Thalassery is 21 km from the district headquarters, Kannur. The name Tellicherry is the anglicized form of Thalassery. Thalassery is half an island lying on the banks of the Eranjoli river and surrounded by the Arabian sea. Just like the seven hills on the banks of the Tiber river helped Rome, become a great Empire, there are seven hills in Thalassery which have helped its prosper and become a legendary town. These hills are Dharmadam kunnu, Koduvalli kunnu, Illikunnu, Chetam kunnu, Morak kunnu, Mailam kunnu and Vayalalam kunnu. The eranjoli river and Dharmadam river flow through Thalassery creating a water ring around it. As Thalassery has several hills it is also known as the 'City of seven hills'. Thalassery is recently been announced as Kerala’s first ‘Heritage town ‘.