» Introduction
» Prime Attractions of Malappuram
» Tour from Malappuram
How To Reach Malappuram
By Air
The nearest airport is at Calicut, 36 kms away.
By Rail
The main railway station is at Calicut
By Road
Malappuram is linked by motorable roads to several towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Climate
Mean Max: 32-37°C
Mean Min: 22°C
Rainfall
290 cm.
Altitude
Lowland: sea level.
Highland: 477m to 2340 m. above sea level.
Malappuram - The Land Atop The Hills
Situated 50 kms southeast of Kozhikode Malappuram, which literally means a ‘land atop hills’ is aptly named. The land is bound by the Nilgiri Hills on the east, with the Lakshwadweep Sea running along its entire western coast. Mainly three rivers – the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharatapuzha water the district. Malappuram is replete with a rich and eventful history.
It was the military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times. The district was the venue for many Mappila revolts between the years 1792 AD and 1921 AD. The hill country has also contributed much to the cultural heritage of Kerala.
The temples and mosques of this region are well known for their spectacular festivals. Along with historical monuments and diverse natural attractions, a range of cultural and ritual art forms add to the value of this place as a tourist destination.
Prime Attractions of Malappuram
Kondotty Nercha
Valiya Nercha is the week long festival, celebrated at the Kondotty Mosque, situated at Kondotty on the Malappuram - Kozhikode route. Meaning 'the great vow', the festival is held in the month of March.
This mosque, believed to date back to the 18th century is popularly known as Pazhayangadi and is associated with the Muslim Saint, Muhammed Shah, famous as Kondotty Thangal. Thousands of devotees attend the religious procession and fairs held during the festival.
Timings : Week Long Festival Held In March.
Main Attraction : Pazhayangadi Mosque.
Pazhayangadi Mosque
Pazhayangadi Mosque, a prominent pilgrim centre of the Muslims, is located 18 km east of Manjeri on the way to Malappuram. The mosque is situated at Kondotty on the Malappuram - Kozhikode route.
Also known as Kondotty mosque, it is associated with the Muslim Saint Muhammed Shah, popularly known as Kondotty Thangal.
The 'Valia Nercha' festival at this 500-year-old mosque is celebrated for three days in February-March. It is an important festival that draws large number of devotees.
Thirunavaya Temple
Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha.
Holding immense historical importance, this is the place where 'Mamangam', a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held here once every 12 years, in olden times.
This extravagant festival was held for the last time in 1755 AD. Today, Thirunavaya temple is also a famous pilgrim centre.
The ten-day annual festival at the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, dedicated to Navamukunda (Lord Vishnu), begins with Kodiyettam and concludes with Arattu. The last three days are the most auspicious.
Classical art forms like Krishnanattom, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc., are performed during the festival nights.
Angadippuram
An important religious centre for both Hindus and Muslims, Angadippuram has the Thirumandhankunnu dedicated to Goddess Durga as well as the Puthanangadi Mosque, which has Arabic inscriptions on its walls.
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. It is named after H.V.Conolly, the then Malabar District Collector. The oldest teak tree in the plot is a rare attraction. On the Nilambur-Gudallur Road is the world's first teak museum and a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest Research Institute.
The Jamaat Mosque
Located on Malappuram-Venkara Road. The mosque, with white walls and blue doors, looks like a temple in its architecture. It may be due to the fact that it was constructed by Hindu Prana Nambi family. The royal family had once wrested the property of Muslims. Soon after they suffered prolonged illness. This prompted them to think of repentance and built a mosque which is Jamaat mosque.
The 4 day long annual festival at the mosque is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Mallapuram shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila Ballads.
Thirumandhamkunnu temple
Dedicated to goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Mallapuram. The annual pooram festival celebrated in the months of March and April attracts large numbers of devotees.
Tour from Malappuram
Tanur Beach
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 AD. About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshpuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Kondotti
On the way to Malappuram, 18 km west of Manjeri is Kondotti, a prominent pilgrimage location for Muslims. The Valia Nercha festival at the 500-year-old Pazhayangadi Mosque is celebrated for three days in February-March, drawing huge crowds.
Kodikuthimala
Kodikuthimala is one of the important center of tourist attraction is Known as Ooty of Malappuram. Kodikuthimala 1500 feet above from sea level, this place is cooler than the height indicates. The DTPC plans some development schemes to convert this hilly area into a tourist hot spot.
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.
Tirunavai
On the banks of the river Bharathapuzha, 8 km south of Tirur, is Tirunavai, a place of historical and religious significance. In olden days, the Mamamkam festival here was a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, held once in 12 years. Believed to have been started by Cheraman Perumal, it was last held in 1755. Today, the Sarvodaya Mela is held in the Nava Mukunda Temple, every January. This temple is said to be founded by the nine great saints and is also called the Benares of the South.
Tirur
The birthplace of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, now called Thunchan Parambu is in Tirur. Sand is taken from these hallowed grounds and used to initiate Malayali children into the wonders of writing. They are made to trace letters of the Malayalam alphabet in platters of this sand.
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.
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