The airports of [wiki=90edde4ecc403ea91eaa3443872111dc]Mangalore[/wiki] in [wiki=185a5eb309e9ba14f65e6486f08b3032]Karnataka[/wiki] state & the International Airport of [wiki=a2eafd9ad1ac51a9b5bb0ecb5dac547a]Kozhikode[/wiki] (Calicut) are almost equidistant from Kannur City.
Alternatively, you can go to Kochi International Airport [url=http://www.cochin-airport.com/]]or [[Thiruvananthapuram[/url]] airport with direct flights from the [wiki=158b06e50632e27d494593ba389ef918]Middle East[/wiki], [wiki=458e4cbc78201c1aec5fc53a31c59378]Singapore[/wiki], [wiki=62235142f3fca96e1f2cd0ed4a7de48d]Maldives[/wiki] and [wiki=ef547e2d9750443f6d203233dfa38e39]Sri Lanka[/wiki] then catch a train or bus to Kannur. You can also go to [wiki=361961d900d8171b305cb8f79b1aabc2]Chennai[/wiki] (Madras), [wiki=1bc99cb2f4153c2d0d8025ee5575b2a0]Bangalore[/wiki], [wiki=8ebaad59980c95ade797c903761fa815]Mumbai[/wiki] (Bombay), [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki], or other Indian cities and then by train.
Kannur International Airport is expected to be operational by end of 2015.The department is hoping to conclude test flights by December 2015 and commercial flight operations commencing by May 2016. Kannur International Airport is located at Mattanur 46 Km from main town.
Kannur is well serviced by rail from all major cities in India like [wiki=a2eafd9ad1ac51a9b5bb0ecb5dac547a]Kozhikode[/wiki], [wiki=90edde4ecc403ea91eaa3443872111dc]Mangalore[/wiki], [wiki=f2a4c9bc3a751d6476e9eed10de1df38]Kochi[/wiki], [wiki=3cdbf6a40d207be766d497aaf4a53b14]Thiruvananthapuram[/wiki], [wiki=9db26dbb37250fb9305307dfd7d8c6f3]Bengaluru[/wiki], [wiki=8ebaad59980c95ade797c903761fa815]Mumbai[/wiki], [wiki=361961d900d8171b305cb8f79b1aabc2]Chennai[/wiki], [wiki=0516e11882b5424bd2ec45545bf06d4f]Coimbatore[/wiki].
You can also reach Kannur by bus from big cities like Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai, [wiki=0516e11882b5424bd2ec45545bf06d4f]Coimbatore[/wiki].
Kannur is well connected to other cities [wiki=f2a4c9bc3a751d6476e9eed10de1df38]Kochi[/wiki], [wiki=a2eafd9ad1ac51a9b5bb0ecb5dac547a]Kozhikode[/wiki], [wiki=80cd700a04187f50f85833ca2de065d2]Madras[/wiki], [wiki=1bc99cb2f4153c2d0d8025ee5575b2a0]Bangalore[/wiki], [wiki=90edde4ecc403ea91eaa3443872111dc]Mangalore[/wiki], [wiki=0516e11882b5424bd2ec45545bf06d4f]Coimbatore[/wiki], and [wiki=a7834b486c58ab5a9d571af716db8634]Madurai[/wiki] by roads. NH 17 connecting Kochi and Mumbai passes through Kannur.
Also Bus service available to Virajpeta (Coorg district of Karnataka).
Kannur is mentioned as a great emporia of spice trade by explorer Marco Polo.
Theyyam: Theyyam, the powerful ritual dance of Kerala is the main attraction of Kannur District. You can see theyyam performance in more than 1000 temples / Kavus from November to April every year.
* St. Angelo's Fort was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India and is on the Arabian sea about 3 km from Kannur town. It was attacked in vain by the local Indian ruler in the Siege of Cannanore (1507).
On August 1509 Almeida, refusing to recognize Afonso de Albuquerque's as the new Portuguese governor, arrested him in this fortress after having fought the naval Battle of Diu. Afonso de Albuquerque was released after three months' confinement, and become governor on the arrival of the grand-marshal of Portugal with a large fleet, in October 1509.
The fort changed hands 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 original Portuguese fort was pulled down later. The Dutch sold the fort to king Ali Raja of Arakkal in 1772. In 1790 the British seized it and used it as their chief military station in Malabar till 1947. The fort is in the Cannanore Cantonment area. It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. St Angelo's fort is a most important historical monument and a popular tourist attraction. Six Tourism Policeman are posted here for protection duty.
