KANNUR LAND OF THEYYAMS
tHE lAND oF LOOMS , LORES & THEYYAM
Kannur , formerly known as Cannanore, is a city and a Municipal Corporation in Kannur district, state of Kerala, India. It is the administrative headquarters of the Kannur District and situated 518 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. During British rule in India, Kannur was known as Cannanore, which is used now only by the Indian Railways. It is the largest city of the North Malabar region.
Kannur district is known as the land of Looms and Lores, because of the loom industries functioning in the district and ritualistic folk arts held in temples. Kannur is famous for its pristine beaches, Theyyam, its native performing art, and its handloom industry. Kannur is of great strategic military importance. Kannur Cantonment is one of the 62 military cantonments in the country and is the headquarters of the Defence Security Corps and Territorial Army’s 122 Infantry Battalion (under Madras Regiment). Ezhimala Naval Academy (INS) is 35 km north of Kannur City. It is Asia's largest and the world's third largest naval academy. An Indian Coast Guard Academy is approved to be built at Kannur. This academy will be built on the banks of Valapattanam River at Irinave, east of Azhikkal. Kannur Cantonment is one of the important cantonments in India.
പല കളിത്തൊട്ടിലായ തെയ്യം, കണ്ണൂര് എന്നീ നിറപ്പകിട്ടാർന്ന നാടോടി കലാരൂപങ്ങളും ആരുടെ അഷ്ടമുടിക്കായലിന്റെ ശലോമോൻ രാജാവിന്റെ കപ്പലുകൾ യെരൂശലേമിന്റെ വലിയ മന്ദിരം പണിയും മരവും ശേഖരിച്ച നിന്ന്, പുരാതന തുറമുഖം പറയപ്പെടുന്നു. പോലും ഗ്രീക്കുകാർ, റോമാക്കാർ ആൻഡ് അറബികൾ, കണ്ണൂർ വ്യാപാരം കണ്ണികൾ തിരികെ ഒരു നീണ്ട പോകുന്നു. സുഗന്ധവ്യഞ്ജന വ്യാപാരത്തിന്റെ വലിയ എംപോറിയം ആഘോഷിക്കുന്നത് സഞ്ചാരി മാർക്കോ പോളോ വഴി പ്രശംസിക്കപ്പെട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട് ഈ സ്വഭാവം സമ്പുഷ്ടമായ ദേശം സംസ്ഥാന സാംസ്കാരിക, മത, രാഷ്ട്രീയ, വ്യാവസായിക അവകാശത്തെ ഒരു കീ സമ്പാദകർ ഉണ്ടായിട്ടുണ്ട്. . പടിഞ്ഞാറ് കിഴക്ക് പശ്ചിമഘട്ട, ലക്ഷദ്വീപ് സീ അതിരുകള്, കണ്ണൂർ പുരാതന കോട്ടകളും, പഴയ ആരാധനാലയങ്ങൾ അതിന്റെ മനോഹരമായ പ്രകൃതിദൃശ്യങ്ങളും ഡോട്ട് ആഗസ്റ്റ് സാംസ്കാരിക വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളിൽ അതിന്റെ ശ്രദ്ധേയമായ ചരിത്രം പ്രദർശിപ്പിക്കുന്നു .
Ezhimala Hill
Ezhimala (also known as Ezhimalai), a hill reaching a height of 286 metres, is located near Payyanur, in Kannur District of Kerala, South India. As the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kingdom, it is considered to be an important historical site, and is a conspicuous and isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport and center of trade around the beginning of the Common Era, it was also one of the major battlefields of the Chola-Chera Wars, in the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. The hill was once known as Mount Delly by the English or Monte D'Ely by the PortugueseEzhimala, which is part of Ramanthali panchayath, is one of the most important places in the recorded history of North Kerala. From before the period of known history, some chapters of the Ramayana and local Hindu legends associate the Ezhimala Hills with the famous epic, in particular with Lord Hanuman.
