Kottakunnu or ‘Fort on the Hill’ is located in the heart of Malappuram city. Popular among natives and tourists, this old fort is the first to have been built by the Zamorins. Ruins of the fort can be found even today. The scenic views of the place have led to it being called ‘Marine Drive of Malappuram’. Entry is ticketed. Kottakunnu has a water theme park, an adventure park and a children’s traffic park. Refreshments and toys are sold at the stores at the entrance. The Lalitha Kala Academy Art Gallery situated within the premises has paintings, books and sculptures by Kerala's best artists and artisans.
The art gallery, parks and other attractions are connected by pathways around the area, with benches and landscaped gardens on either side. Indulge in local delicacies of Malappuram at the food stalls near the parks. The Kottakunnu Garden Nursery has ornamental fish of varied kinds, apart from plants, ornamental and medicinal, which are also available for sale. An open-air theatre, balloon park, 16-D cinema complex and water fountain are the other attractions here. A water fountain show is held on weekends and festivals like Onam, Eid and Christmas.
