Wonderla

WonderlaEarlier known as Veegaland, this popular amusement park at Kochi, Kerala is one of the must visit place if you love taking adventurous rides. The Wonderla Amusement park, is owned and operated by the Wonderla Holidays. This park is the first of the three amusement parks of the group, the others which are in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The one at Kochi was started in the year 2000 and was re-branded in April 2011.

This amusement park is located on top of the Pallikkara hill, which is at a distance of 14 kilometers from Kochi. This park has more than 50 water and dry land rides which is spread over an area of 30 acres.

The Musical Dancing Fountain, the Vintage Castle, the Vintage Tornado, the Wavy and Vertical Fall are few of the must try rides. And as for the children, they offer the rides of Caterpillar Ride, Flying Ammu, Balloon Tower and Jumping Horse. Families can spend some together time in rides like Magic Carpet, Rapid River, Wave Pool and Wonder Splash.

When at Wonderla, eatables from outside is not allowed. To enter the swimming pool, wearing swimming costumes is a must. Pets are not allowed and alcohol also cannot be consumed when here.

Kottayam

Kottayam is blessed with nature’s bounty in abundance. It is the pride of God’s own country with its beautiful churches, charming nearby hill stations, significant temples, and refreshing waterfalls. The Western Ghats and the backwaters add to the beauty to this undisturbed, rustic town of Kerala. The numerous plantations – rubber, coconut, palm, spices and the flora make for lush green landscapes that are totally stunning. All these factors, aside from it being strikingly beautiful, make it as one of the must visit destinations in Kerala.

Though a handful, the tourist places in Kottayam guarantee a peaceful retreat. It is not one of most famous towns of Kerala, but is no less beautiful than the likes of Munnar, Alleppey or Kanyakumari. If you gotta see it to believe it, here’s a round up of quaint and charming places to visit in and around Kottayam.

Vaikom

Vaikom is one of the popular places around Kottayam mainly due to its variety of tourist attractions. It is home to some of the most scenic backwaters of Kerala like Kumarakom and houses rich historical places and heritage temples that add an old-world charm to it. Its serenity and simplistic beauty are unbeatable.

If you are looking for some ‘me or us’ time, Kottayam is littered with several secluded, yet calming haunts where you can let sit back and simply enjoy the view.

Elaveezha Poonchira

Surrounded by three hills – Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara – Elaveezha Poonchira is a must see tourist place in Kottayam. Known for its magnificent views and lush greenery, Elaveezha Poonchira is dotted with exquisite waterfalls and secret alcoves.

It is famous among trekkers for its terrain and is the perfect picnic spot, hardly an hour away from the main Kottayam town.

Nadukani

Nadukani is one of the popular hill stations near Kottayam and is a major picnic spot. Nadukani offers wonderful views of the landscapes covered in dense forests, Nilgiri mountains, Muvattupuzha river, mystical valleys, and colorful flora. One of the popular tourist places near Kottayam, Nadukani has emerged as the new go-to spot for youngsters and couples looking for refuge.

Take buses or private taxis to reach Nadukani from Kottayam. At the end, the trip would be truly worth it.

Island of Pathiramanal

Located in the popular Vembanad Lake, this quaint island is one of the most fascinating islands in Kerala. The journey to reach the striking island is one of the most mesmerizing ones complete with sights of rare birds, swaying coconut palms, and whispering waters. And let’s just not talk about the stimulating allure of the island. Its unspoilt beauty and hidden paths take you through a mystical world that you really crave to see while on a break from the tiring work-home routine.

The lush farmlands get converted to thick forests, and thick forests to paddy fields. The varied vegetation on the island is awesome.

Nattakom and Panachikkad

Two of the most offbeat places to visit in Kottayam, Nattakom and Panachikkad are the secluded villages located mere few kilometers from main city. These villages are known for their scenic landscapes, migratory birds, and remarkable reservoirs.

Some of the best temples in the area are based in these villages. Villages of heritage as well as religious importance, Nattakom and Panachikkad are must visit places near Kotayam. Visit them if you’re looking for a secluded desi getaway in the midst of nature and its warm natives.

Kottathavalam

Located about 70 km from Kottayam, Kottathavalam is a popular hill station and a favorite among those looking for a long drive through the mountaineous roads. The terrain has rock cut trails, passing through which you may feel a sense of exhilaration and thrill. Many small and huge temples adorn the pathways. In fact just a little detour takes you to a 1,000 year old temple.

Kottathavalam is a perfect mixture of attractions like roads perfect for a long drive, beauty, spirituality and thrill to draw you in.

