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Cannanore is anglicized form
of Kanathur, bordered by the western ghats in the east. Calicut & Wayanad
District in the south, Kasargode in the north and the foamy blue Arabian sea
in the west. Kannur is a place of historical importance; earlier a premier
port. Folklore, Kalarippayattu, Theyyam and handlooms add colour to its broad
canvas. Nature has blessed and showered it with enough of bounty. History
echoes in every nook corner.
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District
of Wayanad is a jewel in the crown of Western ghats, an eco-biological wonderland,
gidfted by Nature to humanity. A charming idyllic hill station blessed by celestine
powers in all its fullness. Altitudes varying from 700 meters to 2100 meters
above mean sea level.
Details of some of the very important places of heritage and tourism value in
and around the district are given.
ARAKKAL KETTU : The
palace of Arakkal Rajavamsham, the first muslim kingdom in Kerala. The queens
are called 'BEEVIS'.A huge bell of bronze weighing almost 80kg, from Arabia,
can be seen on the bell tower near the main gate. This palace is situated in
the old town of Cannanore, called Kannur city, which is 3 km from the main town.
ARALAM WILD LIFE SANCTUARY: Located on the
western side of the western ghats, approximately 55 square km in area and
the highest peak is Katti betta which is 1145 metres from sea level. This is
the northern most wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. Rich in flora and fauna. An
ecological wonder land called as 'Silent valley of the North'. Access either
from Tellicherry or Cannanore, get the permission from the Wild life Warden
for camping or site seeing.
EZHARA BEACH,KIZHUNNA: A shimmering stretch
of white sand. Ideal for sun bathing and a splash. Ezhara beach,kizhunna is
located near Kadalayi, 8 KM to South from Cannanore.
MALAYALA KALAGRAMAM: Place where Art, Culture,
Folklore under one roof, discourses, classes conducted on Sculpture, Art, Traditional
crafts etc. by renowned teachers.
Malayala kalagramam is located at New Mahe in Kerala, before Mahe bridge when
travelling from Kannur.
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MUZHAPPILANGAD BEACH: A
4 km long stretch of sand to have a long walk, swim and to enjoy the sun.
This is supposed to be the only drive-in beach in Kerala, where you can drive
down the entire 4Kms. The beach is 15 KM from Cannanore and 8 Km from Tellicherrv.
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PAITHALMALA: 65Kms.
from Kannur via Taliparamba to Kudianmala. Tallest point is 4500ft. above sea-level.
The dark ominous Karnataka forest range provides a back-drop to the green grassy
summit. It is a 6kms. trek from base to the top. At Ezharakundu water-fall,
one km. from the base, you can feast your eyes on - natures' engineering marvel.
Don't forget to view the sunrise and sunset at the top.
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PARASSINIKADAVU TEMPLE:
The diety is Lord Muthappan, a form of Lord Shiva.
People of all religions come here to worship. Access by boat is possible from
Valapattanam (Baliapattam). Muthappan Theyyam is performed daily. Parassinikadavu
temple is situated 20kms. north of Cannanore.
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PAYYAMBALAM BEACH: A beautiful sea shore just
2km from Kannur town. The massive over hanging cliffs add to the thrill.
ST. ANGELOS FORT:
It was constructed by the Portuguese around 500 years back. A massive structure
of laterite stone. The Portuguese used this as a garrison and a place to control
trade. Later, the fort changed hands to the Dutch and finally to the East India
Company. It is triangular in shape with two points jutting into the sea. Even
-now, you can see massive cannons with the Portuguese seal. Well-maintained
living quarters and corrals are there. In fact, this fort is a testimony to
Portugese architecture. St. Angelos Fort is situated 3kms. from Kannur town
and near Mopla Bay.
TELLICHERRY FORT: Was
constructed in the 17th century, nostalgia of the British era. Sir Wellesley
made his tactical moves to counter Pazhassi Raja from here. A salient feature
of the fort is the underground silo, and a small well constructed tunnel leading
to a huge circular drawing room, an Engineering marvel. At the rear of the fort,
facing the sea is a piece of solitude - St. Johns Church. It is here that
Mr. Edward Brennan, a social and literary figure was laid to rest. His tombstone
still exists. Tellicherry fort is situated in Tellicherry town, one of the main
town in Cannanore district.
ANANTHAPURAM LAKE-TEMPLE: The only lake temple
in Kerala. Almost 1000 years old.Presiding diety - Lord Padmanabha. The water
caressing the temple and the eight murals depicting Lord Krishna, on the outer
walls is supposed to be 300 years old. The reflection of the glorious past is
not to be missed. Ananthapuram lake temple is 12kms.from Kasaragode town, the
border district of Kannur, near Kumbla. From Bekal 35 minutes drive.
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BEKAL FORT: Constructed
in the middle of the 16th century, where 300 years of history reside. It echoes
with stories of valour and sorrow. A magnificent imposing structure of 130ft
height, above sea level. History mentions that this was constructed by Ikkery
Naikkar. With years, it changed hands to Tippu Sultan and the British.Now,
under Archeological survey of India. It has been declared as a special tourism
area. Added attractions are the Anjenaya Temple and the mosque built by Tippu
Sultan. Bekal fort is 16Km. south of Kasargod town.
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PALLIKERE BEACH: A
beautiful shallow beach. An ideal place for swimming and recreation. The ramparts
of Bekal Fort stare back at you. The beach is at Pllikere, 3 minutes drive from
Bekal Fort.
CHANDRAGIRI FORT: This
fort is in the village of Kalanad, on the banks of Chandragiri river, spread
over 7 acres. This fort has been constructed between AD 1582 and 1629 by the
Kolathiris', later this fort was taken over by the Ekkeri rulers. The view from
the fort is breath-taking. When you are here make sure to enjoy a boat cruise,
which starts at Chandragiri bridge.
Chandragiri fort is situated in south east of Kasargod town and 12Kms. from
Bekal .
MADHUR TEMPLE (KSHETRAM) : Situated
in all splendor against the back drop of Madhuvan river. This temple is dedicated
to Vinayaka, rich in architecture and the copper plates on the roof provide
splendor. History says that it was constructed in the AD 6. A vedic school is
also here. Madhur is in Kasaragode district and the temple is situated 8Kms.
north of Kasaragode town.
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MALIK DINAR MOSQUE: Supposed
to have been founded by Malik Ibin, one of the disciples of prophet Mohammed.
It is one of the oldest mosque in existence, constructed in typical Kerala
style. The Juma Masjid is really attractive. Malik dinar mosque is situated
at Thalankara, near Kasaragod town.
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