Kannur district is bound in the east by the Western Ghats, in the west by the Arabian Sea, in the north by the Kasargode District and in the south by the Mahe region of the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
Formerly a major port, Kannur is now a city known for its handloom and beedi industries. Some of Kerala's finest weavers come from this district. Kannur is also the headquarters of the country's largest and best-run beedi cooperative which produces the famous brand, Kerala Dinesh Beedi. Marco Polo is supposed to have referred to Kannur as a great emporium of spices.
In the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived in Kannur to establish one of their earliest settlements. A reminder of this is the St. Angelo's Fort built in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy. Kannur's history is marked by foreign invasions and the activities of colonial powers.
Kannur district is endowed with sufficient number of rivers. Valapattanam river which originates from Western Ghats is the longest river in the district. Most of the rivers are navigable. Anjarakany, Kuppam, Mahe and Thalassery are the other rivers. Kannur district has extensive forest areas which may be classified under two heads namely reserve forests and vested forests.
How to Reach
Air:
The nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode, about 93 km south.
Rail:
Kannur railway station is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State.
Road:
Kannur is accessible by road.
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