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Home  >  Trip Planner  >  Places to Visit  >  Malappuram
   
MALAPPURAM
 
 

MALAPPURAM - AT A GLANCE
With Nilgiris in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, Malappuram district presents a treat to the eye. Rich and evergreen forests, ravines, hills and dales, rivers and brookes, sandy surfs and palm fringed coasts, festive mood of the gayful Oonapatt - the district preserves the cultural wealth of the good old days. It has in store, a hoary past with Zamorin's rule, Mamankam festival, Vellattiri’s revenge and the resultant Chaver Pada (suicidal squad), the British rule and indiscriminate oppression of the masses in connivance with exploiting landlords, the National and the Khilafat movement, the Malabar rebellion and the such.

The land of great poets and writers, political and religious leaders, this district has carved a place of it’s own in the history of Kerala. The Kings of Valluvanad, the Zamorins, the Kings of Perumpadappu Swarupam and the Kings of Vettathunadu, were the early rulers. The Portuguese, Mysore sultans and the Britishers had their sway over this place, partly or wholly. But the unique social and cultural heritage is preserved.

A BRIEF HISTORY
Malappuram District took its birth on 16-6-1969. It is situated on the Calicut - Madras road, 12 km. south - west of Manjeri and 52 km. south - west of Calicut. Malappuram is the head quarters of the district. In earlier times, Malappuram was the head quarters of European and British troops and later it became the head quarters of the Malabar Special Police (M.S.P).

This place has still the ruins of an ancient fort built by Tippu Sultan. Malappuram was also the scene of the Malabar rebellion of 1921 which was suppressed by the Malabar Special Police (M.S.P) Prior to 1947, the area covered by the present district formed part of Kozhikode, Ernad, Valluvanad and Ponnani taluks of the erstwhile Madras Presidency. However, large scale changes in the territorial jurisdiction of this tract took place in 1957 and 1969. On 1st January 1957, Tirur taluk was newly formed taking portions of Ernad and Ponnani taluks. Another portion of Ponnani taluk was transferred to the newly formed Chavakkad taluk, while the residuary portion was known as Ponnani taluk. Perinthalmanna was a new taluk formed out of the erstwhile Valluvanad taluk. Of these, Ernad and Tirur continued under Kozhikode district and Perinthalmanna as well as Ponnani under the Palakkad district. The new district of Malappuram was formed with four taluks, Ernad, Perinthalmanna, Tirur and Ponnani, four statutory towns, fourteen developmental blocks and ninetyfive panchayats. Two more taluks namely Tirurangadi and Nilambur were formed later by bifurcating Tirur and Ernad taluk.

At present Malappuram District consists of 2 Revenue Divisions, 6 Taluks, 135 Villages, 14 blocks, 5 Muncipalities and 100 panchayats.
General Features
Amalgamating the distant and backward areas of the erstwhile Kozhikode, Perinthalmanna and Ponnani taluks of Palakkad, Malappuram district was formed on the 16th June 1969. The Nilgiris (blue hills) of Tamil Nadu in the east and the Arabian sea in the west, provide natural boundaries. In the north, it is bounded by Kozhikode and Wayanad and in the south, by Palakkad and Thrissur districts. The district has a geographical area of 3550 Sq. Kms.
Topography and Climate
The location of Malappuram district is 75 to 77 east longitude and 10 to 12 north latitude, in the geographical map. Like most of the other districts of the state. Malappuram too consists of three natural divisions; lowland, midland and highland. The low land stretches along the sea coast, the midland in the centre and the highland region towards the east and north eastern parts. The topography of the district is highly undulating; starting from the hill tops covered with thick forests on the east along the Nilgiris, it gradually slopes down to the valleys and the small hills , before finally ending on the sandy flat of luxuriant coconut groves in the west.

