Places of Attraction in and around Malappuram

1.   Malappuram

      Malappuram town is the headquarters of the Malappuram district and lies 28 kilometers northeast from Tirur railway station. The place was the military headquarters of the ancient Zamorin kingdom and later the British used this place for their military purposes.

2.    Ponnani

       Ponnani is the only port in the Malappuram district having a rich history and heritage. It is one of the prime centers of Hindu Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy since ancient times. This tiny beautiful town is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west. It is the only port in Malappuram district and one of the oldest in Kerala. This place is also an important fishing center. EK Imbichibava has played a tremendous role in developing and keeping the rich heritage of the land.  He is known as 'The Soul of Ponnani'. The town Ponnani lies 20 kilometers away from Kuttipuram railway station and is easily reached. NH 17 passes through this town. There is a few important tourist locations at Ponnani and they are:

Padinjarekkara Beach: The beach lies Close to Ponnani and at the end point of the Tipu Sulthan road. From the beach you can see the beautiful confluence of the river Bharathapuzha and Tirur puzha with the Arabian Sea. The beach is also ideal for evening walks.

The Huma Ath mosque: This is the biggest mosque in the Ponnani of around 50 mosques here. It is believed that the mosque was built by Sheikh Zainuddin Makhodum in the 16th Century.

Trikavu : The place Trikavu in Ponnani was once the seat of Zamorins for controlling the trade and commerce here. The famous Trikavu Durga temple, famous for the Navarathri celebrations located here.

Mookuthala Bhagavathi Temple: It is one of the ancient Durga temples in Kerala. The temple is located 10 kilometers south east of Ponnani. It is believed that Sankaracharya established the temple. The annual festival of this temple falls on Vrischikam(November-December) known as The Karthika Mahotsav. The festival attracts a lot of devotees.

Biyyam Kayal : Biyyam Kayal is a spread of backwaters near Ponnani town. A boat race is been conducted here as a part of the Onam celebrations annually participating a minimum of a dozen boats.

 3.   Ponnani Juma Masjid

      The Ponnani Juma Masjid is one of the prime Muslim pilgrimage center in kerala, known as the 'Mecca of the East'. It is believed that the mosque was designed by  a Hindu carpenter for a Sufi saint Malik Ibn Dinar, the first one came to Kerala for preaching Islam. In the famous book 'Malabar Manual', English historian says that the Masjid was established in 925 Hijrah Era ( AD 1519). Thats why the design of the mosque resembles Hindu temples.  The carpenter's tomb is there inside the mosque. There are Koranic inscriptions carved inside the mosque. The annual festival of the mosque falls March- April, known as 'Nercha' and lasts 4 days. The entire mosque is almost made of teak trees. Adjacent to the mosque there is mausoleum, in memory of Malappuram martyrs. This monument also attracts visitors.

4.    Vallabhatta Kalari Acedemy

        The academy was established in 1984 and is dedicated for the training of 'Kalaripayattu', a martial art endemic to Kerala. All the four stages in Kalaripayattu- Physical exercise, Wooden weapons, Metal weapons and unarmed fighting techniques are teaching here. The academy is located in a small village namely Kalady, 6 kilometers from Kuttippuram. The teaching hours here are 6.00 am to 9.00 am and 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. he academy also arranges demo wars for tourists.

5.   Kuttippuram

      The tranquil village Kuttippuram is famous because of the bridge here across Nila known as Kuttippuram Bridge. Sight of the Kuttippuram brisge from the bank of Nila in a melancholy evening is breathtaking. Several writers and film directors in Malayalam have utilized this beautiful sight. The famous poem 'Kuttippuram Palam' by Edassery depicts the beauty of this bridge and the Nila (Bharathapuzha).

