Kannur is a historically important beach town towards North of Kerala often known as the land of looms and lores. The town is a witness of many colonial invasions and was a military camp of almost all colonial invaders. The forts and camps are an example of this. Theyyam which is a very native art form is from the district of Kannur. There are many amazing beaches to the remote areas of the town. One could reach Kannur by road and rail. The forts, beaches and the cultural art forms make Kannur a very diverse district in Kerala.
Thalassery Fort
Thalassery Fort is 22 kilometers from Kannur, is a square shaped fort built by the British in the year 1708, the construction of the fort was aimed for the complete control of the Malabar under the British. It was built by the British East India Company. The fort is built on a hill and is very close to the sea and is built with latrite stone at a huge height and is fortified with bastions. The fort has cells and administrative offices. Tipu Sulthan, the King of Mysore tried to invade the fort twice, but failed. Today the fort is under the procession of Archeological survey of India. It showcases an old British cannon and several secret tunnels to the sea can be found here.
St. Johns Anglican church is just behind the fort. The story behind the church which is on the seashore is that Edward Brennen an Englishman got swept ashore at Thalassery in the year 1869. He built this church on the shore as a thanksgiving. Today the church is also under the ASI Archeological survey of India.
Muzhipilangadi drive-in Beach
Muzhipilangadi drive in beach is the only drive-in beach in Kerala between Thalassery and Kannur. It is 15 Kilometers from Kannur and is a common eveningouting spot. The Drive in area extends up to 5 kilometers. Another interesting thing about this beach is that, to the south there is a huge island called the darmadam Island. When the tide is low, one could walk to the island. One could easily see the Kannur town towards the north. The beach is bordered with black rocks and there is ample enough space for a drive on the beach.
Arakkal Museum
Arakkal is the name of the royal Muslim family which ruled the princely state of Kannur. Arakkal is the only Royal Muslim family of Kerala which was prominent in North Kerala. A part of the Arrakkal palace is renovated to a museum by the government of Kerala. The Museum showcases some of the antique equipments, used by the family since centuries. The showpieces include warfare, furniture and literature texts. A entry fee of Rs 50 is to be paid to enter the museum.
Kannur Fort/ St Angelo Fort
The fort was built in the year 15th century by the then Portuguese Viceroy to India. The fort is built facing the Arabian Sea and is just 3 kilometers from the town. Just like any other fort in the Malabar, the fort has changed hands several times and was with the British by the 19th century and it was the Major military hub in the Malabar. The fort is a major historical monument which is never missed on a visit to Kannur. The fort is well maintained and is under the procession of Archeological survey of India.
Pythal mala
Pythal Mala is a Scenic hill station in the district of Kannur with exotic flora and fauna. The hill station is 65 Kilometers from Kannur town. The hill station is part of the Western Ghats and is almost 4500 feet above the sea level. Considered to be a trekker’s paradise, there is a interesting 6 kilometer trekking route to reach the top of the hill. One would notice a rundown palace of the tribal head Vaithalkon. A day trip is ideal to visit Pythalmala.