal region is a comparatively narrow zone, characterised by secondary soil which is rather lose and sandy. The serile sandy tract supports only a poor vegetation of the psammophyte type. Plants are few and mostly prostrate. Erect species are small and short. Owing to very poor water holding capacity of the soil, these plants are provided with special xerophytic adaptations. Another conspicuous feature of this area is the mangroove vegetation, found at the estuaries of rivers and backwaters, and often extending to the interior along their banks. Human interference has much changed the vegetation of the coastal region.
Major part of the district comes under midland region with numerous hills and dales and it presents an undulating surface gradually ascending and merging into the slopes of Western Ghats. Soil is secondary and lateritic with underlying rock of laterite or disintegrated greiss. Typical flora of this area is a most deciduous forest consisting of a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees. Undergrowth consists of a variety of annuals and perennials.
The mountains are a continuation of the midland region, gradually ascending to the main ridge of the Western Ghats. Soil in the western slopes is a ferrugenous red, sandy loam. Vegetation over the whole area is of the forest type. Irregular distribution of teak, localised areas of bamboo dominance, change of good quality forest into open grass lands, etc are characteristic.
The population of Kannur district as per the 2001 census is 24,12,365. The district holds the eighth position among districts of Kerala in terms of the total population. The Hindu community in this district, as elsewhere in the country, is organised on the basis of castes and subcastes. The broad divisions of the community are Thiyya, Nairs, Ambalavasis, Brahmins and Kammalan.
The Thiyyas form the majority among the Hindu community in Kannur district. Though they correspond to the Ezhavas in the southern parts of the State, both the communities disclaim any such connection.
The Muslims, here known as Mappilas, are the descendants of the Arab traders and forms the second largest community. Majority of them are Sunnis. Malik Ibn Dinar of Arabia is believed to have founded mosques at Valapattanam, Madai, Sreekantapuram and Dharmadam. Large number of conversions were made into Islam from various sections of the population and before long, it became an influential religion. The district has the unique distinction of having had the State's lone Muslim royal house - that of the Arakkal Royal Family which played an important role in the political as well as Islamic history of the district.
Though Christianity is believed to have been introduced in Kerala by the Apostle St. Thomas in 52 AD, the religion made progress only with the advent of Portuguese towards the close of the 15th century. The Christians belong mainly to four Churches: the Syro-Malabar church, the Latin Catholic Church, the Church of South India and the Orthodox Syrian Church. During the last few decades, there has been a large influx of Syrian Catholics from the Travancore-Cochin area of the State. They have made significant contribution to the agricultural improvements in district. The Protestant Missions have been at work here since the first half of the 19th century when the German Evangelical Mission was founded by Mr. Gundert. Most of their converts were from the Thiyya community.
The population of scheduled castes and tribes is 4.86 per cent of the total population of the district. The major scheduled caste is Cheruman and the important tribe is Kurichiya. Other important scheduled castes are Paraya, Nayadi, Mavilan, Valluvan, Adiyan , Chingathan, Kader, Karimpalan, Kattunayakan, Kudiya, Kurichiya, Malayalar, Malayan, Mulla Kurumbar and Paniya. Urali Kurumbars are the major scheduled tribals.
The Kolathiri kingdom deserves special mention with regard to the cultural heritage of the State. In the 14th and 15th centuries, under the Kolathiri Rajas, Thaliparambu became a famous centre of learning, enlightenment and culture. The story of this place developing into a cultural centre is intimately linked with the famous Thaliparambu temple.
With the transfer of the capital of Kolathiri from Thaliparamba to Chirakkal, Chirakkal also rose into prominence as a great centre of the arts. The gift of the district in the field of art and culture is its folk arts. The social situation that prevailed here gave rise to various folk art forms. The assimilation of different styles of Aryan and non-Aryan culture and the influence of Jain and Buddhist philosophies kindled its growth further. Though the social set-up has been effaced by time, the cultural life of the folk remains unchanged.
A large number of folk plays and dances are prevalent among the scheduled castes and tribes. They believe that dancing and singing make their gods happy. Each tribe has its own glorious collection of folk plays and dances which are performed during festivals. Among the Adiyans there is a folk play in which a senior man plays on a Thundi (drum) and the men sing and dance to the beating of the drum. Though their women do not participate in the dance, they join in the community singing.
The Malayans had among them an interesting form of mock fighting called Vishanti , in which they have used wooden shields supplied by members of other castes and the actual Vishanti or blowing was done with the stems of plantain leaves. This kind of mock fighting has now practically disappeared.
