The history starts with Mooshaka Kings who ruled over Chirakkal and Kasargod areas with their capital established at  mount Eli.(Elimala or Ehimala literally meaning as rat Mountain).By  14th  century A.D. the kingdom came to be called as kolathunad and its rulers were known as Kolathiris. Kolathiris became very  famous all over the North Kerala and were the rivals of Zamorins of Kohikode.It was during the period, several Arab scholars made their entry into places like Balipatam,srikandapuram,Dharmadam.Bekal and Ehimala etc.and their travelogue has recorded these visits.

With the arrival of Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese navigator, the history of Kolathiris and that of whole India underwent a drastic change. Kolathiris took full advantage of the presence of the Portuguese and with their help, they acquired wealth and power in order to complete with their rivals, the Zamorins of Kozhikode.  On the contrary, the Zamorins used to be aided by the Arabs. Portuguese succeeded in exploiting the interval bickering of the neighbors and were thus able to erect their Forts at strategic points.

Thus, Francis De Almedia send by the Portuguese constricted a Fort in Kannur in 1505 and it was named St. Angelo. When the Zamorin had launched against Kannur by sending an armade (fleet of Warships) of Turks and Arabs, the Portuguese intercepted same on March 16, 1506. The Portuguese navy led by Lorenzo Almedia engaged Zamorin’s fleet in battle and the Portuguese won the battle. The decisive victory of the Portuguese over Zamorin’s led to establishment of their naval supremacy in the Indian seas. At this juncture, a significant political change took place, when the Kolathiri and Zamorin joined in alliance who were till then the worst enemies with each other. The Zamorin succeeded in convincing the Kolathiri of the ulterior motives of the Portuguese in India and the inherent perils in befriending them.

The Portuguese followed a policy of religious persecution and forcible conversion. They therefore engaged in constant clashes with most of the nature pioneers and chieftains in 1558. The Kolathiri came in direct encounter with the Portuguese by providing active support to the Kunjali Marrikkars of Kozhikode. The Kolathiri and Zamorin joined in a fierce war against the Portuguese and they besieged the Fort of St. Angelo at Kannur in 1564. Despite this, the Portuguese continued to have a precarious foothold in Kannurup to 1663, till the Fort was finally captured by the Dutch in February that year.  

It was towards fag and of the 17th century,English East India Company appeared on the seene and established   their trade and proposed until  the begining  of the 18th century .In 1725,the French  captured  mayyahi.The French renamed Mayyazhi as Mahe in honour of their captain Francois Mahe   De Labourdonnais.

By the second half of the 18th century, Malabar was invaded and captured by two Muslim Rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tippu sultan, But later through a treaty of Sreeranga Pattanam, Malabar was handed over to the British then entered Agreements with the Rajas of chirakkal,kottayam and Kadathanad,who acknowledged full &  sovereignty of the company over  their respective territories.

Later ,Kerala Pazhassi Raja of the Padinjare Kovilakam  of the Kottayam Family emerged on the seene.Pahassi Raja started a revolt  against the East India Company seriously opposing  to the injustified and in popular revenue policy of the company in Malabar,He stopped all the revenue collections in kottayam.In 1796,the  British made an attempt to capture Pahassi Raja but they could not succeed.This eliminated in several conflicts between the Raja and the British and this soon turned out to be a serious headache for the British.The Raja further  threatened to cut down all the pepper vines if the company’s officers  continued  to persist in revenue collections.
On December 18,1796,the British issued a proclamation forebidding  the people to assemble or to assist the Pazhassi  Raja and warning  them that if they did so, they  would be considered as irreconcilable  enemies of the company and that their  properly  would be confiseated. The Bitish even proclaimed a reward  for  those  who helped them to capture Raja. Raja then fled to the jungles of Wayanad. After several guerilla attacks against the British from the jungles, Raja  was finally shot dead by the British on November 30,1805.

