 Temples, mosques, shrines and natural wonders make Malappuram a place with its own distinct pulse. There are a number of tourist destinations which are discussed below:
The Thali Temple: This temple is situated at the distance of about 20 kms from Malappuram city. This is mainly placed in Perinthalmanna wherein this famous temple whose presiding deity is Goddess 'Durga' is situated. Angadipuram is just 3 km on the East of the place. Pooram festival is celebrated here with great pomp. Thirumandhamkunnu Temple: This temple is placed at Angadipuram. Situated at the distance of 3 km on the west of Perinthalmanna, this is an important pilgrim centre, whose presiding deity is Goddess 'Durga'. In the months March and April the annual festival, Pooram is celebrated at this place. The Jama-at Mosque: This mosque situated at Malappuram attracts a large number of Muslim pilgrims from every nooks and crannies of Kerala and more during the annual festival in April. The 'Mausoleum' abutting the Mosque reminisces the heroic acts of bravery of the martyrs of Malappuram i.e. 'The Malappuram Shaheeds'. The Pazhayangadi Mosque: This mosque is situated at Kondotti, which is situated at the distance of 18 km East of Manjeri. This important pilgrim centre of the Muslims has been built 500 years ago. The annual festival known as the 'Valia Nercha', is unique to the place. This festival held in February and March is indeed a grand feast for three long days. Tirur: This is placed at the distance of 25 km West of Malappuram. The presence of the birth place of 'Thunchath Ezhuthachan', who is the father of the regional language of Kerala, Malayalam, is the pride of the place. The practice of acquainting toddlers with the alphabets of the fathomless Malayalam, on a small plane of sand taken from the revered spot which was once the abode of Ezhuthachan who later came to be known as Thunchan Parambu, has been going on for years together with unscathed enthusiasm. Tanur: History suggests this coastal fishing town as one of the settlements of the Portuguese of the very early times. It is also believed that, in 1546, St. Francis Xavier visited the place. This can be known as the abode of one of the oldest temples of Kerala, 'The Keraladeshapuram Temple'. This is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated about 3 km from here. Kottakkal: The mention of the name 'Kottakkal' leads invariably to the thought of 'Arya Vaidyasala'. This is founded by Vaidyarathnam in 1902. This can be known as the pioneer institution of Ayurveda. The traditional system of health and medicine which believes in 'Prevention is better than cure' though it offers lasting cure to various diseases, has branches throughout the State and in Delhi and Chennai. Relentless in research and development the Vaidyasala runs an Ayurvedic Research Centre which also serves as a nursing home and hospital.  An appointment in advance of at least 10 days is mandatory to see the chief doctor. The Ayurvedic centre is famous as P.S. Warrier, 'Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala'.
Kottapadi: This place is the base of the Cantonment Hill, near the health-giving Ayurvedic Centre at Kottakkal. This place contains cognizant evidences of an old and once magnificent fort of the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Vettakkorumakan Temple and a popular Siva Temple whose walls are adorned by the ornate paintings of Malabar are not too far away. Kadaladi Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary ideally studded with beautiful hillocks on a group of exhilarating islands is where the enchanting river 'Kadundipuzha' meets her destination. The destination is the Arabian Sea. It is the asylum to more than a 100 species of fascinating bird inhabitants and 60 species of migratory birds. The awesome view of the magnificent river blending effortlessly into the mammoth sea can be had from the vantage points atop a hillock 200 m above the sea level. The place is also the fisherman's favourite as it hosts a variety of fish, mussels and crabs. Padinharekara Beach: This place is where the fabulous rivers Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha combine and flow into the Arabian Sea. It is situated on the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani. The Vallikunnu Beach: A beach resort is a beauty by itself. And this beach is further beautified by the immense coconut grove that graces the place. One more spot of gleeful-awe to bird-admirers -the 'Kadaladi' Bird Sanctuary is at a stone's throw from here. Kadampuzha: This place is situated at the distance of 30 km from Malappuram. On the highway which passes by Kozhikode and Trissur, about 3 km on the North of Vettichira, the place, Kadampuzha is where the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Bagavathy is present. This is believed to have been established by Sri Adi Sankara, who was a great religious reformer of Hinduism. Trikandiyur Siva Temple: According to the legends the idol of this temple dedicated to Lord Siva, has been installed by Parasurama. Parasurama was the legendary creator of Kerala. It is located near Tirur. Mamburam: It is a frequented pilgrim centre of the Muslims in A.R. Nagar Village as it is where the Mosque and Mausoleum of the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims known locally as the Thangals is situated. Biyyan Kayal: This place near Ponnani is famous for water-sports. The aqueduct amidst lush green surroundings is anyone's attraction. Kodikuthimala: The verdant mountains with a variety of herbs and shrubs, the mighty rocks and the natural perennial springs whose cool waters calm minds are simply nature's marvel. Tirunavai: This place is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha. This is placed at the distance of 8 km South of 
Tirur. This is a place of historical and religious significance. In older days, the Mamamkam festival celebrated here was a grand assembly of rulers of Kerala. This vestival is held once in 12 years. Believed to have been founded by Cheraman Perumal, it was last performed in 1755. Today, the Sarvodayamela is held in the Navamukunda Temple every January. This temple is said to be founded by the nine great saints and is so called the Banares of the South.
Nilambur: The sylvan landscape with teeming plantations of teak and bamboo on the famous canolis plot is the original abode of Kerala's oldest tribes called 'Cholanaickans'. Adyanpara: The fabulous waterfalls and the extensive woods are the natural pride of Adyanparai located in Kurumbalangode Village of Nilambur taluk. |
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