The district has more or less the same climatic conditions prevalent elsewhere the state, viz. Dry season from December to February, hot season from March to May, the Southwest Monsoon from June to September and the North East Monsoon from October to November. The South West Monsoon is usually very heavy and nearly 75% of the annual rains is received during this season. The climate is generally hot and humid; the range of temperature varying between 30° C and 20° C. The average annual rainfall is 2900 mm.
Rivers
Four important rivers of Kerala, flow through Malappuram district. They are, Chaliyar (Beypore river), Kadalundipuzha, Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha. Chaliyar has a length of 169 kms. and originates from Illambalieri hills in Tamilnadu. Important tributaries of this river are Chalipuzha, Punnapuzha, Pandiyar, Karimpuzha, Cherupuzha and Vadapurampuzha. Chaliyar traverses through Nilambur, Mampad, Edavanna, Areekade, Vazhakkad and flows into the sea at Beypore in Kozhikode district. Kadalundipuzha is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Olipuzha and Veliyar. Olipuzha originates form Cherakomban hill and Veliyar from Erattakomban hill. They flow by the wild of Silent Valley and traverse through Ernad and Valluvanad regions, before flowing into the sea at Kadalundi Nagaram. It passes through places like Melattur, Pandikkad, Malappuram, Pankkad, Parappur, Kooriyad and Tirurangadi. Kadalundipuzha has a circuit course of 130 kms. Bharathapuzha the Second longest river in Kerala , flows by the southern border of the district and drains into the sea at Ponnani. Its main tributary, Thoothapuzha, originates form the Silent Valley, flow through Thootha, Elamkulam, Pulamanthole and joins the main river at Pallippuram. After a course in Palakkad and Thrissur districts, the Bharathapuzha again enters Malappuram district at Tiruvegapura and from Kuttippuram onwards, the river belongs entirely to Malappuram. Tirurpuzha, 48 km. long, originates from Athavanad hills in Tirur town and flows south west, parallel to the sea, until it joins the Bharathapuzha near Ponnani port.

Of these rivers, only Chaliyar is perennial; all others get dried up in summer and hence Malappuram district is prone to draught. In Tirur and Ponnani taluks, kayals (backwaters) like Biyyamp, Veliyancode, Manur, Kodinhi etc offer fishing and navigation facilities.
Flora and Fauna
The district has a total forest area of 1,03,417 hectares, i.e.,28.47% of total geographical area. The major forest area is concentrated in Nilambur and Wandoor blocks and Melattur in the Western ghats. Of the forests, 80% is deciduous and the rest is evergreen. Teak ,rosewood, venteak, choropin, mahogoni, etc. are the important trees. Other varieties like kulamavu and villapine are used in the plywood industry. Bamboo is extensively grown in all parts of the forest. The district has also several man made plantations, mainly of teak. A mammoth effort under the Nilgiri Biosphere Project is underway to protect and regenerate the natural forests. Afforestation is also being done under the Wasteland Development Programme.

Elephants, deers, tigers, blue monkeys, dears, boars, rabbits etc. are found in the forests along with a variety of birds and reptiles. Forests are the main source of raw material for a number of wood-based industrial units. Besides timber, firewood and green manure, forest produces like honey, medicinal herbs, spices etc. are collected. Minor forest produces are collected by the tribals. A Girijan Society functions for ensuring fair prices for collected items and for arranging supply of essential commodities to the tribal families. Bamboo for pulp factories is mainly supplied form Nilambur forests. The forests are protected by two forest divisions-Nilambur North and Nilambur South. The social forestry division promotes planting of trees outside forest lands, for protecting the forests.
Art and Culture
The revival of the Malayalam stage was initiated by the late P.S.Varier, the founder of Arya Vaidya Sala. It was under his patronage that the Parama Siva Vilasam Dramatic Company was started in Kottakkal to promote Malayalam drama, at a time when only Tamil drama club had their sway. A permanent hall to stage Malayalam dramas, was built at Kottakkal. Later, this dramatic club was renamed as P.S.V.Natysangham here Kathakali is the main programme now. A Kathakali School is also run by the Natysanghom.

Of the popular theatre, K. Damodaran's Pattabakki and Cherukad's Nammal Onnu played an important role.

Kolkali, Daff Muttu and Aravana Muttu of Muslim community are important folk art forms of the district. Chavittukali or Chermakkali is another ancient folk art of Malappuram. The living exponent of Sopana Sangetha, Nheralath Rama Poduval, hails from Angadipuram.
Population
According to the 2001 Census, the district has a population of 3629640. Of the total population 1759479 are males and 11870161 are females, forming a ratio of 1063 females for every 1000 males,the state ratio being 1058 females for 1000 males. The density of population is 1022 per Sq. Kms. Which is higher than the state average (819 per Sq. Kms.). Literacy as per 2001 census is put at 88.61%. Subsequently, Malappuram District was declared 100% literate along with other districts of the state; made possible by in intensive state wide literacy drive.
Administration
Headquarters of the administration is at Malappuram, with Collectorate and main offices in the civil station, established in the erstwhile headquarters of the Territorial Army. The district has two revenue divisions with headquarters at Perinthalmanna and Tirur. There are 6 taluks, namely Ernad (headquarters at Manjeri), Perinthalmanna, Tirur, Ponnani, Nilambur and Tirurangadi (headquarters at Parappanangadi). The taluks of Nilambur and Tirurangadi and the revenue division of Tirur, were formed recently.

