Attractions

Thalaserry fort Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British.

When the British East India Company established its settlement on the Malabar Coast, they built the Thalaserry Fort, as a testimonial to their colonial imperialism. In 1700, the British built the Thalassery Fort on a small hill called Tiruvellapadkunnu and in 1708, it was strengthened by increasing its height and with bastions.

The fort is a square structure built of laterite and is distinguished by its massive ventilated walls and strong flanking bastions. The fort has secret tunnels to the sea and intricately carved huge doors. It was here that Haider's captain was imprisoned.

The fort has a cemetery and the collector's mansion nearby. Many British officials have been laid to rest in this cemetery that is named after Sir Edward Brennen.

The famous St.John's Anglican church is behind this fort.The fort was once the nucleus of Thalaserry's development.

Bekal Fort Bekal is the largest and most well preserved fort in Kerala. It is situated in Bekal in Kasargod district. The fort is spread over 40 acres. . The important features of this fort are the water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. This observation center had strategic significance in discovering even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining safety of the Fort.

The Fort appears to have been built up from the sea since almost three fourth of its exteriors is drenched and the waves continually stroke the citadel. The Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearby bear testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy inherent in the fort.

Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of any palace, mansion or such buildings are found within the fort. Arguably the fort was built exclusively for fulfilling defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at top were meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below for striking when the enemy was nearer and the holes underneath facilitated attacking when the enemy was very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence of technology in defense strategy.

This fort is more than 300 years old and is believed to have been built in the 1650's by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. There is also another belief that it was originally built by Kolathiri Rajas and later captured by Sivappa Naik. The fort was occupied by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1763 A.D and then the Huzur of Canara during Tipu Sultan's reign and later by the British.

Pythal Mala Pythal Mala is an enchanting hill station, situated 4,500 ft. above sea level near the Kerala - Karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna. It is a 6 km trek to the top of the hills.

Abundant in flora and fauna, this place is now being developed as a hill resort. One has to trek 6 kms to reach the top of the hills. There is a proposal to set up a zoo at the top of the hill.

The enchanting hill station offers a challenging trek to those inclined to stretch their legs. Trekkers are rewarded by a profusion of exotic flora and fauna and an exhilirating view from the top.

The 300 acre wide sprawling area is a safe home to numerous birds, hundreds of butterflies, rare plants and trees. Even during this sweltering summer at Paithal Mala one can relish a real cool climate. En route to the top of the hill one can see the remains of the run down palace of the tribal king called Vaithalkon.

The Arrakkal 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.

Muzhappilangad Beach Muzhappilangad Beach is the only drive-in beach in Kerala. It is located parallel to National Highway 17 between Kannur and Thalassery. One can drive the entire 4 km length of the beach.

There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves leading to the beach. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which also protect it from the stronger currents of the ocean.

Approximately 100-200 m south of the beach there is a private island called Dharmadam Island. It is possible to walk to the island during low tide.

Payyambalam Beach  Payyambalam Beach - One of the most beautiful beaches in the state of Kerala is at a distance of 2 km from Kannur town. This beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best place for a relaxing holiday.

It is well known for the well constructed and laid out gardens and a gigantic sculpture of the mother and the child by Kanayi Kunhiramanin that was erected here. It is also famous due to the fact that the remains of Swadeshabimani Ramakrishna Pillai,A.K Gopalan, Pamban Mandavan and K.G Marar are laid to rest near this place.

The essential plus points about the Payyambalam Beach are its cleanliness, its distance from the town and the beauty of its gardens. Payyambalam beach is a favourite picnic spot for the local residents.

The Parassinikadavu Snake Park  The Parassinikadavu Snake Park is one of the major attractions of Kannur District itself. The Snake Park, which is a subsidiary unit of the Pappinisseri VishachikitsaSociety, is the only one of its kind in the State and perhaps the whole of India.

The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, most of which are becoming extinct gradually. There is a large collection of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.

Thottada Beach  Thottada Beach is a beautiful beach in Kannur. It is situated at Thottada just about 2.5 km from the NH 17 connecting Kannur town and Thalassery, it is hardly 7 km from Kannur town if you come through aadi Kadalai Temple route. The virgin beach 800 meter long is ideal for sun bathing. Tourists could stay at the beach house or guest house near the beach.

The Thottada river ( a small one) flows into one end of the beach. There is also a dam/bund built across the river 3 decades ago to keep the fresh water from salt water. Away from the sea the river spreads to form swamps which makes a great inhabitat for various birds and fishes.