Thalassery

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Thalassery Travel Essentials

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Best Time: October to March Read More

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Vaishno Devi

Thalassery Tourism

Fondly known as Tellichery, Thalassery is a coastal town of Kerala nestled at the shore of Arabian Sea and immersed in the vibrant culture. Steeped in rich history and heritage, this town was one of the earliest British settlements in the state.

Thalassery owns several credits in its basket when it comes to panoramic views, the reflection of its glorious past and nature's beauty. Apart from being a home to many famous circus owners and artists including Gemini and Bharath, this charming town is also renowned for its bakeries. One can witness several bakeries in the region exhibiting the sweet tooth of the inhabitants. Besides all this, Thalassery also showcases the relics of the past left behind with all grace and poise. The place is a paradise for history buffs and nature lovers. Make sure you make the most of the trip which will leave no leaf unturned to enchant you.

Things to do in Thalassery

1. Mahe, Thalaserry

Mahe, Thalaserry
Mahe, also known as Mayyazhi, is a small beach town which is located on the tip of the river Mahe. Although it is situated in the state of Kerala physically, it forms a part of the union territory of (Read More)Pondicherry. Surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Kerala, Mahe was a part of French India and had several monuments pertaining to the same. With its��charming blue sky, emerald greenery, golden sands and cotton clouds, Mahe is the perfect example of the region's unadulterated natural beauty. If you are looking for a quiet family vacation in the lap of nature, then Mahe is��the perfect pick for you.��

2. Dharmadan Thuruth

Dharmadan Thuruth
A paradise of nature and an ideal place for nature lovers, Dharmadan Thuruth is an island lying in the midst of Arabian Sea. Covering a huge area of 5 acres, the place is enriched with dense cover of (Read More)coconut, palms and green bushes.

3. Thalassery Fort

Thalassery Fort
The Thalassery Fort is an ancient monument in Thalassery also known as Tellicherry which is a town in the Kannur district of Kerala. It is situated on the Thalassery beach on a rocky cliff. Establishe (Read More)d by the East India Company as a testimony to show the power and ability of the imperial rulers, the Thalaserry fort was built in 1703. It played a prominent role in the military as well as commercial activities of the English during their colonial rule in India.

4. Muzhappilangad Beach

Muzhappilangad Beach
Situated in the (Read More)>Thalassery region of Kerala, Muzhappilangad is one of the largest drive-in beaches in India. Running parallel to NH66 formerly know as NH17, it is a major tourist attraction and garners a large number of foreign crowd. The beautiful drive in the beach of Muzhapillangad is the most popular activities pursued here. As you drive through the golden sands of the beach, the sunset and the view of the sea are unforgettable and awe-inspiring. The place is filled with eateries to stop by, where you can enjoy a quick snack in the midst of the beach's pristine terrain. If you are looking for some family outing or to spend some time alone, the calm and peaceful environment of the Muzhapillangad beach is what you need.

5. Kannur

Kannur
Cradled in the lap of nature, right in the middle of Kerala, Kannur is a place where you will find everything immersed with beauty. Fondly known as Cannanore, this beautiful town is bundled with pleth (Read More)ora of sightseeing options including beaches, historic monuments, ancient temples and mesmerizing picnic spots.

6. Overbury's Folly

Overbury's Folly
A manmade marvel, Overbury's Folly is a seashore adventurous park located on the hilltop nearby Sports Authority of India and Thalassery Municipal Stadium.

7. Gundert Bungalow

Gundert Bungalow
Exhibiting the typical colonial style of architecture, Gundert Bungalow was once the residence of the German Missionary, Dr. Herman Gundert. This bungalow is a place where he completed the first Malay (Read More)alam dictionary during the 1839 to 1859.

8. Tellichery Pier

Tellichery Pier
An important port since the times of British, Tellichery Pier was created when the large ships were unable to come closer to shoreline. It gained significance during the time and today, this pier is o (Read More)ne of the major piers of Kerala.

9. Jagannath Temple, Thalaserry Tellicherry

Jagannath Temple, Thalaserry Tellicherry
Sree Jagannath Temple in Thalassery is a renowned temple on the coast of Malabar, Kerela. Consecrated by Sree Narayan Guru in 1908 to abolish the social evil of caste system, the rituals at Jagannath (Read More)Temple are conducted by Non-Brahmins. The temple is located near Jagannath Temple Gate Railway Station, about one kilometer from Thalassery city. A small trail on the side of the railway track leads to the temple. Jagannath Temple was opened to Harijans in the 1920s, while many temples in the country still deny entry to Scheduled castes and tribes. The main deity here is Lord Shiva. Ezhava Shiva was the name given to the idol of Lord Siva by Sree Narayan Guru, emphasizing that the place was open to every caste.

