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Kannur

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Kannur (Malayalam: കണ്ണൂര്‍) is a city and a municipality in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the administrative headquarters of the district of Kannur. It is known as Land of Looms and Lores. During British rule in India, Kannur was known by its portuguese name of Cannanore, which is still in fairly common usage. This is the largest city of North Malabar. According to the data compiled by Indicus analytics , a research firm, Kannur is one of the ten best cities in India to live, the parameters set by this firm is in the field of health, education, environment, safety, public facilities and entertainment for preparing the data.

[edit] Regions

[edit] Cities

  • Kannur (District HQ)
  • Tellicherry (21 km south)
  • Thaliparamba (20 km north)
  • Payyannur (40 km north)
  • Mattannur (25 km east)
  • Koothuparamba (22 km southeast)
  • Chakarakkal (16 km south east)

[edit] Talk

The main language spoken is Malayalam. However, English, Hindi and Tamil are the other languages which are also spoken and understood by majority of the people.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

[edit] By train

Kannur is well d and serviced by rail to all major cities in India like Kozhikode, Mangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore.

[edit] By bus

You can also reach here by bus from big cities like Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai, Coimbatore.

[edit] By Road

Kannur is well connected to other cities Kochi, Kozhikode, Madras, Bangalore,Manglore, Coimbatore, and Madurai by roads. NH 17 connecting Kochi and Mumbai passes through Kannur. Also Tellicherry can be called the nearest Kerala Town to [Mysore|Mysore]. The Iritty, Kootupuzha, Virajpet, Sidhapur route to Mysore is a nice route with lots of natural scenes.

While travelling from Bangalore or Mysore the main route is via Mysore - Hunsur - Gonikoppal(Coorg)- Makutta(state border)- Iritty - Kannur.

Alternatives

  1. Bangalore - Mysore - HD Kote - Nagarhole - Mananthavady(Kerala) - Periya - Nedumpoyil - Koothuparamba - Kannur.
  2. Bangalore - Mysore - Gundlupet - SultanBattery - Mananthavady - Periya - Nedumpoyil - Koothuparamba - Kannur
  3. Bangalore - Mysore - Hunsur - Nagarhole - Kutta - Tholpatty - Kattikulam - Manandvady -Nedumpoyil - Koothuparamba - Kannur (356 km only).Previously a strectch from Hunsur - Kutta was in bad condition, now this rout is repaired.

[edit] Updates

  • Update (21 - Oct- 09) : Yesterday Drove from Kannur to Bangalore via Kuthuparamba - Nedumpoyil - Manthavady - Kutta -Nagarhole- hunsur

Road between Kuthuparamba - Nedumpoyil has lot of broken stretches.Kartikulam - Tholpeety is in Bad condition , Tholpetty to Kutta is the worst.Anyone any idea when Makutta Repair will be completed.

