KANNUR
Kannur also known by its Portuguese name Cannanore is the largest city of North Malabar. After Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, Kannur is regarded as the fourth largest urban conglomeration. With its fascinating beaches, the district is well attracted by the tourists. Kannur district houses 62 military cantonments of the country and is considered as the district with great strategic military importance.
History of Kannur
Kannur was the British military headquarters on the west coast of India till 1887. Being an important port, most of the trade with Persia was carried out here. Kannur holds the glory of being one of the places in the country that possess many forts that reminds of the Portuguese invasion of the country. Francisco De Almedia, the first Portuguese viceroy of India constructed the fort named St. Angelo Fort in Kannur in1505. The British East India Company landed in the district by the end of the 17th century. The French also invaded the district in the 18th century. In 1725, the French captured Mayyazhi and renamed it as Mahe. Kannur district has played a significant role during the Indian freedom struggle. During this period, a branch of the All India Home Rule League, founded by Dr.Annie Beasant, functioned in Thalassery. It was also a centre of main events in Kerala politics too. The district came into limelight when Payyannur became the centre of the fourth All Kerala Political Conference.
Economy of Kannur
Majority of the people of Kannur depend mainly on agriculture for their livelihood. Paddy, coconut, pepper, cashew, tapioca, arecanut and plantation crops like rubber are the main crops grown in this region. Industries also play a major role in the lives of the people in Kannur right from the birth of the district. There is only one major industrial estate and five mini industrial estates in the district. Keltron Complex, Mangattuparamba and Western India Plywood's, Valappattanam are the two main industries in the district. Kannur also has 12 medium-scale industries, most of which are cotton textile or plywood manufacturing. The district possesses 6934 small scale industrial units. Textiles, beedi and coir are the important traditional industries in Kannur.
Accessibility in Kannur
Kannur is well connected with other districts through road, rail, air and sea. NH 17 passed through the district. A number of KSRTC and private buses operate in the district to allow access to other part of the state. Two airports such as Mangalore in the north and Karippur in Kozhikode link the district with other parts of the world.
Places of Interest in Kannur.
Fort St Angelos:
The Fort built in 1505 by Don Francisco De Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. This ancient fort that remains as the remnant of Portuguese invasion in India has become a place of interest of tourists visiting the place.
Pazhassi Dam:
The dam site which is famous for its scenic beauty is often visited by tourists. Boating facilities at the reservoir and well equipped accommodation available at the Project Inspection Bungalow add to its attraction.
Ezhimala:
Being the capital of the ancient Mooshika Kings earlier, it is considered as a historical site. It was one of the major battle fields of the Chola-Chera war of the II th century. Located38 kms north of Kannur, Ezhimala is a flourishing sea port and centre of trade in ancient Kerala. The hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs. Bordered by sea on three sides, the place is considered as a prominent place in the naval history of the country.
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