Adyanpara Waterfalls Located in the Kurumbalangode Village of Nilambur Taluk in Malappuram district, Adyanpara is famous for its waterfalls and the splendour of its lush jungles.
Location: 15 km from Nilambur
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Nilambur is the terminus of the Shornur - Nilambur railway line
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 26 km from Malappuram town
One of the oldest teak plantations in the world, the Conolly's Plot is named after H. V. Conolly the district collector of Malabar during the British rule, who decided to plant teak to meet the growing demands of teak during that time. Along with a local sub-forest conservator Chathu Menon, he successfully carried out the planting of new teak trees and discouraged felling of immature trees.
One has to cross a beautiful hanging bridge, which is the longest in Kerala, built across river Chaliyar, to reach the Conolly Plot. The plot, developed in the 1840s is home to numerous large teak trees. The plantation also houses a big tree which has a girth of 420 cm.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Nilambur is the terminus of the Shornur - Nilambur railway line
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 26 km from Malappuram town
If you are a passionate nature enthusiast, then the Teak Museum at Nilambur is a place you shouldn't miss. Regarded as the first of its kind in the world and the only one in India; it is a house to the treasures of historical, aesthetic and scientific aspects of Teak. The ground floor of the double-storied museum exhibits a translite of Kannimara Teak, the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary and the life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in the Malayattoor forest division.
Detailed description on the flower, fruit and natural regeneration of teak as well as the prominent characteristics of the teak species are exhibited in the first floor of the museum. In addition to this, the various methods of seed-grading, pre-sowing treatment, preparation of teak stumps, vegetative propagation of teak and the different stages in the complete cycle of teak from seed to mature tree are also on display. Some of the special attractions of the Teak Museum at Nilambur are a series of interesting paintings, portraying tree felling operations, a collection of photographs on the phonological events of teak at different seasons, exhibits on traditional harvesting tools and wood samples of different ages from various parts of the world. Apart from teak, the museum also has a collection of over 300 butterflies, moths and insects found in teak plantations.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Nilambur, about 3 km from the Teak Museum
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 36 km from Malappuram town
Nedumkayam rainforest is one of the beautiful and dense forests in Kerala with a splendid variety of flora and fauna. It is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and an ideal place for trekking.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Nilambur is the terminus of the Shornur - Nilambur railway line
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 26 km from Malappuram town
Keralamkundu Situated about 6 km from Karuvarakundu town, there is a spot that offers a truly countryside atmosphere with a freely flowing waterfall. Known as Keralamkundu waterfalls, it is situated about 1500 feet above the sea level and the fall is about 150 feet high. The rich biodiversity and the natural beauty makes this place a must visit spot for all, especially for nature enthusiasts. It is six km from Karuvarakundu.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Tuvvur railway station, Malappuram, about 13 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 55 km
Kodikuthimala Better known as the Ooty of Malappuram, Kodikuthimala is a popular hill destination located 11 km from Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district. The phrase kodikuthi roughly means flag -fixing. It is believed that during a land survey at the time of British rule, a flag was hoisted at this hilltop and hence the place obtained this name. The hill stands at a height of 1500 ft above sea level.
Getting there:
Nearest bus station: Perinthalmanna
Nearest railway station: Tirur Railway Station is 42 km from Perinthalmanna
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 53 km
A cultural and research centre commemorating the father of Malayalam language Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. This great bard of Malayalam who rendered the Indian epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana in his own style, brought a new light into the life of the common Keralites, who had no access to Sanskrit (an Indo-Aryan language in which these epics were originally written) at that time. Thunchan Memorial is situated precisely at the same spot where the poet lived and taught in his open-air school. The iron stylus with which Ezhuthachan wrote his texts on palm leaves and the ancient kanjira tree under which he composed his poems are treasured exhibits here.
The memorial has a Saraswati Manadapam - a structure in granite; an auditorium with a seating capacity of 500, an open-air stage, cottages for guests, dormitory, dining hall and two ponds. The research library here has a collection of around 15,000 books and 120 manuscripts. Students, research scholars and those who love the language frequent the centre from all over the country. The National Manuscript Mission has designated Thunchan Memorial Trust as its Manuscript Resource Centre to survey, document and electronically report manuscripts of north Kerala. The Thunchan Literary Museum here, that depicts the different stages of development of the Malayalam language, is the only one of its kind in any Indian language. The centre is also popular in connection with Vidyarambham, the ritual in which children are initiated into the world of letters.
