Malappuram

Malappuram district, which literally means a terraced place atop hills, was carved out of the districts of Calicut and Palghat in 1969. It has been a centre for Hindu-Vedic learning and teaching.

Malappuram district is bounded by Kozhikode district in the north, the Nilgiris on the east, Arabian Sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south. Malappuram figures prominently in history as the place which frequently questioned the British Colonial Authority. Most of the famous Mappilla revolts of Malabar, which took place between 1792 and 1921, occurred in areas now under Malappuram district. House of the Valluvanad dynasty of Chieftains who ruled over the area in ancient and medieval times.

Malappuram has always enjoyed the status of a military headquarters. The Zamorin of Calicut, for instance consolidated his conquests and built a Palace of the then important Malabar Sea port of Ponnani in Malappuram.

Access
Air : The nearest airport is at Kozhikode (Calicut), 36 km away.
Rail : The main railway station is at Kozhikode (Calicut).
Road :Malappuram is linked by motorable roads to several towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Places of interest - Malappuram
Tirur : The birth place of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of Malayalam 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.

The important works of Ezhuthachan are Adhyatma Ramayanam and Adhyatma Bharatham which is widely recited in Kerala homes. Young poets of Kerala come on that day to offer their first poem.

Thali Temple : This temple is located about 3 km west of Angadipuram. Dating back to the 14th century, the temple is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite.

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.

Kottakkal :Kottakkal town is the house to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidshala has branches all over the state as well as in Delhi & Madras. One of the best Ayurveda centers in the state, it is an research center, a nursing home & a hospital. The treatment it offers for various ailments attracts a large number of patients. Prior appointment has to be taken with the chief physician.

The Jamaat at Mosque : This is an important pilgrim centre 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 Malapuram shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila Ballads.

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.

Nilambur : Nilambur is famous for having the oldest teak plantation in the world, the Conolly's Plot, just 2 km from town. It is named after H.V.Conolly, the then Malabar District Collector. The place is also noted for its tribal settlements, the world's first Teak Museum, vast rain forests, waterfalls and ancient kovilakoms - residences of maharajas. This is the original home of the Cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe of Kerala. The oldest teak tree, Kannimari, 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. Nedumkayam, just 18 km from Nilambur town, is noted for its rich rain forests. From the wooden rest house built here by the British, elephants and deer can be seen. One has to get permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest zone.

Angadippuram : Angadippuram has the Thirumandhankunnu dedicated to Goddess Durga as well as the Puthanangadi Mosque, which has Arabic inscriptions on its walls. It serves as an important religious centre for both Hindus and Muslims.

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.