Malappuram
Enriched by three great rivers flowing through it- the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha, Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. The military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times, this district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprisings against the British East India Company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921. Malappuram, literally a land atop hills, has contributed much to the cultural heritage of Kerala. A famous centre for Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy, the temples and mosques of this region are well known for their spectacular festivals. Along with historic monuments and diverse natural attractions, a range of cultural and ritual art forms adds to its value as a destination.
Place to Visit
Padinjarekkara Beach: (17 km from Tirur town, 45 km from Malappuram headquarters) Situated at the end of the Tipu Sultan Road near Ponnani, this beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea. Tourists can enjoy a ride on water scooters or speed boats and also munch on tidbits at the floating coffee shop. The beach is famous for bird watching, as migratory birds are often spotted here. You can also find an amenity centre, an amphi-theatre and ecoshops.
Kottakkunnu: Located near the District Collectorate in Malappuram, one can see traces of an old fort at the crest of the Cantonment Hill here. The fort was the first to be built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Nearby are the Vettakkorumakan Temple and the Siva Temple with the famous murals of Malabar.
Thunchan Memorial, Tirur: This is the birthplace of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, father of the Malayalam language. On Vijayadasami Day, many come here for Vidyarambham, the ceremony in which children are initiated into learning. The iron stylus with which Ezhuthachan wrote his texts on palm leaves and the ancient kanjira tree under which he composed his poems are treasured exhibits here. Ph: 0494-2422213
Nilambur
(30 km, from Malappuram) Situated on the banks of the Chaliyar River, this town is noted for tribal settlements, vast rainforests, waterfalls and extensive plantations of teakwood, rosewood, mahogany and bamboo. This is also the original home of the Cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe of Kerala. The widely forested land is well known for Canoli’s Plot, the world’s oldest teak plantation and bamboo clusters.
Accessing Nilambur
Air: Karipur International Airport (45 km)
Road: Kozhikode (72 km), Malappuram (30 km), Manjeri (22 km), Thrissur (100 km), Wayanad (100 km)
In and around Nilambur
Canoli’s plot: Nilambur is home to the oldest teak plantation in the world, raised 150 years ago by Sri. Chandu Menon as directed by H.V. Canoli, the Governor of Malabar during the British rule. Of the 14.8 acres planted initially, 5.7 acres have been preserved to date.
Nilambur Kovilakam: The erstwhile residence of local rulers, this structure is famous for its beautiful frescoes and artwork in wood. On the grounds of this dismantled ancestral home of the Nilambur Royal Family is the Vettakkorumakan Temple.
Kumbham Handicrafts Village: (Located in Aruvacode, near Nilambur) The Kumbharan community members in the village were traditionally artisans who made a living out of selling pottery, but nearly lost their traditional skills due to the influx of cheap industrial substitutes. The villagers revived their traditional craft through the Kumbham Handicrafts Project.
Nedumkayam Rainforest: (15 km from Nilambur) This is one of the most beautiful and dense forests in Kerala with a splendid variety of flora and fauna. An integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this area is ideal for trekking. Ph: 04931-220392, 220307
Adyanpara Waterfalls: (15 km from Nilambur) Located in the Kurumbalangode Village of Nilambur Taluk, Adyanpara is famous for its waterfalls and the splendour of its lush jungles.
Teak Museum: (Open 10.00-05.00 hrs) Situated at Canoli’s Plot, this is the only teak museum in the world. It houses around 55 types of bamboo and an arboretum having the biggest teak in the world. A butterfly park is also attached to the museum. Entrance fee: Rs. 10 per head. Ph: 04931-2228416
Special Attractions
Biyyan Kayal: Located close to Ponnai is Biyyan Kayal, a placid, green-fringed waterway with plenty of watersport facilities.
Coconut segregation plant Vettom: The coconut segregation plant at Vettom unravels the fascinating world of coconuts. You can watch the entire process of plucking coconuts, peeling the husk, beating it into shape, soaking it in the backwaters and finally processing it into the fibre that goes towards making coir and other products.
Kodikuthimala: (11 km from Perinthalmanna on the NH to Palakkad) The perennial springs and the green mountains form an alluring landscape. A view tower and other facilities have been developed at this spot.
Kootai: (Close to Tirur Railway Station) Locally known as Canoli Canal, the block panchayat offers boating facilities that include shikaras which resemble a gondola, platform boats and speed boats that travel up to the Azhimugham, 19 km away. The trip down the canal is a rare experience.
Kottakkal: (12 km southwest of Malappuram) This small town is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneering institutions of Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine in Kerala. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala has branches all over the State as well as in Delhi and Chennai. One of the best Ayurvedic centres in the State, the Arya Vaidyasala runs an Ayurvedic research centre, a nursing home and a hospital. The chief physician can be consulted only by appointment made at least 10 days in advance.
Ph: 0483-2742216
Mamburam: The shrine and mausoleum of the Thangals (the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims) in A R Nagar Village is a major pilgrimage centre.
Ponnani: The only port in the district, this is an important fishing centre. During the months of February/April, thousand of migratory birds arrive here.
Poonkudil Mana: Situated 3 km away from Anakkayam Town on the Manjeri-Perinthalmanna road is this ancient mental healthcare centre.
Poonthanam Illam, Kizhatoor, Perinthalmanna: This is the house of Poonthanam Namboothiri, an exponent of the Krishna cult of the Bhakthi movement, known for his work, Jnanappana (song of knowledge). The Sreekrishna Temple where he used to pray is situated nearby.
Tanur: 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.
