Panoor is a vibrant municipality located in the Kannur district of Kerala, India. It serves as a central marketplace for the surrounding farming communities and is an important hub in the region. Situated about 11 kilometers from Thalassery, Panoor is considered one of the key suburban areas of the city and is well connected to neighboring towns like Kannur, Kuthuparamba, and Mahe.
Historically, Panoor was part of the Iruvazhinadu principality, which was one of the ten principalities that emerged from the Kolathunadu region after internal conflicts among local rulers. The town has a rich cultural heritage and was influenced by the powerful Nileshwaram dynasty in the medieval period.
Panoor gained municipal status in 2015, following the Kerala government's decision to upgrade Panoor Grama Panchayat into a municipality, which now includes several surrounding Panchayats. This move has fostered growth and development in the area, improving infrastructure and governance. The town is divided into 40 wards, with a local municipal council and a chairman heading the civic administration. The municipality is currently governed by the UDF, with V. Nasar serving as the chairman.
The town's demographic profile, as of the 2011 census, shows a population of 17,438, with a relatively high literacy rate of 82%, surpassing the national average. Panoor is home to a diverse population, with males constituting 46% and females 54%. A notable portion of the population (12%) is under the age of six, which underscores the youthful energy of the town.Panoor is also known for being a center where science and literature meet, reflecting the intellectual vibrancy of the region. It continues to be an important part of Kerala's social and cultural landscape.