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Tirur, about 1.7 km Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 35 kmA renowned sanctuary for those who suffer from mental illness, Poonkudil Mana has been providing traditional psychiatry through centuries. Situated 3 km from Anakkayam town on the Manjeri – Perinthalmanna road, this ancient mental health care centre has a legendary status in the region.
High dozed medication is not part of the treatment method here. Instead they rely more on the millennia-old knowledge of Vedas, Upanishads and Ayurveda. Treatment here is not a business but a divine occupation that has been passed on from generation to generation.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Angadipuram Railway Station, about 13 km from Poonkudilmana Tirur / Calicut, about 55 km from Poonkudilmana
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 55 km from Poonkudilmana
Kottakkal, a small town in Malappuram has one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda in Kerala - the Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala (AVS). Established in the year 1902 by the visionary physician and philanthropist, the late Vaidyaratnam P. S. Warrier, AVS is one of the most distinguished names in the field of Ayurveda. Ever since its inception, this century-old charitable institution has been working for the practice and propagation of this 5000-year-old healthcare system. The centre offers authentic Ayurvedic medicine and treatments for patients around the globe.
Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, over the years, with its unmatched expertise in the field has become a name synonymous with Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Centre at Kottakkal has 160 rooms with necessary amenities. The chief physician can be consulted only by appointment taken at least 10 days in advance. Accommodation options at the nursing home include family blocks, double rooms, single rooms and suites. Modern medicine manufacturing unit, well-equipped quality control labs, full-fledged research centre, periodicals and books related to Ayurveda, medicinal plant cultivation etc. are some of the other exclusive features of AVS.
Getting there:
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 28 km
Nearest railway station: Tirur, about 16 km
By road: Kottakkal is situated at a distance of about 165 km from Kochi; 160 km from Coimbatore and 48 km from Kozhikode.
Ponnani is a coastal municipality and a major fishing center in Malappuram district, which is bordered by an estuary on the northern side, backwaters in the south and the Arabian Sea to its west. It is where Kerala's second longest river, the Bharatapuzha, finally comes to the end of its long, winding journey through Malabar to join the Arabian Sea. Ponnani was once a famous sea port under the control of the Namboothiri feudal lords with power later shifted to the hands of the Zamorins of Kozhikode.
Being a major coastal town, the place has much historical significance too. Apart from being a favourite destination of the Arab traders 2000 years ago, the place was also a captivating destination for many Muslim spiritual leaders, who were instrumental in introducing Islam here. During the months of February/April, thousands of migratory birds arrive here. Located close to Ponnani is Biyyam Kayal, a placid, green-fringed waterway with water sports facility.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kuttippuram Railway station, 21 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 61 km
Kottakkunnu is a very beautiful tourist location in Malappuram, Kerala.
Kottakkunnu, Known as Marine Drive of Malappuram is a hill garden. Kottakkunnu park contains an open air auditorium, Lalitha Kala Academy art gallery, DTPC helipad, a water theme park etc. At Kottakkunnu one can see traces of the first fort built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode. This tourism destination turned historic hill attracts lakhs of people per annum. This scenic table-top location is located at the crest of the Cantonment Hill near the District Collectorate in the heart of Malappuram city and 50 km from Kozhikode,12 km from Kottakkal, 25 km from Karipur Airport, 17 km from Angadipuram railway station and 29 km from Tirur railway station. Visitors are allowed up to 9pm. KSRTC Bus station located adjacent at Up Hill is the nearest bus station.
Nilambur, most popularly known as the land of teak plantations, is a famous town in Malappuram district. The place is noted for its vast expanse of forest along with its varied wildlife habitats, rivers and waterfalls. It is situated close to the Nilgiri range of the Western Ghats on the banks of the Chaliyar River. Considered to be the oldest in the world, the teak plantation here obtained its name after H.V. Conolly, the Malabar district collector during the British rule. He was instrumental in planting teak in the entire Nilambur area. Chathu Menon, a forest officer under Conolly, organised the hectic task of planting the saplings. Chathu Menon was laid to rest in the teak garden in Conolly's Plot.
The teak plantation in Nilambur is situated about four kilometres from the town, on the Nilambur - Gudallur road. A well-equipped teak museum is another attraction of Nilambur. This museum is a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Arranged in the two-storeyed building are exhibits, articles and details of historic, aesthetic and scientific value, which give information on all aspects of the teak to visitors.
