Malappuram (literally, a land a
tops hills) is situated 50 kms south-east of Kozhikode, bounded by the Nilgiri
Hills in the east, the Arabian sea in the west and Thrissur and Palakkad
districts in the south. Malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing
through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathappuzha.Malappuram has
a rich and eventful history. It was 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. It was a famous centre for Hindu - Vedic learning and
Islamic philosophy and a place of cultural heritage.Malappuram district
comprises a vast wildlife collection and a number of small hills, forests,
little rivers and streams flowing to the west, backwaters and paddy, arecanut,
cashew nut, pepper, ginger, pulses, coconut, banana, tapioca, and rubber
plantations. Malappuram is one of two Muslim majority districts or Union
Territories in south India other being Lakshadweep. The Hindu temples and
Moplah mosques of the region are known for their colorful festivals. It is the
most populous district in Kerala. The populations include Muslims, Hindus,
Christians, various tribal religion believers, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains and
others.
PILGRIM CENTRES
IN MALAPPURAM
KADAMPUZHA
BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE
Kadampuzha Temple, one of the
ancient temples of the region is situated in the remote village named Melmuri
of Tirur taluk. Although there is no historic evidence for the construction of
this temple but a strong belief states that it was constructed by Jagadguru
Shri Shankara Acharya of Kalady. The main deity enshrined in the temple is
Goddess Kadampuzha, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva.
The name of the place is derived
from the combination of two different words namely, kadavu and puzha meaning
bathing spot and river, respectively. Though there is no river on the site but
it is believed that there was a river that dried up as time passed. The idol
enshrined in the temple is of panchaloha, an alloy of five metals, while the
stone carved images of Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu can also be seen in the
temple. Apart from this, idols of Narasimha moorthi and Sudharshanam are also
installed in the outside area of the sreekovil.
The temple is currently
undergoing renovation. During Karthika day of Vruschika month (approx Nov 3rd
week) it attracts thousands of devotees as it is a very auspicious day of the
diety there. "Muttarukkal" (breaking coconut for blessings) and
"poovu koodal" (immersing the diety in flowers) are the main
offerings. However the poovu moodal is booked for the next 30 years. A fine
temple and well disciplined place.
ANGADIPURAM TEMPLE
Angadipuram Temple, also known as
Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy or Bhadrakali Temple, is situated on
the Madras-Calicut Trunk road. Being located on a 60 ft high hillock, the
temple can be seen from the main road, renowned as Palghat-Calicut highway.
Travellers and devotees can experience the chanting of ved mantras and pujas
regularly at fixed timing.The idol enshrined in the temple is identical to that
at Kodungallur but the idol at Angadipuram is taller. Owing to this, it is
considered that Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy was the elder sister
of Kodungallur Bhagavathy.It is also believed that both these temples were
built by the same king named Cheraman Perumal. Furthermore, a strong belief of
the region states that Madurai Meenakshi, known as Kannagi, is the Goddess of
these temples along with other temples located in the region.
THIRUNAVAYA TEMPLE
Thirunavaya Temple is situated
near Ponnani at a distance of 8 km south of Tirur. It is also renowned as The
Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple. Located on the banks of river Bharathapuzha,
the place is popular for historical as well as religious significance.During
ancient period, the site served as a place for conducting Mamangam, a grand
assembly of the rulers of Kerala. Held for the last time in 1755, this assembly
took place once in every 12 years.Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 6,000 years old
temple houses various sculptures carved around the walls of the inner sanctum.
Further, the carvings of ten avatars of Lord Vishnu and sculptures narrating
the story of Lord Shiva and Arjuna are also
adorned on the walls. Tourists as well devotees throng this temple in
large number during the ten-day annual festival, out of which the last three
days are popular for grand celebrations. Besides, the site was also a
traditional venue for Mamankam, an act of traditional martial arts performed by
suicide squads.
TRIKANDIYUR TEMPLE
Trikandiyur Temple, one of
the pilgrimage spots of the destination,
is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Considered to be one of the eight viraattanams or
avadharams of Lord Shiva, the ancient shrine belongs to Dharmapuram Aadinam
Mutt. The temple houses an idol of Lord Shiva, which was believed to be
installed by Parasurama. Apart from this, idols of three Tamil trinities
namely, Appar, Sundar and Thirugna are also enshrined in the sanctum of the
temple.The premises of the temple have holy trees like Pinchilam, which is
believed to be 2,000 years old and bael tree, also known as vilvam tree.
