Places to See

Arakkal Museum



The Arrakkal Museum is a museum dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, south India. The museum is actually a section of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace). The durbar hall section of the palace has been converted into a museum by the Government of Kerala. It was opened in July 2005 after a Rs. 9,000,000 renovation.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary



A mere 55 sq.kms in area and located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats, the Aralam sanctuary is the northern most wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. It was established in 1984. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty, a small town about 55 kms from Kannur. The sanctuary adjoins the Central State Farm at Aralam. It lies between north latitude 11°50' and 11° 52' and east longitude 75° 49' and 75° 57'.


Payyamballam Beach

Payyambalam beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. Here rest the brave nationalist and political leaders like Swadeshabhimani K. Ramakrishna pilla, A.K.G. and Chadayan Govindan. This is two kms away from Kannur town and near the St. Angelos Fort. This beach, having laterite rock jutting out into the sea on one end, is a neat and long one which is a relief to the tourists who seek rest away from the modern city life.


Fort St. Angelo

Facing the sea, this is one of the most attractive centers in Kannur district in Kerala. It is also known as Kannur Fort. This fort is 3 kms away from Kannur town in the western direction. The fort stands close by the Arabian Sea. This fort proclaims the strength and beauty of Portuguese architecture. The two sides of the fort facing the sea was built in a triangular shape. It was Don Francisco De Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy, who laid the foundation stone of this fort with the permission of Kolathiris in 23 October 1505.

The Dutch captured the fort in 1663 and sold it to the Ali Raja of Kannur in 1772 and in 1790-it came into the possession of the British. This fort is now under the control of Archaeological Survey of India.


Muzhuppilangad Beach

It has a length of 4.5 kms. The special feature of this beach is that the vehicles can be driven without getting stuck into the sea sand. This is why the beach is considered to be the only drive in beach in the State. This beach which extends from Muzhuppilangad to Moithu Bridge is considered as swimmers’ paradise since there are no waves in this part due to the rocks here and there and the sea is not deep. This beach is 15 kms away from Kannur in the south direction and 8 kms away from Thalassery in the north direction. A tourist can reach this beach through five panchayat roads starting from the National Highway.

Dharmadam Isle

This small Island which is situated in the sea like a green spot just 100 m away from shore, becomes a blissful experience to tourists. This isle is full of coconut trees. There is only a well here as the symbol of human presence. One can reach this place by boat from southern part of Moithu bridge in the national highway. During ebb time one can reach here by foot. From this isle one can see the rocks around and the beauty of Muzhuppilangad beach and the distant beauty of Thalassery town. When Dharmadam isle was an important trading center, this isle was in the possession of Chirakkal king. Later it passed into the hands of the English.

Thalassery Fort

The fort is situated in the Thiruvallippad hill of Thalassery town, 20 kms away from Kannur in the south direction. It was constructed by the British East India Company in the year 1708. this fort has to tell many stories of the victory and defeat of Kalathiri, Tippu Sultan and Pazhassi Raja.

This fort is built of red bricks in an area of two acres. The British used this frt as a jail and currency manufactory. It was here that the leader of the Hyder Ali’s army was imprisoned and the death bed of Swathi Thirunal’s successor was arranged. Thalassery silver coins were also minted here. St. John’s Church is nearby this fort. Here rests Edward Brennen who contributed significantly to the cultural and educational fields of Thalassery. As such this place has assumed the prominence of a pilgrim center.

Parassinikkadavu Temple

This dam site is 11 kms away from the birth place of Pazhassi Raja and 37 kms away from Kannur. The dam site is across the Kuyilurpuzha. It is a very beautiful spot. Boating facilities are arranged to attract tourists.

PaithalMala

It is 44 kms away from Thaliparampu and 4500 feet above the sea leve. These huge mountains lay spread over 500 acres of land. This is a dense forest area. One can go by bus upto Pottanplavu. From there jeep can be driven for six kms. After that, 2 km walk by foot. North of Paithalmala is Kudaku forest.

The Residence of the Gundert

The Gundert Bungalow is situate at Illikkunnu, 2 kms away from Thalassery near the National Highway. It was here that Gundert, the German missionary and the plyglot resided for 20 years from 1839. he made invaluable contributions to the Malayalam language.

Vismaya Amusement Park

Vismaya Infotainment Park is a modern themed amusement park built in 27 acres of scenic spot near Parassinikkadavu, Kannur. The park promoted by the Malabar Tourism Development Co-operative Ltd (MTDC) is designed to provide healthy and wholesome entertainment.