Kannur  has played a significant role in the political movements of the state, with Indian National Congress capturing the attention of the people of the District.Non-violent Non-co-operation movement was started to achieve swaraj, which led to widespread boycott of the foreign goods, courts  of law and educational institutions  in Kannur . Payyannur in Kannur District became the main venue  of  Sathyagraha in Malabar. As a result, the Sathyagraha  camp at Payyannur was raided and the people who staged  the Sathyagraha were beaten up. This incident unleashed widespread demonstrations throughout Kannur, Thalassery and other parts. Congress workers broke salt laws and picketed foreign goods dealers and liquor shops. During the late thirties, leftist elements in Kerala provincial congress were very active in Malabar. In 1939,the branch of the Indian Communist party was formally founded in Malabar. On September 15, 1940 several agitations took place in Kannur as part of the Anti-Imperialist Day. As a result the subsequent violent clashes followed between the people and the police; too young men were killed in Morazha.The Quit India Movement in 1842 had its lemons felt in Kanuri District.
After the World War in 1945 famine broke out and Karivellure in the Northern part of the present Kannur launched a historic strike against poverty and famine. Paddy was not allowed to be transported  from Karivellur to Chirakkal Kovilakam and it was distributed to the people of the village. In this Historic strike, too men became martyrs, when the police opened fire on them.

During the month of December 1946, the peasants of Kavumbayi, an eastern village of the District, raised their demand for Punam Cultivation. This agitation launched by the peasants met wealth stiff resistance of a Police contingent. The peasants fought with the armed police personnel to resist their intervention but in the agitation five peasants became the victims to the police firing.

This period also saw the rise of the organized working class in the industrial sector marketing an important phenomenon at that time. The awaking of the working class changed the course of the Anti imperialist movement. The struggle of Aron  Mill workers in the year 1946 still remains noteworthy and as an example in this regard.

Even after independence, several struggles of the peasantry, continued to take place in the history of the state. The peasants fought against the landlords resisting their exploitation of the people’s rights. Thus the historic struggles taken place in the pre-independence and post independence periods still remain a classic example of the awakening of the peasant community against imperialism. Because of these historic struggles and agitations   Kannur still maintains a high level of political awareness.

At Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is located 2 Kms. From National Highway (NH) 17 and in-route from Kannur to Taliparamba. This has a large collection of various poisonous and non-poisonous Snakes. A live Snakes shown is arranged at this Park, where trained personnel inter-act with poisonous Snakes like Cobra and Vipers, as their intention is to educate the people to dispel the mythical fears and superstitions about the snakes.

The park set up by the Visha Chikilsa Kendra at Pappinisseri attracts both foreign and domestic tourists. This Chikilsa Kendra offers treatment for snake bites and ensures 100% cure. This is the only snake bite Chikilsa Kendra where Ayurveda and Allopathy are effectively combined for treatment to cure snake bites. It houses as many as 150 Varieties of snake including the spectacled Cobra,King Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Krait and other various pit vipers. Non-poisonous snakes include Pythons. There is a Research Laboratory set up here to extract Venom from poisonous snakes. This park dedicated to preservation and conservation of snakes and many other species is presently on the verge of extinction.

This Fort situated near the sea coast and 2 Kms. Away from Kannur town was built in 1505 by the foist Portuguese Viceroy of India, Sir Francisco de Almeida. The British sized this Fort in 1790 after waging several wars. Even today, St. Anglo Fort is in a fairly good state of preservation and considered as a protected monument by the archeological survey of India (ASI). The Rijks museum in Amsterdam has, on display, a painting of this historically important fort showing the Fishing ferry behind it. Because of the historical importance and its status as a protected monument having a legendary past, Kerala police has posted tourism police officers to ensure its protection and give guidance to the tourists. One of the tourism officers Sathyam Edakkad has published a book in Malayalam titled Vasco Da Gaamayum Charithrathile Kaanaappurangalum ( Vasco Da Gama and the unknown pages of the history) in which he gives a detailed account of the past and the present of this fort.

