Kannur, Kerala: City of Looms and Lores

Kannur, also known as Cannanore, is a city in the state of Kerala, India, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Kannur:

Historical Landmarks

1. St. Angelo Fort: A 17th-century Portuguese fort built on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Krishna Menon Museum: A museum showcasing the city’s history, with exhibits on archaeology, art, and natural history.
3. Dharmadam Church: A historic church built in the 16th century, with beautiful architecture and stunning views.
4. Bekal Fort: A 17th-century fort built by the Kadathanad Raja, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

Beaches of Kannur

1. Payyambalam Beach: A popular beach with golden sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
2. Muzhappilangad Beach: A scenic beach with black sand and rocky formations, perfect for rock climbing and photography.
3. Kizhunna Beach: A secluded beach with stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

For the TLOW backpacking experience click on this link 

Wildlife and Nature

1. Kannur Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area for wildlife conservation, with a variety of animals and birds.
2. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area for wildlife conservation, with a variety of animals and birds.
3. Kannur Hill Station: A scenic hill station offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Cultural Experiences

1. Theyyam Dance Performance: Watch a traditional dance performance that showcases Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
2. Kathakali Dance Show: Watch a traditional dance performance that combines storytelling, music, and dance.
3. Visit a Local Market: Explore the local markets and try some traditional Kerala cuisine like idlis, dosas, and coffee.

Food

1. Try some Kerala Cuisine: Sample some delicious Kerala dishes like sadya (a meal), payasam (a sweet dish), and tea at a local restaurant or café.
2. Try some Fresh Seafood: Enjoy some fresh seafood like fish, prawns, and crab at one of the many seafood restaurants in the city.

Accommodation

1. Hotels: Choose from a range of hotels that cater to different budgets and preferences.
2. Guesthouses: Stay in a cozy guesthouse or homestay for a more authentic experience.

Tips

1. Getting There: The nearest airport is at Mangalore (150 km away), while the nearest railway station is at Kannur (5 km away).
2. Weather: The best time to visit Kannur is from October to March when the weather is mild and pleasant.
3. Language: Malayalam is the local language, but English is widely spoken.

Kannur is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty that offers something for everyone. From historical landmarks to beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries to cultural experiences, Kannur is a must-visit destination in Kerala!

Here are some interesting facts about Kannur, Kerala:

History

1. Ancient City: Kannur is one of the oldest cities in India, with a history dating back to the 12th century.
2. Portuguese and British Colonization: The city was a major center of trade and commerce during the Portuguese and British colonial periods.

Cultural Significance

1. Theyyam: Kannur is famous for its traditional Theyyam dance, a ritualistic dance form that’s a symbol of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
2. Kathakali: Kannur is also known for its Kathakali dance performances, which are a blend of storytelling, music, and dance.
3. Mural Paintings: The city is famous for its intricate mural paintings on temple walls, which date back to the 16th century.

Tourist Attractions

1. Beaches: Kannur has some of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, including Payyambalam Beach, Muzhappilangad Beach, and Kizhunna Beach.
2. Fortresses: The city has several historic fortresses, including St. Angelo Fort, Bekal Fort, and Dharmadam Fort.
3. Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kannur is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary and the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Economy

1. Cashew Nuts: Kannur is famous for its cashew nut production and processing industry.
2. Fishing Industry: The city has a significant fishing industry, with many fishing ports and fish markets.

Food

1. Sadya: Kannur is famous for its traditional Sadya meal, which consists of rice, parippu (lentil soup), rasam (tamarind soup), sambar (lentil-based vegetable dish), pachadi (yogurt-based side dish), pickles, and payasam (sweet dish).
2. Seafood: The city offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, including fish, prawns, crab, and lobster.

Demographics

1. Population: Kannur has a population of around 600,000 people.
2. Language: Malayalam is the official language spoken by the majority of the population, while English and Hindi are widely spoken as well.

Education

1. Universities: Kannur has several universities, including the University of Kannur and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).
2. Schools and Colleges: The city has a wide range of schools and colleges offering various courses in arts, science, commerce, engineering, and medicine.

These are just a few interesting facts about Kannur, Kerala!

Kannur International Airport (CNN)

Kannur International Airport (IATA: CNN, ICAO: VOCL) is a public airport located in Kannur, Kerala, India. Here are some essential facts about the airport:

Location

• The airport is located about 25 km (15.5 miles) east of Kannur city center.
• It’s easily accessible by road via National Highway 66 (NH-66).

Terminal Information

• The airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
• The terminal building is divided into two levels: Departure (Level 1) and Arrival (Level 2).

Airlines and Destinations

• Kannur International Airport is connected to several domestic and international destinations, including:
  • Domestic destinations: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, etc.
  • International destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat, Singapore, etc.

Facilities

• The airport has a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable travel experience:
  • Check-in counters: 12 counters for domestic flights and 4 counters for international flights.
  • Baggage claim belts: 2 belts for domestic flights and 1 belt for international flights.
  • ATMs: Multiple ATMs from various banks.
  • Currency exchange: Available at the airport’s foreign exchange counter.
  • Restaurants and cafes: Several options available, including restaurants, cafes, and snack bars.
  • Duty-free shopping: Available at the airport’s duty-free shop.
  • Prayer rooms: Available for passengers of different faiths.

Transportation

• Pre-paid taxi services are available from the airport to Kannur city center and other nearby destinations.
• Autorickshaws (tuk-tuks) and buses are also available outside the airport.
• Private vehicles can be hired from the airport parking area.

Tips

• Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights.
• Check-in online and print your boarding pass to avoid queues at the airport.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your journey.
• Keep your valuables safe and secure during travel.

Kannur International Airport is a modern and well-equipped airport that provides a convenient gateway to this beautiful region in Kerala.

Here are some interesting facts about Kannur International Airport (CNN):

Airport Information

1. Code: The airport’s IATA code is CNN and its ICAO code is VOCL.
2. Location: The airport is located about 25 km (15.5 miles) east of Kannur city center.
3. Terminal: The airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
4. Runways: The airport has two runways: Runway 14/32 (3,300 meters) and Runway 17/35 (2,700 meters).

Airlines and Destinations

1. Domestic: The airport is connected to several domestic destinations, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram.
2. International: The airport operates international flights to destinations like Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat, and Singapore.

Facilities

1. Check-in Counters: There are 12 check-in counters for domestic flights and 4 for international flights.
2. Baggage Claim: There are 2 baggage claim belts for domestic flights and 1 for international flights.
3. ATMs: There are several ATMs from various banks available at the airport.
4. Currency Exchange: There is a foreign exchange counter available at the airport.
5. Restaurants and Cafes: There are several restaurants and cafes available at the airport, offering a range of cuisines.
6. Duty-Free Shopping: Duty-free shopping is available at the airport.

Transportation

1. Taxis: Pre-paid taxis are available from the airport to Kannur city center and other nearby destinations.
2. Autorickshaws: Autorickshaws (tuk-tuks) are also available outside the airport.
3. Buses: Buses connect the airport to various parts of the city.

Security

1. Security Checkpoints: There are security checkpoints at the entrance of the terminal building and before the departure gates.
2. X-ray Machines: X-ray machines are used for security screening of passengers’ luggage.
3. Metal Detectors: Metal detectors are used for security screening of passengers.

Other Facts

1. Cargo Handling: The airport has a dedicated cargo terminal that handles both domestic and international cargo operations.
2. Aircraft Maintenance: The airport has a maintenance facility that provides maintenance services to aircraft operators.
3. Airport Expansion: The airport is planned to be expanded in phases to increase its capacity and improve facilities.

These are some interesting facts about Kannur International Airport!