The Malayans have the Thiyyattom ceremony which consists of dancing with masks and singing and the Ucchavali ceremony which is symbolic of human sacrifice. The Paniyar have their characteristic devil dance.
Godaveri or Godamuri is an entertaining folk-play of a quasi-religious nature which is performed in the central parts of Kannur district by the Malayans who are experts in devil dancing.
The central figure in the performance is a boy in a girl's make -up, enclosed in a frame-work of the spathe of the arecanut tree modelled in the shape of a cow with head and tail. The boy is accompanied by a drummer and a number of men who wear fantastic masks and their bodies smeared with ashes. The performers recite a song, the theme of which is the sacredness and the virtues of the cow and its benefits to mankind. The cow is called Godaveri from which this ceremonial play derives its name. The Godaveri group of players confine their visits to agricultural families, thus emphasising the character of the play as a fertility rite.
Vedan Padal (Vedan Pattu) is a peculiar ceremony observed in certain parts of the district in the month of Karkidakam (July-August) which coincides with the season of scarcity in Kerala.
The Vedan or hunter is impersonated by a boy, in a peculiar make-up, who is armed with bow and arrows and accompanied by an attendant who carries a small drum on his shoulder. The vedan gets a ceremonial welcome in each household. In the course of the welcoming ceremony, the drummer chants a folk song which has for its theme, the precarious life of a hunter in the forest, his attempts to make a living by taking to agriculture, the difficulties of cultivation in the hilly tracts and the wild nature of the country, teeming with animals. He describes particularly the story of the pursuit of a wild boar by the hunter and his triumphant encounter with Arjuna.
The performance ends with the disclosure of the vedan as Siva who blesses his devotee Arjuna. The Malayans who figure in the Vedan Padal are given some rice and curry provisions such as salt and chillies from each house. It is the popular belief that the ceremony would avert the evil tendencies of the month and assure happiness and prosperity to the household.
This is a highly ritualistic dance, well preserved with its rare and gorgeous make-up and costume, lively foot work and gymnastic fervor. It represents a glorious period of folk-life in Kannur as well as in Kerala.
The gods and goddesses are supposed to come in our midst through the medium of the possessed dancers and converse with us on matters of even contemporary significance. It is sometimes found that Theyyams pronounce judgements on temporal matters and give blessings to the believers. The performers belong to Mannan, Velan and Malayan communities. They were patronised by the feudal chiefs of Ezhinadu, Puzhinadu and such other places where the Dravidian culture was maintaining its supremacy.
The Theyyam dance is performed during the festivals of the shrines known by names like muchilode, kavu, palliyera mundya, tanam, madhappura etc. It had grown through centuries to its present form. Theyyam is essentially a human creation; it has an absolute relationship with man in giving vent to his strong feelings against injustice and wickedness and his desire to maintain the well-being of the society.
The folk singer, while he sings out in a loud voice, accompanying Theyyam or along with his own dancing steps, uses simple, but effective language and straight, but thought-provoking, images.
The rudiments of the dance music which later developed and evolved into the art of "Krishnattam" and "Kathakali" can be clearly found in Theyyam music. Theyyam songs belong to a literary tradition of the farthest past which had not evolved through any conscious process of sophistication, but served as a life-giving vehicle of the feeling of village communities.
Marathukali is a fusion of two different styles of cultural arts that prevailed in this region. One of them is of arguments and counter arguments of two groups which comprise of scholars in scientific subjects and the other is Poorakkali demonstration of their supporters. It is a competitive "game art" conducted in temple yards. So, naturally it gained ritualistic importance. The game lasts for a long time; at times it extends to even a day or more.
Poorakkali is a temple festival held in the Bhagavathy temples in the month of Meenam. In this festival which lasts for nine days, we find rejoicing on the rebirth of Kama, the god of love, and the enjoyment of people in regaining the feelings of love. It is a dramatic folklore touch and its literature is embellished with glorious deeds of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu.
Ballads sung in praise of the exploits of local heroes form an important source of inspiration for the community. These ballads are sometimes connected with deities. Some of them are on the miraculous life and deeds of heroes and heroines.
The ballads which originated in the northern parts of Kerala, known as "Vadakken Pattukal", are the most popular among them. Almost all Vadakken Pattukal are closely associated with Kalari (martial) and Payattu (fight). Most of the songs in this category are in praise of the members of two families in North Kerala namely Potturam Veedu and Tacholi Manikkottu Veedu', of which the former belonged to Tiyya and the latter to Nayar sub castes of the Hindus. Evidently, these ballads of Kannur, which belonged to the 16th century AD, portray a social system which demands every youth to undergo martial training.