  • Update (18 - Sept- 09) : Two weeks back I drove down all alone from Mayyil to Bangalore in my Scorpio. The route I took was Mayyil-PavannoorMotta-Irikkoor-Iritti-Kottiyoor-boystown-Manathwaadi-Batheri-Gundulpet-Mysore-Bangalore.. I started at 7.30AM and reached Bangalore city by 3-3.30PM (aprox 8hrs by taking 30-45mins break overall)and clocked around 400KMs.. The road was good thru out.
  • Update (14- Sept - 09): I normally travel from Bangalore to Kuttiady (a small town in calicut district near to Kannur district border) through NH 212 i.e Mysore - Gudulpet- sultan batheri - kalpetta ( I take a diversion through Tharuvana and get down the ghat through Kuttiady pass): This stretch is exactly 360 kms from Bangalore - Kuttiady. And takes almost 8 hours with couple of breaks. The road is not good (with so many pot holes and lot of traffic too)from Mysore to Nanjangud - I guess around 17-20 kms,and then a couple of stretchs from Kalpetta to Kuttiady especially because of monsoon. Currently there are restrictions in NH212 where it passes through Bandipur forest, travelling is not allowed after 9 PM till 6 AM. Yet to check the Bangalore - Hunsur - Nagerhole - Manathavadi - Kuttiady route, looks like much shorter(around 300km)-not sure of the road conditions.
  • Update (26-Jan 2009): I travelled from Bangalore to Koothuparamba via Mysore - Gundlupet - SultanBattery - Panamaram - Mananthavady - Periya - Nedumpoyil - Koothuparamba.
Roads are in good shape. I found this route in a better shape compared to my previous drive on Oct-2008. It took around 8.5hours overall with approximatly 45 mts break in-between.
  • Update(Aug 2008): The road to Kannur from Manathavadi via Nedupoyil is very bad. Do not take this road.I am not sure about Manathavadi-Irrity-Kannur. We were told that if you want good road then take NH17 i.e. Kannur to Calicut(Kozhikode) . This is 90 km stretch via thalassery but you have to add 10km more as there is diversion from Vatakara due to some repair going on NH 17. The diversion is a narrow road and may take 1 hr to complete. Then take Calicut (Kozhikode) to Bangalore(NH212,SH17).There is ghat section from Kozicode (Calicut) to Lakkidi. There are 9 hair pin bends not difficult but as the road is damaged on the bends may be difficult on rainy day. If you are looking for north indian food while coming back to bangalore there is one restaurant in frot of IIM Kozhikode. Total from Kannur to Bangalore via Calicut(kozhikode) is approximately 445 km.
Rest of the road to Gundelpet-Mysore-Banagalore is Good. Take care of speed breakers which comes without any sign board on the entire road from Gundelpet to Bangalore.
  • Update (Aug 2008): travelled on the HD Kote - Kattikulam road thinking the road would be completed in April 2008 ...The road is untouched and as bad as mentioned here.. It took 2 hours to traverse this distance .. Highly avoidable stretch! While coming back the route was Tholpetty - Hunsur-Srirangapatnam .. which is really peaceful.
  • Coming back from Kannur to Bangalore: Kannur-Kootuparamba - Mananthavadi - Kartikulam - Tholpetty - Kutta - Kanur - Ponnampet - Gonikuppa - Hunsur - Mysore - Bangalore. 376 km, departed at 10.30AM and arrived non-stop at Bangalore at 6PM - total of 7.5 hours. The road is much much better and starting from Kannur at 5.30AM, would have probably taken only about 6 hours and 15 minutes to Bangalore. This route is definitely recommended, until the route throught Kabini is repaired. Please read above NOTE while planning the journey.
CAVEAT: Times given are by a fast driver and car used was a Maruti Swift.
  • Update(June 2008): The roads are hectic and only State transport dare to go by this route. Don't know why have they opted this route. (Is it to cut cost?).
  • Update (April 2008): Route No 3 is in good condition except for 3 - 4 km near Kutta , but we could manage it even in a Maruti 800. Note that Nagarhole road is open from 6AM to 6PM only.
The option (2) is longer , total distance is 400 km (from Kengeri,bangalore), but the road is excellent(as of Aug -2006).
The option (1) has bad stretches around 15 km inside the Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi National) park. But is far better than the Gonikoppal route.
  • Update(February 2008): The stretch between Gonikkoppal and Makkutta is in extremely bad condition. I took around 2.5 hrs to cover the 17 km strech.
  • Update (January 2008): Traveled by bus from Virajpet to Kannur. There are no roads for the last 16 km inside Karnataka until the Kerala border. Other than a few stray trucks and a couple of Karnataka Transport buses, NOONE travels on this road. The Kerala Transport buses have long stopped plying on this road. Potholes as deep as 2 feet - just stone and rubble on most places - not even a semblence of a road. In short - unpassable for any car or SUV or buses. DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD.
Bangalore Alakode / Cherupuzha / Karuvanchal route. (preferably for folks who are driving down)
Roads are manageable as of last travel, though the distance goes up by 30-40 km compared to the main route which is thro Makuta (Kerala / Karnataka border post).
Gundlupet-Sultan Battery is through forests, usually accompanied by elephant sightings. Advise to travel this stretch before late night....however, nowadays the traffic is pretty high that there is hardly a silent moment.
  • Bangalore-Mysore-Gundlupet(take right on Ooty road towards Calicut)-Sultan Battery-Mananthavady-Boys Town-Irrity-Sreekandapuram-Naduvil-Karuvanchal-Alakode.
  • Update (December 2007). While going from Bangalore to Kannur: Bangalore - Mysore - HD Kote - Kabini - Bavali - Manathavadi, Kootuparamba - Kannur.
356 km, departed at 5.30AM and non-stop to Kannur at 1 PM - total of 7.5 hours. The 30 km stretch inside Kabini forest is VERY VERY bad and took a full 2 hours. This route is not recommended at all.
NOTE: They are laying a new road inside Kabini which should be done by April 2008. After that, this journey should be shorter by 1.5 hours. Anyone coming after April 2008 should check and if the new road is done, then definitely come on this route, otherwise you are requested to please divert from Kattikkulam towards Tholpatty-Kutta-Nagarhole-Hunsur rout.This will give you a pleasant journey.