Marmala Waterfalls

Located in Erattupetta near Kottayam, Marmala waterfall is one of the places to visit if you’re looking for some adventure. It’s difficult to reach the waterfalls as only jeeps can traverse the narrow trodden paths. However, all the hardship is worth the sweat for the adventure-seeking tourists.

The difficult journey adds to the overall charm of these mystical falls. The beauty and the calm make up for the dangerous paths.

St. Mary’s Orthodox Church

Located about 4 km from the main city in Cheriyapalli, St Mary’s Orthodox Church is one of the popular places to visit in Kottayam. Built in the Portuguese style of architecture, the walls of the church have murals from the Bible. The heartfelt depiction of monumental scenes on the walls will leave you in awe. You can also get a glimpse of local Kerala style of architecture in the refurbishing.

Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm, daily

Juma Masjid – A 1,000 year old mosque in Kottayam

Located on the banks of the Meenachil River, Juma Masjid in Kottayam is known for its wonderful architecture and beautiful wooden carvings. The influence of native Kerala architecture can also be seen. With its grandeur more like a palace, the mosque is believed to be one of the oldest ones in the country. The religious briefings, calming aura and otherworldly surrounding beauty of Juma Masjid are truly impressive.

Opening hours: 6 am to 8 pm, every day

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers. It’s a perfect place to relax in the midst of nature. Apart from a number of colorful species of migratory birds, there are several small animals like deers and does spread across. The natural habitat is also delightful to the soul; its serenity and refreshing aura is an attraction to many.

Opening hours: All days of the week from 6.30 am to 5 pm

Entry fee: INR 50 per head for Indians and INR 100 per head for non-Indians.

Poonjar Palace

Poonjar Palace is a beautiful palace boasting of elegance and opulence of the royal kingdom that it was once upon a time. Though not very well-maintained, it impresses with its intricate wooden carvings. One of the top tourist places in Kottayam, Poonjar Palace is worth a visit. If not for historical importance, then definitely for its architecture.

Opening hours: From 9 am to 7 pm, throughout the week

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Bay Island Driftwood Museum in Kottayam houses a large collection of articles carved from either driftwood or any other wood recovered from the water. The different themes and patterns of the exhibits are striking. Art-lovers and fascinated tourists make it a point to include the Bay Island Driftwood Museum in their itinerary. If you count yourself among them, make sure that you don’t miss it.

Opening hours: From 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and from 11.30 am to 5 pm on Sundays. Mondays are weekly offs.

Entry fee: Entry to the museum is by ‘Pass’ only

Mozart Art Gallery

The Mozart Art Gallery is a privately owned gallery that showcases the artworks of Kerala. Exhibits here are made of metal, rusty utensils, cast-away wooden artifacts, and sometimes, a mixture of all these things. Drawing inspiration from  religious and mythological references, the artifacts and classic paintings display striking detailing.

Discs & Machines

Sunny’s Gramophone Museum is a unique museum in Kottayam, specifically for the music enthusiasts. It houses a large collection of gramophones, records, antique music equipment, and vinyls. The museum also preserves historic accounts relating to the origin of music and the use of gramophones. It is one of the best tourist places in Kottayam if either antiques or gramophones interest you.

Opening hours: Only on Saturdays and Sundays, from 2 pm to 7 pm

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.

Arakkal family is the royal family which ruled Kannur for several centuaries. They had family relationship with Kolathiris, the rulers of the neighbouring Chirakkal kingdom. Arakkal family had trade relationship with Arabs and later with Europeans. The islands of Lakshadweep and Maldives were ruled by Arakkal family. The king of Arakkal kingdom was known as Arakkal Raja and the Queen was known as Arakkal Beevi.

Although renovated by the government, the Arakkalkettu is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and does not fall under the control of the country's archaeology department, the Archaeological Survey of India. The government had taken a keen interest in preserving the heritage of the Arakkal Family, which had played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. A nominal entry fee is charged by the Arakkal Family Trust from visitors to the museum.

Location: 3 kms from Kannur

Nearest Railway Station: Kannur

Nearest Bus Station: Kannur

Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (120 kms).

Dharmadam Island

Dharmadam Island is a small 2 hectare private island in between Kannur and Thalassery. It lies 100 metres from the mainland at Dharmadam. This island, covered with coconut palms and dense bush is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, one can walk out to it from the beach. Permission is required to land on the island as it is privately owned. Dharmadam, known earlier as Dharmapattanam, was a Buddhist stronghold.

Location: Dhamadam, 17 kms south of Kannur, 4 kms north of Thalassery

Nearest Railway Station: Dharmadam

Nearest Major Railway Station: Thalassery

Nearest Major Bus Station: Thalassery

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(140 kms), Kozhikode (100 kms).

