Kannur is known as the land of Looms and Lores and it is famous for its pristine beaches

Kannur, also known as Cannanore, rivals its neighbor Kozhikode in its ancient history subdued by the bustle of later centuries

At the very heart of Kannur is the Muthappan Temple and the Railway Station. Just south of these is the DTPC office, opposite the Mariamman Koil and the KSRTC Bus Stand on NH66. To the west is the Thavakkara area, and turning south, HQ Road leads to Burnassery Cantonment, beyond which is St. Angelo’s Fort and Mappila Bay.

Things to See in Kannur

Jawaharlal Nehru once said that Kannur is the garden of India. Set against the background of the moody Lakshadweep Sea, it does offer an exciting array of sights and experiences. From exploratory walks around town to picnic lunches at local sights to visits to numerous temples, Kannur has plenty to offer to its visitors.

Fort St. Angelo, Kannur

Dramatically silhouetted against the sea, Fort St. Angelo’s massive laterite blocks give it a faintly menacing air. Built by the Portuguese and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a thousand people once lived within the ramparts of the fort. Commanding views of the sea and of Moplah Bay, checkered with boats and small crafts, offer visitors a good photo opportunity. Within the compound are numerous cashew trees, said to have been planted by the Portuguese. The latter introduced the plant to India, and in Malayalam, cashews are called parangi mavu or ‘foreign mango’.

Arakkal Kettu, Kannur

The Arakkal Kettu, the former residence of the Arakkal Ali Rajas, has been transformed into a museum. Located 3 km from Kannur, the monument has been conserved and protected by the ASI, and some artefacts have been removed for safe custody. There are two mosques near the Arakkal Kettu, one right next to it and one around the corner. The descendants of the rajas live nearby.

Theyyams of the Kannur Kavus

North Malabar’s unique, ancient, ritualistic folk art is known as Theyyam. The word itself is a corruption of the Malayalam word daivam meaning god, while the art form is a dramatic blend of dance, music, Kalaripayattu and worship, usually dedicated to specific deities. It is in many ways a reflection of religious harmony. For example, some of the deities to which the art has been dedicated are Mappila Muslim heroes. There are nearly 450 types of Theyyam that are performed in the many kavus, or sacred groves, that dot Kannur District.

These are the two short articles written on regional festivals:

ONATHAR THEYYAM

"Onathar aadi varunne.." Keralites might have heard this phrase from a
popular Malayalam song from late 80s, from the film 'Varavelpu'. Written by
Kaithapram and composed by Johnson, the song and the movie itself are part
of the Malayali nostalgia, especially of villages. And listening the song,
many don't know what is this 'Onathar'. The lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran
Nampoothiri might have found this from his native village memories, from
Kaithapram, near Payyannur in Kannur district.

'Onathar' is a Theyyam, a ritual art form, that is performed during Onam
season. First of all, Theyyam is divine folk art, having its historical
roots from the Tamil Dravida era, and widely observed in Kannur district. It is
interesting that in Kannur we see Theyyam is emotional, personally and
spiritually more popular than Onam among natives. Why this happens, unlike
rest of Kerala? The simple answer is Onam is a celebration, but Theyyam is
God itself. The word 'Theyyam' comes from 'Theyvam', a Tamil word, meaning
God. It hints the strong roots of Kannur with its Dravidian age and tribal
history. When you watch a Theyyam, you are also experiencing a piece of
ancient era--that may range from Neolithic and Chalcolithic ages to 19th
century. Onam too has a Dravidian back story to tell. Then in Kannur, Onam
is marrying the land's Theyyam culture and thus here a new color of Onam
is born.

'Onathar' is donned by boys below 12 years old from Vannan community in
Kannur. That gives the Theyyam an innocent figure. He is adorned by a head
gear similar to that of Kathakali but stitched of rachis of peacock
feather. He wears red costumes, with the neck adorned with garland with its
locket being projected on the midriff. 'Pachcha' (green), cobalt blue and
'chayilyam' (red substance) is used for facial make-up. It carries a
copper bell jingling and small bow made up of bamboo known as 'onavillu' in
hand. Traveling along the rural paths during Onam days--from 'Atham' to
'Thiruvonam', Onathar sings of the greatness of Mahabali's reign, dances
and visits to every house. The residents gift him freshly harvested rice and
agricultural products. The sight is visually 'poetic' and soothing and
cooling to the mind, evoking an unrequited nostalgia; for many people, it
is highly devotional also.

