Kannur (earlier Canannore), has carved a niche in the socio-political history of the state. The capital of erstwhile Kolathiri Rajas, the ancient town had fallen to European forces in several occasions. In 15th century, the Portuguese were the first to establish a settlement here. St. Angelo’s Fort in the city was built by the first Portuguese Viceroy in 1505. The Portuguese factory built by Cabral in 1501 was captured by the Dutch in 1663. In 1708 the British built a fort at Thalassery ( earlier Tellichery), another coastal town in Kannur. The nearby Mahe became a French colony in the 18th century. In 1940's, Kannur became an effervescent political cauldron. Communism was the provocation. The district hamlets witnesses bouts of violence which left indelible impressions on the political landscape of the district.
Many folk art and dance forms have roots in the socio-religious culture of the district. Theyyam and Kavadiyattam were nurtured and nourished by artistes from Kannur. Another stronghold of the district is weaving. As many as hundred weaving units are ticking over here.
Kannur is boarded by Karnataka's Kodagu district.
Tourist Spots
EZHIMALA : Naval academy is coming up here. 55 km from Kannur.
THALASSERY : A trading centre of ancient times. Dr. German Gundert, a German Missionary, brought out the first Malayalam newspaper from Illikkunnu near Thalassery in 1856. He developed the first Malayalam dictionary. The historical city is also known as the cradle of Indian circus. Many a star circus artiste hailed from Thalassery. Leading circus troupes are still owned by people from this region. India's first gymnastic training centre functions here.
Conveyance
Air : The nearest airport at Karipur, Kozhikode 120 km away., Mangalore airport 170 km away.
Rail: Kannur railway station on Mangalore- Shornore Sector. A major station in north Kerala.
Road : N H 17 goes via Kannur, Thalassery- Virajpetta route is another Kerala-Karnataka route from Kannur. Private passenger buses for intra-district services. KSRTC operates buses to all parts of the state and to Mangalore and Bangalore in Karnataka