FAIR AND FESTIVALS
Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram
Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram is an important temple festival of central Malabar. Thirumandhamkunnu is said to be one among the three important Bhagavati temples of kerala, the others being Kodungallur and Panayanarkavu. The Pooram festival is during March-April. The cultural feast is the most attractive feature of this festival. The seven day dialy pooja attracts thousands of devotees. The famous Mangalya Pooja attracts young women in thousands, who come to pray for a good wedlock. Thirumandhamkunnu is 2 kms. west of Perinthalmanna, in the Kozhikode-Palakkad state high way.
Kottakkal Pooram
Kottakkal, the seat of Ayurvedic treatment, is also famous for its temple festival. Kottakkal Pooram, celebrated during March-April, is attractive for its cultural festivity. During the seven days, famous classical artistes of the country perform here
Nilambur Pattu
Nilambur Pattu is an ancient festival. It is conducted by Nilambur Kovilakam during February. Thousands gather to witness this week long celebration. The festival is related to ancient war and hunting. Tribal chieftains have important roles in the rituals.
Kondotty Nercha
Kondotty Nercha is a week long festival in March. The Nercha is condected in Pazhayangadi Moque of Kondotty, constructed in the 18th century A.D. The Tomb of Mohammed Sha the Sufi Exponent, is close to the mosque. It was constructed in Mughal style. The Nercha has an inter religious expression in its Petyy Varavu. Thousands gather during the Nercha which assumes carnival proportions with hectic trade and amusements
Puthanpalli Nercha
The Andu Nercha of Puthenpalli at Perumpadappu in the south west border of the district, is also famous. Lakhs of devotees attend this annual festival of the mosque. As a part of the festival, neichor (Ghee Rice) is distributed to devotee and the poor.
Omanur Nercha
Omanur Nercha is a famous mosque festival in Malappuram district, celebrated in memory of martys. Omanur is 6 Km away from Kondotty
Malappuram Perunnal
The church festival at Malaparamba near Angadipuram is famous. Church festivals in Pariyapuram, Chungathara, and Edakkara in summer, also attracts plenty of devotees. Small and big religious festivals are conducted in almost all parts of the district during summer. Bakrid, Id-ul-suha and Muharam of Muslims, Thiruvathira and Navarathri of Hindus and Christmas of Christians, along with Onam,common to all sections, are celebrated. An intermingling fragrance of Oppanapattu, Duff, Kaikottikali, and Margamkali; prevails all over the district. During Onam, a Tourism festival for one week, with a variety of cultural programmes, is also organised.
 
 
BEACHES
Padinharekara beach
Close to Ponnani and at the end point of the Tipu Sulthan road. It offers a breath taking view of the confluence of the river Bharathapuzha and Tirur puzha with the Arabian sea.
PILGRIM CENTRES
Angadipuram
About 1.5 Kms west of Perinthalmanna. This is an important place on the Madras-Calicut Trunk road through which the Shoranur-Nilambur railway line also passes. This place has two well known temples Thirumandhamkunnu and Tali.
Kadampuzha (Bhagavathy Temple)
In Melmuri village of Tirur taluk is situated 3 Km north of Vettichira on the NH-17 connecting Calicut and Trissur and is famous for its Bhagavathi temple said to have been set up by Jagadguru Sankaracharya.
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 large number of devotees.
Kottakunnu
One can see trace of an old fort at the base of the cantonment Hill. 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.

There is a beautiful helipad at Kottakunnu.
Malappuram Mosque
Malappuram Nercha is celebrated in summer, in memory of the martyrs who fought the atrocities of the militia. The British established the Haig Barracks on top of the hill, at the banks of the River Kundalundi, to station their forces. The martyrs who fought against Para Nambi, the Chieftain of the Lamorins, who ruled his headquarters at Kottappady, were laid to rest near the mosque.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti
(18km east of Manjeri. On the way to Malappuram): The three day long Valia Nercha feat at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February/March, is a local cultural event. Moyin Kutty Vaidyar- Kondotty, the finest exponanent of Mappila Pattu. His Badral Muneer - Husn-Ul-Jamal, the earliest romantic piece is praised for its craft.
Thai Temple
This famous temple is located about 3kms.west of Angadipuram, on the way to Malappuram from Perithalmanna.
The Jama-at Mosque
This is an important place for Kerala Muslims. The annual Nercha festival of the mosque is celebrated for four days in April. Adjoining the Mosques is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds whose brave exploits have been immortalized in the Mappila Ballads (Muslim ballads).
Thirumanthamkunnu Temple
Thirumanthamkunnu Temple in Angadipuram is located about 1.5 km west of Perinthalmanna in the Malappuram district of Kerala state, south India. It was erected after the Angadipuram Temple. The temple courtyards are on a hill with a lovely view of the countryside spread out below.