6.   Thirunavaya

       The venue for the ancient festival 'Mamankam'. Thirunavaya conceals many many secrets of the ancient era. This place is also one of the main Hindu pilgrimage centers in Kerala. The village Thirunavaya is located on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha. The place has rich historic and religious importance. The place is also mentioned in several ancient records and also the Navamukunda temple here. 'Mamankam' was a great assembly of rulers under the Zamorin king happend only in 12 years. But instead of obeying the King's instruction, the 'Valluvakonathiri' , the ruler of Valluvanad used to send suicide squads to kill the Zamorin King, for questioning the supremacy of Zamorin King. It is believd that Vallvakonathiri used to send 18 warriors to fight with numerous warriors of the Zamorin King. The suicide squad in local languge known as 'Chaver pada'.  It was an enormous trade fair also. The Mamankam festival was celebrated for 28 days with great popularity and pageantry where traders from outside and inside Kerala came in ships and barges to Thirunavaya through Ponnani port. The last of such Mamankam, was believed to be held in 1755, when Zamorin had a hair-breath escape from a chaver named Putumanna Kandaru Menon aged 16.

The Navamukunda temple at Thirunavaya is one of the leading Hindu pilgrimage shrine in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. There is an interesting legend behind the name of the temple.  The deity is called Nava Mukunda because the idol here was the ninth one to be installed in the temple by a group of rishis known as the Navayogis (a group contains nine saints). The first eight idols disappeared as soon as they were placed there and the ninth sank to its knees before it was stopped. It is one of the major Vishnu temples in Kerala. 'Pithru Tharpanam' is a ritual, held here on the day of 'Amavasi' (New moon night) of 'Karkitaka '(July). ‘Bali Karma’ is offered by people in their wet clothes, after three dips in the river, for the salvation of sins and appease the dead souls. All these rituals happen there in presence of another diety Siva here. The Siva temple lies near to the Navamukunda temple. The places Thirunavaya also include a Brahma temple, one of the only two such temples in India. Thus Thirunavaya becomes the land hosts 'thrimurthis' ie Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. In essence the 'Om' hosts this holy village. (According to Hindu mythology the sound 'Om' is the combination of the essence of the trimurthi's).

The famous Vedic Vidyalaya Othanmar Madom of ancient times is on the bank of Bharathapuzha, near the Siva Temple. It is said that the traditional Vedic learning for Hindu Namboodiri boys started here. Thirunavaya is one of the important Namboodiri villages in Kerala. The 'Santhikudeeram' established by national leader K. Kelappan is here on this sand. This venue hosts the annual 'Sarvodaya Mela' in which Gandhians from all over Kerala participates. The famous Melpathur Ellam, the residence of Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri who wrote the poem 'Narayaneeyam' praising Lord Vishnu, is 2 kilometers away from here.  The famous marital art festival of Kalripayattu is used to conduct here at the sands of Bharathapuzha on every summer. The famous Changampalli Kalari is located near to Thirunavaya.

7.   Tirur

      The place Tirur is located 20 kilometers north of Ponnani and is 1 Kilometers south of Kozhikode, on the Mangalore-Madras railway line and is the birthplace of Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the Father of Malayalam Literature. The place where he born is now converted in to a memorial known as ‘Thunchan Parambu'. The Thunchan Parambu consists of a library and a space for literary and cultural activity in a beautiful lawn. An annual literary meet is held here during the first week of every February known as the Thunchan Festival. This festival offers upcoming writers to present their works in front of a huge audience. The festival usually held from February 4 to 8. The festival also encourages Drama and Dance forms. During the day of 'Vijayadasammi', hundreds of parents bought their children here for the traditional 'Vidyarambam' ceremony. 'Vidyarambam' in local language means ones starting point of education.

Tirur was one of the prime centers in Kerala, which questioned the British rule frequently. It was also one of the nerve centers of the 'Mappila riots' happened here. After a local uprising against the British, the British Police arrested almost 100 men and send them to Coimbathore in an airtight rail wagon. History says that, at 'Podannur' (a railway station near Coimbathore) the Police opened the wagon and got over 90 dead bodies. All died because of Oxygen deficiency. This tragic incident is known as 'Wagon Tragedy' in History. Today a structure that resembles that ancient railway wagon stands in front of the Tirur town hall. The Wagon tragedy memorial is a main visiting place at this region. 