Kalaripayattu: Kalari meaning school and Payattu meaning combat, Kalaripayattu is one of the advanced combat sciences of the world and has reproduced many a hero whose exploits are celebrated in legends and folk songs.
In the past, each desom or locality had its kalari or gymnasium, presided over by the guardian deity called Kalari Paradevatha or Bhagavathi. Most of the heroes of medieval Kerala were products of the kalari system. Both boys and girls received training in the kalari. It is the training and practice in kalari that are known by the term kalaripayattu and this is valued very much from the point of view of physical culture. The whole philosophy underlying kalaripayattu is that the system is to be used only for noble causes and never for self aggrandisement. The glorious days of kalaripayattu had set with the dawn of the 17th century, with increasing use of guns and cannons.
The objectives of the courses are to familiarise the trainees with classical and contamporary trends and techniques in the respective field of art to teach them art application and history of art and to enable them to utilise art better, in their daily of life. The Fraternity Centre of the Kalagram conducts seminars, symposia, extension lectures, in-service programmes and special projects in different fields of art and humanities.
It is a beach in Kannur district of Kerala widely admired for its beauty. Its cosidered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in kerala. Now the beach is attached with a big garden, which is attracting more than 2000 tourists to the place a day, which includes students,picninc parties,foreign tourists etc. In the weekend it will become upto 5000. The paculiarity of beach is its cleanliness and the beauty.Another thing is that beach is only 2 km from Kannur town.
One can see a sculpture (Mother and Child) by Kanayi Kunhiramanin the beach garden. Beach garden is fully renovated under tourism promotion council. Now its full of sculptures and artworks by Kanayi. One portion is there specially for children.
Lots of films are shooted in this location which include famous Maniratnam movie "Alai Payuthe" which really reveals the beauty of this beach to the whole world.
It is called so as it is smaller than its bigger neighbourhood, Payyambalam Beach. The famous St. Angelo Fort at Kannur is adjacent to it.
Meen means fish and Kunnu means hill in Malayalam language.
This beach which is 10 km from Kannur District, of Kerala is a very beautiful beach with golden sand and coconut trees. It is situated at Azhikode village of Kannur.
This beach is an extension of Payyambalam Beach which is 2 km from Kannur town.
Situated at Thottada just 2 km from the NH 17 connecting Kannur and Thalassery, it is hardly 7 km from Kannur town. The virgin beach is ideal for sun bathing. Tourists could stay at the beach house or guest house near the beach.
It is a natural and now a modernised fishing harbour situated in Ayikkara near St. Angelo Fort in Kannur district, Kerala. A sea wall extending to a huge height, projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. This sea wall was built under the Indo Norwegian pact.
It is a drive-in beach in the state of Kerala. It is located parallel to National Highway 17 between Kannur and Thalassery.
There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves leading to the beach. The beach is about 5 km long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Local laws allow beachgoers to drive for a full 4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which also protect it.
Approximately 100-200 m south of the beach there is a private island called Dharmadam Island (Green Island). It is possible to walk to the island during low tide.
It is a small 2 hectare private island in Kannur District of Kerala, south India. It is 100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam. This island covered with Coconut Palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, one can just walk to the island from the beach. It is surrounded by rivers and seas. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. Dharmadam, earlier known as Dharmapattanam was a Buddhist stronghold.
A tranquil mega sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests. Herds of deer, elephants, boar and bisons are quite common. Leopards, jungle cats, various type squirrels and rare species of birds have been found here. Around 160 species of birds have been found here. Certain species of birds, which are considered extinct, have also been found here. It is 35 kms from Thalassery Railway station.
The Rajarajeswara temple is a beautiful Shiva temple (Rajarajeswara is one of the names of Shiva) and is located at Taliparamba, Kannur distrist, Kerala, India.
The temple is regarded as one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples of Kerala. It has a prominent place amongst the numerous Shiva temples in south India. If any problem is encountered in temples of South India, the final solution is sought in this Temple through a prasna, a traditional method of astrological decision making. The prasna is conducted on a peedha (a raised platform) situated outside the temple.
The quadrangular sanctum has a two tiered pyramidal roof. In front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandapam. The temple has no kodi maram (flagstaff) which is a unique feature as other temples in Kerala do have one.
Sree Muthappan is the most popular local god in the north Kerala especially in Kannur district. Muthappan is also the theyyam performed in the famous Muthappan temple 16 km north of Kannur town.