The origin of the art is unknown but the Nileswaram Rajahs, who ruled the
the area in the pre-modern era, have promoted it vehemently. Then it was widely
observed in Kannur district. It is believed that Onathar itself is the
incarnation of Lord Mahabali, but in some folk tales, he is believed to be
the spirit of Vamana; hence Theyyam being a child. If the latter is
considered, Onathar would be part of late revival of the Vaishnavism
movement in Kerala which, unlike Shaivism, had not made much impact on the
state's Theyyam culture.

Presently, you can see Onathar at some villages in Nileswar, Kasaragod and
villages in Payyannur such as Panappuzha, in Kannur district. To meet
Onathar surely, a tourist can come this Onam season to Kadinhimoola village
in Nileswar--3.5 km from Nileswar Railway Station, where this art is yearly
performed by custom.

VAYALTHARA VELLATTAM

As we know, most of Theyyam festivals are conducted as part of agrarian and
tribal culture of the villages which is deeply incorporated into the faith
of that land. 'Vayalthara Vellattam' is the one which has more courtesy to
its paddy field. This is where at Punnakkulangara, a small agricultural
village near National Highway, Bakkalam, Taliparamba-- 13 km from Kannur
town. The entire region is a land of myths; from Neeliyar Kottathamma to
Vayalthara Bhagavathi. Only a small shrine is placed as the idol of worship
at the corner of the paddy field, and rest of the faith remain in the minds
of the people. The theyyam, regionally known as 'vellaattam', is conducted
every year summer, in March or April months, at the harvested field. The
time is from noon to afternoon; this is usually lasting to early night.
With theyyam performing, the instruments 'chenda' and 'tudi' are
continuously played. The belief behind the annual performance of
'vellaattam' is that seeking the benison from 'Devi' for the prosperity and
well being of the farming land and farming community throughout the year.
According to some beliefs, at the end of the performance, the land is
blessed with an unusual rain, despite being summer.

Early years, it was a very small ritual without much involvement from
people. However, now, it is interesting that with the time being
modernized, rituals like this are not fading, but gaining popularity,
preserving its cultural significance.

Shri Muthappan Temple Parassinikadavu

The Parassinikadavu Temple, dedicated to the toddy and fried fish-loving deity, Shri Muthappan, sits picturesquely on the banks of the Valapattanam river. Muthappan is an incarnation of Maha Vishnu, and also believed to be the son of Shiva and Parvathi.

Regarding the toddy and fried fish, the legend is that a childless couple found and adopted an abandoned baby boy. As he grew up, he took to hunting and eating flesh, although these were taboo to his parents. The father was so disappointed that he wanted to kill himself. But the boy appeared to him in the form of God Vishnu as the hunter, taking the name of Muthappan. In another legend, the boy was refused toddy by a toddy-tapper and turned the latter into stone. He then proceeded to Paracchinga Katavu, the ‘ghat of thorny plants’, on the Valapattanam River, where a low-caste family recognized his divinity and appeased him with toddy and fish.

The ritual continues to this day, in the form of a Theyyam performance at the temple, where a member of the family continues to play this role.

The morning performances entail acts by two performers. Visitors wanting to catch this show will not only have to wake up early but don saris or Mundus

Location 18km north of Kannur.

Kannur’s Beaches

The biggest and most popular of Kannur’s beaches is Payyambalam. At the entrance to the beach is a beautiful garden with a massive sculpture of mother and child, by the renowned artist Kannayi Kunhiraman. While the beach is a bit crowded, especially in the evenings, a brisk 10-minute walk along the shoreline leads to a more secluded area where one can watch the sun go down peacefully, seemingly tracing a molten path upon the sea.

Payyambalam Beach, Kannur

The Payyambalam Beach is an impeccably maintained destination in Kannur. This secluded location is known for providing one with the opportunity to simply relax or enjoy a family picnic in absolute tranquillity. Surfing and swimming options are also available for those who seek a little adventure. The gentle waters form a picturesque setting that has been featured in many South Indian movies as well. Being close to Kannur town has made it a favorite haunt for tourists and locals alike.

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Thalassery

It is largest drive-in beach in Asia. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach is a beach in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It is located parallel to National Highway 66(formerly National Highway 17) between Thalassery and Kannur.Muzhappilangad Beach is famous for being Kerala's only drive-in beach. At about 7km from Thalassery in Kannur, you have a 4 km stretch of sand that awaits you to simply drive along as you soak in the view of the beautiful Malabar Coast. Along the way, one gets to munch on delicacies from a number of shacks that offer authentic Malabar cuisine. It is often considered a swimmers paradise

Baby Beach

Much smaller than Payyambalam, and much quieter, can only be accessed through the Burnassery Cantonment. This beach is ideal for spending long, blissfully relaxing hours.