The Chamravattom Sastha Temple is located south of Tirur town on the banks of Bharathapuzha.  Truprangode is located 6 kilometers from Tirur and the place is occupied with a temple dedicated to Garuda, Garuda is the bird deity and he carries Mahavishnu.  Truprangode is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Garuda.


8.    Kottakkal

       The village Kottakkal is located 11 kilometers from Malappuram town on the Tirur road. The world famous Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala is located here. Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala is the pioneer center of the Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala. The Vaidyasala or hospital is established by Dr. P.S. Varrier in early 1902. The hospital is still the most famous Ayurvedic hospital in South India with branches in all-important cities in and outside of Kerala. The main peculiarity of this institution is that it produces medicines straight from medicinal herbs and plants in a traditional manner without using any modern techniques. An Ayurvedic Mental Hospital, An Ayurvedic Research Center and an Ayurvedic Hospital are here under the same institution.

The 'Natyasngham' Institute is located near to the hospital, which is also established by Dr. P.S. Varrier. The PSV Natyasangham is the second leading institute in Kerala when considering the performing art 'Kathakali' training, after Kalamandalam. Other classical dance forms like Koothu, Koodiyattom, Mohiniattom etc have classes here. Visitors permitted at this institution from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

The 'Kizhakke Kovilakom', a fortified palace of the erstwhile Zamorin Kings is also located at this township. The palace draws visitors in and abroad kerala. The Ponmala, which is famous for the Rock Cut Cave Temple is also located here, a few kilometers from Kottakkal on the Malappuram road.

9.    Perinthalmanna

       One of the prime agricultural areas of the district Malappuram, Perinthalmanna is located 36 kilometers northeast of Kuttippuram and 20 kilometers southeast of Malappuram. This is one of the leading commercial centers in the state where the trading of handling crops like cashew, paddy, coconut, pepper and areca nut happens at a high rate. Kulirmala is one major attraction in Pernthalamanna and is located just a few kilometers from the town. This peak offers panoramic view of the entire district and adjacent places. On top pf the hill, there is the footprint of Hanuman, which is preserved for a long period. People believe that a stream is passing through the peak below soil. We can hear the sound of water flowing through a hole on top of the hill. The Kodikuthimala is another scenic hill station near to the town. The peak offers splendid views of the surrounding towns and valleys of perinthalmanna. The name Kodikuthimala is because of the flag hoisting during the land survey conducted by the British Empire. The watchtower, suicide point and waterfalls are the main attractions at this mountain range. This hill station is now preserved by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

The place Perinthalmanna is occupied by several shrines and mosques, and thats why an important Hindu and Muslim pilgrimage center. The Thirumandhamkunnu Durga Temple, Angadippuram lies a few kilometers from Perinthalmanna and is the most famous shrine at this region. This temple is situated in a hillock and stayed as a protective hide out for those local people involved in the Malabar riot against British. Perinthalmanna was an important nerve of the Malabar Mappila riots that threatened the British throne. The hilltop offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. The Thirumandhamkunnu Temple was erected after the Angadipuram Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and the temple have specific poojas offered to her which wont be seen in any other Durga temples in the state. Mangalya pooja, Rigveda laksharchana, Chandattam and Kalampattu are the important worships here. The annual 11-day festival or pooram of this temple falls on March-April.

10.   Manjeri

        The historical town Manjeri was the administrative headquarters of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom and is now stays as the headquarters of the Ernad Taluk. The Manjeri town was the venue for the 1920 famous Malabar District Political Conference and the town also supported the 1921 Malabar Mutiny with great interest. It is the trade hub of Malappuram and thats why known as the industrial capital of Malappuram. Most of the government institutions and many offices such as district court, district hospital, district medical office are located in Manjeri. Manjeri is also a famous agricultural center in this region.

