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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 add to the value of
this place as a tourist destination.
TEMPLES
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 centre. more...
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.
MOSQUE
The Jamaat 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
Mallapuram shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised
in the Mappila Ballads.
OTHERS
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.
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.
AYURVEDA
Kotakkal:
Further away is the small town of Kottakal, 12 km south-west of Malappuram
and 168 km from Kochi, site of the famed
Kottakal
Arya Vaidyasala, pioneering centre for
Ayurveda, Kerala's
traditional system of health and medicine.
Among the best-run Ayurveda
centres in the state, this institution has a research centre, 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. more...
BEACHES
Tanur Beach: Further
back in time, the small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of the
earliest settlements of the Portugese. 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. more...
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.
CITIES
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.
OTHERS
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: Malappuram is linked by motorable roads to several towns in
Kerala, Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu.
Leena Tourist Home, AVS Road,
Kotakkal.
MKR Enterprises, AVS Road,
Kotakkal.
AM Tourist Home,
Kotakkal.
PWD Rest House, Valancherry.
Kozhikode
(Calicut) (35 km)
Palakkad (80 km)
Thrissur (95 km)
Kochi
(Cochin) (150 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