Thirunavaya: (8 km south of Tirur) Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this place was once the Venue for Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, held once in every 12 years. It is here that the Chaver soldiers prayed for 41 days before embarking on their suicide mission to kill Zamorin. The extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1766. Today, Thirunavaya is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya Mela.
Thootha River: Flowing through Perinthalmanna in Malappuram, a cruise through this river, passing through Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram Districts, is a fascinating experience. For river rafting, it is necessary to have close to 15 people as the trips are carried out in groups.
Tirurangadi: This is the place which witnessed the Malabar Mutiny of 1921.
Vakkad Beach: A boat cruise down the river starting from Aanamala and gliding through the backwaters to the estuary in Ponnani, where the river flows into the sea through Vakkad Beach is a delightful experience.
Vallikunnu Beach: Serene, secluded and spellbinding, Kerala has some of the best beaches in the world. Ride the surf, get a tan, build sandcastles or simply sift sand through your toes at the Vallikunnu beach. Anything you do here will relax you and help you unwind. A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here, along with the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary just a short distance away.
Places of Worship
Garuda Temple, Triprangode: (Open 05.00-10.00 hrs, 1700-1800 hrs, Sundays 05.00-10.30 hrs, 04.30-06.00 hrs) Located on Chamravattom Road, this is the only temple in India dedicated to Vishnu’s carrier, Garuda. Pilgrims en route to Sabarimala often stop at this temple. It also houses a rare shrine where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Koorma (tortoise) avatar.
Alathiyur Hanuman Temple: (12 km from Tirur) One of the famous Hanuman Temples in Kerala, this one is also dedicated to Sree Rama and Bharatha. Special Pooja: Nayvedyam-Aval
Jama –at Mosque: This 600-year-old mosque is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslim of Kerala and has given Ponnani the name, ‘Mecca of the East’. It was designed by a Hindu carpenter for a Sufi Saint from Yemen. The carpenter died an untimely death during construction and was buried inside the mosque with all due respects. The four-day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila Ballads.
Vettakkorumakan Temple: Believed to be the shrine of the son that Lord Siva had in his Kirata (that of a tribal) avatar, this is a popular deity among the local community. The six-day music festival called the Nilambur Pattu Utsavam held here features singing of hymns by the members of the royal family along with the tribals of Nilambur.
Keraladeeshapuram Temple, Tanur: (05.00-10.30 hrs, 05.00-07.00 hrs) about 3 km south from Tanur Town is the Keraladeeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala, dating back over 3,000 years.
Navamukunda Temple, Thirunavaya: (Open 05.00-11.00 hrs, 05.00-07.00 hrs) The 6,000-year-old Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a famous pilgrim centre. Known as the Kasi of the South, during Karkidakavavu, people flock to the banks of the Bharathapuzha here, to perform the pithrukriya for departed souls. The site of Melpatthur Illam, the home of the great poet Melppatthur Narayana Bhattathiri and author of Narayaneeyam, is about 2 miles from here.
Tirur Puzha: Flowing through Malappuram District, this beautiful river reaches the sea through the Vakkad Beach. A boat cruise down the river starting from Ettrikadavu through the backwaters is a delightful experience. In addition to the stunning natural beauty, you can also see flocks of migratory birds and experience the simple ways of life by the banks of the river.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti: (18 km east of Manjeri, on the way to Malappuram) The three-day long Valiya Nercha Feast at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February/March, is a local cultural event. This mosque with its lovely white dome is unique as it embodies facets of Mughal architecture.
Sastha Temple, Chamravattom: (15 km west of Tirur. Open 05.00-11.00 hrs, 05.00-07.00 hrs) The Bharathapuzha flows behind this beautiful temple that lies past vast stretches of paddy fields. Believed to have been built by the legendary sculptor Perunthachan, the idol stands on the same level as the river, much below the sanctum sanctorum. Pilgrims heading for Sabarimala stop here en route.
Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple: (3 km north of Vettichira on the highway connecting Kozhikode to Thrissur) Dedicated to Kirathaparvathi, this temple has no idol. Poojas are performed at a hole (about 6 cm in diameter) into which the Goddess is said to have disappeared after showing her presence to Adi Sankaracharya. Poomoodal or offering of thecchi flowers (Ixora indica) is an important features here. Mutturakkal is another offering made by breaking coconuts.
Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple is located about 3 km west of Perinthalmanna on the way to Malappuram.
Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram: (3 km from Perinthalmanna. Open 04.00-11.00 hrs, 05.00-07.00 hrs) Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The temple’s mural paintings depict the legend about its origin while the epic, Ramayana, is portrayed through sculptures carved on the ceiling. The annual Pooram Festival celebrated in March/April in the Pooram ground to give audience to the Malayankutty, the headman of the Pana tribal community. Kalampattu is an important offering here. Mangalya Pooja, Rigveda Laksharchana and Chandattam are other important poojas.
Trikandiyur Siva Temple, Tirur: The idol at this ancient temple is said to have been installed by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is located near the town of Tirur and attracts devotees from far and wide.
Venkattathevar Temple, Kottakkal: (Open 05.00-10.30 hrs, 04.00-07.30 hrs) about 64 mural paintings adorn the walls of the sanctum sanctorum of this temple dedicated to Lord Siva. Dividing the murals are paintings of birds, known as Pakshi mala (garland of birds) and Poovu mala (garland of flowers). Sculptures on the wall recount the story of Arjuna praying for the Pashupati Astra. The main festival is the Venkattathevar Utsavam in April.
