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.

Location:

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 the Bharathapuzha.

Access:

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.

History:

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.

Climate:

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 and crabs.

Pilgrimage Centres:

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 ballads.
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.

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
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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 and suites.

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 pilgrimage centre.

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.

Excursions :

Kadalundi bird sanctuary (48 kms), pazhayangadi mosque, kondotti (18 kms).

Rivers :

Four important rivers of Kerala, flow through Malappuram district. They are, Chaliyar (Beypore river), Kadalundipuzha, Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha.

Beaches :

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.