Ezhimala, Pazhayangadi, and several villages and towns in this region find plenty of mention in the extant Tamil Sangam Period's literature (500 BC to 300 AD). Pazhayangadi is the present corrupted form of its ancient name of Pazhi. Pazhi is mentioned as the ancient capital of King Udayan Venmon Nannan (known as Nannan or Nandan) of the Mushika or Kolathiri Royal Family. Though the Dynasty of Nannans was a cousin or sister dynasty of the Cheras and Pandyas and Cholas, warfare among them was nearly consistent, and the period of Nannan was no exception. There are texts that speak of Nannan fighting heroic battles at Pazhi against the Chera Kings who invaded his kingdom (Kolathunadu). Eventually, Nannan was killed in battle by the Chera king, Narmudi Cheral. Like the other kings of the then Tamilakam cultural polity, Narmudi Cheral was a great patron of scholars and poets, and he once gifted his court-poet, Kappiyattu Kappiyanar with 40 lakhs gold coins, as a token of his poetic genius.
Extant Tamil Sangam texts describe the glory and wealth of the ancient Pazhi in the highest terms.Sangam Era poets, as well as Classical Tamil poets of later centuries, like Paranar speak of the wealth of Pazhi in the greatest degree. One of the Sangam pieces, Akam 173 speaks of "Nannan's great mountain slopes where gold fields abound, and long bamboos dried in the Sun burst and released the unfinished pearls." Noted scholar, Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai states that "It is from Kottayam (of North Malabar) and Cannanore regions of old Ezhimalainad that innumerable Roman (gold) coins have been excavated. On one (single) occasion (gold) coins that could be carried by six porters were obtained. These coins were found to belong to the period down to 491 AD"
Ezhimala was also a flourishing seaport and center of trade at least by the start of the Common Era; and later was also one of the major battlefields of the series of Chola-Chera Wars in the 11th century; some believe that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala.
Mooshika Vamsham, written by Athulan in the 11th century, throws light on the recorded past of the Mushika Royal Family up until that point. The first recorded king of Mooshika Vamsham (the Mooshika Dynasty) was Ramaghata Mooshika and his capital most probably was Pazhi (ancient Pazhayangadi). Athulan describes the later kings of this dynasty who are now better known as the Kolathiri Dynasty. King Ramaghata Mooshika's successors shifted their capital to Ezhimala, Valabhapattanam (Valapattanam), and eventually Chirakkal, among other nearby places, over the following centuries.
AARALAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary is Kerala's northernmost sanctuary in Kannur District. Its massive evergreen trees sprawl over 55 square kilometers, making it a part of the Northern Wildlife Circle. With headquarters in Iritty, it is centered around Aaralam (Aralam), Thalaseery. This village is noted for the 3060-hectare Central State Farm and its production of hybrid coconut seeds. The sanctuary was established back in the mid 1980's on the western slopes of the luscious Western Ghats. Aaralam, Kottiyoor and Kelakam are the nearest towns and Cheenkannippuzha is the main water source. A majority of the sanctuary's landscape is rugged with hills that are continuous with the forests of Coorg (Kodagu) in Karnataka. Aaralam is an ideal marriage of dense jungle and rocks. This beautiful hill forest land has altitudes that range from 60 meters at the base to Katti Betta, the tallest peak at 1489 msl. Eco-tourism plays an instrumental role in all the activities that take place in Aaralam. Quite apart from the 20 kilometer trek that begins at the mouth of the sanctuary and ends in Ambalapaara, other options such as trekking to Meenmutty and a day visit to Aaralam Sanctuary are on offer. All necessary equipment for camping and trekking is made available. While trekking through Aaralam you move through a variety of forest types. You have West Coast semi-evergreen, West Coast tropical evergreen, Southern hilltop evergreen and South Indian moist deciduous forests. Along with these, Aaralam has 500 hectares of eucalyptus and teak that Kerala is so popularly known for. Aaralam is situated in the extreme north of the state. Its vegetation can be distinctly divided into three strata. Until two thirds of the way up (in terms of altitude) are heavy, cylindrical trees that have not branched out but instead formed an umbrella shaped canopy over itself. The middle stratum comprises conical trees shaped almost like a melting candle. All of Aaralam's trees are ridden with moss and orchids; even lichens and fungi are a regular sight. The wild animals and birds of the sanctuary are typical to the Western Ghats. One can spot wild boar, Malabar giant squirrel, leopards, mouse deer, gaur, sambar deer, Hanuman langur and more. The soil, trees, nooks and corners of the Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary house several species of amphibians and reptiles as well, including the royal king cobra. There is huge potential for bird watching as you stand in the presence of 188 bird species, a dozen of which are endemic to the region. Keep an eye out for Malabar pied hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Broad billed roller, Ceylon frogmouth and the great pied hornbill. Rare sightings of the Kerala laughing thrush have been reported too. The sanctuary's aquafuana thrives well and boasts of the endangered Tor Khudree.
