Visit This Lesser-Known Port Town In Kerala For A Slice Of Quiet Coastal Life

Cannanore
CannanoreCrazy Holidays

From the relatively unexplored North East to beaches that go beyond Goa, discovering out-of-the-way holiday destinations is on every traveller’s bucket list. So, if you’ve made a mental note to head to God’s own country the first chance you get, let us tell you about a quaint port town, in the far north of the state, that affords unique cultural experiences - Kannur, or Cannanore (an anglicised remnant of the town’s colonial past).

Attending the Theyyam ritual in Kerala ranks as one of the top tourist experiences in the state - right up there with trekking to Fort Kochi, timing your visit so it coincides with the snake boat races during Onam or waking up early to bathe an elephant in Munnar. Performed between the months of October and May, Theyyam is a ritual that combines dance, music and mime in a startling, enthralling way. The legend goes that, during theyyam season, the gods themselves descend onto Earth and take possession of the bodies of their devotees, who then dance through local shrines (called kavu) in villages, blessing those who bear witness to this display of divinity. With elaborate costumes, massive headdresses that command the attention of the spectators and painted faces, theyyam season is one of the most exciting things about Kannur.

Image source: Kerala Tourism

Flanked by the Lakshwadeep sea to its west and the mighty Western Ghats to the east, Cannanore is a sight for the sore eyes of city-dwellers. Hill stations and pristine beaches coexist in Kannur, so you don’t have to pick one or the other. Let the gentle waves lap at your bare feet as you walk down the 4-km long Payyambalam Beach or drive down to Paithalmala, the highest peak in the district. Kannur is also home to the state’s only drive-in beach, Muzhappilangad, and the water is absolutely perfect for a swim under the open sky. Untouched by commercial tourism, Cannanore’s beaches are a pleasant surprise for jaded travellers who’ve been there, done that.

A former Portuguese colony, Kannur’s landscape is also dotted with stately architecture that has survived the wear and tear over the years. A must-see is St. Angelo fort, constructed in 1505 by the first Portuguese viceroy, Dom Francisco de Almeida, remodelled by the Dutch in 1663 and then seized by the British in 1790 to be used as their chief military station in the Malabar region. Impressive architecture, views of the Arabian sea and a quick trip back in time are all great reasons to add a visit to St. Angelo fort to your itinerary.

Image source: Kerala Tourism

Today, Kannur survives as the city of looms and lores. From the mystifying Theyyam ritual dance to its rich, vibrant history that’s been preserved by way of museums and monuments, Kannur isn’t just a sleepy old town that plays second fiddle to popular tourist destinations in Kerala. A robust weaving industry, handlooms and textiles that are unique to the region, crescent-shaped beaches and markets lined with shops selling gold - might we suggest Cannanore for an unconventional holiday?

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