Area: 2997 Sq. Km. Population:
2,244,819 Altitude: Sea level
With the Western Ghats in the east
(the hilly Coorg district of Karnataka State) Kozhikode
and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadweep sea
in the west and Kassarkod in the north, Kannur district
is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district
itself, which shares much of this natural splendor,
has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious,
political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition,
Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle
of many a colorful folk art and folk music. Kannur is
mentioned in Marco Polo's travels as "a great emporia
of spice trade."
Parassini Kadavu Temple & Snake
Park: Sri. Muthappan Temple stands on the banks of the
Valapattanam River. This pilgrim centre is famous for
the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening.
The DTPC provides pleasure boating on the river near
the temple. Accommodation is available nearby. The Snake
Park is the only one of its kind in the state and perhaps,
in the whole of India. There are three snakes pits,
fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses
for King Cobras in the park. Snake demonstrations conducted
every hour draw large number of visitors.
St. Angelo's Fort : This massive triangular structure, with a ditch and
strong flanking bastions was built by the first Portuguese
Viceroy in 1505. It later become the major military
base of the British in Malabar. the fort is today the
main landmark of Kannur.
Madayi: This village
near Kannur is famous for its 12th Century mosque and
beach. Built by Malik Iban Dinar, the white marble used
in the mosque is said to have been brought from Arabia.
Pythal Mala: This
enchanting hill station situated 4,500 ft. above sea
level near the Kerala - Karnataka border, is rich in
flora and fauna. It is a six Km trek to the top of the
hills.
Dharmadam Island: The small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms and
green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission
is required to enter this privately owned island.
Kizhunna Ezhara Beach : This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most
secluded beaches in Kerala.
Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangadi:
The temple dedicated to Sree Rama is one of the most
prominent temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings
in the temple are said to have been done nearly 400
years ago.
Pazhazzi Dam: An ideal
retreat for tourists, the dam site is favours for its
scenic beauty. The DTPC provides pleasure boating facilities
at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the
Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.
Kottiyoor: There is
a famous Siva Temple here, on the banks of the Bavail
river. Lakhs of devotees attend the annual 27 day long
festival during May - June.
Gundert Bungalow, Near Thalasseri :
Dr. Herman Gundert, the revered German priest and research
scholar lived in the bungalow for 20 years from 1839.
It was here that one of the first Malayalam Dictionaries
and the first Malayalam News Paper - Paschimodayam -
took shape.
Valapattanam (Ballapattam): The small
town on the Valapattanam river is well known for its
wood-based industries and timber trade. the port of
Azhikkal and Azhikkal beach are located nearby. Western
India Plywood Limited, the largest wood-based industry
in the country and also one of the biggest of its kind
in South East Asia, is a major industrial concern here.
Ezhimala : The beautiful
beach here has a hillock nearby (286 M high). A Naval
Academy is being developed here.
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