Malappuram, literally known as ‘Land of Hills’ is where the mountains meet the sea. One look at the towering Western Ghats and the enchanting Arabian Sea, and it immediately becomes clear as to why this land continued to attract people to its shores over centuries. The district was once the military headquarters of the Zamorins, the erstwhile rulers of Kozhikode apart from those of European and British troops. Later, it became the headquarters of the Malabar Special Police (M.S.P). This is where the Khilafat Movement and the Moplah Revolts shaped the fight against the British authorities.
The district was formed on June 16, 1969. It has the districts of Kozhikode and Wayanad to its North, Palakkad and Thrissur to its South, the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu to the East and the Arabian Sea in the West. Each of Malappuram’s towns has a story to tell.If Nilambur is synonymous with teak plantations, Kottakkal has to its credit the renowned centre of Ayurveda in Kerala; Manjeri was the base of the ruling families under the Zamorins, known as Manjeri Kovilakam; Manjeri was also witness to anti-British revolts in 1790; Thirunavaya is historically significant and Tirur famous for Thunjan Parambu; Tanur is an important fishing centre in Malappuram.
Malappuram is the birthplace of many greats, be it poets, writers or leaders from political and religious spheres. Pilgrims from around the world come to offer prayers at the temples and the mosques in the region. The main Hindu pilgrimage centres here are Kadampuzha, Angadippuram, Thirunavaya and Thirukadaiyur. Muslim pilgrim centres include Mumburam, Valiya Juma Masjid and Pazhayangadi mosque in Kondotty.
The best time to visit Malappuram is between August and November.
