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Malappuram
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| Malappuram district was formed in June 1969 amalgamating the distant and backward areas of the erstwhile Kozhikode, Perintalmanna and Ponnani taluks of Palakkad. The Nilgiris (Blue Mountains) 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 Waynad Districts and in the south, by Palakkad and Thrissur districts. 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. Portughese, Mysore Sultans and the Britishers, had their sway over this place, partly or wholly. But the unique social and cultural heritage is preserved. |
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Malappuram
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.
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Malappuram Beaches
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.
About 3 m south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Padinharekara Beach
At the end of the Tipu Sultan Road near Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea.
Vallikunnu Beach
A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut groves is the main attraction here. The Kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance away.
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| | Rivers | Four important rivers of Kerala, flow through Malappuram district. They are, Chaliyar (Beypore river) Kadalundipuzha, Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha. Chaliyar is 169 Kms. long and orginates from Illambaleri hills in Tamilnadu. Chaliyar traverses through Nilambur, Mampad, Edavanna, Areekode, Vazhakkad and flows into the sea at Beypore in Kozhikode district. Kadalundipuzha is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Olipuzha and Veliyar. Bharathapuzha, the second longest river in Kerala, flows by the southern border of the district and drains into the sea at Ponnani. Tirurpuzha, 48 Kms. long originates from ....... deviates to encircle Tirur town and flows south west, parallel to the sea, until it joins the Bharathapuzha near Ponnani port. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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.
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