Kannur, A Sunny Gem on the Malabar Coast
Kannur, formerly Cannanore, is located more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the port city of Kochi. Before the British Indian Empire established it as a municipality in the 19th century, it was part of the Arakkal Kingdom. As such, the architectural, cultural, and culinary remnants of the city are marked by a blend of traditional and colonial influences. Kannur, though rarely mentioned as a tourist destination, has an undiscovered charm that is often overlooked for its more southern counterparts, and therefore deserves attention. While there is quite a bit to sightsee in Kannur, some smaller towns and attractions near the town are also worth exploring. Forts, Monuments and Museums Begin your visit to Kannur with a visit to St. Angelo's Fort, an impressive bastion built by India's first Portuguese Viceroy along the Arabian Sea. The fort has changed hands several times throughout history, first being captured by the Dutch in 1663, then passing to the Arakkal monarchy for ...