[edit] Get around

  • Bus - local bus service system is cheap.
  • Autorickshaw - This is cheap way of transportation between tourist attractions.Autodrivers here are the most trust worthy compared to any where else in India. They have a good reputation for being truthful and reliable in their dealings.
  • Taxi - Local taxis are also available at cheap rates.
  • Car - There are many Car rental companies offering cars with drivers or self drive.

Many places of attractions are near by to each other so you could walk between them.

[edit][add listing] See

Kannur is mentioned as "a great emporia of spice trade" by explorer Marco Polo.

  • St. Angelo's Fort - Don Francisco De Almeida of Portuguese constructed this fort in 1505 AD. The Dutch captured the fort from Portuguese in 1663 they sold the fort to the king Ali Raja of Arakkal kingdom.In 1790 the British seized the control over this fort and became one of the important military centres of the British in Malabar. Inside St.Angelo's fort,many people believe that there is a secret tunnel in this fort. This tunnel was built underneath the sea to the Thalassery Fort which is 21 km from Kannur fort. This under passage is said to be used by soldiers to escape.Grilled off from the general public, the percieved entrance is located 10 metres form the shore within the walls and is understood to be able to provide a potential escape route to horse-mounted soldiers with channels at regular points to provide air circulation.The Moppila Bay Harbor and Arakkal Mosque are near the fort.A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind the fort can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in AmsterdamThe fort is now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India
  • Payyambalam Beach -is a beach in Kannur district of Kerala in India widely admired for its beauty.This beach is only 2 km from Kannur town.From the beach, one can see ships in transit along the Malabar coast, that is, beyond Calicut (Kozhikode) and moving towards Mangalore, Goa and Bombay (Mumbai). One can see a sculpture (Mother and Child) by Kanayi Kunhiraman near this beach.
  • Arackal Kottaram - Palace of Arackal Ali Rajas a Muslim royal family
  • Moppila Bay - Situated near the St. Angelo’s Fort, the Mopila bay has a historical background. Centuries ago, it was the seat of Kolathiri Kings. The Kadalayi Fort and Sree Krishna Temple were quite famous. The remnants of the fort and the temple are still seen in Mopila Bay. A fishing harbour, built with Indo Norwegian project assistance, can be seen at this bay. Boating in the sea, if the weather permits, will be an unforgettable experience
  • Baby Beach: It is called so as it is smaller than its bigger neighbourhood, Payyambalam Beach.The famous St. Angelo Fort is adjacent to it.
  • Meenkunnu Beach: Situated at Azhikode, it is hardly a few kilometres from the town. The virgin beach is a tourist’s paradise with golden sand and surf.
  • Thottada Beach 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.
  • Azhikkal Ferry Situated near Azhikode around 10 km from Kannur town. There is the Valapattanam river joining the Arabian sea. Azhikkal ferry gives a magnificient view of the sunset. There is a granite pathway around 2 km into the sea at this place; once you reach the edge of the pathway you are surrounded by sea from all sides.
  • Muzhappilangad Beach: A long clean beach, its enchanting ambiance invites you to swim sunbathe or just lounge around. Its Kerala’s only drive-in beach and one could drive the entire length of 4 km. Muzhappilangad beach is situated about 5 km north of Thalassery and 15 km from Kannur. There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves, leading to the beach. The beach is about 5 kilometers long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur beach on the north. To the South and about 200 metres away from the beach there is a beautiful island called the "Green Island" which adds to the allure of the beach. Such a conjunction of beach and island is rare.
  • Sree Noonchikavu Siva Temple (PO)Attadappa Kannur-6
  • Dharmadam Island: (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam): The small 5 acre (20,000 m²) 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.
  • 'PARASSINI MUTHAPPA TEMPLE';Situated on the bank of Baliapattam River at Parassinikkadavu, 20 km away from Kannur.Avery famous old temple in North Malbar.No Religious bar in this temple. Here you will get the tea and lunch dinner and boarding in free of cost.
  • Peralassery sree subrahmanya Temple (Towards Koothuparamba)

