Mahe, situated on the west coast of Kerala is a former French colony in India. Geographically situated in Kerala, poilitically Mahe forms part of Pondicherry Union Territory. It lies south of Mahe River near where the river meets the sea. Mahe is famous as a brisk trade center of foreign liquor.
The history of Mahe is closely associated with a statue named Marianne, a proud symbol of French revolution. The freedom struggle of Mahe gathered momentum from this place. Hence, this place is now well maintained as a park in the name of Rabindranath Tagore.
Attractions:
Othenan's Fort : Remnants of this castle may be seen just at the corner of the Kozhikode Kannur National Highway near the Mini Civil Station. This is believed to have been built by Thatcholi Othenan, a widely known folk-lore hero who became the Robin hood of North Malabar.
St. George Fort: Situated on the highest hill of Cherukallayi one kilometer from Mahe. The French constructed a Fort here and the ruminants could now be seen. You may have a panoramic view of Mahe from here. It is near this fort, that the TV. Relay station of Mahe has been built.
Payyambalam Beach:Payyambalam is the beach of Kannur town. It is long and clean. Flat laterite cliffs just into the sea at one end. Picturesque and incredibly beautiful. The Naura cafeteria and the well laid out gardens greet the vistors to Payyambalam. The beach is only walking distance from Fort St.Angelo. Veteran freedom fighters like A.K.G, Swadeshabimani, Chirakkal T etc were cremated here.
Muzhappilangad Beach:Muzhappilangad is 14kms from Mahe. A long clean beach, its enchanting ambience invites you to swim. sunbathe or just lounge around. Black rocks protect Muzhappilangad from the currents from the deep, making its shallow water a swimmers paradise. Muzhappilangad is Kerala's only drive in beach which is about 5kms long. From Muzhappilangad you can see the Dharmadam island (Pacha Thuruth) just across the Arayakkandy river, a remarkable conjunction of beach and island.
Gundert Bungalow :It lies near Tellicherry town on the National highway at Illikunnu. Dr.Herman Gundert, the reverent German priest, researcher and scholar lived in this bunglow for 20 years from 1839 and produced the first Malayalam Dictionary, first Malayalam news paper 'Paschimodayam' etc.
Dharmadam Island : A small island full of coconut palms and green bush extending to 5 acres. 100 meters away from the main land at Dharmadam. The island (private land) is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter into the island from its owners. It is located 15 kms away from Mahe.
Pazhassi Dam: An ideal retreat for tourists, it lies 50 km from Mahe near Mattannur. Magnificent picturesque scenes are found here. Pleasure boating facilities are being provided by DTPC in the reservoir. Accommodation available in the project inspection Bungalow and dormitories.