Trichambaram Temple is situated 20 km from Kannur, near Taliparamba town which is famous for its spices trade. The deity of the temple is Sree Krishna. The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are a class by themselves. The annual temple festival (Utsavam) is a colourful event. The fortnight-long festival begins on Kumbham 22 of Malayalam calendar (which generally falls on March 6) every year with the kodiyettam (hoisting of a religious flag) and comes to an end on Meenam 6 (which generallay falls on March 20) with Koodipiriyal (Ending of this festival). In between these dates, for 11 days, thitambu nriththam (a sort of dance with idols of Sri Krishna and Balarama) is held at Pookoth Nada (1 km from Trichambaram temple).
Sree Ramaswami Temple, which is dedicated to Sri Rama, is one of the most important temples in Malabar. It is situated 23 km from Kannur, near Thalasseri fort. The exquisite carvings in the temple are believed to have been done nearly 400 years ago.
The Thiruvangad temple, dedicated to Sree Rama, one of the important temple located in Kannur.The most striking feature of this temple is the copper sheeting of its roof, due to which it is known popularly as the Brass Pagoda.A part of the temple was damaged by Tipu's troops in the 18th century, but the temple itself is believed to have been saved from destruction by a miracle. It was one of the outposts of the Thalassery fort in the eighteenth century. In its precincts, many conferences were held between the officials of the East India Company and local leaders, after which important political treaties and agreements were signed. The temple contains some interesting sculptures and lithic records. The annual festival of temple commences on Vishu day in Medam (April-May) and lasts for seven days.
This beautiful ancient mosque was originally built in 1124 by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by its founder, who came to India to spread the word of Muhammad. Near by, lies a dilapidated fort believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the Ruler of Mysore.
Snake Park is a famous landmark in the district of Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu, en route from Kannur to Taliparamba, 2 km from National Highway(NH) 17. Here one gets to see a large genre of snakes and other small animals and there is even a live show, where trained personnel play and 'interact' with a variety of snakes, including cobras and vipers, and seek to quell mythical fears and superstitions about snakes.
The Snake Park set up by the Visha Chikista Kendra at Pappinisseri, has been a centre of attraction to both foreign and domestic tourists. This Kendra(center) offers effective treatment for snake bites with almost 100% cure. This is the only place, perhaps where Ayurveda and Allopathy are effectively combined for curing snake bites. The snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russell's viper, Krait and various pit vipers. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons. A research laborator y to extract venom from snakes is proposed to be set up here. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are getting extinct gradually. It is located 16 km from Kannur. Parassinikkadavu is also noted for the famous Muthappan temple. This is the only temple in Kerala where a Theyyam performance is a daily ritual offering.
St. Angelo's Fort, built in 1505 by Sir Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, is situated near the sea coast and about 2 km away from Kannur town. This fort has a legendary past. Having witnessed several wars for seizing the control of the fort, the British flag flew over it finally in 1790. Even now, it is in a fairly good state of preservation, and is a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind the fort can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
This hill on the Kerala-Karnataka border is 65 km north of Kannur. Ideal for trekking; it is around 1,450 metres above sea level. A base reception centre and a watchtower atop the cliff function for the benefit of tourists and trekkers.
Ezhimala, the capital of the ancient Mooshika kings, is considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur town. A flourishing sea port and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of the Chola-Chera war of the 11th century. It is believed that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. An old mosque, believed to contain the mortal remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif, a Muslim reformist, is also located here. The hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs. There is an old tower of great antiquity here, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the Naval history of the country, consequent to the proposal for commissioning the N aval Academy there.
This is a beautiful place near to the Madayi Temple, located at Pazhayangadi in Kannur District. Madayipara is a significant spot owing to its bio-diversity as well as history. Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings. In and around Madayipara, one can find remnants from the past. At the southern side of the hill, stand the remains of a fort called Pazhi Kotta (kotta means fort in Malayalam). Here one can also find watchtowers at the four corners of the fort. Between AD 14 and AD 18, Madayipara used to be the site for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of the erstwhile Kolathunadu.
The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient Jewish settlers is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva Temple and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extension form yet another attraction at Madayipara. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms at Madayipara. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu – family temples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame.
With regard to the bio-diversity of Madayipara, it has been found that the region contains about 300 flowering plants, about 30 varieties of grass, and several insect-eating plant species. Madayipara is also home to several --rare medicinal herbs, which are sought by people from near and far off places. Coming to avian life, Madayipara sustains about 100 species of butterflies and about 150 species of birds. Among the biggest butterflies in the world, the Atlas butterfly is a visitor to Madayipara.
