Detail Description

The vibrant town of Kannur is situated around 100 k.m from Calicut. Kannur is the administrative headquarters of the district of Kannur. The place is popularly known as Land of Looms and Lores. In the time of British rule in India, Kannur was known by its Portuguese name of Canannore, which is still in fairly common usage. Kannur is the largest city of North Malabar.

The city still bears the icons of the British rule. The enduring monuments such as 16th century St. Angelo Fort, once occupied by European colonial forces still speak to the visitors about the European Colonialisation in this part of Malabar. There are various signs of the city’s significant role in the spice trade with the European and West Asian countries. Housed in the former palace of the Arakkal Royal Family, the Arakkal Museum highlights Kerala's one and only Muslim Royal family. The palm-fringed beach of Payyambalam run along Kannur’s Western shore. Theyyam performances, Handloom, Beedi Making are some of the major activities that the land of Kannur offers exclusively to the visitors. Mappila Bay and Azhikkal Ferry are also major attractions of the Town Tourist Circuit in Kannur.

St. Angelo's Fort

The St. Angelo's Fort or better known as the Kannur Fort is recorded to have been built by Dom Francisco de Almeida who was the first Portuguese Viceroy of India in 1505 A.D. The Fort was built with the consent of the Kolathiri Raja. The Fort is situated about 3 k.m inland from the Arabian Sea in the Kannur Town near the Cantonment Area of the Kannur Regiment. The fort was attacked and conquered from then existing holders of the fort several times. A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese in 1663. They modernised the fort and built the bastions Hollandia, Zeelandia and Frieslandia that are the major features of the present structure. The fort came under the control of the British later on. The fort was an important military base for the British in the Malabar Coast together with the Bekal Fort. Ammunition Dumps, Stables, Underground Jails, Secret Tunnels to the Sea and an Old Dilapidated Chapel can all be still seen inside the fort with its precincts. The Fort offers a great view of the nearby Mappila Bay. The Fort is preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. It bears certain similarities with the Bekal fort in Architecture. The fort is open to visitors every day from 8:00 A.M till 6:00 P.M.

Arakkal Palace Museum

The Arakkal Museum is a museum housed in the former palace of the Arakkal Royal Family. It’s also called as the Arakkal Kettu Museum. The Museum is around 3 k.m from the Kannur Town opposite to the Mappila Bay. The Palace that is converted to the Museum was once the residence of the Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim Royal Family of Kerala. This historic palace is a treasure for history buffs. Though the palace is a private property of current Ali Beevi (Queen), much of the palace has been thrown open to visitors to see the grandeur of Kerala’s Islamic Art and Architecture. Traditionally, Arakkal Rajas were famous traders, who established several trading centres and factories in Maldives, Lakshadweep, Mauritius, Muscat and Cairo. As art lovers, Arakkal Rajas imported several artefacts from its trading countries and decorated the court. Today visitors can view some of the rare pieces of pre-colonial art and architecture master pieces of South and West Asia, well preserved by the royal family. Although renovated by the government, the Arakkal Kettu is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and does not fall under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. The government had taken a keen interest in preserving the heritage of the Arakkal Family, which had played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. A nominal entry fee is charged by the Arakkal Family Trust from visitors to the museum. The Museum is safeguarded and preserved by the Archaeological and Tourism Department of Kerala. The Museum is open from 9:00 A. M to 5:00 P.M on all days except Monday. On Monday, the Museum remains closed.

Mappila Bay

The Mappila Bay or the Ayikkara Mappila Bay is situated in the vicinity of the Kannur St. Angelo Fort and the Arakkal Museum. Centuries ago, this was the seat of Kolathiri Kings. Mappila Bay is also known the Moppila Bay. It is a natural harbour situated in Ayikkara area of the Kannur town. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countries trading. The Kadalayi Fort and Sree Krishna Temple to which the very name of Kannur is connected was situated in Mappila Bay. The remnants of the fort and the temple are still visible in Mappila Bay. A fishing harbour, built with Indo Norwegian project assistance have been set up in the place. Tourists can go on fish boats for boating and fishing in the sea depending on the weather with expert fishermen of the Bay which will be an unforgettable experience. Though the Bay is open day and night, the best time for visit is from morning 5:00 A.M till 7:00 P.M in the night. There is not entrance fees at Mappila Bay.

Payyambalam Beach

The historical beach of Payyambalam is situated about 2 k.m from the main town of Kannur on the Malabar Coastal Belt. The beach is famous for its flat laterite cliffs that extends to the sea. The beach is the final resting place for many great politicians and cultural leaders of the land of Kannur. The well-laid gardens and the massive landscaped Mother and Child sculpture make it a perfect place for spending your leisure times. A walk along the long beach can be certainly relaxing. The beach can be accessed through the small park near the military cantonment in Kannur. The beach is busy spot in the evening as it is a favourite picnic spot for families and couples who come down to watch the sunset here. The best time to visit is from morning 6:00 A.M till 11:00 A.M or in the evening after 3:00 P.M.

Azhikkal Ferry

The Azhikkal Ferry is a famous ferry along the confluence of the Valapattanam River and the Arabian Sea. The ferry is located near to the village of Azhikode only 10 k.m from the town of Kannur. The spectacular sight of the River meeting the Sea can be witnessed from the Ferry. The place also gives a magnificent view of the sunset. The ferry has been setup with a granite pathway around 2 k.m into the sea at this place for the visitors to walk along. The pathway also acts as an artificial bund that prevents the rough tides. As we take along the walk and finally reach the edge of the pathway you are surrounded by sea from all sides. There are also facilities for boating here and also facilities for ferry to local places from Azhikkal. The best time to visit is from morning 6:00 A.M till 11:00 A.M or in the evening after 3:00 P.M. Ferry services are available based on the scheduled timings throughout the day.

Chirakkal

Chirakkal is the ruling land of the legendary Chirakkal Rajas. The place now houses the famous folklore academy museum. The museum preserves the rich heritage of the 130 year old abode - the Chirakkal Kovilakam, of the Chirakkal Family. The Chirakkal Kovilakam is now converted to the Museum. The Kolathiri Rajas had once lived in the Kovilakam. Chirakkal is also famous for the Handlooms. The Chirakkal Weavers is one among the oldest weaving society in Kannur. The Museum and Weavers Society is open on all days except Sunday from 9:00 A.M to evening 5:00 P.M.