Nicknamed as the ‘Crown of Kerala’, Kannur derives its name from the location of its headquarters at Kannur town. The old name ‘Cannanore’ is the anglicized form of the Malayalam word ‘Kannur’. For administrative convenience the district has been divided into three major geographical territories i.e. highlands, midlands and lowlands. The highland region includes a wide array of mountains. This fertile land floors major plantations like coffee, rubber, tea, cardamom and other spices. Timber trees like teak, veetty, etc grow in abundance here.

Kannur district holds an enviable wealth of vegetation also. Excluding some coastal regions, natural vegetation consists of different types of forests. It is in fact, renown for its handloom and beedi industries.Kannur is considered the melting point of traditional culture. It stands witness to a large number of folk plays and dances especially popular among the scheduled castes and tribes. They believe that dancing and singing entice their gods and satisfy them.

Every tribe has a brilliant collection of folk plays and dances, which are performed during festivals. Vedan Padal or Vedan Pattu, Theyyam and Marathukali are some of the plays showcased during festivals. Kannur also preserves some beautiful ancient temples, churches and mosques. The Sundareswara Temple, Mavilakavu Temple, Urpazhachivaku Temple and Sasta Temple are some of them.