Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50 kms southeast of kozhikode. Bounded by the nilgiri hills on the east, the arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south, malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. It was the military headquarters of the samorins of Kozhikode (Calicut) since ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprisings against the British east india company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921. The hill country has also contributed much to cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for hindu-vedic learning and Islamic philosophy.


Places To Visit In Malappuram

Kottakkal : 12 kms southwest of malappuram, this small town is home to the famed kottakkal arya vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in kerala.

Nilambur : This is the original home of the Cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe of Kerala. The extensively forested land is well known for Canoli's Plot. It is named after H.V.Conolly, the then Malabar District Collector. The oldest teak tree in the plot is a rare attraction. On the Nilambur-Gudallur Road is the world's first teak museum and a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest Research Institute.

Thali Temple : The temple is located about 3 kms west of angadipuram on the way to malappuram from perinthalmanna.

The Jamaat Mosque : This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of the state. The 4 day long annual festival at the mosque is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Mallapuram shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila Ballads.

Tanur : The small coastal fishing town of tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the portuguese. It is belived that st. Francis xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of tanur town is keraladeshapuram temple, dedicated to lort vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in kerala.

Angadippuram : An important religious centre for both Hindus and Muslims, Angadippuram has the Thirumandhankunnu dedicated to Goddess Durga as well as the Puthanangadi Mosque, which has Arabic inscriptions on its walls.


Tourist Attractions In And Around Malappuram

Kondotti : On the way to Malappuram, 18 km west of Manjeri is Kondotti, a prominent pilgrimage location for Muslims. The Valia Nercha festival at the 500-year-old Pazhayangadi Mosque is celebrated for three days in February-March, drawing huge crowds.

Vallikunnu Beach : A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is just a short distance away.

Padinharekara Beach : At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharatha Puzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea.

Tirunavai : On the banks of the river Bharathapuzha, 8 km south of Tirur, is Tirunavai, a place of historical and religious significance. In olden days, the Mamamkam festival here was a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, held once in 12 years. Believed to have been started by Cheraman Perumal, it was last held in 1755. This temple is said to be founded by the nine great saints and is also called the Benares of the South.

Thirumandhamkunnu temple : Dedicated to goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Mallapuram. The annual pooram festival celebrated in the months of March and April attracts large numbers of devotees.

Tirur : The birthplace of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, now called Thunchan Parambu is in Tirur. Sand is taken from these hallowed grounds and used to initiate Malayali children into the wonders of writing. They are made to trace letters of the Malayalam alphabet in platters of this sand.

Nedumkayam : Nedumkayam is situated at a distance of about 20 km away from conolley's plot. It is famous for its thick forests; here one can watch elephants and herds of deer from the wooden Rest Houses built during the British period. The elephant-training center also attracts travelers. Half an hour jeep journey from Nedumkayam through the thick forests lead one to Macheeri, the settlement of Chola Naikans the primitive tribes.


How To Reach There

The nearest airport is at Calicut, 36 kms away.Nearest main railway station is at kozhikode (calicut).Malappuram is well connected to all the major towns in kerala,Karnataka and Tamilnadu by an excellent road network.