Kannur Lighthouse is the very first lighthouse constructed in all Kerala and the only one in Kannur district built-in 1903. The lighthouse gives an enormous view of the glorious Arabian sea stretching out into the horizon near Payyambalam beach. Since Cannanore was the older English name of the Kannur district, this lighthouse is still referred to by the locals as Cannanore lighthouse standing at a height of 75 feet. The lighthouse has spiral stairs within, that lead to the top of the tower where light beams in the evenings for the ships to know the land/shore.
This structure was kind of an emergency as it was a great port in the older times that facilitated trades with other major ports within the country and beyond. The green lawns in the lighthouse compound is a great place for sitting and taking photographs with the red and white lighthouse figure in the backdrop. Near the structure, there is a lighthouse museum, which is like the 4th lighthouse museum in our country. There is a huge collection of lighthouse equipment displayed in the museum that simply showcases the evolution of lighthouses and tools through the centuries.
The lens, oil lamps, models of marine ships, vessels etc. are among the major exhibits. One of the most eye-catching attractions would be the giant optic lens used in Minicoy from 1885 to 1962, which apparently weighs more than 6 tonnes. There is also a mini theatre that screens documentaries and short videos about the history of lighthouses and various transformations throughout the centuries. It is such an informative place for historians and others interested. A trip to Kannur lighthouse or the ancient Cannanore lighthouse is a real pleasure journey where you could enjoy the natural scenery, majestic sea and beach shores from a top angle.
