03 May, 2024

Attractions in Kannur

 

Kannur is a wonderful place for its scenic landscapes, which stand as a guiding light of rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and profound historical significance. This district offers plenty of attractions that captivate travelers from all corners of the globe. From ancient forts to serene beaches, each place narrates a unique and wonderful story of Kannur’s illustrious past and vibrant present. Let's see some of the tourist gems…  

 

MUZHAPPILANGAD BEACH

The longest drive-in beach in Asia, Muzhappilangad Beach is located in the Kannur district of Kerala and spans about 4 kilometers, it offers visitors the unique experience of driving along the shoreline, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

 

The Golden sands of the beach, clear waters, and serene ambiance make it an exact spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach games, and the shallow waters make it safe for swimming, even for beginners.

One of the highlights of Muzhappilangad Beach is its annual beach festival, which features various cultural programs, adventure sports, and food stalls, attracting a large number of visitors.

 

The natural beauty of Muzhappilangad Beach, associated with its unique feature of being a drive-in-beach, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone who likes to explore things like this.

 

KANNUR FORT (ST. ANGELO FORT)

Kannur Fort was initially constructed to protect Portuguese interests in the Malabar region and to serve as a military stronghold against attacks from rival European powers and local rulers. The first Portuguese Viceroy of India, Dom Francisco de Almeida built this historic fortress called Kannur Fort at Kannur district in 1505.

 

Over the centuries, the fort changed hands multiple times, passing from Portuguese to Dutch, and eventually to the British East India Company, and then the British made significant modifications and enhancements to the fort’s structure. After that St. Angelo Fort played a crucial role in the colonial history of India and witnessed several battles and sieges. 

 

The fort is strategically placed overlooking the Arabian Sea, offering panoramic views of the shoreline and its architecture reflects a blend of European and Indian styles, featuring sturdy walls, bastions, and a moat. Today, Kannur Fort stands as a prominent historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Kerala’s rich heritage and colonial past.

 

VISMAYA AMUSEMENT PARK

Vismaya Amusement Park located in Parassinikadavu, Kannur, Kerala, India, is a popular destination for entertainment and fun. It started in 2008 and spans over 30 acres and offers a wide variety of rides and attractions suitable for all age groups, there are no elder or younger differences at all.

Vismaya is the best amusement park in Kerala which gives us thrilling water rides, including slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, providing visitors with an enjoyable escape from the heat of Kerala’s tropical climate. One of the best highlights of Vismaya is its giant water coaster, which gives you an adrenaline rush, and also there is a water world called Diagon Valley, where you can experience 15 rides at a time. There are also dry rides such as carousels, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, the most fun-filled Magnus, and many more that ensure there’s something for everyone. Vismaya is the most famous kid's park in Kannur.

 

Vismaya Amusement Park is not just about rides; it also showcases beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a pleasant environment for families to spend a day out together the park’s facilities include food courts, rest areas, and ample parking, enhancing the overall visitor experience. 

 

Over the years, Vismaya has become a popular destination not only for locals but also for tourists visiting the Kannur region, contributing significantly to the area’s tourist industry.

 

THALASSERY FORT

 

The Thalassery Fort is a historic fortification located in Thalassery, it’s a town in the Kannur district of Kerala, India, it was constructed by the British East India Company in 1708 so it holds historical significance as one of the oldest European-built forts in India. At first,  it was established as a military base for the British, then later it served various purposes like an administrative center, prison, and a symbol of colonial power.

 

The architecture of the fort is really appreciable, it reflects a blend of European and indigenous Malabar styles, featuring massive walls, strong bastions, and intricate carvings. Today, Thalassery Fort stands as a famous tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Kerala’s colonial past and they also host cultural events and exhibitions, drawing both locals and tourists alike.

 

PARASSINIKKADAVU SNAKE PARK

 

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is the best sanctuary for various reptile species and it is located in the beautiful landscape of Parassinikkadavu. With a verdant surrounding, this park offers visitors an opportunity to see many varieties of snakes, they had both venomous and non-venomous snakes there. This park is not only renowned for its tourist attraction, the park serves as a vital hub for conservation efforts and public education on reptiles, and the park is also home to other reptiles such as turtles, crocodiles, and lizards. You can get the details about every species, there are knowledgeable staff who can demonstrate things and they can handle informative sessions, through which visitors gain insights into the behavior, habitat, and conservation of these fascinating creatures. 

 

PARASSINIKADAVU MUTHAPPAN TEMPLE

 

Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, located in the village of Parassinikkadavu in the Kannur district, is an esteemed Hindu shrine dedicated to Muthappan, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, its departure from conventional Brahminical customs, instead embracing the unique Theyyam tradition is what makes them exceptional.

This temple adds a colorful dimension to the spiritual ambiance by presenting vibrant Theyyam performances, embodying divine spirits, etc… also it is surrounded by lush greenery and overlooks the tranquil Valapattanam River, festivals like the annual Theyyam festival showcases the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kerala so it’s not just a place of worship but also a vibrant cultural hub where tradition and spirituality intertwine harmoniously. 

 

BEKAL FORT

 

Bekal Fort is standing proudly by the sea in Kerala, Kannur and it’s really old and made of big blocks of stone. People built it to keep their enemies away and the fort had tall walls and towers where soldiers used to keep watch. But now that’s a peaceful place with pretty gardens and quiet spots to relax so visitors can explore the fort and imagine what life was like there long ago. Bekal Fort is more than just an old building, it’s a special place that tells stories from Kerala’s past.