Kerala Folklore Academy

For those keen to follow and understand the artistic heritage during their visits to Kerala, it would be an ideal choice to drop in at The Kerala Folklore Academy, located at Chirakkal in Kannur, the northern district of Kerala.

Established in 1995, welfare of the folk artistes is the prime concern of the academy. Set up by the Government of Kerala, the academy, while ensuring the welfare of folk artistes also strives for reviving, preserving and promoting the rich folk art traditions of Kerala. The academy is located by the side of the beautiful Chirakkal Lake, which is reputedly the second largest of its kind in Asia.

The academy functions from traditionally built structure called nalukettu and presently houses a folklore library, a museum and a publication department, besides the administrative departments.

The library at The Kerala Folklore Academy features over 1000 volumes on the folk art traditions of Kerala and is one of the largest of its kind and a popular haunt of scholars and researchers in the field.

And checking out the museum at the academy, one would find a collection of over 300 precious objects of folk art, including life-size replicas of various theyyams and patayani,folk and tribal musical and percussion instruments, farm implements and weapons. Some of these items are used in ritual arts like Kuthurathib, Devakoothu, Chat, Poorakali, Kaliyootu, Mudiyettu, and Kaniyarkali. The museum also has over 175 photographs that depict the drama of these art forms.

One of the missions of The Kerala Folklore Academy is to compile and publish books and periodicals on folklore. The academy has already brought out fourteen volumes on the culture, art and life of the people. It also brings out a quarterly journal named Poli.These publications have gone a long way to promote awareness about folk life, art and rituals among the present generation.

Location: Chirakkal, 7 kms north of Kannur

Nearest Railway Station: Chirakkal

Nearest major Railway Station: Kannur

Nearest major Bus Station: Kannur

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(120 kms), Kozhikode (120 kms).

Ezhimala

Ezhimala is a hill reaching a height of 286 protruding into Arabian sea. It was the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kings, and is considered to be an important historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport, and center of trade around the beginning of the Common Era, it was also one of the major battle-fields of the Chola-Chera Wars of the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala.

Indian Naval Academy is located in Ezhimala. There is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and the Mount Deli Lighthouse also located here. 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.

The topography of Ezhimala, with Mount Dilli abutting on the Arabian Sea has, since ancient times, inspired the local people to weave a number of legends. The most popular is the one connected with the Ramayana tradition. At one stage in the war between Rama and Ravana, many of Rama's forces, including his brother Lakshman, were killed. An anxious Rama consulted Jambavan, the senior most in the Vanara sena. It was decided to bring four medicinal herbs, shalya karani, vishalya karani, sandhana karani and mritha sanjivani from the Himalayas for removing the arrows, healing the wounds, stitching the cuts and finally bringing the dead to life. Hanuman was entrusted with the task of collecting these herbs and he at once set out for the Himalayas. On reaching the Himalayas, however, Hanuman realised that he was unable to recognise the ayurvedic herbs. So he did the next best thing - he plucked the entire Rishabadri Mountain itself and flew back. On his way southwards, a piece of the mountain fell down near the sea and that is Ezhimala. The local people believe that Ezhimala still possesses these rare ayurvedic herbs.

Location: Ezhimala, 35 kms north of Kannur

Nearest Railway Station: Ezhimala

Nearest Major Railway Station: Payyannur

Nearest Major Bus Station: Payyannur

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(110 kms), Kozhikode (150 kms).

Madayi Para

Madayi Para is a significant spot owing to its bio-diversity as well as history. In the past, Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings. In and around Madayipara, one can find remnants from the past. At the southern side of the hill, stand the remains of a fort called Pazhi Kotta (kotta means fort in Malayalam). Here one can also find watchtowers at the four corners of the fort. Between AD 14 and AD 18, Madayipara used to be the site for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of the erstwhile Kolathunadu.

The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient jewish setllers is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva Temple and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extension form yet another attraction at Madayipara. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms at Madayipara. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu ? family temples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame.

With regard to the bio-diversity of Madayipara, it has been found that the region contains about 300 flowering plants, about 30 varieties of grass, and several insect-eating plant species. Madayipara is also home to several rare medicinal herbs, which are sought by people from near and far off places. Coming to avian life, Madayipara sustains about 100 species of butterflies and about 150 species of birds. Among the biggest butterflies in the world, the Atlas butterfly is a visitor to Madayipara.

Location: Madayi, 25 kms north of Kannur

Nearest Railway Station: Pazhayangadi

Nearest Bus Station: Pazhayangadi

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(100 kms), Kozhikode (140 kms).

