Magic of South India
Explore the Enchanting South
MMalappuram, nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, is a historically and culturally rich district in Kerala. It is known for its contribution to literature, art, and religious harmony. The district offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and spiritual destinations. Malappuram is an ideal destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers.
Overview: Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, situated along the backwaters of Kadalundi River, is a paradise for bird watchers. This sanctuary is home to over 100 species of native birds and 60 species of migratory birds. During the migratory season, visitors can spot flamingos, sandpipers, gulls, and many other rare species.
Activities: Bird watching, photography, and boat rides.
Best Time to Visit: November to April (migratory bird season).
How to Reach: Kadalundi is about 19 km from Malappuram town and can be easily reached by road. The nearest railway station is at Kadalundi, about 7 km from the sanctuary.
Entry Fee: Free (Boat ride charges apply).
Overview: The Teak Museum in Nilambur is the world’s first teak museum, dedicated to the majestic teak tree and its history. Located near the oldest teak plantation in the world, this museum offers visitors insights into the importance and uses of teak wood. The museum features a comprehensive collection of facts, artifacts, and historical documents related to teak.
Activities: Exploring the museum, visiting the nearby teak plantations.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
How to Reach: The museum is located about 40 km from Malappuram town and can be reached by road. The nearest railway station is Nilambur Road (3 km away).
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children.
Overview: Adyanpara Waterfalls, located near Nilambur, is a stunning natural waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The waterfall cascades down from a height of around 300 feet, creating a tranquil atmosphere. It is a great spot for picnics, nature walks, and photography. The waterfalls are especially magnificent during the monsoon season.
Activities: Trekking, photography and picnicking.
Best Time to Visit: June to December (post-monsoon for best flow).
How to Reach: The waterfalls are about 15 km from Nilambur and 45 km from Malappuram. It is easily accessible by road.
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: Thirunavaya is a historically significant town on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, known for its religious and cultural importance. It was once the venue for the famous Mamankam festival, a grand assembly held every 12 years. Today, it is a popular pilgrimage site with ancient temples like the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Activities: Visiting temples, exploring historical sites, and riverbank walks.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
How to Reach: Thirunavaya is about 35 km from Malappuram and can be reached by road. The nearest railway station is Thirunavaya Railway Station.
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: Padinharekara Beach, located at the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, Tirur, and Arabian Sea, is a scenic and serene destination. It offers beautiful views of the Arabian Sea, the river meeting the sea, and lush coconut groves. The beach is relatively uncrowded, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the sunset.
Activities: Beach walks, photography, and picnicking.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
How to Reach: Padinharekara Beach is about 40 km from Malappuram town and can be reached by road via Tirur.
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: Angadipuram Thirumanthamkunnu Temple is a famous hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Shiva. It is a significant religious site in Kerala, known for its cultural and spiritual importance. The temple is also famous for the Pooram festival, celebrated with grandeur, attracting devotees from all over the state.
Activities: Temple visits, attending festivals, and spiritual offerings.
Best Time to Visit: February to April (for the Pooram festival).
How to Reach: Located about 16 km from Malappuram town, the temple is easily accessible by road.
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: Nedumkayam Rainforest, located near Nilambur, is a part of the Western Ghats and is known for its dense forests, rich biodiversity, and scenic beauty. The forest is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, deer, and rare bird species. Visitors can enjoy trekking, jungle safaris, and nature walks.
Activities: Trekking, wildlife spotting, and nature photography.
Best Time to Visit:October to March.
How to Reach: Nedumkayam is about 15 km from Nilambur and can be reached by road from Malappuram (45 km).
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults.
Overview: Kottakkunnu is a popular picnic spot and viewpoint located on a hilltop in Malappuram town. The park offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Arabian Sea on a clear day. Kottakkunnu is also home to an amusement park, an open-air theater, and a water park, making it a great destination for families.
Activities: Picnicking, sightseeing, and visiting the amusement park.
Best Time to Visit:October to March.
How to Reach: Kottakkunnu is located in the heart of Malappuram town and can be easily reached by road.
Entry Fee: Free (Separate charges for amusement park and water park).
Overview: Ponnani is a coastal town in Malappuram known for its rich Islamic heritage and picturesque backwaters. The town is home to many mosques, including the historic Ponnani Juma Masjid, which dates back to the 16th century. The Ponnani Estuary, where the Bharathapuzha River meets the Arabian Sea, is a beautiful spot for nature lovers.
Activities: Visiting mosques, exploring the backwaters, and photography.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: Ponnani is about 50 km from Malappuram and is easily accessible by road. The nearest railway station is at Kuttippuram (21 km away).
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: Mini Ooty, also known as Arimbra Hills, is a hill station located in Malappuram, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, towns, and lush greenery. It is a popular spot for picnics, trekking, and watching the sunset. The cool climate and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Activities: Trekking, photography, and picnicking.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: Mini Ooty is about 30 km from Malappuram and can be easily reached by road.
Entry Fee: Free.
By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ), located about 25 km from Malappuram town. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Malappuram. By Train: The nearest major railway station is Tirur, located about 26 km from Malappuram town. Other nearby stations include Kuttippuram and Angadipuram. Regular trains connect these stations to major cities in Kerala and beyond. By Road: Malappuram is well-connected by road with major cities in Kerala and neighboring states. National Highway 66 passes through the district, and buses and taxis are readily available.
Malappuram offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts and homestays. Popular areas to stay include Nilambur, Tirur, and Kottakkunnu, which are close to major attractions.
The best time to visit Malappuram is between October and March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains, making the natural landscapes lush, but some areas may be difficult to access during this time.
Malappuram is known for its delicious Malabar cuisine, which is a fusion of Kerala, Arab, and Mughal influences. Popular dishes include Malabar biryani, pathiri (rice pancakes), chatti pathiri (layered pastry), and kozhi nirachathu (stuffed chicken). The district is also famous for its street food, including parottas, beef fry, and mutta mala (a dessert made from egg yolks).