Places to Visit in Thalassery
Thalassery also named as Tellicherry is a commercial town on the Malabar coast, boarded by the districts of Mahe, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Karnataka. With the largest populated municipality, a town has been significant during the past 500 years in the region. It has been originated from the Malayalam linguistic usage Thala (Head) and Kacheri (Office), which means ‘Head of offices’. Most of all, it has many places to visit in and around for tourists.
Muzhappilangad Beach
Muzhappilangad beach is located at a distance of around 8 Km from the main town. Often referred as swimmer’s paradise, it is the only drive-in beach in Kerala that has a length of about 4 Km.
Kannur
Popularly known as Cannaore, the place is located around 24 Km from Thalassery. Kannur is often referred as a Land of Looms and Lores with attractions like beaches, forts, religious sites, historical towns, and villages. Apart from all, Fort St. Angelos, constructed by Don Francisco De Almeida is the primary site to visit here along with a Baby Beach.
Thalassery fort
Thalassery fort stands on the rocky cliffs on the bank of the Muzhappilangad beach. Constructed in the 18th century by British East India Company, the square shaped fort has massive walls and intricately carved doors. It is believed to have secret tunnels leading up to the Arabian Sea and was developed with an aim to establish a strong foothold in the Malabar Coast.
Mahe
Mahe, officially known as Mayyazhi, is a nearby town, which is officially a part of the Union Territory of Puducherry. The town derives its name from the word ‘Mayyazhi’, meaning ‘Eyebrow of the sea’. Formerly a French Colony, the town now serves as a municipality of District.
Dharmadam Thuruth
Dharmadam Thuruth is an island located in the midst of the Arabian Sea. The island covers an area of around 5 acres of land. This place is covered with thick plantations of coconut and palm amidst green bushes. The site is home to migratory birds that arrive here during winters.
Overbury’s Folly
Overbury’s Folly, a major attraction of Thalassery, is a seashore recreational park. The park is located on the hilltop, close to the Thalassery Municipal Stadium and Sports Authority of India (SAI). It has derived its name from the constructor E. N. Overbury, who once served as the Municipal Vice-Chairman and Sub-Collector of the region.
Sri Jagannatha Temple
Jagannath Temple established by Sree Narayana Guru to stop the evils of the caste system. Erected in 1908, this temple is open for all and has a glimpse of his own statue. The temple is made in the style of Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Orissa.
Sree Ramaswami Temple
Sree Rama Swami Temple located at a distance of around 4 km from Thalassery is believed to be built by Lord Parasurama, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that a dip in the temple tank, washes away all sins. With the typical Hindu architectural style, the walls and ceilings here are adorned with sculptures engraved in wood.
Fisherfolk Temple
Fisherfolk Temple is situated on the Kannur-Thalassery-Mahe coastline. It is close to the ground where cricket was first played in India. The temple is flanked on one side by the Arabian Sea, and a popular belief states that the shrine was built to pay gratitude to the sea, for its bounty and grace.