A land atop the hills.
Like any other district of Kerala, Malappuram is a treasure house of the natural beauty. There are beaches, rivers, waterfalls, backwater destinations, hills, valleys, plantations and not to forget a famous bird sanctuary to bind you with their charm. Once there, you will not feel like coming back. Moreover, these beauties of nature will help you forget the stressful life that you have been leading continuously. So, walk on the sands and the let the exhaustion quietly flow away with the rushing water or gaze at the water falling from a great height with a thundering sound and feel the tranquility it still manages to give you. You can say that the fall falls to give you a refreshing high.
However, it is not just the natural beauty that will captivate your attention since there are a number of manmade attractions as well to stop you from proceeding ahead. These manmade attractions are reflective of the regions historical and cultural wealth. There are temples, mosques and art centers that very elegantly put before you the past of the region and also give you ample indication of what the future will be like.
The people of Malappuram, like the rest of the Keralese, are extremely cordial and treat their guests with much respect. And, as for eating out in Malappuram is concerned, do not go expecting big restaurant, but definitely expect some delicious food. The number of small restaurant and the eating joints in the region will leave you elated.
History
As for the history of Malappuram, it was the military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times. It was also influenced by the the Kings of Vettathunadu, Portuguese and Mysore Sultans before falling into the hands of British.
The Moppila revolts, which were typical revolt against the British rule in Kerala, found a great venue in Mallapuram. Post independence, the Malappuram was merged with the state of Kerala in1956. The district itself was formed in June 1969 by combining the backward areas of the previous Kozhikode, Perintalmanna and Ponnani taluks of Palakkad.
Places of Interest
Thirunavaya
This place is both historically and culturally important. Located on the banks of Bharatpuzha River, Thirunavaya is a place which in earlier times served as a venue for the grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala. This assembly was important since it was organized only once in twelve years and was accompanied by an extravagant festival. The last time this festival was organized was in 1755 AD. As of today Thirunavaya plays host to the annual Sarvodaya Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is also a famous pilgrim centre where Hindus gather to perform their religious rituals
Jamaat Mosque
This is a 280 year old mosque that was built by a Hindu family. The story of the mosque goes that the Hindu Prana Nambi family, once, usurped the belongings of the Muslims. Thereafter, they were afflicted with a deadly disease. To correct its misdeeds, the family built a mosque, which we today know as the Jamaat Mosque. Women are not permitted inside the mosque which has now become a sort of pilgrim centre for the Muslims. Close to the mosque is a mausoleum dedicated to the shaheeds of the Malappuram who laid down their lives in the Mopilla revolt.
Nilambur
Nilambur is famous for its teak plantation which boasts of being the oldest one in the entire world. This teak plantation, "Conollys Plot' spreads over an area of 2.31 hectares and is beside the Chaliyar river. The main attraction here is the oldest teak, Kannimari. Ferries are available to take you round a trip on the Chaliyar river. Very close by is the world's first teak museum where you can have a a comprehensible knowledge of everything related to teak. The museum is housed in a two storied building.
Very close to the Nilambur town (around 18 km) is Nedumkayam - the rich rain forest. Prior permission is required to visit this forest, but once inside you can view the elephants and deers roaming around freely in the forest from a cottage that was built during the British era. There is also an elephant training centre here. Half an hour jeep ride from Nedumkayam will bring you to Mancherri, the settlement of Chola Naikas, a primitive tribe.
The town itself is famous for the Kovikolams, or the residence of the rajas. The kovikolams have beautiful frescoes and art work in wood to attract you.
Kottakkal
Kottakkal (12 km from Malappuram) is a town whose name has now become synonymous for the Arya Vaidyasala. The vaidyashala was established in the year 1902 by vaidyratnam PS Varier and is one of the earliest one to offer ayurvedic treatment. The vaidyashala has both a free as well as a non charitable hospital that treat around 500000 people every year. For tourists interested in the treatment, it is advisable that an advance booking be made because the rush is always great here.