14 kms from kannur

[edit] Tellicherry

  • Gundert Bungalow - residence of a German missionary and great scholar, author of malayalam dictionary
  • Neltur Hill Church - build by Rev. Dr. Herman Gundert.
  • Thalassery Fort - 18th century fort built by british and a light house
  • Odathil Palli - Odathil Palli (Odathil Mosque) is a 200 year old mosque in Thalassery, a city in the state of Kerala, South India. The mosque was built around 1806.In the heart of Thalassery stands the 200 year old Odathil Palli and the Garden Mosque. The site of the Odathil Palli used to be a sugarcane garden of the Dutch. It changed hands to the British-owned East India Company.Moosakaka, a Muslim keralite, was the contractor of the East India Company. Moosakaka hailed from the Keyi family of Thalassery. The Keyis were was one of the prominent traders of the time.Moosakaka was considered to be very honest and trustworthy. Hence the company wanted to gift him for his loyalty. As per his request he was given the sugar garden of the Dutch. Musakaka bought this land for a small price as he did not want it free.He constructed a beautiful mosque in Thalassery in the 'Karimbin-odam' Sugarcane plantation formerly belonged to the Dutch, occupied by the British. Odam means 'garden' in Dutch language. Since it was constructed in Odam the mosque came to be called Odathil Palli, meaning 'mosque in Odam'. The mosque had copper plate roofing and golden dome in the minor and share the scenic features as the ones noted in the Brahmin|Brahminical tradition. There was opposition in laying the dome - a privilege enjoyed by the temples so Zamorin gave speed permission to lay the domes and the minaret. It highlights the communal harmony that prevailed in those days and the policy of enlightened toleration followed by the Kerala rulers. All the Muslims can offer prayers but in the graveyard|Kabaristan (graveyard adjacent to the mosque)where only the dead bodies of the Keyis, their wives and children are buried.
  • Holy Rosary Church - in Thalassery Fort, famous for stained glass works brought from London

