Experience Theyyam in A SMALL GATHERING
Theyyam is traditionally performed in temples and if you want to catch the performance up close and personal, visit Charappuram Sree Muthappan Kshethram. The temple organises Theyyam every Tuesday and Friday all through the year. Call them at 0497-2729997 to confirm the day and time you want to be there. If you are upbeat about catching the famous midnight performance, then you can consider visiting the Muthappan Temple in Parassnikkadavu.
Kerala in monsoon is an experience that I often recommend to my friends and family. This year I again found myself in the state during the monsoon when it was at its greenest and loveliest. After having explored parts of Kerala back in 2007, I went to Kochi and Calicut in 2014. I then grew keen to explore the lesser known gems that lay buried in North-Kasaragod, Wayanad and Kannur.
While Kasaragod and Wayanad enthralled me with their pristine beauty, Kannur offered me an insight into local lives.
Kannur is best known for a ritualistic form of worship called Theyyam which is said to be an ancient tradition with its own peculiar set of customs. Most tourists prefer to visit Kannur for the sole purpose of seeing Theyyam during the time spanning between November and January. This is the period when Theyyam is performed at its grandest but it’s also the time when the crowds are the thickest.
What if I told you, it is possible to catch Theyyam all through the year without getting shoved around by a huge crowd? What if I told you, there is far more to Kannur than Theyyam?
Come, let me show you this little known side of Kannur.
— Richa blogs at http:// www.travelsandstories.com
Try Local Delicacies And Street Food
I had little doubt that Kerala was a treasure chest of unique delicacies and what I tasted in Kannur reaffirmed my belief. There was Pazhampuzha (ripe banana stir-fried in ghee and honey), the sweet jackfruit fry, Karayappam (the sweet ball-like Kannur appams) and best of all, tangy-sweet pickled pineapples and amla sold by street vendors.
Visit A Bidi Making Facility
It’s not often that one gets a chance to see a small co-operative manufacturing setup. So, when my host suggested the idea of visiting a local bidi factory, I jumped at the chance. Watching the frenetic pace and rhythm of women cutting and rolling bidis was an interesting experience. The women working here are quite friendly and do not be surprised if they offer you a few bidis to smoke!
Explore The Past At The Arakkal Museum
Arakkal Museum is dedicated to the royal family of Arakkals. The museum is very well-maintained and owned by the Arakkal Family Trust. The display includes furniture, vessels, weapons, artifacts and a glimpse into the history of a family that followed a matriarchal system. The unique architectural design of the museum with a generous use of wood, is also a delight.
Explore The Backwaters On A Passenger Boat
So here is a golden tip. If you want to navigate through the backwaters of Kannur, just hop onto a passenger boat (no, they are not at all crowded). The boat can be caught from the boat point under Valapattanam Bridge and depending on the time slot, you could choose to go in either direction. In just about Rs 20, I got a glimpse into the daily lives of locals as the boat took me around the backwaters through small hamlets, islands and lakes.
Soak in the ocean view at st. Angelo fort
This one is not really an offbeat side of Kannur. But a visit to Kannur is incomplete without visiting this gorgeous fort built by the Portuguese in 1505. It overlooks the stunning Moppila Bay and Dharmadom Island. The ASI has done a commendable job in keeping the fort and its surrounding area clean. There is nothing like spending a cloudy afternoon, under a tree, watching over the waves crashing onto the seashore.
Delve Into Our Craft Heritage At Loknath Weavers
Once, handlooms were an integral part of our heritage but now they have been replaced. Walking into the old dilapidated building housing Loknath Weavers is a poignant experience as you see workers spinning yarn. My work experience in the fashion industry had taken me to several snazzy mills, but it was now as a traveller that I first saw a fully-functional and traditional hand loom setup. I highly recommend this place to those interested in delving into our heritage and understanding the fine art of fabric making. One can also consider buying fabrics from their retail outlet and thereby, lending a supporting hand to the local community.