Tanur

Tanur is a coastal town in Malappuram District, Kerala, located on the Arabian Sea coast about 30 km south of Kozhikode. It is notable for Tanur Beach, the Poorappuzha estuary where the river meets the sea, and its centuries-old tradition of Kettuvallam (traditional wooden boat) building. Historically it was the capital of the Kingdom of Tanur (Vettathunad) and an early Portuguese settlement in the 16th century.

Visitors to Tanur can expect a quiet sandy beach with fishing boats, a busy fishing harbour, and the scenic Poorappuzha estuary with backwater stretches. The shoreline is lined with coconut palms and traditional boat-building yards where craftsmen construct Kettuvallam boats. The area offers open sea views, sunset viewpoints, estuary boating, and a glimpse of local fishing community life. The town centre has markets, mosques and small eateries.

Tanur was the capital of the Kingdom of Tanur (Vettathunad), ruled by the Vettathu Raja. In the early 16th century it became one of the earliest Portuguese settlements on the Malabar Coast. St. Francis Xavier visited Tanur in 1546. The town has a long maritime history linked to spice trade and traditional wooden boat building.

Tanur reflects the coastal Mappila culture of northern Kerala with a prominent fishing community. It is renowned for the traditional craftsmanship of Kettuvallam and fishing boat construction, a heritage skill passed through generations, and for its fishing harbour which sustains local livelihood and community traditions.