Meenkunnu Beach

The beach is situated in Azhikode, about 11km from Kannur can be approached via a bumpy road, along Azhikode Road past Payyambalam through a patch of coconut groves. But it offers a stunning vista of blue breakers dashing against rocky outcrops. Steps lead down to golden sand take visitors to a beach that is breezy and isolated, with only the sea for miles around.

Kannur’s Temples

Kannur district is scattered all over with small, ancient shrines, set among groves of coconut and banana. Most of these temples are elegant houses of god, reflecting a sort of ancient piety. They are simple structures of wood and brick, no bigger than a large house. Their attraction lies in their hallowed quietude, impressive oil lamps hanging within, lit for the evening poojas lighting up a dark interior.

To enter most temples, men must be bare-chested and wear a mundu and women must wear a sari.

Shri Subramania Temple, Peralassery

The Shri Subramania Temple at Peralassery is believed to be the place where Rama and Lakshmana halted on their way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita. Inside the temple are bronze and copper idols of snakes. This temple also has a beautiful stepped tank, newly renovated.

Taliparamba Temples

The best known temple in the little hamlet of Taliparamba is the Trichambaram Temple. This Krishna temple is said to predate the 10th century. The carvings and murals within go back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Also in Taliparamba is the Sri Rajarajeswara Temple, dating back to the 10th century. An unusual custom followed here is that women are allowed to worship inside only after 8.00pm; it is said that Lord Shiva is present with Parvathi then and therefore grants all their wishes. The main festival here is the Maha Shivarathri in Kumbham (February–March).

Subramania Swamy Temple, Payyanur

Payyanur, about 21km north of Taliparamba along the NH17 (46km from Kannur) is home to the Subramania Temple. The famous pavithra modiram rings are available here; made with gold and the holy darbha grass, these are worn by brahmanas while performing rituals. However, they are made on order and can only be worn after being sanctified at the temple.

Foods

The Kannur cuisine has been shaped by centuries of seasonings and food traditions from across of the world, including Arabian, Persian and European...

Thalassery Chicken Biryani

Thalassery biryani is simply the king of all biryanis in Kerala. It is a must-have for all those who visit in Kannur. If you are hoping for a regular white rice biryani with a layer of masala lying underneath while ordering this one, you will be disappointed. Rice, chicken, and spices are cooked together in a pot to make Thalassery biryani, which is ultimately a heavenly mishmash of white rice and golden brown masala.

Unnakkaya

The one sweetmeat that found fans across the state, Unnakkaya is a snack that you can find in every street of the Kannur area. The dish is so famous that it has almost become synonymous with Malabar. Unnakkaya is something that you can't miss when you are in Kannur.

Kallumakkaya Nirachathu

Also known as Kadukka, kallumakkaya or mussels is the one seafood that can play as the brand icon for Northern Kerala cuisine. This one dish, unique to the region, can be found on almost every nook and corner of Kannur. It takes some effort to make the perfect mussels as it is hard to clean and process them. But it’s worth the effort. Nothing can beat this chewy and fleshy seafood when blended with the right spices.

Thalassery mussels biryani

Thalassery biryani itself is one of a kind. So, when it is made with marinated mussels, it’s just heavenly. Dig into this sumptuous layers of rice, condiments, and masala from restaurants in and around Kannur and devour the rich and diverse flavors.

Malabar beef roast

Malabar beef roast is a spicier and tangier version of the popular Kerala beef roast recipe. The beef pieces are then roasted in it. Served with rice, appam, porotta and puttu, this yummy beef recipe is the best thing you can have for dinner and lunch.

Neypathiri

Neypathiri or neypathal is a type of deep-fried rice roti, commonly made in traditional Muslim households of Kannur during the time of Ramadan. Although it is eaten with a non-veg curry for dinner, you can have it plain as a snack too. These golden discs can be found in the wooden shelves of small tea shops around the town.

Chatti pathiri

Chatti pathiri is a sweet and crunchy layered pastry snack exclusive in Kannur. These crepes are layered with 'muttamala', another sweet which is made of eggs and sugar.

Mutton korma

This coconut flavored curry has been a breakfast favorite for the Thalassery region. Paired with appams, rotis or parathas, this delicious curry is the best thing you can have to kick start your day during the festival.

Although, Kannur is a wonderful place to visit to see and feel the beauty and taste the different flavors with spices. Once that I can promise everyone that you will never forget about this taste and the memories from which are seen and felt from here.