Udayagiri is a small beautiful village in Thalipramaba taluk of Kannur District in Kerala, south India. It is about 60km from Kannur city. People of this village is mainly depends on agriculture for their income. Villagers of this hamlet is migrated from southern parts of the Kerala from early 1940s. Mostly from Kottayam district.
Thalassery Fort is in Thalassery (Tellicherry) a town in Kannur District of Kerala state in south India.
The British East India Company built the fort in 1708 to establish a stronghold on the Malabar Coast. In 1781 Hyder Ali, ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, was unsuccessful in capturing the Fort in his campaign to control Malabar. His successor, Tipu Sultan, was forced to cede Malabar District to the British in 1792, at the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
The square fort, with its massive walls, secret tunnels to the sea and intricately carved huge doors, is an imposing structure. The fort was once the nucleus of Thalassery's development. It is now a historical monument.
Valapattanam is a small town in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It iss about 7 km from Kannur.
This town is also known as Balyapattanam. This town is in the on the banks of Valapattanam river. This town is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. Centuries back Valapattanam puzha (river) was the main ship route for trading and Valapattanam was the main town, because of this the town got this name. "Valya pattanam" means "big town" in Malayalam language though it is the smallest panchayath in Kerala.
The port of Azhikkal is located nearby. In the bank of Valapattanam river you see Western India Plywoods Ltd., the largest wood-based industry in the country and which was the biggest plywood factory in Asia till few years back.
The famous Muthappan temple is in the bank of Valapattanam river.
Parassinkkadavu (11°58'58.73"N, 75°24'7.45"E) is a small village about 16 km from Kannur town in the Kannur district of north Kerala state, south India. It is a popular tourist desitination in north Kerala.
Parassinkkadavu is noted for the Parassinikkadavu Snake Park which is committed to the preservation and conservation of snakes as most species of the reptile are on the verge of extinction. There are about 150 varieties of snakes including the spectacled cobra, King cobra, Russell's viper, Krait and Pit Viper living in the park.
The park also has a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including pythons. A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed here.
Parassinikkadavu is also noted for the famous Muthappan temple where people go for worshipping Sree Muthappan. This is the only Hindu Temple in Kerala where a Theyyam performance is a daily ritual offering.
Tradition has it that for the Annual Festivial ('Ulsavam') of the Muthappan Temple at Parassinikkadavu to start a procession led by a male member of the "Thayyil" clan of Thayyil, Kannur begins from the family home & terminates at the main altar of the temple with a 'pooja' (prayer) to the Gods.
Getting there
Nearest railway station : Kannur, about 16 km
Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 110 km from Kannur.
This renowned centre for arts and culture at New Mahe conduct courses in painting, sclpture,music, dance and pottery
An ideal retreat for rourists ,the damsite is famous for its scenic beauty. The D.T.P.C provides pleasure boating faciliaties at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories
Dr; Herman Gundert ,the revered German Missionary, scholar,lexicographer lived in this bungalow for 20 years from 1839.It was here that one of the first malayalam dictionaries and the first malayalam newspaper Rajyasamacharam took shape.
Location : 20 km. from Kannur, near Thalasseri twon on the national high way at Illikunnu.
This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotising sight to tourists.
Famous for its Anna Poorneswari Temple, the week long annual festival is in April. There is a Kathakali-Panchavadya school called Asthikalalaya near the temple.
Hardly four km from the headquarters of Kannur district, on the coast are located Arakkal Kettu, an old dilapidated building complex and a pandikasala (go down) in ruins. These were once the seat of Arakkal family of Ali Rajas and Arakkal Beevis and a centre of trade and commerce Legend has it that a lamp is kept consistently lit in one of these blocks and that the prosperity of the palace would last as long as the lamp continues to burn. The complex situated on 2.11 hectares has now become a protected monument under section iv of the Kerala Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1968.
The structures are a testimony to the glory of the Arakkal royal family which played a key role in shaping the history of Kannur.The complex contains a number of inter connected building clusters with controlled entry to the outside road. Two mosques and administrative buildings are located inside the complex. Built of laterite bricks and wood these structures are independent units arranged around courtyards.
According to a legend, the Arakkal family was an offshoot of the Kolathiri dynasty at Chirakkal. The origin of the Muslim royal family can be traced to the marriage of a Kolathiri princess to a Muslim youth who saved her.
