Cannanore

State: Kerala

Main languages: Malayalam 

 

History:

 

The city of Cannanore is situated in the municipality of Kannur district and is also known by the same name. Kannur lies in the state of Kerala and is also the administrative headquarters of the district. It is also the 4th largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. The city of Cannanore is of vital importance due to its strategic importance as a port on the Arabian Sea. From here the trade route to Persia and Arabia existed during the 12th and 13th centuries. The city was also the British headquarters till 1887. The Portuguese and the Dutch reined the area for many years till 1663 when the Dutch captured and sold the city to the royal family Arakkal. The British then conquered the area in 1790 and made it into their major military stations on the Malabar Coast. The city is preserved and protected under the Archaeological Survey of India. It is said that the body of Kunjali Marakkar was exhibited here after his death. The British also renamed the city of Kannur as Cannanore. Presently the area is of strategic importance due its military purposes. Cannanore houses one of the 62 cantonments in the country. It is also the current seat of the Defence Security Corps.

 

 

Geography and Demography:

 

As per the 2001 census Cannanore had a population of 63,795 with 48% males and 52% females. The literacy rate in the city is 83%. The city has an inland water transport system connecting Perumba and Thaliparamba. The 3.8 km long canal is known as the Sultan's Canal. Rivers flowing from the west are used for navigation.

 

Climate:

 

The city has a humid sub tropical climate due to its proximity to the sea. Heavy rainfalls are common during the monsoons. 

 

Economy:

 

The city thrives on its sea trade for commercial benefits. The city has been rates as one of the best ten cities in India to reside. The city is also known as the city of Looms and Lores. Tourism is also an important source of income. The handlooms made here are exported to various places. Mappila Bay near the St. Angelo fort is a major fishing harbour.

 

Education:

 

There are various institutes and colleges surrounding the city like the Govt. College of Engineering, Brennen College, Thalassery and the Sir Syed College, Taliparamba. Apart from these there are various other medical colleges also located in the area.

 

 

Culture and tourism:

 

The 'Theyyam' is one of the famous performing arts of Kannur. There are various places to see in Kannur like Kannur City Centre on Fort Road, Cannon at St. Angelo Fort, Mappila Bay, Payyambalam, etc. There are massive landscaped sculpture of mother and child erected by noted sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman here. The Arakkal Museum, Cannanore Lighthouse, Baby Beach, Meenkunnu Beach at Azhikode is few of the other attractions here. 

 

Transportation

 

The city is connected to some of the major southern cities through railways. The city is easily accessible through the National Highway 17. The nearest airports are Mangalore and Kozhikode.