The season to visit Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary would be between October and June; avoid the extreme summer and winter months. Regardless of climate though, if you are a butterfly lover, make sure you visit in November or December to see more than 170 types of the fluttering beauties.
Once at Aaralam, you cannot miss trekking out to Meenmutty Falls. They tumble down from a height of 300 meters in three tiers. The 2-kilometer trail to the falls are rather difficult and can be tiring for the first time trekker, but these virgin falls are fresh and one of the few in the country that are not tainted by commercial tourism.
Paithalmala
Paithalmala (Malayalam: പൈതൽമല) or Paithalmala is a hill station in the Kannur district of Kerala in India. Located near Pottenplave village, at a height of 1371.6 m above sea level, this is the highest geographic peak in Kannur. It is located at 40 km from Taliparamba and 65 km from Kannur. Nestled in the Kerala Karnataka border near to Kodagu forests, it lies in the Western Ghats. It has become a favourite spot for the nature enthusiasts, photographers, trekkers and leisurely visitors.There are two trekking seasons at Paithalmala, falling in monsoon and summer. Monsoon (June to October) trekking to Paithalmala is a photographer's delight as the mist blankets the hills and forest. One can indulge into the lush greenery amidst the showers throughout the day, especially in July. Practically, trekking is not as easy as in the summer because of the extreme climate. Watch out for leeches and occasional elephant visits.
Monsoon is followed by a cool climate in Paithalmala and the grass surrounding the hills grow to their fullest size, making it difficult to walk through. As they grow above seven feet, finding the regular way becomes a difficult task. By December, the forest caretakers set fire to the grass, taking care of the rest of the forest, to ease out the trekking experience. Soon after this, the hill becomes unsuitable to trek because of the black sooth formed but clears away after a couple of weeks. The best time for a trek is from Jan to March though the sun might be harsh.
There is an observatory tower made by the department of tourism at the hilltop which can be reached after a 45 min walk from the Paithal valley. Trekking starts through the dense forest followed by the plain grass land on the hill top.
View of the valley from the observatory tower is breathtaking and the observer’s eyes can hover over more than half the area of Kannur district.
Most of the visitors end their trek having time spent around the tower, but much of the excitement of the Paithalmala is located elsewhere.
The best part of the trek is the walk from the observatory tower to the thick forest where trail from Kappimala ends. One can move on top of the hills enjoying the mesmerizing scenery of the Coorg forest on right and Paithal valley on the left. The grassland looks stunning here and arguably is the best scene of the trek. The best time to start the trek is early morning, after the breakfast from the valley and finishing by evening. Lunch, water and snacks need to be carried.
This is one of the few places in Kerala where the nature is not largely affected by human invasion, thanks to the limited reachability. But the future does not look promising because of the increasing tendency of visitors to make it as a drinking spot. The observatory tower is in a poor condition as the walls and barricades are broken or destroyed. The surroundings of the tower are littered with beer bottles and like any other tourist spots, plastic is the major threat here too. It is sad to see even the streams where you get the purest of water have been treated badly with plastic covers thrown around. Nevertheless, the hill top remains largely non-polluted and the visitors are advised to preserve it.