This Fort provides a sumptuous feast to the eyes with its enchanting and irresistible lush greenery and Excellency maintained surroundings. The Payyambalam and Govt. Guest House are some of the renowned landmarks situated near St. Angelo Fort.

Ezhimala is considered to be an important historical site for it was once the capital of the ancient Mooshika Kurangs. It is located 38 Kms. North of Kannur and in a isolated cluster of hills.It is also a flourishing sea port and an ancient Trade centre ok Kerala a part from being known as one of the major battle  fields of the Chola-Chera war of the 11th Century. Lord Buddha is believed to have visited Ezhimala. An old Mosque located here is believed to contain the mortel remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif, a Muslim Repormist.

Ezhimala hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs. The tower of great antiquity ‘Mount Deli Light House’ is also situated here. It’smaintenance is done by the Indian Navy. At Ettikulam Bay here one can enjoy watching Dolphins. Bounded by sea on 3 sides, Ezhimala stands to occupy a prominent place in the naval history of the country following the proposal to commission a Naval Academy here.

The Aralam wildlife sanctuary is majestically spread over an area of 55 sq. Kilometers of undulating, on the forest highlands on the enchanting stops of the Western Ghats. Established in 1984, the headquarters of this Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Irritty, a small town about 55 Kms . From Kannur. This sanctuary has become an important tourist spot in Muzhakkunnu Panchayathu and is adjacent to Central state farm at Aralam. The Aralam sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. The highest peak ‘ Katti Betta’ is located here which rises up to an imposing heighest of 1145 m. above sea level. The forest area is inhabited wild animals like deer, elephant, boarbison, leopards, Jungle cats and various types of Squirrels etc.

Madayipara is a small hillock located near Pazhayangadiin Kannur District. It has both historical as well as religious significance. This hillock has an interesting pond which is in the shape of a hand-held mirror. This pond is believed to have certain links with ancient Jewish settlers. Madayipara  offers  a bird’s eye view of the picturesque natural surroundings and one can also sight a fort built by Tipu Sultan here. The place has also a historical Mosque called ‘ Malik Ibn Divar, belonging to the 12th century. It is a beautiful Mosque built of white marble and it was known as this name, because it was founded by Malik Ibn Divar, a Muslim Preacher who came from Mecca to India to preach Islam

The other main attraction here is the vadakunda Shiva Temple preached on this hillock, where pooram is celebrated as a major festival by the locals.

The name ‘Triehbaram’ follows after the famous saint Sambaran who is believed to have done a ‘tapassie’ (Meditation) in this temple. This temple is situated in Taliparambe in Kannur District. The main deity installed here is Sree Krishna after the killing of Kamsa, the king and uncle of Sreekrishna. After opening the door of this shrine, the first thing done is the offer of Nivedhyam (Feeding) as SreeKrishna was supposed to be very hungry. An old saying associated with the offer of Nivedhyam goes ‘Open the Somateeram Sanetorium with food in one hand’.

The temple festival is celebrated from 22nd of Kumbam to 6th of Meenam. Unlike other temple festivals no elephants are involved in the festival at Triehbaram Temple. Because it is believed that Balaraman from Mazhoor temple will come here on the 22nd of Kumbam. On the day of this festival and that he should not see any elephants. Till Meenam  2nd , there will be ‘thidambu dance’ and race in Pookothu gate (3rd is holiday). On the 4th, a procession is taken around the village. This is followed by Arattu in the Chira (small pond) on the 5th and on the 6th the brothers Krishna and Balaraman join together and say farewell to each other. This farewell seene is made very touching by repeated joining and farewells, accompanied by sorrow full tunes made by the musical instruments. Lastly Krishna will be attracted to the temple back by showing him milk. This is a very rare  event never seen in any other temple festival. It is believed that Devaki and Vasudev (Parents of Krishna) also come to attend this festival.