The temple is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram, especially for the annual Pooram festival celebrated in March and April. Mangalya pooja, Rigveda laksharchana, Chandattam and Kalampattu are important poojas here. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. There are ceremonies and rituals specific to this temple that are not carried out at others.

A memorial for the martyrs of Mamankam is preserved near the Thirumandhamkunnu temple.
Thirunavaya
This ancient and famous temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha dedicated to Lord Shiva was the traditional venue of the ritual of Mamankam an enactment of traditional martial arts by suicide squades
Trikandiyur Shiva Temple
This ancient Shiva temple with an idol said to have been installed by Parasurama, is situated close to the town of Tirur, and attracts devotees from far and wide. Mumburam: Muslim shrine and receptacle for dead bodies of the Thangals (the relegious leaders of the malabar muslims), situated in A.R.Nagar village; is a major pilgrimage centre of Muslims.
Valiya Juma Masjid Malappuram
This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque(nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram shaheeds (martys) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila ballads.
BACKWATERS
Biyyam Kayal
Close to Ponnani, is a placed greenery fringed waterway with a watersports facility recenlty set up by the D.T.P.C.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Located 19kms from Kozhikode and 7kms from Beypore port, the sanctuary which is spread over a cluster of islands covers an area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha flows in to the Arabian sea. Over a 100 varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here.
PLACES TO INTERESTS
Kottakkal
Kottakkal, 13kms from Malappuram, is the premier centre for the traditional classical Indian medical system of Ayurveda with a renowned private institution set up in 1900. It possess a large private hospital, drugs producing centre, herbarium and even an Ayurvedic Medical College. Patients even from several foreign countries come to this world renowned centre of excellence in ayurveda for treatment.
Manjeri
The headquaters of Ernad Taluk, a place rich in history, and a witness to the vicissitudes of the Malabar rebellion and the indipendence struggle; also home to the renowned Kunnathmbalam, and the Karikkad Subramania temple; now an important administrative and commercial centre as well.
Tirur
43 Kms south of Calicut, this is an important Railway Station of the Shoranur-Mangalore section of the Southern railway, a major trading centre of fish and betel, and the birth place of Tunchan Ramanujan Ezhutassan, the founder of Malayalam Literature, Even now the Thunchan Paramba, being developed into an important research centre and literacy meeting place by the government; is considerd a place of great veneration. The site attracts a large number of people on Vijayadashami day for the ritual initiation of children into the world of learning.
Wagon Tragedy Memorial Muncipal Town Hall
A standing monument reminiscent of the notorious Wagon Tragedy during the British rule.
Tanur
The costal town Tanur was one of the earliest Portugeese settlements situated 8 kms from Tirur. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited this place in 1546. The Keraladheeswarapuram temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is one among the oldest temple of Kerala, is 3 kms, south of Tanur town. Keraladheeswarapuram is also a weavers settlement.
Tirurangadi
Tirurangadi was an important centre of the Khilapath movement, national movement and the Malabar Rebillion. It was the Tirurangadi incident on 20th Augest, 1921, that ignited the out break of Mappila Rebillion. Mumburam Kizhakke Palli was the seat of Khilapath leader Ali Musliar.
Ponnani
Ponnani is the only port in Malappuram District and one of the oldest in Kerala. A tidal port at the mouth of Bharathapuzha.
Nilambur
on the Calicut - Ootty highway, 40 Kms from Malappuram, this is an important halting place for tourists on route to Ootty, a trading centre in hill products and is well known for its teak plantations, said to the oldest in the world (Connolly's plot) and a well desingned Teak Museum, which traces the history and uses of the wonder wood.
Adyanpara
Adyanpara lies in Kurumbalangode village of Nilambur taluk and is famous for its water falls and the splendour of its wooded jungles.
Kodikuthimala
Kodikuthimala a scenic hilltop near Perinthalmanna, attracting tourists with it's panoramic viewes and DTPC has plans to develop this in to a majer tourist spot in the district.