Around a km away from the vaidyashala is the PSV Natyasangam Kathakali School. The Dance School was also established by PS Varier and is best visited during the months of July August. Students here sometimes like to display their art form before the tourists. Close to this School is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Venkattathevar Temple. The highlight is the 64 mural paintings that adorn the walls of the temple. The temple is open from 5 to 10.30 am and then from 4 to 7.30 am.
Ponani
Ponani is one of the earliest ports of Kerala and is located where the Bharatpuzha River, Tirupuzha River meets the Arabian Sea. The Padinjarekkara beach here is a major attraction since a number of migratory birds flock here in season. Also, a private party runs a boating service here. As such you can ride in a boat and even sip a cup of coffee in a coffee shop made by tieing up two boats.
Tanur
Tanur is famous for its Keraladheesapuram Temple which is supposed to be around 3000 years old. Unfortunately, the murals inside the temple have been covered by coats of paints and even the idol that adorns the temple is not the original one (just installed two years back). The forces of Tipu Sultan destroyed the original idol. Tanur is also important because it is considered the place where St Francis Xavier, an Apostle of East, paid a visit. There is also a beautiful beach in Tanur.
Tirur
Tirur has a number of historical significance attached to it. Firstly it was a part of the first laid rail road in Kerala. Secondly, it was also the birthplace of the legendary 16th century Malayalam poet, Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. It is because of this that for all those who converse in Malayalam, this small coastal town holds a distinct place. There is a memorial here dedicated to this Malayalam poet that is always alive with students and intellectuals immersed in discussions and recitals of poems. However, during the month of January - February, the Thunchan Festival converts the entire atmosphere into that of enthusiasm and action. Intellectuals from all over Kerala gather here along with the respected singers and classical dancers from all over India.
Triprangode
This place houses the only Garuda Temple in India. The temple has golden snakes around it and also houses a rather unusual shrine of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is here worshipped in a tortoise form. Pilgrims, on their way to Sabarimala shrine stop here to pay their respect. The temple is open from 5 to 10 am and then from 5 to 6 pm. On Sundays, timings are a bit different - from 5 to 10.30 am and then from 4.30 to 6 pm.
Chamarovattom
Around 15 km west of Tirur is the Sastha Temple believed to be built by the renowned sculpture, Perunthachan. The idol of Lord Ayappa here stands at the same level as the river Bharatpuzha that flows behind. During monsoons, when the flood water fills in the temple and the surrounding area, arattu or the holy bathing of the idol is carried out.
Kondotty
The Pazhayangadi Mosque here is the highlight. The white dome of the mosque and its filigree work make it appear immensely pious. Moreover, the overall architectural style of the mosque instantly reminds of the famous Mughals. The mosque is open from 8 am to 5.30 pm and only Muslims are allowed to enter inside.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
The bird sanctuary sprawls over a group of small islands and is home to a large variety of the indigenous and migratory birds. The sanctuary is located at a place where the Kadalundi river meets the Arabian Sea. Locally, the area is known as Kadalundi Nagaram. Few of the prominent species of birds that are spotted here are Terns, Gulls, Egrets, Herons, Sandpipers, Brahmini Kites and Cormorants. Apart from the birds, the park is also quiet famous for its population of Fish, Mussels and Crabs. A boat trip in the sanctuary is a very good option to observe the birds and their activities. You can also enjoy some spectacular views of the surrounding from atop a 200 m high hillock.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport is at Kozhikode, Karipur Airport. Flights from here fly daily to Delhi, Coiambatore, Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai. There are flights thrice a week to Goa, twice to Trichy and just once to Trivandrum. From Karipur, prepaid taxis are available to take you to Kozhikode. Prepaid taxis are available to transfer you to Malappuram.
By Rail
There are railway stations at Tirur, Kuttippuram, Perintalmanna and Nilambur that connect to other places like Kozhikode, Manglore, Kochi, Trhiruvanantpuram, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
By Road
Malappuram is well connected by road to all the parts of Kerala. KSRTC run buses are also quiet frequent and take you to different parts of Malappuram itself.
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