MALAPPURAM

Location: 50 Kms Southeast Of Kozhikode (Kerala)
Area: 3550 sq. Kms.
Main Attractions: Thirunavaya, Thali Temple
Season: September to March

CITY ATOP THE HILLS: Situated 50 kms southeast of Kozhikode and bounded by the Nilgiri hills on the east, the district of Malappuram, which literally means a terraced place atop hills, was carved out of the districts of Calicut and Palakkad in 1969. Malappuram has 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 adds to the value of this place as a tourist destination.

Thirunavaya Temple: Situated on the banks of Bharatpuzha, 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 the past. The extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1755 AD. Now, it is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is also a famous pilgrim center.
Thirumandhamkunnu temple: Dedicated to goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim center in Mallapuram. The annual pooram festival celebrated in the months of March and April attracts large numbers of devotees.    

The Jamaat Mosque: This is an important pilgrim center of the Muslims of the state. 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 immortalized in the Mappila Ballads.

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 are the world's first teak museum and a sub-center of the Kerala Forest Research Institute.

Angadippuram: An important religious center 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.

Kotakkal: Further away is the small town of Kottakal, 12 km southwest of Malappuram and 168 km from Kochi, site of the famed Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala, pioneering center for Ayurveda, Kerala's traditional system of health and medicine.
Among the best-run Ayurveda centers in the state, this institution has a research center, a nursing home, and a hospital. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier, it has branches all over the state as well as in Delhi and Madras. The treatment it offers for various ailments attracts a large number of patients. Appointments with the chief physician have to be booked well in advance.

Tanur Beach: Further back in time, 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 and converted the local chieftain to Christianity.
About 3 km south of Tanur is Keraladesapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to be one of Kerala's oldest temples. 

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.
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.
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.

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.    

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.

Air: The nearest airport is at Calicut, 36 kms away.
Rail: The main railway station is at Calicut.
Road: Motorable roads to several towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu link Malappuram.

Kozhikode35 km
Palakkad80 km
Thrissur95 km
Kochi150 km

District Area:3,550 sq.km.
Population:3,096,000.
Altitude:
Lowland:sea level.
Highland:477m to 2340 m. above sea level.
Climate:Humid on the coast, tropical with oppressive hot season in the interior.
Temperature:
Mean Max:32-37°C
Mean Min:22 °C
Rainfall:290 cm.
Clothing:Tropical