Main Tourist Attractions in Malappuram
Malappuram district has a lot of natural and man-made attractions which makes the district a treasure box. There are beaches, rivers, waterfalls, backwater, Hills, valleys, plantations and many more. The district has also got a important value in the Indian history.
About Malappuram
Malapppuram is a hilly terraced district which has a tremendous amount of natural beauty hidden in its treasure box. There are beaches, rivers, waterfalls, backwater, Hills, valleys, plantations and many more. It is not only the natural beauty which attracts many tourists to Malappuram; there are also a lot of man-made attractions which accounts into the historical and religious wealth of the district. Malappuram is situated 50 kilometres south-east of Kozhikode bounded by the Nilgiri Hills in the east, Arabian Sea in the west and Trissur and Palakkad districts in the south. Three major rivers flow through the district which includes Chaliyar, Kadalundi and Bharathapuzha.
Malappuram has an important place in the history of Kerala. The Mapilla Revolt of 1921 (against the British rule) took place in Malabar regions. It was the Military head quarters of Zamoris in ancient time. Many rulers tried to capture this region before falling into the hands of British Raj. Along with historic moments and diverse natural attractions, a range of cultural and ritual art forms add to its value as a destination worth visiting.How to Reach
By Air: Calicut Airport is situated in Malappuram district and it is 30 kilomtres away from Malappuram town. Daily flights are available from Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, Coimbatore and Chennai. Weekly flights are also available to Goa, Trivandrum and Trichy.
By Rail: Major railway stations are situated at Tirur, Kuttipuram, Angadipuram and Nilambur. It is well connected to all other major stations. Malappuram town is 55 kilometres away from Kozhikode Junction.
By Road: Two major National Highways passes through Malappuram District. NH 17 Connecting Calicut and Trissur passes through Kottakal and kuttipuram. NH 213 connecting Calicut and Palakkad passes through Kondoty, Malappuram and Perintalmanna. KSRTC buses are available round the clock running in these routes.Main Attractions:
Kottakunnu
Kottakkunnu is located on the Heart of Malappuram town. Kottakunnu means "the hill with a Fort". Kottakunnu is a recently developed project in Malappuram. It is a result of initiative taken by Malayala Manorama unit in Malappuram and Malappuram Tourism Development Corporation. It is the highest point in Malappuram town. One can see the entire Malappuram town from its top and can see traces of an old fort at the crest of the Cantonment Hill. The view of sunset from this spot is unforgettable. Kottakunnu looks more beautiful in the golden light of dusk. You have to climb nearly 100 steps to reach on the top. Most of the local people gather here to do chitchat in the evening. Near to kottakunnu, there is Kottakunnu water theme park. A lot of water and non-water rides are equipped in the park. This is the only water theme park in Malappuaram. Manjeri is 12 kilometre and Calicut is 25 kilometres away from this spot.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is 19 kilometres from Kozhikode and 7 kilometrs from Beypore Port. The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands and is home to a large variety of indigenous and migratory birds. It is located where Kakadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea. Over a 100 varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here. Some of the prominent species spotted here are Terns, Gulls, Egrets, Herons, Sandipipers, Brahmini Kites and Cormorants. A boat trip is provided to see around the sanctuary. It is also famous for Fish, Mussels and Crabs.
Thunchan Parambu, Tirur
Thunchan Parambu is the birth place of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan (Father of Malayalam Literature) is located at Tirur which is 32 kilometres away from Malappuram town. This is a sacred place for all those people who are related to Malayalam Literature. On the day of Vijayadasami, a lot of people come here with their children to initiate them into the world of education and knowledge. Children are made to write on the white sand of Thunjanparanbu with their figures. There is an ancient Kanjira (Nuxvomica) tree in the plot and is considered that Ezhuthachan imparted knowledge to his disciples and composed poems under this tree. A memorial is built there on his name. The memorial also houses a granite Saraswathi mandapam and a library with rare manuscripts. 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.
Wagon Tragedy Memorial Municipal Town Hall
There is a standing monument reminiscent of notorious Wagon Tragedy during the British rule. Wagon Tragedy was the death of a large number of prisoners in 1921 in Malabar region. The British packed 71 prisoners in a railway goods wagon from Tirur to Coimbatore jail. By the time they reached there, 61 of them had died from suffocation.Teak Plantation
The Teak Plantation is 2 kilometres away from Nilambur town. This is the oldest teak plantation in the world. This 2.3 hectre land is situated beside the Chaliyar River and the plot is known as Collony's Plot. This is named in the memory of H V Conolly (District collector of Malabar) who played a major role in raising the plantation. Kannimari, the oldest teak in the plantation is one of the most attractions in the plantation. A country boat is set ready for the visitors to cross the river to go to the plantation.
Teak Museum
Teak Museum is located 4 kilometres away from the Nilambur town on Nilambur-Gudallur road. It is the world's first Teak Museum and it is a sub centre Kerala Forest Research Institute. The museum is housed in a 2 storied building. A visitor can collect all information regarding the teak from here. Nedumkayam, a rain forest is situated close to Nilambur. An elephant training centre is located here. Beyond Chaliyar River, 27 Kilometres away from Nilambur, is Vallamthode, a hill top place where a perennial waterfall attracts people.
Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala
Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala is situated at Kottakal, 12 kilometres away from Malappuram town. The Vaidyasala was established in the year 1902 by P S Varier. It is one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda. This is a world renowned centre of excellence in ayurveda for treatment. This centre contains a large private hospital, drugs producing centre and a herbarium. Patients even from several foreign countries come here for treatment. The medicinal herb garden nurtured by the Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala forms the focus of attraction of hundreds of people. Annual seminar on Ayurvedia and other branches of medicine are conducted as a part of founder's day of Arya Vaidyasala. The only Ayurveda Mental Hospital run by Kerala government is also located here.
Thiruvavaya
Thirunavaya is located on the banks of Bharathapuzha is both historically and culturally important. The Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, was held here once every 12 years in the past. The assembly was followed by an extravagant festival which lasts for 28 days. During this festival, many traders from outside were used to come here in ships and barges through Ponnani Port. The famous Vedic Vidyalaya Othanmar Madom of ancient times is also located on the bank of Bharathapuzha, near the Shiva Temple. This madom was a centre of Aryanisation through Sanskrit and Vedic education, as Thirunavaya was believed to be the main centre, where Parasurama brought and settled Brahmins. During the second week February, a sarvodaya mela is conducted in the Santhikudeeram established by the National Leader K Kelappan in which many Gandhians of Kerala assemble.
Biyyam Kayal (Backwater)
Biyyam Kayal is located Near to Ponnani, which is 40 kilometres away from Malappuram. The surrounding greenery of the kayal attracts a lot of tourists here. Recently the Tourism Development Corporation of the district came up with water sport facility in the kayal.
Padinharekara Beach
Padinharekara Beach is close to Ponnani. It offers a breath taking view of the confluence of the river Bharathapuzha and Tirur puzha with the Arabian Sea. This is an important fishing point in Ponnani. The main attraction of the beach is the Migratory birds that come here. Boat service is also available here.Tanur Beach
Tanur is 40 kilometres away from Malappuaram. Tanur Beach is famous for its natural scenic view. In early times, this was a small coastal fishing town of Tanur and was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546 and converted the local chieftain to Christianity.Vallikunnu Beach
Vallikunnu Beach is close to Kadalundinagaram. A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. Many tourists come to stay in this resort. The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is just a short distance away from here.
Pilgrimage Centres in Malappuaram.
Pazhayangadi Masjidis situated at Kondotty, 25 kilometres away from malappuram town on Calicut-Palakkad National highway. This is a prominent pilgrim centre of Muslims. The white dome of the mosque and its filigree work is the main attraction of the mosque. The masjid is open from 8 am to 5:30 pm. The three day long Valia Nercha at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre is celebrated in February/March is one of the famous Nercha in Malabar.
Mamburam Makkaam is a pilgrim place for Muslims. It is situated in A R Nagar Village. It is opened from 9 am to 6 pm. All types of 'attar', perfumes and Arabic scripts are available outside the mosque.
Valiya Juma Masjid is located at old Malappuram and it is an important pilgrim centre of Muslims of Kerala. Every year, a four day Nercha is conducted here in the month of April. Adjoining Mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram shaheeds whose brave exploits have been immortalized in the Mappila ballads.
Kadampuhzha Temple is situated at in Melmuri village of Tirur taluk. It is an important Bhagavathi temple for Hindus and is believed to be built by Jagadguru sankaracharya.
Thirunavaya NavamukundhaTemple is situated right on the banks of Bharathapuzha and is believed to be constructed by Navya Yogis. It is an important Vishnu Temple of Kerala. On the day of Ammavasi, a lot of people gather here to offer Pitru Tharppanam. Balikarama is offered by people in their wet clothes, after a dip in the river, for the salvation sins and to appease the manes.
Thirumandhakunnu Temple is situated at Angadipuram, which is 14 kilometres away from Malappuram town on the way to Perinthalmanna. This temple is dedicated to goddess Durga. Pooram (known as Angadipuram pooram) is conducted in the month of March and April. The fire works on the tenth day of the pooram attracts a lot of people from all over Malabar.
Keraladheesapuram Temple is situated at Tanur and is believed to be 300 years old. This temple is famous for the mural paintings done on the walls of the temple.
Garuda Temple is Located at Tripangode, which 6 kilometre away from Tirur town. This is the only Garuda temple in Kerala. The temple has golden snakes around it and also houses a rather unusual shrine of Lord Vishnu. The temple remains open from 5 AM to 10AM and from 5PM to 6PM. On Sundays, the temple remains open from 5 to 10:30 AM and from 4:30 to 6PM.
Sastha Temple is located at Chamravattom, which is 15 kilometres away from Tirur. It is believed to be built by Perunchachan, one of the famous sculptures of ancient Kerala. It is built on the banks of Bharathapuzha River. 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.
Reference: www.malappuram.net
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