BEACHS IN KANNUR
Kannur Beach is a group of five beaches on the western side of Kannur city in Kerala province of India. They are- Payyambalam Beach
- Meenkunnu Beach
- Adikadalayi Beach
- Baby Beach
- Thayyil Beach
Kottiyoor
Kottiyoor is a village and the 23rd Wild Life Sanctuary of Kerala, situated in eastern hilly area of Kannur. Kottiyoor is located in the serene hills of Western Ghats. The ancient pilgrimage conducted here yearly, called 'Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam' attracts thousands of devotees every year. The Vavali river flows through Kottiyoor.“Kottiyoor” comes from Koodi(Meeting) and Uuru(Precinct); the name comes from the pilgrimage in the region. The mythology says that this is the place where the holy trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), Veerabhadra, Bhadrakali, Shiva Bhutaganas, revered Sages and other holy men came together to complete the Daksha Yaga. It is believed that Sati Devi immolated herself here. The etymology of most of the places on the way to Kottiyoor are also related to the mythology. Sati Devi's voyage to the “Yagashala” can be understood by the names of these area. The place where she desperately felt the need of Shiva and felt sad on his absence is called “Manathana”. The place where Sati Devi cried is now the name of a nearby village called “Kanneer char”. Another village nearby is “Aayothumchal”, this is where Sati felt tired and rested for some time. An ox was provided from a place on the way for the tired Devi to ride, this place is now known as “Kelakam”. There is a place called “Neendunokki” this is the place where Sati peeped at the distant 'Yaga shala' when she heard the noise emanating from there. The place where she had to pay taxation is called - “Chungakunnu”, where she walked slowly became “Mandhemcheri”. The place where she became extremely tired and fell down is “Murchilakadu”. “Mutherikavu” is a temple and the name of a village, it is where the sword which decapitated Daksha, was thrown by Veerabhadra . Stone hearths used for boiling milk came to be known as “Palukachiyamala”
Kottiyoor is declared as a wild life sanctuary by the Government of Kerala. It is the 23rd wild life sanctuary in Kerala. The total area of the zone is 3,037.98 hectares. It is in addition to the Aralam wild life sanctuary in Kannur District. Kottiyoor Wild Life Sanctuary is adjacent to the Bandipur National Park, a tiger reserve park in Karnataka border.
Kottiyoor is an exciting tourist spot for biologists, nature sight seers and mountaineering trekkers. Neendunokki, Palukachiyamala, Kelakam are all serene green places suitable for Eco tourism. The forest is serene, a large variety of birds and seasonal butterflies are deen here. Palukachipara's hilltop is a well known location for usual trekkers'.
Kottiyoor Utsavam, the yaga festival in Akkare Kottiyoor Shrine, is conducted yearly for 27 days commemorating the Daksha Yaga. The pilgrimage is on the west bank of Bavali river in a temporary shrine where the Swayambhu linga is present. During the time of pilgrimage the Ikkare Kottiyoor Temple will be closed. Thousands of pilgrims come to this place, the festival is in the rainy season of June–July.
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| KRISHNANATTAM MAAHI Mahe, situated on the west coast of Kerala is a former French colony in India. Geographically situated in Kerala, poilitically Mahe forms part of Pondicherry Union Territory. It lies south of Mahe River near where the river meets the sea. Mahe is famous as a brisk trade center of foreign liquor. The history of Mahe is closely associated with a statue named Marianne, a proud symbol of French revolution. The freedom struggle of Mahe gathered momentum from this place. Hence, this place is now well maintained as a park in the name of Rabindranath Tagore. The Headquarters office of Mahe administration is the Government House which is a fine example of the French architecture. There is a mini forest area at the back of the Government House. From this point, the Arabian Sea, the costline with golden sand, the Mayyazhi River and the Dharmadam island can be seen. Other attractions include a tall flag mast, a lighthouse, remnants of a fort and the sunset. In addition to these, Mahe Boat house, 2 km from the Government house, in the Mahe River welcomes the visitors with speed boats, pedal boats and kayak boats. Some other places of interest are Thacholi Othenan’s Fort, Puzhakal Juma Masjid, St. Theresa Church, Sree Krishna Temple, St. George Fort, Puthalam Bhagavathi Temple and Sree Narayana Madam. The Government Tourist Home near the Government House, the Zara Resort on the railway station road, the Arena Hotel near the Mahe Sports Club and the Municipal Tourist Home provide excellent accommodation. St. Angelo Fort |
The fort is in the Cannanore Cantonment area. It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. St Angelo's fort is a most important historical monument and a popular tourist attraction. Six Tourism Policeman are posted here for protection duty.
