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| Search results for: Kerala Map - Kannur |
Sandwiched
between the Western Ghats and the Lakshadweep Sea is one of the most important
coastal towns of Kerala – Kannur. Its unique geographical features include
dense forests, widespread ravines and a network of long seacoasts, several
rivers, lagoons and backwaters.
Kannur is
quite important historically. In the old days, it was one of the principal
ports of Kerala. According to Marco Polo, the 13th century European traveller,
this place was a 'great emporium of spice trade'. Kannur was then ruled
by the Kolathiri Rajas. In 1498, the Portuguese arrived here, spearheading
Kannur into political limelight. They built a fort in 1505, and named
it the St. Angelo Fort. It is in the form of a massive triangular structure.
The fort had strong defences like a moat on one side and flanking bastions
on the other. The history of Kannur is synonymous with the history of
the fort. In 1663, the fort was captured by the Dutch and sold to the
Arakkal family in 1772. The Arakkal Ali Rajas were the only Muslim royal
family in Kerala. In 1790, the fort was captured by the British, who rebuilt
it and made it their military station. Presently, the fort is under the
authority of the Archaeological Department of the Government of India.
Arakkal Kettu is the palace of the Arakkal Ali Rajas.
Kannur has
some important temples, churches and mosques. The Sundareswara Temple
was established in 1908 and is dedicated to Lord Shiva (the Destroyer
in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer). Apart from
a linga (the symbolic phallus representing Lord Shiva), the temple also
has idols of Lord Ganesha (God of Wisdom and Prosperity) and Subramonia.
The annual temple fair that lasts seven days is held in the month of Meenam
(March-April). The ancient Mavilakavu Temple is located at a distance
of 5 miles from Kannur. A five-day festival held in the month of Medam
(April-May) attracts many visitors because of the interest generated by
the customs and rites associated with it. One particularly interesting
feature is the Ati or Thallu performance wherein there is a free exchange
of blows between different parties who gather at paddy fields outside
the temple for the purpose. Another important temple in the nearby Edakkad
is the Urpazhachivaku. The temple has beautiful woodcarvings on the Ramayana
and Krishnaleela. Ramayana is an ancient Hindu epic and Krishnaleela depicts
the playful antics of Lord Krishna (8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the
Preserver). The presiding deity of the temple is Shankaranarayana, but
there are idols of other deities like Bhagavathi and Vettakorumakan as
well. The temple fair is held annually for seven days in the month of
Kumbham (February-March). Another interesting practice in this temple
is the daily ceremonial dancing called Vellattam.
The Sasta
Temple at Chalat is also a very ancient temple. The temple fair, held
in the month of Thulam (October - November) attracts thousands of visitors.
Near the temple is a mosque called the Chalat Sheik Palli. Animals are
not killed in the mosque out of respect for the Hindus. The Old Juma Masjid
is another important mosque in the town. St. John's Church is one of the
well-known churches in the area.
There are
many good beaches in and around Kannur. The Payyambalam Beach (2km from
Kannur) is a favourite picnic spot of the locals. The shining sand on
the beach coupled with the dancing, frolicking waves provides an enchanting
experience for the visitors. The Kizhunna Ezhara Beach (11km from Kannur)
is one of the most secluded beaches of Kerala. The golden sand and surf
of the Meenkunnu Beach (12km from Kannur) makes it very popular among
tourists.
