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Tourist Attractions in Malappuram |
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Tourist Attractions in
Malappuram
The main tourist attractions in Malappuram are the Thirunavaya,
Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Jama-at Mosque, Sree Kadampuzha
Bhagavathy Temple, Thunchan Memorial, Nilambur, Tanur,
Kottakkal, Kadalundi Bird sanctuary, Kottakunnu and Ponnani. |
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Thirunavaya
Thirunavaya is situated on the banks of the river
Bharathapuzha and is a place of great historical importance.
This place was one of the venues for Mamangam, a grand
assembly of the rulers of Kerala, that is held once in every
12 years. This extravagant festival was conducted for the last
time in 1755. Today, the annual Sarvodaya Mela is held in
Thirunavaya. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is also a
famous pilgrim centre. During Karkidakavavu, people gather on
the banks of the Bharathapuzha river to perform the
pithrukriya for the departed souls. |
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Thirumandhamkunnu Temple
Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga.
This is an important pilgrimage centre in Malappuram. The
Pooram festival is celebrated here in the month of April that
attracts large number of devotees. A unique custom here is the
arrival of Vellatbiru in the Pooram ground to give audience to
the Malayankutty, the headman of the Pana tribal community.
Kalampatu is an important offering here. Mangalya Puja,
Rigvda laksharachana and Chandattam are other important Pujas.
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Jama-at Mosque
The Jama-at Mosque is an important pilgrimage centre of the
Muslims in Kerala. Nercha, the four day annual festival is
celebrated at the mosque in April. Adjoining the mosque is the
mausoleum of the Malappuram Shabeeds (martyrs) whose brave
exploits have been immortalized in the Mappila ballads. |
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Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy
Temple
Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to
Kirathaparvathi. There is no idol in this temple. Pujas 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. One of the important feature is the
Poomoodal, offering of flowers of thecchi (Ixora indica).
Mutturakkal is another offering made by breaking coconuts.
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Thunchan Memorial, Tirur
Thunchan Memorial in Tirur is the birth place of Thunchath
Ezhuthachan, the father of the Malayalam language. On
Vijayadasami Day, many people gather here for vidyarambham,
the ceremony in which children are initiated into learning.
The iron stylus with which Ezhuthchan wrote his texts on palm
leaves and the ancient kanjira tree under which he composed
his poems are also treasured here. |
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Nilambur
Nilambur is the original home of the Cholainaickans, the
oldest aboriginal tribe of Kerala. The extensively forested
land is well known for Canoli’s Plot, the world’s oldest teak
plantation and bamboo woods. Another attraction in Nilambur is
the Vettakkorumakan Temple. The Nilambur Pattu festival is
held here which includes the singing of hymns by the members
of the Royal Family along with the tribals of Nilambur.
Adyanapara is situated 15 km away from Nilambur and is famous
for its waterfalls and the splendour of its lush jungles. |
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Tanur
The small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of the
earliest settlements of the Portugese. It is believed that St.
Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of
Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord
Vishnu and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala. |
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Kottakkal
Kottakal is small town and home of the famous Kottakkal Arya
Vaidyashala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda in
Kerala. There is a fortified palace of the Kizhakke Kovilakam
Kings, a wing of Zamorins. Kottakkal Arya Vaidyashala was
founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam PS Warrier and has branches
all over the state as well as in Delhi and Madras. It is one
of the best Ayurvedic centres in the State and 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. |
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Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
The Kadalundi Bird sanctuary is spread over a cluster of
islands in a scenic area and surrounded by hillocks. A hillock
which is 200 m above sea level provides a splendid view of the
river mouth and the sea. In this sanctuary, the different
varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory
birds can be seen in large numbers. The place is also known
for wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs. |
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Kottakunnu
Kottakunnu is located near the District Collectorate in
Malappuram. In this place, one can see traces of an old fort
at the crest of the Cantonment Hill. The fort was the first
fort built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode. The Vettakkorumakan
Temple and the Siva Temple with the famous murals of Malabar
can be seen nearby.
Ponnani
Ponnani is the only port in the district, and an important
fishing centre. During the month of February, thousands of
migratory birds arrive here. Biyyan Kayal, a placid, green
fringed waterway with watersports facility is located near
Ponnani. Padinharekara Beach is located 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. |