Dharmadam Island is located between Kannur and Thalassery.It is a two hectare small island lying 100 metres from the main land at Dharmadam . This Island covered with coconut palms and device bushes presents a beautiful sight from Muzhapilangad beach. As this Island is required to enter the island. Dharmadam was earlier known as ‘Dharamapattanam’ and at that time it was a Buddhist strong hold.

Aqua Tourism in Kannur is steadily catching up. Various rivers like Valapattanam, Thalassery, Mahe, Anjarakany and Kuppam etc. following through Kannur offer countless Aqua tour options for this purpose. Also, all the rivers flowing in this part of Kerala are navigable. Added to these abundant picturesque silvery beaches, exotic plant life and acres of spice plantations also help provide shinning beaches with the Sahyadri’s in the East and the Arabian sea on the wast, Kannur has been blessed with a variety of geographical Divisions that & blend together in perfect harmony to create some of the most enchanting tour destinations.

Muzhappilangad Beach, Kizhunna Ezhara Beach, Payyambalam Beach and Dharmadam Island etc. are the most irresistible places for an Aqua Tourist to visit in Kannur. So, next time when you are embarking upon an Aqua Tour, not to forget to visit these magnificent beaches and Islands!

20 Kms from Kannur near Thalasseri town on the National Highway at Illikunnu, one can see Gundert bungalow. It is in this  Bungalow Dr.Herman Gundert the most reversedgerman Missionary, Scholor and  Lexicographer lived for twenty years from 1839. It was also here that one of the first Malayalam Dictionaries and the first Malayalam News Paper ‘Rajyasamacharam’ took shape. Dr.Herman Gundert Compilled the first Malayalam dictionary and also built a church on Nettur hill in 1889.

Pythal Mala is an enchanting Hill station and it exceeds a panoramic view with abundant flora and fauna. This hill station is located 65 Kms. Away from Kannur town and about 4500 ft above sea level.A tourist, desirous of trekking, can reach this hill top, after covering a distance of 6 Kms trek.

This place situated in Kannur District is around 200 years old and known as Arakkal Kettu, this palace was the Royal residence of the Arakkal family the royal Muslim dynasty, under whose control the coastal areas and Lakshadweep fell. This place, considering its historical importance, has been reckoned as the protected monument by the archeological Department. The Arakkal Kettu consists of the palace, administrative block, mosques and the residential building. There is a bell tower constructed near the gate of the palace and the gate of the palace and a huge bronze bell is hang in it. The mosques and museum here are worth watching. The existing Museum here was once the durbal hall. Only recently in the year 2005, it was converted as museum. Althouugh the state Govt.has carried out renovations to the museum, still its ownership continues to be with Arakkal family. It is a double storied museum and various artifacts have been show-cased here. Some of the items on display are old model fans, telephones, ancient compass royal furniture, glass silver and bronze utensils, wooden box and hunting equipments like spear sword etc. The collections also include a ‘Shehnai’- a musical instrument.

This Fort is 22 Kms. Away from Kannur and located in Thalassery (Thellichery ) – a small town of the District. It has an imposing majestic look and is considered as a historical monument. Though, some portions of this fort are in collapsed condition, still it continues to be preserved well by the Archeological Department. This fort was used by the Lord Wellesley against Pazhassi Rajas rebellion. It was here the popular Malayalam movie ‘ Pazhassi Raja’ was filimed. Thalassery was previously known as the foist settlement of the British East India Company on the Western Coast. It was in 1683, the British landed here and later they shifted their commercial capital from Kozhikode to Thalassery, following certain obstructions from the Dutch. But later the British got Permission to build a factory  to store spices and other commodities for trade. This became a strong resistance against the Dutch. By 1695, the British traders set up their business starting from Thalassery. By realizing ample potential in spice trade, they built a Fort in 1700. This fort was built around their ‘factory’ on a small hill called Thiruvellapadkunnu. It was again reconstructed in 1708, by raising gigantic walls and fitting it with huge and intricately carved doors.

