Thalassery

Tellicherry or Thalassery is a city in Kannur District. Thalassery is known as the political and cultural capital of Malabar. It is the centre of progressive political and literary movements. In the colonial era, Thalassery was the centre of learning in north Kerala. The first Malayalam newspapers, novels and short stories in Malayalam were born here. It's also the birthplace of the communist movement in Kerala. Thalassery has a composite cosmopolitan culture.Rajya Samacharam, the first Malayalam newspaper, was published from Thalassery.

Understand
Thalassery is at times referred to as the city of cricket (where Indians first played cricket), cakes and circuses.

Thalassery is considered to be the birth place of the Indian circus. Keeleri Kunhikannan, born in the city, is known as "the father of Kerala Circus". Circus artists and coaches from Thalassery are very much in demand. India's premier Circus Academy was inaugurated in Thalassery.

Older houses in Thalassery have traditional Kerala architecture, usually large houses with wide verandas and solid wooden doors. Each house invariably has coconut trees, jackfruit, and perhaps papaya, or mango trees. The many idyllic suburbs are well defined by the rivers and canals that flow past.

Since long ago Thalassery residents, like other Keralites, have gone abroad, or all over India, in search of work, and to seek their fortunes. It is quite common to find one or more persons from each household living overseas or in other states. This has led to a somewhat dependent money-order economy. It is a matter of concern for the residents on how to diversify and have a self-sustainable and independent local economy. Thalassery is also famous for its cuisine, the Thalassery biryani is famous for its distinguishing taste. The influence of Arabian culture is evident in Thalassery dishes.

By plane

 * Kannur International airport is the nearest airport, around 28 km from Thalassery town. The airport opened for commercial operations on 9 December 2018.
 * Calicut International Airport is the second nearest airport, 98 km away from the city.
 * Alternatively, you can come to Mangalore International Airport or Cochin International Airport   and catch a train or taxi to Thalassery.

By train
Thalassery is a major Southern railway station, well connected by train from cities like Kozhikode, Mangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore. Most trains have a stop here. Book in advance, as trains are usually crowded. Reservations are available from 3 months in advance of the travel date. Depending upon the season and day bookings may get wait-listed or close up to several days prior to departure. You can also try using Tatkal which is an emergency booking system. The Tatkal service opens only one day before the departure of the train. (excluding the day of journey from the train originating station)

One of the best ways to get to Thalassery from Mumbai or Goa is to take the Konkan Railway train. The train ride is renowned for the breathtaking scenery and the natural beauty of the terrain.



By bus
You can also reach Thalassery by bus from cities like Kochi, Bangalore, Goa, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai, Coimbatore. Thalassery is accessible from these cities and from other parts of the state, through the extensive state-run bus services and numerous private bus services.

By car
Thalassery is well connected by road from all parts of the state and other major cities.

Thalassery is connected to Goa, Mumbai, and Kochi via NH-17. Highway is mostly two-laned and very narrow, but make for extremely scenic drives as it pass either through the Western Ghats or along the coastline.

By bus
Like most Kerala cities Thalassery has a good local bus service system. Most of the local bus services are operated by private bus companies. Plenty of buses are available, mostly in 2-3 minutes gap.

By autorickshaw
This is also a cheap method of transport. You can find autos at all important places near junctions and residential areas. Make sure you agree on a fare with the driver before the journey. The normal fare starts at ₹25 for the shorter distances. with a premium of 15-25% at night (8PM-6AM).

By taxi
Taxi cabs are available near bus stations & railway station only. Taxis are usually used by passengers on long-haul routes

By foot
Walking is nearly impossible as sidewalks are absent and driving habits are dangerous. Motorcycle population is incredibly high.

See




Go next

 * Iritty, cute little hill town, 42 km
 * Kannur, beach city, 22 km
 * Kozhikode, major beach city, 70 km
 * Madikeri, hill station with fine hospitality, 142 km
 * Mahe (India), old Portuguese enclave, 10 km
 * Mattanur, sleeping giant, 42 km
 * Mysore, city of palaces and gardens, 182 km
 * Ooty, major hill station, 208 km