MUMBURAM
A historically significant
mosque, the Mumburam Mosque in Tirurangadi, Malappuram district, is closely
associated with the Mappila Revolt (Mappila Lahala) of 1921 against the
British. The mosque is famous for Mumburam Nercha and and is renowned for housing dead bodies of
the Thangals, the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims. The shrine is
situated in A.R. Nagar village and is considered to be one of the major
pilgrimage centres of Muslims. People irrespective of their religions make a
visit to this mosque to offer their prayers. Incense sticks are the main
offering here.
VALIYA JUMA MASJID
Valiya Juma Masjid, one of the
important pilgrim centres of the Muslims, is situated on the
Kozhikod-Nilmbur-Gudallur road of Kerala. The mausoleum of the Malappuram
shaheeds or martyrs is located in
vicinity of the Masjid. The site is visited by a number of tourists
during the four day annual festival, which is celebrated in the month of April.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.
PAZHAYANGADI MOSQUE
Pazhayangadi Mosque is a mosque
about 18 km from Manjeri in Kandotty sometimes also called as Kondotty mosque.
The mosque is associated with Muhammed Shah, a Muslim saint from Persia and is
popularly known as Kondotty Thangal.The mosque is built in unique Mughal
Architectural Style.Amidst Huge Palm grooves the Mughal architecture of the
mosque attracts many tourists towards it. Thousands of devotees come here to
offer prayers .The main festival that is celebrated here is the ‘Valia Nercha’
which is one of the most famous festivals of this mosque.This festival is
celebrated in the month of February- March every year.Calicut International
Airport is located about 36 km from here. Taxi and buses are available to
Pazhayangadi Mosque in Malappuram.
PALCES TO VISIT IN
MALAPPURM
KOTTAKUNNU
Kottakunnu is famous for the
ruins of an old fort, which is situated at the base of the cantonment hill. It
is believed that the fort was constructed by the Zamorins of Kozhikode and
houses Vettakkorumakan Temple and the Shiva Temple. Renowned for its architecture,
these temples are famous for housing murals of Malabar. Possessing rich
historical significance, the site is renowned as the death place of Variyan
kunnath Kunjahammed Haji, a revolutionary. In 1921, he was shot dead by British
savagery in the premises of this site. Kottakunnu is planned to be transformed
into an attractive park by District Tourism Promotion Councils and plans are
driven to establish a stadium in its vicinity.Tourists can reach the
destination by helicopters as the site also possesses a helipad. It also has an
art gallery, which exhibits various artistic works of tribal as well as trained
artisans.
PADINHAREKARA BEACH
Padinharekara Beach, one of the
prominent tourist attractions of Malappuram, sprawls over a wide area and is
located at the end of the Tipu Sultan Road. The beach is renowned for its views
of the River Bharathapuzha and the River Tirurpuzha before entering the Arabian
Sea. The beach has palm trees and soft white sand and attracts tourists in
large numbers.Tourists can engage themselves in
various rejuvenating activities like ayurvedic massages and spa baths along the
beach side.
BIYYAM KAYAL
Biyyam Kayal, one of the
backwater lakes of the district, is located close to Ponnani in the Malappuram
district ofKerala.The District Tourism Promotion Councils have recently set up
many water sports facilities here. Speedboats and water scooter rides being the
activities here.The lakes have many rest houses situated on its banks and is
frequently visitedby travellers during the celebrations of Onam, as the region
organises boat races in its extensive stretch of water.
KADALUNDI BIRD SANCTUARY
The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is
spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where
the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as
Kadalundi Nagaram.This virgin land is the abode more than a hundred species of
native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds, like seagulls, terns,
sandpipers, sandplovers, red and greenshanks, turnstones, that flock here in
large numbers from November to April.A hillock nearby, which is 200 m above sea
level, offers a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. Kadalundi is also
known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs. The mangrove vegetation
here shelters otters and jackels.
ARYA VIDYA SALA
Arya Vidya Sala is located in the
Kottakkal region at a distance of around 13 km from Malappuram. The site
earlier served as a premier centre for conducting studies and researches on
Ayurveda, traditional classical Indian medical system. The centre was
established in 1902 by late Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier, a visionary physician and
philanthropist.At present, the centre has drugs producing centre, an Ayurvedic
medical college, a herbarium and a private hospital. The organisation joined
hands with M/s. HLL Lifecare Ltd. for spreading awareness and practising the
ancient health care system of India. The centre has gained prominence not only
in India, as many foreign patients also arrive at the hospital for finding cure
for the diseases.