In 2015, thousands of cannonballs weighing several kilos were discovered from the Fort premises. The Archaeological Survey of India, which led the excavation, believes these were buried as part of military preparedness.
Arakkal Museum
The Arrakkal Museum is a museum dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, south India. The museum is actually a section of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace). The durbar hall section of the palace has been converted into a museum by the Government of Kerala.
Arakkal family is the royal family which ruled Kannur for several centuaries. They had family relationship with Kolathiris, the rulers of the neighbouring Chirakkal kingdom. Arakkal family had trade relationship with Arabs and later with Europeans. The islands of Lakshadweep and Maldives were ruled by Arakkal family. The king of Arakkal kingdom was known as Arakkal Raja and the Queen was known as Arakkal Beevi.
Although renovated by the government, the Arakkalkettu is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and does not fall under the control of the country's archaeology department, the Archaeological Survey of India. The government had taken a keen interest in preserving the heritage of the Arakkal Family, which had played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. A nominal entry fee is charged by the Arakkal Family Trust from visitors to the museum.
It is a women ruling dynasty.
Although renovated by the government, the Arakkalkettu is still owned by the Arakkal Royal Trust and does not fall under the control of the country's archaeology department, the Archaeological Survey of India. The government had taken a keen interest in preserving the heritage of the Arakkal Family, which had played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. A nominal entry fee is charged by the Arakkal Royal Trust from visitors to the museum.
Dharmadam Island
Dharmadam Island in Kannur is an enchanting paradise – a beautiful, secluded spot with swaying coconut trees and wild bushes. Its verdant settings have given it the name Green Island. This little island is spread across just 5 acres but some time spent here is bound to refresh and rejuvenate you.
This isle is 100 meters from Dharmadam mainland, which is between Kannur and Thalasseri. It is formed as a result of a lateritic rock projection between two branches of the Anjarakkandy River and the Arabian Sea. During low tide, the sea recedes and you can walk across to the island. However, do not venture out on your own without a local guide, as the water can rise rapidly during high tide. Alternately, you can take a boat from the south end of Moidu Bridge which is close by on the Kannur-Thalasseri highway. If you are planning to picnic on the island, carry your own food as there are no restaurants here.
Although Green Island is uninhabited, it is a privately owned place and you need permission from the owners if you want to visit. The Kerala Government took over the island in 1998 to develop it for tourism. The best time to visit this island is between October and May
Dharmadam Island is a lush green tiny paradise! The island abounds in a variety of flora and many types of trees. The reddish-brown rocks that are scattered on the island are distinctive and add to the beauty of the place. There is one well on the island, and amazingly, the water from the well is not saline.
With its secluded charm, its luxuriant vegetation and the rippling waters of the Arabian Sea…Green Island has become a popular tourist haunt. The island is just 200 meters from the very popular Muzhuppilangad Beach, which is Asia’s longest drive-in beach.
Dharmadam means ‘the place of ethics’. In times past, Buddhist monks used to frequent this town. The town was also frequented by the Arabs and the Jews centuries ago. Today, the town still has an old-world charm thanks to its beach and the Green Island. It’s become very popular with honeymooners thanks to the romantic ambience!
When you are at Dharmadam you could pay a visit to Andalur Kaavu, a place of worship that is very popular with the locals. Kaavus are a quintessential part of Kerala Hindu tradition. It is a little preserved forest or grove dedicated to snakes. The serpents are worshipped at the Kaavu, which, with its dense vegetation, is a natural habitat for many varieties of snakes, which live in these groves undisturbed..
THEYYAM
Theyyam (Teyyam, Theyyattam ) (Malayalam:തെയ്യം) is a popular ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area (consisting of present-day Kasargod, Kannur Districts, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad and Vadakara and Koyilandy Taluks of Kozhikode of Kerala) and also in Kodagu and Tulu nadu of Karnataka as a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs. The performers of Theyyam belong to the lower caste community, and have an important position in Theyyam.People of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam. A similar custom is followed in the Tulu Nadu region of neighbouring Karnataka known as Bhuta Kola
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