Pullancheri is a beautiful picnic spot in Manjeri with hillocks, and a tiny dam. The river Kadalundi passes through this scenic place. The place is 5 kilometers from Manjeri. The place is also occupied with a mosque known as the Pullancheri mosque. Thirumanikkara Sreekrishna Temple is very famous shrine and is located in Thrikkalangode Panchayat, near Manjeri. The most famous shrine at this region is the Kunnath Temple. The temple is located on the way to Vettecode. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The annual festival of this temple falls on March-April, which lasts 8 days, is known as the famous Manjeri Pooram.

11.   Nilambur

         The town Nilambur is located 40 kilometers from Malappuram and 25 kilometers from Manjeri, on the banks of the Chaliyar River. The place is most famous because of the Teak Museum located here. This most beautiful plantation town in Malappuram, Nilambur is also a main agricultural area. The peculiarities of this place includes dense rain forests, extensive bamboo plantations, and some tribal settlements. The name 'Nilambur' means 'Place of 'Nilimba', where 'Nilamba' is the Sanskrit word for Bamboo. This beautiful place is also a protected area for Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Mahogany trees.

Just 2 kilometers from Nilambur town is the Conolly's Teak Plantation. It is one of the oldest teak plantations in the whole world. The plantation is located on the banks of the Chaliyar River, in a small village namely Aruvakkod. The plantation is named after H.V. Conolly who was the Malabar district collector and the one who founded this teak plantation in 1846. The plantation is spread over 2 square kilometers. These great deeds by Conolly eventually lead to the formation of Teak Museum, the first one in the globe. Giant teak here, believed as the oldest teak is a good attraction. The plantation and Museum worth a visit.

Nilambur town is also famous because of the Nilambur Kovilakom here. The word 'Kovilakom' in local language indicated 'residence of rulers and local Kings'. This palace is very much attractive because of having beautiful wooden carvings, paintings and artifacts, which can tell stories of a great past. Nilambur Vettekkoru Makan Paattu is a famous temple festival held every year in the Nilambur Kovilakom temple. The Vettekkoru Makan temple is one of the leading shrines in this region. This temple dedicated to 'Kiratha Moorthy '(Lord Siva as hunter). The annual festival is a colorful celebration with 'Kalamezhuthu pattu'. It is a rare ritual art of painting the floor with colored powders and 'pattu' means prayer song.

The village Kumbham at Aruvakkod is famous for making earthen pots. Several potter families living here. The name Kumbham means pot.

The beautiful dense rain forest area Nedumakayam is located around 16 kilometers from Nilambur. This area is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and an ideal place for trekking. The forest includes rich flora and fauna. The wooden rest houses here built by the British are now staying as great places for the tourists to view the unparallel beauty of nature. This place is an ideal one for trekking. The Elambali hill, where Chaliyar River originates is also a nearby attraction.

The Adyanpara waterfall at Kurumbalangod is also a main attraction at this place. This lush jungle area is 15 kilometers far from Nilambur. The hill station 'Valamthode' is 27 kilometers from Nilambur and is famous for the waterfall and tribal settlements of 'Chola Naikas' here. The 'Chola Naikas' are one of the ancient tribal of human race, many still living in caves in the deep forest, away from civilization. This place is also a fantastic option for trekking. There is also a tribal settlement at Manjeri known as Manjeeri Colony. The place Vaniyambalam is 12 kilometers away from Nilambur. The place is occupied with the Banasura Temple, which is situated on a huge rock covering area of 40 acres. The Koyippara waterfall is also a nice place for outing, is located near Akampadam.

12.  Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple

        Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is located 3 kilometers from Vettichira and 30 kilometers from Malappuram on the Kozhikode-Thrissur high way. The temple is dedicated to Kiratha Parvathy (Parvathy as in Hunter form). But the temple don’t have any idol related to the goddess. The worships here are performed at a hole of having a diameter of 6 centimeters. It is believed that the Goddess disappeared through this hole after giving her sight to Adi Sankaracharya, the great philosopher who derived Advaitha Vadentha. 'Poomoodal' (offering of flowers of 'thechi', where thechi is Ixora Indica.) is the main offering here. 'Mutturakkal' is another peculiar ritual happens here with breaking cocunuts.