Kannur ( earlier Canannore), has carved a niche in the socio-political history of the state.
The capital of erstwhile Kolathiri Rajas, the ancient town had fallen
to European forces in several occasions. In 15th century, the Portuguese were
the first to establish a settlement here.
St. Angelo’s Fort in the city was built by the first Portuguese Viceroy in 1505.
The Portuguese factory built by Cabral in 1501 was captured by the Dutch in 1663. In 1708 the British built a fort at Thalassery ( earlier Tellichery), another coastal town in Kannur.
The nearby Mahe became a French colony in the 18th century. In 1940's, Kannur became an effervescent political cauldron.
Communism was the provocation. The district hamlets witnesses bouts of violence which left indelible impressions on the political landscape of the district.
Many folk art and dance forms have roots in the socio-religious culture of the district. Theyyam and Kavadiyattam were nurtured and nourished by artistes from Kannur.
Another stronghold of the district is weaving. As many as hundred weaving units are ticking over here. Kannur is boarded by Karnataka's Kodagu district.
Valapattanam:
This small town, located 7 km from Kannur, lies on the banks of the Valapattanam river. Also known as Baliapattom, it is famous for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The Azhikkal port and Azhikkal beach are located nearby. The Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood-based industry in the country and one of the largest in South East Asia, is a major industrial concern here.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary:
It is a tranquil sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests. Situated 35 km from Thalassery, the sanctuary is home to herds of deer, elephants, boar and bisons. Leopards, jungle cats, various types of squirrels and rare species of birds are also found here. Around 160 species of birds, including some species considered extinct, can be seen here.
Ezhimala:
Situated 55 km from Kannur, Ezhimala has a beautiful beach with a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hillock. The Ezhimala hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs with mythological significance. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins. A Naval Academy is being developed here. Permission is required for entry.
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