Muzhapilangad Drive-in-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.

Muzhappilangad is the one of the important tourist destination of kerala.Its drive in beach, the second largest in india, has already entered in the world tourism map.The drive-in-beach is fast developing tourist spot which is attracting both local and foreign people in large numbers.

The shores of the Muzhappilangad beach are lined with black boulders, which protects the shores from the lashing waves and also make a natural shallow place. One can easily swim in this natural shallow pool of water without having to fear the powerful currents. One can soak up the sun while lying lazily on the rocks. It is a beach lover's paradise. The calm yet enthralling ambience of the beach is what makes it a popular getaway for tourists.

Location:Muzhappilangad, 15 kms south of Kannur, 6 kms north of Thalassery

Nearest Railway Station: Edakkad

Nearest major Railway Station: Thalassery

Nearest major Bus Station: Thalassery

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(140 kms), Kozhikode (100 kms)

Overbury's Folly

Overbury's Folly is a picnic spot named after E N Overbury, a British Sub-collector. It is located at Thalassery. It is an unfinished construction, or architectural folly, that now serves as a recreational park.

E N Overbury had a plan to construct a picnic spot at the cliff near the Municipal Stadium. He could not complete it during his lifetime; however, the slope from the sub-collector's bungalow to the rocks below came to be known by his name. One can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the sea from here.

Today, Overbury's Folly has been renovated and redecorated as a tourist attraction. It is frequented by local people in the evenings as a place to relax. A seaside open-air coffee shop has also been opened on the folly.

Location: Thalassery, 21 kms south of Kannur.

Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery

Nearest Bus Station: Thalassery

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(140 kms), Kozhikode (100 kms)

Parassinkkadavu 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.

There are three snake pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for King Cobras in the park. Other than the snakes, there are other kinds of rare animals, reptiles and birds like the endangered species of Simhavalan Monkeys and Crocodiles.

Location: Parassinikadavu, 20 kms north of Kannur.

Nearest Railway Station: Pappinissery

Nearest major Railway Station: Kannur

Nearest Bus Station: Parassinikadavu

Nearest major Bus Stations: Taliparamba, Kannur

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(100 kms), Kozhikode (140 kms).

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, E.K. Nayanar 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.

Location: Payyambalam, 2 kms from Kannur.

Nearest Railway Station: Kannur

Nearest Bus Station: Kannur

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(120 kms), Kozhikode (120 kms)

Pythal Mala/Vaithal 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.

Location: 65 kms north east of Kannur.

Nearest Railway Station: Kannur

Nearest Bus Station: Kannur

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(100 kms), Kozhikode (140 kms).

Thalassery 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.

Location: Thalassery, 21 kms south of Kannur.

Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery

Nearest Bus Station: Thalassery

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(140 kms), Kozhikode (100 kms)

Malayala Kala Gramam

Located at New Mahe Malayalam Kala Gramam is a centre for art and ideas which providing children and youngsters a Kalari (stage) to practise and perform all forms of fine arts. The centre offers part time as well as full time courses in painting, sculpture, music and dance and art pottery.

Yoga and Sanskrit are also taught here. The fraternity centre of the Kalagramam conducts seminars, symposia, extension lectures, in-service programmes and special projects in different fields of art and humanities.

Spending a day here with the tutors, students and the exotic library is an enlightening experience for any art lover.

Location: New Mahe, 28 kms south of Kannur, 8 kms south of Thalassery

Nearest Railway Station: Mahe

Nearest major Railway Station: Thalassery

Nearest Bus Station: Thalassery

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(150 kms), Kozhikode (90 kms)

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

The Aralam Sanctuary is located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats. It 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 Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq km of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. 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.

Aralam, a village in Thalasserry, is also noted for the Central State Farm, a 3060 hectare farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.

Location: Aralam, 65 kms east of Kannur

Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery

Nearest Bus Station: Iritty

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(160 kms), Kozhikode (150 kms).

Mahe

Mahe, situated on the west coast of Kerala is a former French colony in India. Geographically situated in Kerala, poilitically Mahe forms part of Pondicherry Union Territory. It lies south of Mahe River near where the river meets the sea. Mahe is famous as a brisk trade center of foreign liquor.

The history of Mahe is closely associated with a statue named Marianne, a proud symbol of French revolution. The freedom struggle of Mahe gathered momentum from this place. Hence, this place is now well maintained as a park in the name of Rabindranath Tagore.

The Headquarters office of Mahe administration is the Government House which is a fine example of the French architecture. There is a mini forest area at the back of the Government House. From this point, the Arabian Sea, the costline with golden sand, the Mayyazhi River and the Dharmadam island can be seen.