10. Wellesley's Bungalow

Wellesley's Bungalow
Wellesley's Bungalow is located in a surrounding that is so serene and tranquil, that it makes the location very special. The owner of the bungalow is a business man named Babar who was the host to Fi (Read More)rst Duke of Wellington, Lord Wellesley.

11. Catholic Rosary Church

Catholic Rosary Church
An epitome of craftsmanship, this Catholic Rosary Church is said to have been established in the early 16th century. Situated near Thalassery Fort, this church comes in the league of the oldest church (Read More)es in Kerala.

12. Sree Rama Swami Temple

Sree Rama Swami Temple
Located about 4 km from Thalassery, Sree Rama Swami Temple is said to be built by Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Several mythological legends are attached to the temple.

13. Juma Masjid

Juma Masjid
Considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in Kannur District, Juma Masjid was built by an Arab Trader, Malin ibn Dinar. Located near the Arabian Sea, this mosque is an ancient mosque with its (Read More) roots going back to 1000 years.

14. English Church

English Church
Located near the Thalassery Fort, English Church is believed to be nearly 140 years old. It is also referred to as the St. John's Anglican Church and is said to ne of one of the first churches to be b (Read More)uilt on Malabar Coast.

15. Sree Kandeswara Temple

Sree Kandeswara Temple
A major spiritual center of the region, Sree Kandeswara Temple is situated within the Thalassery town. Established in year 1910, the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and the idol was instal (Read More)led by the great social activist of Kerala namely Shri Narayana Guru.

16. Fisherfolk Temple

Fisherfolk Temple
A place oozing charm and blessed with Mother Nature in fullest, Fisherfolk Temple is located on the Kannu-Thalassery-Mahe shoreline. As per the belief, the temple was built to show appreciation to the (Read More) sea for its generosity and blessings.

17. Odathil Mosque

Odathil Mosque
Another important shrine in Thalassery, Odathil Mosque estimated to be 200 years old. Located in the Malabar Region, this mosque adorns a beautiful structure with a quite high dome which can be seen f (Read More)rom quite a distance.

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Kalaripayattu - Martial Arts of Thalassery

Kalaripayattu, a martial arts form of Thalassery, has proper elements of a military practice of the days begone. There are several ritual performances like Patayani, Poorakkali, Teyyam, Mutiyettu, and Kolkalli. Kalaripayattu is all about self-defence. Hence, the techniques are designed to suit that need. With certain animalistic postures, the use of sticks, swords and shields is rampant. It trains people in certain bare-hand techniques as well. It is said that this art form trains the students to be extremely flexible and agile.

Culture of Thalaserry

Thalassery became quite the cultural centre with the British invasion. The invasion brought about a reform in the situation of education, specifically literature. Malayalam literature in the form of newspapers, books, poems and short stories first came about in this cultural centre, Thalassery only. This hub also stands for its passion for three things: cricket, circuses, and cakes. And, where visual performing art forms are concerned, Thalassery has an abundance of choices, ranging from a classical dance form like Kathakali to other folk dance forms like Theyyam, Nina Bali, and Thira. Where food is concerned, the cuisine of Thalassery is described as the “mussel capital” of the country. What with the special biryani, being the most popular item, other delicacies like Falooda and Unnakkaya also make Thalassery one of the popular "food" destination for tourists.

History of Thalaserry

Thalassery basically means “starting place of a settlement”. It became an important commercial center with the establishment of the British rule in the year 1682. A number of revolts also took place in the empire, each of which, was suppressed by the British. In 1708, the British East India Company had the Thalassery Fort constructed, to mark themselves as the imperial masters of the region. Thalassery became an important seaport as it became an integral part of the spice exchange. “Thalassery”, was called “Tellicherry”, under the Britishers, as an anglicised version.