[edit] Other destinations

  • Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary - The Aralam Wildlife sanctuary is spread over 55 square kilometres of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It was established in 1984. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty, a small town about 55km from Kannur. The sanctuary adjoins the Central state Farm at Aralam. Aralam wild life is situating in Muzhakkunnu panchayathu and Aralam panchayath. Muzhakkunnu is also a tourist spot.The elevation varies from 50 m to 1145 m. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.
  • Ezhimala - 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 Naval Academy there.
  • Kizhunna Ezhara Beach
  • Kottiyoor - famous for Siva Temple
  • Madayi - 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 the Prophet. Near by, lies a dilapidated fort believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the Ruler of Mysore.
  • Mahe - French coloney, now part of Pondicherry state
  • Malayalakalagramam - centre for arts and culture
  • Parassini Kadavu -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 laboratory 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
  • Pazhazzi Dam - favours for its scenic beauty, pleasure boating, accommodation at Inspection Bungalow.
  • Payyambalam Beach Resort
  • Pythal Mala - 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.
  • Thiruvangadi - Sree Ramaswami Temple, a prominent temple with carvings as old as 400 years.
  • Taliparambu - Taliparamba is a small town of only 67,000 people crowded into a small area of 43 square kilometers. But the undulating hills that surround this little town make it exceptionally beautiful. The surrounding villages of Pattuvam, Kuttikkol and Karimbam are filled with lush green fields and little rolling hills. The rivers of Kuppam and Valapattanam surround the towns from all sides and the Arabian sea is only 14km to the western side. The hanging bridge at Kuttiyeri and the beautiful riverside temple at Parassinikkadavu attaract a large number of toruists. The Kannur University, Pariyaram Medical College and Sir Syed College are a few famous institutions in and around Taliparamba. The origin of Taliparamba is from the Perinchalloor brahminical settlement. Of the original 2,000 Brahmin families, only 45 remain now. The old name of Taliparamba was 'Lakshmipura' as this place was considered as an abode of prosperity. The 'Raja Rajeswari Temple' and the 'Trichambaram temple' are renowned places of worship. Today Muslims and Christians also form a sizeable portion of the population.
  • Thodikalam Siva Temple - Believed to be 2,000 years old and famous for its mural paintings. This temple is believed to have been Constucted by the Pazhassi Raja Family of Kottayam.
  • Valapattanam (Ballapattam) - Valapattanam is a small town in Kannur district of Kerala in India. It is 7 km from Kannur town.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.
  • Karivellur -Famous for the Communist movement and martyrdom.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Airlines Restaurant- Fort road.
  • Royal Omars-Thavakkara.
  • Royal Treat-Near SN Park.
  • Cool Land-SN Park Road.
  • Cita Pani-Payyambalam Road.
  • MVK-SM road:
  • Bharath restaurant, railway station road [opposite to the petrol pump on that road; near central bank of india; abhilash tourist home;] [Best vegetarian hotel though small and cheap; Taste the real Kerala Parotta from here]
  • Indian coffee house near KSRTC Bus Stand
  • Komalavilasam Kannur Town
  • Sagar Kannur
  • Taj Restaurant SM Road Kannur
  • Mascot, Kannur
  • Paris, Thalassery.  edit
  • Paris Presidency, Thalassry.  edit
  • Marina bakery Poothappara , Azhikode , kannur

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • The Grand Savoy
  • Kamala International
  • Baker Boy's, The Classic Bake House, Kumar Tower, Bellard Road,Kannur.PH:0497-2707821.
  • Chifonets, Chineese Restaurant, Kumar Tower, Bellard Road, Kannur. PH:0497-2709411.
  • No Drinks, Thalassery.  edit
  • Malayala Sadhya, S.N Park Road (drive towards chalad from S.N Park Road. Before Savitah/Saritha Cinemas). Visit Malayala Sadhy for a wide variety of local and international cuisine. Veg and Non veg served. Old tharavadu style house converted to a restaurant. AC and Non AC dining areas available.  edit
  • Velocity Pub, Puthiyatheru.  edit
  • mareena bakery;, poothappara (kannur-azhikkal road), ☎ 9744880707. bakery items, kinnathappam,kalthappam, unniappam,samoosa,parippuvada, uzunnuvada,cutlet,roll,pakovada,etc  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Kairali Heritage, Kattampally, Kannur-670 603, Kerala, India, ☎ +91 4602 241665 / 243460/61/62/63, [2]. Kairali Heritage Resort is set along the banks of the Kattampally River in Kannur, India. It is 8 km from the city centre. The nearest airport, which is in Calicut, is 115 km away. Bask in solitude as you settle down in any of the rooms at Kairali Heritage Resort. Each accommodation has a private toilet and bath with shower, dining area, and balcony/ deck. Rates start at INR 3500.  edit
  • karimbam kallu shapu.  edit
  • Pearl view Pub, telicherry.  edit
  • Sannidhan.  edit
  • The Sky Palace.  edit
  • Velocity Pub, Puthiyatheru.  edit

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