This fort became the military as well as the political center of the British and is believed to have a secret of channel connecting sea. This secret channel was used as an escape route at the time of invasions. In 1780, Sardar Khan’s Mysore army captured this fort. But in the subsequent attack, the British defeated the Mysore Army and recaptured the Fort from Mysore force. The British imprisoned 1200 Mysore militants including Sardar khan. Sardar Khan later committed suicide inside this Fort. So, this fort has a magnificent historical background. Presently, this fort with a magnificent gateway and a light house, is under the supervision of the Arceological survey of India.

Around this fort can also be seen the Brennen Cemetery, St.Rosario church, St. John’s Angliean church and the subcollector’s Bungalow. Also located  in the vicinity of this Fort is a circus training centre an old Muslim Mosque known as Odathil Palli, the Jagannatha temple (dedicared to Siva) and Thiruvangadi Sree Swami temple etc.

Malayala kalagramam called in short as ‘Makam’ is a renowned centre for arts and ideas. This centre of Art provides children and youngsters a Kalari (stage) to practice and perform all forms of fine arts. Also full time and part time courses in painting, sculpture,music and dance and pottery art etc. are offered by this centre.

In addition yoga and Sanskrit too are taught at this centre. The fraternity centre of the Kalagramam conducts seminars, symposia, extension lectures, in service programmes and special projects in various fields of art and humanities. The studies help the trainees to familiarise with classical and contemporary trends and techniques in the respective field of art.

Located parallel to National Highway 17 between Kannur and Thalassery in Kerala,this beach is considered the only Drive-in beach in Asia.Although Goa has number of beautiful beaches, still no drive in beach can be found there.

This beach can be reached via an unpaved road,which winds through the co-conut groves. To get to this road, if one is driving from Tellicherry towards Kannur, will be required to take the left turn before the railway crossing ie after crossing the Moidu Bridge. This 5 Km long Beach occupying a wide area with its beautiful curves provide the local laws permit a visitor coming to this beach to drive for a full 4 Kms. Directly on the sands of this beach. The thick black rock formation bordering the beach acts as a nature protection from the onslaught of the stronger currents of the ocean.

This beach is considered to be one of the most important beaches and a popular tourist attraction of the Kerala state. It is located about 2 Kms away from Kannur and abundantly blessed by the nature, with magnificient long stretches of glistening sands and surf. It is the most sought after beach a visitor always selects to visit for spending a quite and relaxed evening. Well laid gardens and a massive sculpture of a mother and child erected by the noted sculpture Kanhiraman here also add to the charm and fame of this beach!

Valapattanam located 7 Kms. North of Kannur, is a small town and known as the smallest Panchayar in Kerala. It is predominantly a muslim settlement area and known for its commercial harmony. Kalarivathukkal Temple” and the “ Kakkulangara Mosque” are also located here in close proximity this showing an exemplarary example of commercial harmony and brother hood.

This town located on the Valapattanam river banks is also known as “Balyapattanam” and very famous for flourishing timber trade and wood based product industries. The largest  wood based industry “Western India Plywoods Ltd” is situated on the valapattanam river bank. Till a few years back the ‘western India Plywoods Ltd’ was known as the biggest industry in Asia.

This Siva temple located 2 Kms away from Kannavanam on the Thalassery- Mananthavady Road is believed to have been constructed 2000 years ago. This temple draws large number of devotees and art lovers from all over India and abroad, because of its traditional importance and a unique collection of mural paintings. There are as many as 150 mural paintings done on an area of 700 sq.ft in about 40 panels, and beautifully finished on the four walls of the sanctum sanetoreum. The mural paintings based on saivie and Vaishnavie (myths related to Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu repectively) protary the village life from the 16th to 18th centuries. Seenes like Rugmini swayamvaram(Vaishnavie) and Ravana vadham etc taken from the Epies have been depieted through these mural paintings. These mural paintings also reveal extreme perfection and skill of the artistes in the matter of colour, proportions and methods etc adopted by them in its making.This temple is rectangular in shape and constructed in two stories.

