Explore The Paris Of Kerala, Thalassery: Top Spots To Visit!

Thalassery is a coastal city in the district of Kannur in Kerala. The magnificent Malabar coast of the city makes it much more tourism-friendly in a lot of different aspects. The former name of the city was “Tellicherry” which in the course of time got transformed into “Thalassery”.

Europeans during their colonial rule in the state of Kerala got impressed with the characteristics and assets of the city and thus they attributed a nickname to the city as the “Paris of Kerala”. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the local administration of the city was carried out by the “Ezhimala rulers” and “Cheras”.

Hence this is a city having a rich and glorious colonial past of its own. Let’s find out more centers of attractions you can visit and explore when planning a vacation to the city. 

Muzhappilangad Beach

Muzhappilangad Beach is one of the major attractive places to visit in Thalassery. The coastal features and beauty of the city of Thalassery can be utilized the most by traveling to this particular destination.

This is not just a regular beach visit you expect. Instead, the beach of Muzhappilangad is a drive-in beach where people go and chill by riding their jeeps and bikes on the sands of the beach. The length and area of the beach are quite large assuming the title of “longest drive-in beach in Asia”.

Trust us, this is the best place to wander around, lonely as a cloud.

Location: Muzhappilangad Beach pic.twitter.com/WxNxBY2Cdn

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) June 6, 2019

BBC has also mentioned this particular beach as one of the best beaches for drives. The length of this beach is measured to touch the mark of 4km. You can reach the destination of the beach by traveling 7km from the city center of Thalassery. 

Thalassery Fort

The rich colonial and local administration history of Thalassery can only be understood and experienced through historical remnants like the Thalassery Fort.

If you have got a taste to experience the history of the city through this particular fort, make sure you reach the location before 5:30 in the evening which is the closing time of the fort.

The construction credits of the fort of Thalassery go to the English East India Company which ruled the local territory during the colonial rule period. It was in the year 1703 that the fort completed its construction procedures and got established in the place. This is also one of the best places to visit in Thalassery.

The colonial rulers built this particular fort to mark the glory and power of their imperialist rule in the city of Thalassery. The fort is built in the shape of a square attracting architecture enthusiasts into it. 

Wellesley’s Bungalow

Just like the name of the destination suggests, this particular place is a mansion that got named after the British official “Lord Arthur Wellesley”. He was the one who introduced the game of cricket to the state of Kerala.

T.H. Baber was the owner of this beautiful mansion he was also an official representing the British government in Kerala. He stayed in this particular mansion while he was serving as the sub-collector of the Malabar region during the colonial reign in the region.

The compound of this mansion has also got the history of being the playground for Lord Arthur Wellesley to play his favorite sport of cricket. History also marks his relentless efforts to promote this particular sport in every nook and corner of the state. 

Dharmadam Thuruth

Recently, the popularity and preference of tourists visiting the city of Thalassery have started to incline more towards the island of Dharmadam. This is an area overwhelming with tranquillity and comfort all over. Most of the time the island is seen as secluded and free.

So that if you are a solo traveler seeking some time and space for contemplation and meditation on your trip to Thalassery, you will definitely fall in love with the vibes of this island. The dense bushes and the coconut palms are seen in the location of the island are also quite picturesque and give that tropical vibes to the visitors.

This island is surrounded by rivers on its three sides and the Arabian sea occupies the fourth and final side of it. The views that can be enjoyed from the island are also quite scenic and soothing. 

Overbury’s Folly

This is a park perfect for picnicking and site visits in the territory of Kannur in Kerala. The park is located nearby the sea giving that coastal and tropical vibrance to the park. From the city center of Thalassery, you can reach the location within a distance of 1km or lesser.

This would also help you understand the heritage and culture of the place in detail. There is also a watch tower in the location of the park which will give you an amazing view of the city of Thalassery and also the sea. E. N Overbury was the man behind the construction of the park.

He is respected and recognized by attributing his name itself to the park. He was a local judge of the British government during the colonial reign. 

CVN Kalari

Kalari is a martial art particular to the state of Kerala having its roots and prominence in the district of Kannur, especially in the Malabar region. CVN Kalari is an institute for the training of martial art located in the city of Thalassery in Kannur. One of the best places to visit in Thalassery.

The headquarters of CVN Kalari is located in the district of Thiruvananthapuram. It was in the year, 1956 that the institute got established in the state of Kerala. The founding figure of CVN Kalari is “Mr. CV Narayanan Nair” “Mr. CV Balan Nair” and “Mr. Kottackal Karunkara Gurukkal”.

Apart from the locations of Thalassery and Thiruvananthapuram, the institute has got its branches in the cities of Kannur and Kozhikode. Visitors can come and indulge in the daily training sessions of the students practicing in the institute. 

Anjarakandy Cinnamon Plantation

This is a cinnamon plantation spread over an area of 200 acres in the city of Thalassery. The plantation has got proximity to the river of Anjarakandy making the visit more reconciling with nature and its beauties. Considering all other cinnamon plantations that can be seen in the territory of Asia, this is the largest one.

British people are quite obsessed with the white pepper that is particular to the plantation since the colonial days. Even now the white pepper exports from the plantation to the UK are quite happening and can be regarded as one of the most flourishing businesses in the territory of Thalassery.

The Anjarakandy Medical College is a landmark that will help you reach the location of the cinnamon plantation from the city center of Thalassery. 

Gundert Bungalow

This is another historical visit possible when you are in the city of Thalassery for a vacation. Dr. Hermann Gundert stayed in this Bungalow when he was in the territory of India for his German missionary activities.

Even though he was a German by his nationality, his contributions and efforts to strengthen and modernize the language of Malayalam is still remembered with great honor. Gundert has lived for around 20 years in this particular bungalow in the city of Thalassery.

You can easily access the location of this bungalow since it is only 4km from the city center of Thalassery.

The printing presses of Malayalam newspapers like Rajyasamacharam and Paschimodayam were set up inside this particular bungalow. It is also remarkable when it comes to the social reform activities and movements that happened in the territory of Kerala. 

Odathil Palli Mosque

This is one of the most ancient pilgrim sites for Islamic believers visiting the city of Thalassery. Even if you are not a follower of the religion, you can visit the mosque to feel and experience the heritage and tradition of the city of Thalassery.

Moosa Kakka was the man behind the construction of this particular masjid in the city of Thalassery. He belonged to the popular Muslim family of the city of Thalassery known as the family of Keyi. It was in the year 1806, that the construction of the mosque got completed in the place.

For the construction of the mosque, Moosa Kakka managed to obtain some land from the Dutch East India Company which was ruling the territory at that time. The architectural patterns and aesthetics of the mosque are loved by the tourists visiting the same. 

Mahe

Mahe is a popular town near the city of Thalassery. This town is a district in the union territory of Puducherry.  In the earlier days, the city was also known by the name, “Mayyazhi”. Just like in Pondicherry, you can experience the remnants of French colonial heritage in the town.

The buildings and constructions belonging to the colonial era still stand high remarking the glory of French rule that was prominent in the area.

You can also visit Tagore Park nearby the town to know more about the culture and heritage of the city. The shrine of St. Theresa is also popular in the town of Mahe. A greater tourist crowd is experienced in the town and the shrine during the October Festival time.

Best Time To Visit Thalassery

Winter months of the year

How To Reach Thalassery?

Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport

Nearest railway station: Thalassery Railway Station (TLY)

Conclusion

A city of culture and heritage vibes marking the colonial and royal pasts. The tropical coastal vibes are gonna spice up your vacation experiences in the city.

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