Payyanur is situated in the Kannur district of Kerala. Sprawling in the valley of the lofty Ezhimala Hills, Payyanur has a distinguished place in the history and culture of the country. The place derives its name from the renowned Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple located here. 'Payyan' is an appellation of Lord Subrahmanya and ‘Ooru' means the place. Thus Payyanur means the land of Lord Subrahmanya. Payyanur is also well known for Pavithra Mothiram, Astrology, art forms like Theyyam and Poorakkali. 

Ancient History

Payyanur is one of the ancient civilized places in Kerala. This north end town of Kerala claims a rich and  glorious heritage . The archeological remaining excavated from Payyanur and nearby places prove the existence of a civilized city in this area centuries ago.

The famous travelers, who visited here, have described about this area in high words.   The famous traveler  Ibn Bathutha visited Ezhimala in AD 1342 and wrote about the big seaport and the Chinese ships anchored here.  1n AD 1273 Abul Fida and in AD 1293 the world famous traveler Marco Polo, and in 15th century the Italian traveler Nicholo Kondi also visited this place and had given a very good impression about Ezhimala port which was called by the name “Heli”.  The Portuguese Scholar and traveler Barbosa who made lot of researches and studies on Kerala and its People had described a  lot about this place

                                                                                             Nishanth.Kv