This temple located 20 kms away from Kannur in the northern district of Kerala, has been dedicated to the toddy and field fish loving diety Shri Muthappan.. This is a beautiful temple which restles picturesquely on the bank of the Valapattanam river. This ancient temple dating back to 10th century has a unique tradition, permitting women to worship inside only after 8PM as it is believed that Lord Shiva is with Parvati then and therefore will grant women their wishes. Lord Muthappan is believed to be the incarnavation of lord Shiva. As this temple stands dedicated to the toddy and fried fish eating diety ‘fish prasadam’ is given to the devotees. However all there devotees who eat non-vegetarian food must visit this temple for blessings. Besides fish prasadam boiled grams and fresh tea are also the offerings in this temple. The devotees coming to this temple are also given lunch and dinner daily. Also this is the only temple in Kerala there the folk art form of north Malabar ‘Theyyam’ is performed every morning and evening.

This temple is located at Cherukunnu. The week-long annual festival falls in April. There is a famous Kathakali- Panchavadya school called Akasthikalayana is situated close to this temple.

Described as the Varanasi of the south the twin Siva temple at Kottiyoor lie on the banks of the Bavali River are very famous. Thousands of devotees visit these town temples to pray. Twenty seven days long annual festival is very well known and popular here, which falls during May-June.

This historical Mosque of 500 years old is located in the heart of Thalassery, near old bus stand and was built by an Arab merchant in the typical kerala hindu temple style. This mosque, which has neither domes nor minarets, is not open to non Muslims.

This temple is located 46 Km north of Kannur and 21 Km North of Thaliparamba. This built in style lovely temple is famous for ‘PAVITRA MODIRAM’ a uniquely crafted ring. This ring made only against order with gold and the holy darbha grass is worn by Brahmins while performing the rituals at the temple. However before wearing this ring , it will be sanctified at the temple.

It is situated 14 Km from Kannur. It is believed that this temple has been located at the place where Rama and Lakshmana halted on their way to rescue Sita.

25 Km away from Kannur this temple is located near Thaliparamba town on the natural highway . It has been dedicated to Lord Rajeswara (Lord Siva is worshipped as the presiding power). As in the case of Parassinikadavu Temple , in this temple also the unusual custom of allowing women to worships inside only after 8PM exists. This custom is followed by some belief that Lord Siva is with his wife Parvathi then and will therefore grant women their wishes.

23 Km away from Kannur, this is one of the most important temples in Malabar dedicated to Sree Rama. There are exquisite carvings in this temple which are believed to have been done nearly 400 years ago.

Dating back to the 13th century, the idol installed here is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama while on his way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita.

This church located 22 Kms away from Kannur behind Thalassery Fort has the historical importance of being the foist church built in Malabar.

This is an ancient Mosque built in style and beauty and situated in the heart of Thalassery Town in North Malabar. This Mosque is believed to have been built in 12th century by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher.

Located at Thalassery in north Malabar, Thiruvangad temple is one of the important and ancient temples. It is very different from other temples with roof made of copper sheeting, most popularly known as the ‘Brass Pagoda’. A part of this temple has been damaged when Tippu’s troops attacked it in the 18th century. It is believed that this temple itself had saved it from destruction from Tippu’s troops by a miracle. In the 18th century, it was also one of the outposts of Thalassery Fort. The precincts of this temple had witnessed number of conferences, which were held between the officials of the East India Company and Local leaders while signing important political treaties and agreement. The temple has important sculptures and lithic records. The annual temple festival lasting 7 days on Vishu day is held in Medam (April-May)

This temple dating back to 3000 years is located right in front of Chirakkal pond at Kannur with a water area spread over 5 acres. The daily installed at this temple is of Lord Krishna in the form of “Balagopala”. One will feel some devine energy while stepping into this place. There is historical importance attached to this temple where during the Chirakkal Rajvamsham period, the temple used to have “Annadhanam” feeding 2500 people at a time.

This temple can be reached from Kannur railway station by road after covering a distance 76.5 Km.