NEDUMKAYAM
Nedumkayam, situated about 18 km
from the Nilambur town, is known for its rich and dense rain forests, wide
variety of flora and fauna. Among the animal species found in the forest are
elephants, bison, tiger, rabbit, blue monkey, bear, wildcat and deer.There is
an elephant taming camp in the forest, which attracts large number of visitors
every year. This forest is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.One
of the main attractions in the forest is the wooden rest house built during the
colonial period. This wooden rest house offers a panoramic view of the animals,
particularly elephants and deer grazing in the forest. The tourists can also
have a picturesque view of the green surroundings.Tourists, nature lovers,
wildlife enthusiasts and photographers will find a visit to Nedumkayam
worthwhile. However, the visitors will have to get prior permission of the
Forest Department to enter the forestland. Heavy restrictions are there as a
measure to save the existing forest land.With wide tracts of landscape,
Nedumkayam forest serves as an ideal trekking trail. The forest, which can be
visited throughout the year, is easily accessible from Nilambur.
WAGON TRAGEDY MEMORIAL MUNCIPAL TOWN HALL
A standing monument reminiscent
of the notorious Wagon Tragedy during the British rule.
NILAMBUR TEAK PLANTATION
Nilambur is renowned for the
oldest teak plantation in the world, the Conolly's Plot, just 2 km from town.
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.The teak plantation is named after H.V. Conolly, the Malabar District
Collector during the British rule, who was instrumental in planting teak in the
entire Nilambur area. Chathu Menon, a forest officer under Conolly, organised
the hectic task of planting the saplings. Chathu Menon was laid to rest in the
teak garden in Conolly's Plot.The oldest teak tree, Kannimari, is a rare
attraction at the Conolly Plot. The plot extends across 2.31 hectares beside
the Chaliyar river at Aruvakode, where a country boat ferries visitors across.Four
kilometres away from the town, on the Nilambur - Gudallur road, stands the
world's first Teak Museum. The museum is a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest
Research Institute. Arranged in the two storeyed building are exhibits, articles
and details of historic, aesthetic and scientific value, which give information
on all aspects of the teak to visitors.
ADYANPARA
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Adyanpara Falls is located in
Kurmbalangod village of Malappuram District of Kerala India. The waterfall is
surrounded by lush green forests and is a ideal place for picnic. The forest
has rich flora and fauna. The water fall is a part of River Kanjirappuzha a
small tributary of the Chaliyar river. The waterfall is nestled between the
woods and in the wild jungle beauty. The waterfall attracts many tourists to
its wild beauty. The waterfall is made up of perennial river and never dries up
. It can be visited all round the year.Various exotic species of birds migrates
to the forests nearby Adyanpara Falls. It is located in the outskirts of
Nilambur town which is known for its teak forests.
KODIKUTHIMALA
The perennial springs and the
green mountains form an alluring landscape. View tower and other facilities
have been developed at this spot.Known as Ooty of Malappuram, Kodikuthimala
emerged as one of the important center of tourist attraction. 1500 feet above
from sea level, this place is cooler than the height indicates. The DTPC plans
some development schemes to convert this hilly area into a tourist hot spot.
The British hoisted a flag at this hilltop during a land survey and the hill is
named after this incident. Kodikuthimala is popularly known as the Ooty of
Malappuram. The hill stands at a height of 1500 ft above sea level. But it is
much cooler here than the elevation indicates. Ever flowing springs,
waterfalls, watch tower and suicide point are the main attractions
here.Kodikuthimala Perinthalmanna Malappuram
NILAMBUR KOVILAKAM
Nilambur Kovilakam is is located
30 km from Malappuram district in Kerala. It is the erstwhile residence of
local rulers and 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.
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.
OTHER PLACES OF
INTEREST
KONDOTTY
The growing town of Kondotty near the
Calicut airport, is famous for the Nercha in the Pazhayangadi Mosque. It is the
birth place of the great Mappila Poet, Moyiain kutty Vaidyar. he popularised
Mappilapatt by his poems on non religious and romantic themes. A memorial for
the poet is proposed to be built in Kondotty.
TANUR
The coastal town Tanur, was one
of the earliest Portuguese settlements. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier
visited this place is 1546. situated 8 km from Tirur, it is an important
fishing centre. Mangalore-Madras railway line passes through this town. The
Keraladheeswarapuram temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is one among the
oldest temples of Kerala, is 3 Km south of Tanur town. Keraladheeswarapuram is
also a weavers settlement.
TENHIPALAM
Tenhipalam (also spelt
Thenhipalam) is a panchayat in Tirurangadi Taluk in Malappuram district of
Kerala in India. The population was 27,273 at the 2001 census, with 13,293
males and 13,980 females. Indian census. Tenhipalam is known for the University
of Calicut, which is the first university in Malabar region. The university is
located north-west part of Tenhipalam. 'Chelari' is the main commercial place
in Tenhipalam panchayat while 'Panambra' is considered as the headquarters of
the panchayat.
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