* Palace of Arackal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala, the 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 Islamic art and architecture. Traditionally, Arakkal Rajas were famous traders, who established several trading centers and factories in Maldives, Lakshadweep, Mauritius, Muscat and Cairo. As art lovers, Arakkal Rajas imported several artifacts from its trading countries and decorated his 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.
* Centuries ago, this 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.
* 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.
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* 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.
* A very famous old temple in North Malabar. No Religious bar in this temple. Here you will get tea, lunch, dinner and boarding, all free of cost.
*
Residence of Rev. Dr. Herman Gundert, a German missionary and great scholar, author of first Malayalam dictionary.
* Built by Rev. Dr. Herman Gundert.
* 18th century fort built by british, and a light house.
* A 200 year old mosque in Thalassery. 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.
* Famous for stained glass works brought from [wiki=59ead8d1e124ccfb79f3ace06f43e703]London[/wiki].
Spread over 55 square kilometres of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It was established in 1984. 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.
* 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. 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, the premier naval officer training institute, the 'Naval Academy' is also situated here.
* Two marvelous beach segments marked by rocks protruding in to the sea. A lot of coconut palms and birds and few fishing boats and folks.
* At Kottiyur, there are two temples- Akkare Kottiyur and Ikkare Kottiyur, located on the opposite banks of Bavali river. The festivities at Kottiyur begin with a sword from the Muthirikavu Temple in Tavinal village being taken to the Ikkare Kottiyur temple. It is believed that this sword was the one with which the mythical character Dakshan was hacked to death by Lord Shiva and is today an object of daily worship at the Muthirikavu Temple. The temple is believed to be located on the spot of the ancient Dakshayaga.
* 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 [wiki=6be2de5c39b31d2fda977de87a967975]Mecca[/wiki] 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 [wiki=405bb63965c183867d9e4bb78aeb5a3b]Mysore[/wiki].The Hindu worship places of Madayikkavu and Vadukunda Shiva temple are other attractions
* Former French colony, now part of [wiki=84e888c7cc42b27a2d2c7f7de45fcb0a]Pondicherry[/wiki] Union territory.
* Centre for arts and culture.
*
*Snake Park :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.
* Sri Muthappan Temple :Parassinikkadavu is also noted for the famous Muthappan temple situated at the banks of Valapattanm river.This is the only temple in Kerala where a Theyyam performance is a daily ritual offering.
*Vismaya Water Theme Park :A water theme park situated near to the temple.Visitors can explore this too.
* Favours for its scenic beauty, pleasure boating, accommodation at Inspection Bungalow. This Dam is situated at Veliyambra, near Mattannur around 30KM from 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.
Buses are avaiable from Thaliparamba to the nearest bus station Pottanplavu and kappimala
* A prominent temple with carvings as old as 400 years.
* 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.
* 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.
* A small town 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 [wiki=f9b5a275bc456b62ad13e4a537f62a3b]Malayalam[/wiki] 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 [wiki=154a67340e8c14dd5253dc4ff6120197]Asia[/wiki] till few years back.
* Home for the world famous 'Payyannur Pavithram' ring.One of the attraction is Payyannur Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple.The small town has a railway station in Kannur-Mangalore lane.
Kizhunna beaches are very well defined and untouched beaches in Kerala. Quite away from the crowd but still close to the town these beaches offer unmatched experience to its visitors. Better than local tourists these beaches better serve European travelers especially due to the presence of several home stays and beach houses near by...
* It is called so as it is smaller than its bigger neighbourhood, Payyambalam Beach. The famous St. Angelo Fort is adjacent to it.
* The virgin beach is a tourist's paradise with golden sand and surf.
* 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. 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.
* Widely admired for its beauty. From the beach, one can see ships in transit along the [wiki=7d56909ee586a5b792e2f38da875c1ba]Malabar[/wiki] coast, that is, beyond [wiki=eb867e0e3177d5558a97df3eea86d91c]Calicut[/wiki] ([wiki=a2eafd9ad1ac51a9b5bb0ecb5dac547a]Kozhikode[/wiki]) and moving towards [wiki=90edde4ecc403ea91eaa3443872111dc]Mangalore[/wiki], [wiki=904848bc2d46b8dcd2e90e5a025f726e]Goa[/wiki] and [wiki=8ebaad59980c95ade797c903761fa815]Mumbai[/wiki] (Bombay). One can see a sculpture (Mother and Child) by Kanayi Kunhiraman near this beach.
* The virgin beach is ideal for sun bathing. Tourists could stay at the beach house or guest house near the beach.
Kannur uses the British (UK) three-pin and two-pin circular socket that follows British standard 546 (230V/50Hz). Plug adaptors are available at any hardware store. Use care if you need a transformer to convert 230v to a lower voltage for equipment from countries where the normal power supply is 110v.