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Malappuram (literally a land a top hills) is situated 50 km southeast of Kozhikode,Bounded by the Nilgiri Hills in the east, the Arabian Sea in the West And Thrissur And Palakkad districts in the south, Malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it- the chaliyar and Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. It was the military headquaters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprising against the British East India Company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921.
Air: Nearest airport: Karipur, Kozhikode (36km)
Rail: Nearest main railway station; kozhikode
PLACES TO VISIT
Thirunavaya (8km south of Tirur): Situated on the banks of the Bharathpuzha, this was one of the venues for Mamangam, agrand assembly of the rulersof Kerala, held once every 21 years. This extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1766.The thiruvanya Navamukunda Temple is also a famous pilgrim centre. During Karkidakavavu, people flock at the banks of Bharathapuzha here, to perform the pithrukriya for the departed souls. The site if Melapatthur illam, the homeof the great poet, Melppathur Narayana Bhattathiri; author of Narayaneeyam, ia about 2miles from here.
Thali temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple is located about 3 km west of Perinthalmanna on the the way to Malappuram.
Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram: Dedicated ti Goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual Pooram festival celebrated in March/April attracts large number of devotees. A unique custom here is the arrival of Vellathiri in the Pooram ground to give audience to the Malayankutty, the headman of the Pana tribal Community.Mangalya pooja, Rigveda laksharchana and Chandattam are other important poojas.
The Jama-at-Mosque, Malappuram: This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala. Th four Day annual festival at the mosque is celebrated in April.Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the malappuram Shaheeds who brave exploits have been innnortalised in the Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti(18km east of Manjeri on the way to Malappuram): The3 day long Valia Nercha feast at nis 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre celebrated in February /March is a local cultural event.
Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple: (3km from north of Vettichira on the highway connecting Kozhikode to Thrissur): Dedicated to Kirathaparvathi, this temple has no idol. Poojas are performed at a hole into which Goddess is said to ave disappeared after showing Her prescence to Adi Shankaracharya. Poomoodal, offering of flowers of thechi is an important feature here. Mutturuckal is another offering made by braking coconuts.
Poonthanam Illam,kizhattoor Perinthalmanna: This is the house of Poonthanam Namboothiri an exponent of the Krishnan cult of the Bhakthi movement Known for his work, Janappana. SreeKrishna Temple where he used to pray is situated nearby.
Vettakkorumukan Temple, Nialmbur: The Nilambur Pattu festival held here features singing of hymns by the members of the Royal family Along with the tribals of Nialmbur.
Nilambur: This is the original home of the Cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe of Kerala. The extensively forested lamd is well known for Canoli's Plot the world's oldest teak plantation and bamboo woods.
Teak Museum, Nilambur: Situated at Canoli Plot, Nilambur this is the only teak museum in the world. It alao houses around 55 types of bamboos and arboretum and the biggest Teak in the world. Abutterfly park is also attached with the Museum. Visiting hours 10am to 5 pm.
Nedumkayam Forest: (15km from Nilambur); This is one of the beautiful and dense forest in Kerala with a splendid variety of flaura &fauna. This area is an integral part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and an ideal place for trekking.
Kottakkal(12km southwest of Malappuram): This small town is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyshala, one of the pioneer institutions od Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine in Kerala. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam PS Warrier, Kottakkal has branches all over the State as well as in Delhi And madras. One of the best Ayurvedic centres in the State ,the Arya Vaidyashala runs an Ayurvedic research centre, a nursing home and a hospital. The chief physician can be consulted only by appointment made at least 10 days in advance. Accommodation options at the nursing home include family blocks,double rooms, single rooms and suites.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: (19km from Kozhikode and 7km from Beypore port): The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha river flows into the Arabian Sea. Over a hundred varities of native birds and over 60 vrities of migratory birds flock here in large numbers.
Kottakkunnu: Located near the district collectrate in Malappuram one can see traces of an old fort at the crest of the Cantonment Hill. The fort was built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode.
Padinharekara Beach: At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani, the beach offers oa breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabaian Sea.
Vallikunnu Beach: Abeach resot set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here.The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is just a short distance away.
Alathiyur Hanuman Temple: (12km from Tirur): One of the famous hanuman Temple In Kerala and also dedicated to Sree rama and Bharatha.
Ponnani: The only fort in the district, this is an important fishing centre. During the months of Feb/April, thousands of migratory birds arrive here.
Thirurangadi: This is the place which witnessed the 1921 Malabar Mutiny.
Kodikuthimala;(11km from Perinthalmanna on the NH to Pallakad); The perennial springs and the green mountains form an alluring landscape.
ThunchanMemorial Tirur: This is the birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan , the father of the Malayalam language. On Vijayadashami Day, many come here for vidyarambham, the ceremony in which children are intitiated into learning.
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