Other attractions include a tall flag mast, a lighthouse, remnants of a fort and the sunset. In addition to these, Mahe Boat house, 2 km from the Government house, in the Mahe River welcomes the visitors with speed boats, pedal boats and kayak boats. Some other places of interest are Thacholi Othenan’s Fort, Puzhakal Juma Masjid, St. Theresa Church, Sree Krishna Temple, St. George Fort, Puthalam Bhagavathi Temple and Sree Narayana Madam.

The Government Tourist Home near the Government House, the Zara Resort on the railway station road, the Arena Hotel near the Mahe Sports Club and the Municipal Tourist Home provide excellent accommodation.

Location: 28 kms south of Kannur, 8 kms south of Thalassery

Nearest Railway Station: Mahe

Nearest major Railway Station: Thalassery

Nearest major Bus Station: Thalassery

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(150 kms), Kozhikode (90 kms).

Kannur Fort

St. Angelo’s Fort (also known as Kannur Fort or Kannur Kotta), is a fort facing the Arabian Sea, situated 3 km from the town of Kannur.

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 to supersede himself, 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. In 1663 the Dutch captured it and sold it to the Arakkal Royal Family in 1772. The British conquered it in 1790 and transformed it into one of their major military stations on the Malabar Coast.

It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

The fort is in Cannanore cantonment area. St Angelo's fort is a most important historical monument and a good tourist centre. Here Kerala Police have posted 6 Tourism Policemen for the protection and guidance to the tourists. Among them one Policeman Sathyan Edakkad has detailed knowledge about this fort and the surrounding places. He wrote and published a book in Malayalam language named Vasco da Gamayum Charitrathile Kaanapurangalum (Vasco da Gama and the unseen pages of history). In this book, he describes the past and present situation of the fort.

The Moppila Bay Harbor and Arakkal Mosque are near the fort. The fort is now renovated and well-maintained under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. Tourists are allowed entry to the fort every day of the week between 8 AM to 6 PM.

Location: 3 kms from Kannur

Nearest Railway Station: Kannur

Nearest Bus Station: Kannur

Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (120 kms).

Parassinkkadavu Temple

This centre of worship and faith has in store many unique practices and rituals, and the temple architecture itself stands testimony to this aspect. The Parassinikadavu Muthappan (Siva) Temple on the banks of the Valapatnam River attracts people from all sections of the society; irrespective of religion, caste and promotes the essence of "Vasudaiva Kutumbakam - The whole world is one family."

The origin of the Muthappan temple is connected to the appearance of a child who roamed the region with a string of interesting incidents and later vanished without a trace. The incidents up to the point of his disappearance later made the denizens feel the divine presence of Muthappan (Siva) who immediately erected a place of worship, which today is popularly known as the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple.

The temple is also a popular destination for travellers and pilgrims to savour the charm of Theyyam, a ritual that is performed here on a daily basis. Men adorning masks and costumes with a riot of colours perform this temple art form and it represents conflict between good and evil, with good ultimately emerging victorious.

Location: Parassinikadavu, 20 kms north of Kannur.

Nearest Railway Station: Pappinissery

Nearest major Railway Station: Kannur

Nearest Bus Station: Parassinikadavu

Nearest major Bus Stations: Taliparamba, Kannur

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(100 kms), Kozhikode (140 kms).

Pazhassi Dam

Pazhassi Dam is an ideal retreat for tourists, the dam site is famous for its scenic beauty. The DTPC provides pleasure boating facilities at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow.

It is the only reservoir with gardens in Kannur district. The garden is a good attraction with sculptures. The added attractions of the place are the gardens and children's park. The Buddha's mountain at Pazhassi and the sculpture of Pazhassi King are visual delights.

The dam site is across the Valapattanam River, near Kuyiloor ( Kuyiloor puzha ). This dam is near to the birth place of Pazhassi Raja. So the dam named after Raja. A visit to this dam is really worth for who all are interested in boating.

Location: 37 kms east of Kannur.

Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery

Nearest Bus Station:Iritty

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(160 kms), Kozhikode (160 kms).

Meenkunnu Beach

Meenkunnu Beach is endowed with vast stretch of golden sand and coconut trees. Meenkunnu beach is located in Azhikode village. It is an extension of Payyambalam beach.

The name meenkunnu is a combination of two Malayalam words meen and kunnu. Meen literally means fish and kunnu a small hill.

Location: Azhikode, 10 kms north of Kannur.

Nearest Railway Station: Kannur

Nearest Bus Station: Kannur

Nearest Airports: Mangalore(120 kms), Kozhikode (120 kms).