3 C's - Cricket, Circus and Cuisine

Thalassery also substituted as Tellichery is nestled on the Malabar Coast in Kerala. This place marks the beginning of 3 C's, namely; Circus, Cricket, Cuisine. The very first circus school in India was established here by Keeleri Kunhikannan, also known as 'Father of Kerala Circus'. A Circus Academy was opened at Thalassery in 2010. The India's very first Cricket Club which was later named as Town Cricket Club was formed in 1850 at this place by Lord Arthur Wellesley for British soldiers garrisoned in the Tellichery Fort. The Thalassery Cricket Ground was a hub of cricket activities during those days. In 2002, the ground celebrated its 200th anniversary. It also hosts Ranji Trophy Cricket matches quite often.

Thalassery is renowned for its biryani as it is unlike the other biryani cuisines, it uses Kaima rice instead of the usual Basmati rice. A hint of Arabian/Mughal culture is evident in the biryani. It has its variant of the Persian desert Falooda, a cocktail of fruit salad, various dry fruits, rose milk and vanilla ice cream. Apart from these 3 C's, Thalassery was famous for the trade of spices, especially pepper. It was a hub of commerce where Chinese, Arab and Jewish traders had considerable influence which was later taken on by the Britishers, and under the British rule, it emerged as a bustling commercial centre, with the trade of Pepper and Cardamom reaching its peak at that time.

Restaurants and Local Food in Thalassery

Thalassery cuisine, due to the rich Arabian, Mughlai, and Malabari influences, happens to be one of the most vibrant cuisines in all of Kerela. What rings the most, in terms of food, when one hears Thalassery, is Thalassery Biriyani. Gorging on this special biriyani happens to be an integral part of a visit to Thalassery. What makes this biriyani different is that it is made out of Kaima or Jeerakasala rice, instead of the usual one used. Also, to make the masala for this preparation, fried onions are used. Another variant of popular biryani here is the Mussel Biryani, which is made marinated mussels.

This beautiful city also stands for other food items like Kallumakkaya Nirachathu (another mussel dish), Unnakkaya (a sweetmeat snack), Malabar Beef Roast (a spicy recipe popular in this region), and Falooda (a Persian dessert, made of fruits and dry fruits in rose milk and vanilla ice-cream). Thalassery also stands for its amazing bakeries, an impetus to which as a culture was given by Mampally Bakers.


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Suggested Itinerary for Thalassery

Day 1: Reach Thalassery by early morning and start your journey by visiting the temples established in the region which hold great prominence. Firstly you can visit The Jagannath Temple followed by a visit to Sree Rama Swami Temple. Both of these temples are famous shrines in this region and make us realise the existence of Hinduism since time immemorial. To get a glimpse of some other religion being followed here, you a visit The English Church which is believed to be one of the oldest church on the Malabar Coast. In the afternoon you can enjoy the local delicacies of the place and visit the numerous bakeries and try the relishing cakes, which originated in this part of the country and satisfy your sweet tooth. Then an evening spent at the Ezhara Beach along its waters, sitting on the smooth sands, enjoying the scenic beauty which it has to offer and call it a day.

Day 2: Hire a car and drive to the Thalassery Fort and witness the huge walls of the place and the British architecture. Then head straight to the Drive in beach i.e. The Muzhappilangad beach. You can drive along the shore on the sands of the beach and enjoy the ambience of the place. A swim in its shallow waters will rejuvenate you. You can relax by taking a sun bath. Local food available along the coastline will give your tongue the eccentric flavour.

Best Time to Visit Thalassery

How to Reach Thalassery

How to Reach Overview

Thalassery has a Railway Station which is well connected to cities within Kerela as well as to cities lying outside Kerela. Frequent buses are also available from all the nearby cities within and outside Kerela. The Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport from the town.

How to reach Thalassery by flight

Kozhikode International Airport serves as the nearest airport to Thalassery. This airport is well connected to several major Indian cities as well as the Middle East and South East Asian countries. Take a taxi from the airport for a comfortable ride to the required destination.

How to reach Thalassery by road

A well-maintained network of road connects Thalassery to several major neighbouring cities. Regular bus services, both privately owned as well as under KSRTC runs to and fro between Thalassery and other cities. Vadakkara (22 km), Payyoli (33 km), Kozhikode (70 km) and Madikeri (113 km) are few of the cities connected to the town by bus.

How to reach Thalassery by train

Thalassery has a railway station connecting many cities within the state such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kannur, etc. and cities outside Kerela as well, namely, Mangalore, Chennai, Banglore. You can hire an auto rickshaw or taxi from the railway station to travel to the required destination. 

