|Malappuram district in Kerala is situated
southeast of Kozhikode. Though Malappuram consists of majority
of Muslims, it has been a centre for Hindu Vedic learning and
teaching. This district is bordered by Thrissur and Palakkad
districts in the South & The Nilgiris on the east. This
district has played a significant role in our freedom struggle
because of the famous Mappila revolts that took place between
1792 and 1921. The three great rivers like Chaliyar, the Kadalundi
and the Bharathapuzha flows through this district. The architectural
styles of temples and mosques and also the cultural and ritual
art forms add more value to this district.
Best time to Visit September to March
Languages Malayalam, English
STD Code 0493
Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50 km
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
Air:nearest airport : kozhikode (36 kms) .
Rail:nearest main railway station is kozhikode (calicut).
Road: Malappuram is linked by motorable roads to several towns
in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Malappuram district was formed in June 1969 amalgamating the
distant and backward areas of the erstwhile Kozhikode, Perintalmanna
and Ponnani taluks of Palakkad. The land of great poets and
writers, political and religious leaders, this district has
carved a place of it's own in the history of Kerala. The Kings
of Valluvanad, the Zamorins, the kings of Perumpadappu Swarupam
and the Kings of Vettathunadu, were the early rulers. Portughese,
Mysore Su666yuhbbbbultans and the Britishers, had their sway
over this place, partly or wholly. But the unique social and
cultural heritage is preserved.
Sprawling over an area of 5,061 sq. kms. the district is marked
by undulating hills and valleys. The high ranges vary in altitude
from 2500 ft. above mean sea level in Kulamavu to more than
5,000 ft. above M.S.L. in Munnar. The highest peak in Kerala,
Anamudi is in the district. It is 8,841 ft. high.
Wildlife Sancturies :
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary (19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km 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 varieties
of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock
here in large numbers. A hillock which is 200 m above sea
level provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the
sea. The place is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels
Thali temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple is located about
3 km west of Angadipuram on the way to Malappuram from Perinthalmanna.
Thirumandhamkunnu temple, Angadipuram: Dedicated to Goddess
Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram.
The annual Pooram festival celebrated in March /April attracts
large numbers of devotees.
The Jama-at Mosque, Malappuram: This is an important pilgrim
centre of the Muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival
at the mosque (nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjoining the
mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs)
whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti (18 km east of Manjeri, on the
way to Malappuram): The three day long Valia Nercha feast
at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in
February /March, is a local cultural event.
Flora and Fauna :
The district has a total forest area of 1,03,417 hectares,
i.e., 28.47% of total geographical area. The major forest
area is concentrated in Nilambur and Wandoor blocks and Melattur
in the Western ghats.
Elephants, deers, tigers, blue monkeys, bears, boars, rabbits,
etc. are found in the forests along with a variety of birds
and reptiles. Forests are the main source of raw material
for a number of wood-based industrial units. Besides timber,
firewood and green manure, forest produces are commodities
like honey, medicinal herbs, spices etc.
Places to visit :
Thirunavaya - 8 km south of Tirur.
Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this is a place
of great historical importance. The Mamangam, a grand assembly
of the rulers of Kerala, was held here once every 12 years
in olden times. This extravagant festival was conducted for
the last time in 1755. Today Thirunavaya is the venue for
the annual Sarvodaya Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda temple
is also a famous pilgrim centre
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 the world's oldest teak
plantation and bamboo woods.
Tirur The birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father
of the Malayalam language, now called Thunchan Parambu, is
in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of children
are initiated into the wonders of writing when they first
trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabet in sand taken
from that revered spot which was Ezhuthachan's home..
Kottakkal - 12 km south east 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. Founded in 1902
by Vaidyaratnam P S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala has
branches all over the State as well as in Delhi and Madras.
One of the best Ayurvedic centres in the State, the Arya Vaidyasala
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
Kottappadi Located near the renowned Ayurvedic centre atKottakkal,
one can see traces of an old fort at the base of the Cantonment
Hill. The fort was the first to be built by the Zamorins of
Kozhikode. Nearby are the Vettakkorumakan Temple and the Siva
Temple with the famous murals of Malabar.
Kadampuzha - 3 km north of Vettichira.
Kadampuzha on the highway connecting Kozhikode and Thrissur:
Kadampuzha is famous for its Bhagavathy Temple said to have
been set up by Sree Sankaracharya, the philosopher.
Mamburam The shrine and mausoleum of the Thangals (the religious
leaders of the Malabar Muslims) in AR Nagar Village is a major
Biyyan Kayal Located close to Ponnani, this placid, green
fringed waterway has a water sports facility.
Kodikuthimala The perennial springs and the green mountains
form an alluring landscape.
Adyanpara Located in the Kurumbalangode village of Nilambur
taluk, Adyanpara is famous for its waterfalls and the splendour
of its lush jungles.
Kadalundi bird sanctuary (48 kms), pazhayangadi mosque, kondotti
Four important rivers of Kerala, flow through Malappuram district.
They are, Chaliyar (Beypore river), Kadalundipuzha, Bharathapuzha
Tanur: The small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of
the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed
that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546.
About 3 m south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple,
dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest
temples in Kerala.
Padinharekara Beach: At the end of the Tipu Sultan Road near
Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence
of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea.
Vallikunnu Beach: A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut
groves is the main attraction here. The Kadalundi bird sanctuary
is just a short distance away.