Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 2 (PTI): The coastal town of Thalassery in north Kerala has been brought under a heritage tourism project by the state Government with an outlay of Rs 198 crore. The project was approved by the state cabinet today, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters. Known as the town of three Cs--cricket, cakes and circus-- Thalassery in Kannur distict was one of the early settlements of the British in India, where they built a fort in the 17th century. Earlier known as Tellicherry,the town still has several imprints left by the colonial rule to attract tourists. The town is also associated with battles waged by native ruler Pazhassiraja against the British. Cradle of Indian circus, the town and the surrounding areas had produced a large number of circus artistes and also is home of the legendary martial art trainer Keeleri Kunhikkannan,hailed as father of modern circus in India. German Missionary and lexicographer Herman Gundert lived many years in a bungalow at Illikunnu near Thalassery, from where he compiled the first and still authentic Malayalam Lexicon. According to records, the first mdoern bakery in Kerala was set up in Thalassery by native butlers who learnt the art of European confectionary from the British officials they served. The rural areas around the town are famed for folk arts like Theyaam and Thira, performed in local shrines.