Thalassery, also formerly known as Tellicherry, is a municipality and commercial city on the Malabar Coast in Kannur district, state of Kerala, India. It’s a historically significant town, known for its vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and role in the spice trade.
Here’s a glimpse into Thalassery:
- Total Area: 23.98 square kilometers
- District: Kannur
- Nearby Taluk: Thalassery itself is not part of any taluk; it functions as a revenue division.
- Pincode: 670101
- Vehicle Registration: KL-59 (Kannur district)
- Weather: Thalassery has a tropical monsoon climate with hot and humid summers and heavy rainfall during the monsoons. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 31°C.
- Educational Institutions: Thalassery has a rich educational background. Government Brennen College, established in 1862, is one of the oldest colleges in Kerala. Other prominent institutions include Thalassery Engineering College, Sree Narayana Guru College, and Sarvodaya Vocational Higher Secondary School.
- Transport:
- Road: Thalassery is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Kerala and neighboring states. National Highway 66 passes through Thalassery.
- Rail: Thalassery Railway Station is on the Mangalore-Palakkad line.
- Air: The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport (IATA: Kannur), located about 70 kilometers from Thalassery.
- Places of Interest:
- Fort St. Angelo: A 17th-century fort built by the Portuguese, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
- Overbury’s Folly: A 17th-century structure built by British Resident Abraham Sami Onvebury, offering a unique architectural style.
- Thalassery Lighthouse: A 19th-century lighthouse with historical significance.
- Places of Worship: Thalassery has numerous mosques, temples, and churches reflecting its religious diversity. Some prominent ones include Thalassery Central Juma Masjid, Thiruvambadur Temple, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
- Tourist Places: Thalassery itself is a fascinating tourist destination with its rich history, culture, and architecture. Additionally, nearby places like Kannur, with its beaches and forts, and Wayanad, with its hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries, are popular tourist attractions.
- Famous Festivals:
- Theyyam: A ritualistic art form with colorful costumes and performances.
- Poorakkali: A vibrant folk dance performance.
- Maruthukali: Another folk dance performance involving martial arts.
- Railway Stations: Thalassery Railway Station
- Airport Nearby: Kannur International Airport (IATA: Kannur)
- Hospitals: Thalassery has several hospitals providing medical care to the community. Some renowned hospitals include Thalassery Cooperative Hospital and Indira Gandhi Co-operative Hospital.