People and Media describe Kannur, a land of Looms and Lores. But, we the people of Kannur have a lot of other things to say about our glorious history. Though we stick to our tradition & culture, we open heartedly accept the modern trends in every sphere of life.Kannur the North Malabar region that extends from Mayyazhipuzha to Chandragiri puzha throbs in this tradition. We can never forget the story of Veera Pazhassi, Kolathiri Raja, Arakkal Beevi and Chirakkal Thampuran. From their heroic memory the revolutionary moments of farmers and agriculture labourers came to light. Sincerity is the significant feature of peoples of Kannur. They are ready to sacrifice even their lives for their dear ones.

The first Malayalam daily Rajaya Samacharam was launched from Gundert Bungalow at Illikunnu, Thalassery. Cricket was brought to kerala by colonel Ather Wellessly and was first played at Thalassery several notable football matches were played at Kotta maidan in Kannur and many international players participated in it. The football front in Kannur offers free coaching to talented childrens. Herman Gundert who lived in ‘Thalassery created history by compiling the Malayalam – English dictionary. The war against British led by Pazhassi Raja and invasion of Hyder Ali and Tippusulthan ended in bloodshed. The agitation by farmers against land lords created several martyrs and now red flags are fluttering in every nook and corner of the district. Kannur is also known as the red fort of communism

The major employment provider in this district is Kerala Dinesh beedi that was formed after the closure of Manglore Ganesh beedi. Now Dineesh is in the way of diversification and has entered in the field of IT, Textile, food processing etc.

Kannur is the fertile land of inborn talents, be it in film, circus, ritual dance, flock dance, martial arts or in computer graphics we are in the forefront. The cine artistes like Sreenivasan, Vineeth, Vineeth Sreeniasan are the glittering stars of Malayalam film industry. Most of the famous circus companies are managed by people of Kannur. Top graphic artists & software engineers in the leading IT companies are the people of Kannur. The founder of Rediffmail Mr: Ajith Balakrishnan is also the shining stars of Kannur.

The Pariyaram medical college, Kannur medical college, Co-operative hospitals and a number of pvt hospitals are offering ultra modern facilities . Malabar cancer centre at Thalassery gives solace to hundreds of cancer patients in and out of the district. Besides, the Pappinissery Visha Chikilsa kendram is offering effective treatment for snake bites.

The reins of kerala polities are often in the hands of leaders of Kannur. Eminent leaders of national stature AKG, E. K Nayanar, Pinarayi Vijayan, Kodiyeri Balakrishan, N.E Balaram, and congress Leader K.Karunakaran are from this district.

Indo –Swiss enterprise NTTF Thalassery gives intense training in engineering field and creates professionals of world class. These professionals work in different parts of the world especially in Australia, Singapore, Malayesia and other parts of the world.

Kannur Airport at Mattanoor will became a reality very soon. It is said that said that this Airport is in third position in India in terms of revenue. Kannur is the place from where the largest number of people are working abroad. Even in small towns, luxury villas and shopping Malls has become a common sight. Construction of apartments has also become a flourishing business in Kannur. People from southern districts came to this place in large numbers and most of them settled in hilly region and made use of the fertile land there especially for Rubber plantation. Major part of cashew nut is produced from Kannur district.

The tourists who come to this district will never forget to visit Muzhappilagad beach, Payyambalam beach, Snake Park, Sree Muthappan Madappura and a number of water theme parks. The exodus of both skilled and unskilled workers to Gulf countries still continues from Kannur. The huge amount of foreign money they send from there has changed even the face of each and every town as well as country side of Kannur