Local transport in Thalassery

Thalassery town offers its visitors several modes of transportation. Beginning with buses, they are a cheapest mode while auto-rickshaws are also quite convenient. However, it you want to explore the city to its best taxi is the best of all the options. One can also hire a private car for self drive.

Most frequently searched routes to Thalassery

Route Name Distance Time
Bangalore to Thalassery 313 km 6 hours 56 mins
Ernakulam to Thalassery 246 km 6 hours 29 mins
Chennai to Thalassery 649 km 11 hours 48 mins

Thalassery Photos

Thalassery, Kerala
Kannur
Mahe
Thalassery Fort

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FAQs on Thalassery

Who should visit Thalaserry tellicherry?

Thalassery is an ideal destination for a vacation with family and friends. It is perfect for all the history buffs, photography enthusiasts and the beach lovers. 

What are the places near Thalaserry tellicherry?

The top places near to Thalaserry tellicherry are Wayanad which is 65 km from Thalaserry tellicherry, Ooty which is located 136 km from Thalaserry tellicherry, Coorg which is located 79 km from Thalaserry tellicherry, Kannur which is located 18 km from Thalaserry tellicherry, Nagarhole which is located 76 km from Thalaserry tellicherry

What are the things to do in Thalaserry tellicherry?

The top things to do in Thalaserry tellicherry are Mahe, Thalaserry, Dharmadan Thuruth, Thalassery Fort, Muzhappilangad Beach, Kannur, Overbury's Folly. You can see all the places to visit in Thalaserry tellicherry here

How much does a package cost for Thalaserry tellicherry?

The packages for Thalaserry tellicherry start at INR 135000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the best way to reach Thalaserry tellicherry?

Thalassery has a Railway Station which is well connected to cities within Kerela as well as to cities lying outside Kerela. Frequent buses are also available from all the nearby cities within and outside Kerela. The Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport from the town.

Read More

What is the local food in Thalaserry tellicherry?

Thalassery cuisine, due to the rich Arabian, Mughlai, and Malabari influences, happens to be one of the most vibrant cuisines in all of Kerela. What rings the most, in terms of food, when one hears Thalassery, is Thalassery Biriyani. Gorging on this special biriyani happens to be an integral part of a visit to Thalassery. What makes this biriyani different is that it is made out of Kaima or Jeerakasala rice, instead of the usual one used. Also, to make the masala for this preparation, fried onions are used. Another variant of popular biryani here is the Mussel Biryani, which is made marinated mussels.

This beautiful city also stands for other food items like Kallumakkaya Nirachathu (another mussel dish), Unnakkaya (a sweetmeat snack), Malabar Beef Roast (a spicy recipe popular in this region), and Falooda (a Persian dessert, made of fruits and dry fruits in rose milk and vanilla ice-cream). Thalassery also stands for its amazing bakeries, an impetus to which as a culture was given by Mampally Bakers.


Read More

What is the best time to visit Thalaserry tellicherry?

The summer season in Thalassery is marked as extremely hot and uncomfortable especially for tourists. August to September is the monsoon season in the city which receives heavy rainfall making everything fresh and green. Winter season is very pleasant and cool and serves as an ideal weather to explore the town.
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What is not so good about Thalaserry tellicherry?

Since it has a tropical climate and the mercury level sometimes reach 40 degrees Celcius, this place can make you drench in sweat and leave you exhausted.

What is famous about Thalaserry tellicherry?

Charming nature. A religious place with a lot of historic temples. This city is prominent in the field of bakery and cakes.

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Thalassery Reviews

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Rohit Shroff

5 years ago
- Make sure you carry a camera to capture the essence of charm oozing out of the city.
- Avoid travelling the city during summers owing to hot and dry weather and scorching heat.
- Carry a pair (Read More) of sport shoes for lots of walking and hiking and take precaution while indulging in any sport activities.

Nehad Zein

5 years ago
Thalassery is small and charming town primarily famous for its food. The iconic 'Thalaseery Biryani' is famous worldwide. Moreover, Thalassery has a few sweet recipes exclusively known only to its in (Read More)habitants. Being one of the earliest settlements of the British, there are numerous buildings with historical significance, the most prominent of which is the sea bridge behind the fish market. Thalassery also features a few restro-cafes which provide a comfy escape.
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