Kannur

Kannur, previously known in English as Cannanore, is a city and municipal corporation in Kerala, India. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Kannur district and is strategically located 274 kilometers (170 miles) north of Kochi, a major port city and commercial hub, and 137 kilometers (85 miles) south of Mangalore, another key port city and commercial center. Historically, during British colonial rule, it was part of the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency and was known as Cannanore. Over time, Kannur has evolved into the sixth-largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. According to the 2011 census, Kannur Municipal Corporation is a significant urban center, growing in both population and infrastructure. This city, rich in historical and cultural importance, continues to develop and expand, contributing to the overall growth of the state.

The Historical Significance of Kannur

Historically, It served as the headquarters of Kolathunadu, one of the four significant dynasties on the Malabar Coast, alongside the Zamorin of Calicut, the Kingdom of Cochin, and the Kingdom of Quilon. The Arakkal kingdom governed Kannur and the Laccadive Islands during the late medieval period. The British Indian Empire established Kannur municipality on November 1, 1866, through the Madras Act 10 of 1865 (Amendment of the Improvements in Towns Act 1850), alongside the municipalities of Thalassery, Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Fort Kochi, making them the first modern municipalities in the state. In 2015, they upgraded Kannur to a municipal corporation.

Kannur Cantonment stands as the only cantonment board in Kerala. The Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala holds the distinction of being the largest in Asia and the third-largest naval academy in the world. Muzhappilangad Beach, the longest drive-in beach in Asia, earned recognition in a BBC Top Gear article, which ranked it among the top six best beaches for driving globally. During British rule, Kannur played a key role in producing Thalassery pepper.