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Malappuram Travel Guide

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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.

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 immortalized 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.

Tirur: The birthplace 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.

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 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.

Kottakkal 12 km southwest 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 at Kottakkal, 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.

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.

Padinharekara Beach: At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharatha Puzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea.

Vallikunnu Beach: A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. The Kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance away.

Kadampuzha (3 km north of Vettichira 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.