Nilambur is also known for its tribal settlements. One has to get permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest zone to explore the tribal life here. Risky journey through dense forests will take you to the land of some of the primitive tribes. Besides, Nilambur houses well-known kovilakoms, the residences of the local rajas or rulers of earlier days. These structures are famous for their beautiful frescoes and artworks in wood. The Nilambur Pattu, an ancient festival which is noted for its kalampattu or ritual powder d rawing on floor, falls in the month of February.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Nilambur is the terminus of the Shornur - Nilambur railway line
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 20 km from Malappuram town
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary Sprawling over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks, where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea, the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary in Malappuram district, is home to more than a hundred species of native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds. Rambling over an area of 3 sq km, this fertile area engulfed by rich hillocks provide an excellent view of the mouth of the Kadalundi River.
Various migratory birds, including whimbrels, herons, sandpipers, gulls etc. can be seen between the months of November and April. If you are interested in spending time with a colourful variety of birds, make your trip between the months of December and April. In addition to a wide range of bird species, the sanctuary is also home to various fishes, crabs and mussels. The bird sanctuary and the surrounding mangrove forests would soothe the minds of weary travellers. Activities like trekking and picnicking can be done here and the place is a photographers' delight. The climate is excellent through most of the year, due to its position along the coast. As the area receives torrential rainfall during the months of June and July, it is better to avoid the visits during that time.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 19 km from Kadalundi
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 20 km from Kadalundi
Karuvarakundu A small town situated in the eastern part of Malappuram district, Karuvarakundu is so close to the mighty Western Ghats. Nearby places include Manjeri, Melattur and Kalikavu. The Olippuzha River, which is a tributary of the Kadalundipuzha, flows through the town of Karuvarakundu. Karuvarakundu is also popular for the nearby tea and coffee plantations. The name Karuvarakundu roughly means habitat of blacksmiths. The name points to the region's history as a centre for metal works.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Tuvvur railway station, Malappuram, about 10 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 54 km
Vakkad is a popular beach destination situated close to Ponnani in the district of Malappuram, Kerala. A boat cruise down the river starting from Aanamala and gliding through the backwaters to the estuary in Ponnani, where the river meets the sea through the Vakkad Beach is a delightful experience.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Tirur Railway station, 11 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 43 km
The Vallikunnu Beach is one of the prime attractions in the district of Malappuram. Ride the surf, get a tan, build sandcastles or simply sift sand through your toes at this tranquil beach. Anything you do here will relax you and help you unwind. A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here, along with the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary just a short distance away.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Tirur Railway station, 23 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 21 km
The small coastal fishing town of Tanur in Malappuram district was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. 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 believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Tanur Beach is a beautiful hangout for the travellers and is noted for its serene ambience.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Tirur Railway station, 2 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 32 km
Situated in Aruvacode, near Nilambur the Kumbham Handicrafts Village tells the saga of an artisan village, bringing their traditional crafts back to life. Established in the year 1993, this handicraft village works for the revival of the craft of potter community of this region at a time when the incursion of modern utensils completely obliterated this craft. The kumbharan community members of this place traditionally were potters. But they lost their livelihood when cheap industrial substitutes seized the market. This laudable venture, spearheaded by K. B. Jinan a designer from Thrissur, helped the artisans in reviving their craft to the contemporary needs. About 80 potters of this village, who have reinvented their ingenuity and skill, engage themselves in the activities of Kumbham Handicraft Village. Today Kumbham has more than 500 different types of products ranging from kitchen utensils and office stationary to interior décor accessories and reliefs.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Nilambur is the terminus of the Shornur - Nilambur railway line.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 26 km from Malappuram town
Nilambur Kovilakam is the royal residence of Nilambur royal family, the erstwhile local rulers of this region that was known as Eranad. Situated 30 km from Malappuram, this architectural marvel has been lauded by many across the globe. Built in the traditional Kerala architecture the palace is situated at the foot of the Western Ghats along the banks of the river Chaliyar.
The palace and the Nilambur Kovilakam temple that enshrines the presiding deity - Vettekkoru Makan were built by the Nilambur rajas nearly 200 years ago. The wonderful frescoes, artwork in wood and above all the innate technology by which moderate temperature is maintained during different seasons are truly amazing.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Nilambur is the terminus of the Shornur - Nilambur railway line
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 26 km from Malappuram town
A museum dedicated to revive and preserve the traditional art forms of Valluvanadu. Located at Angadipuram, head quarters of ancient Valluvanadu, the Njeralath Kalashramam Valluvanadu Heritage Museum showcase the history, religious harmony and the art forms of Valluvanadu. Valluvanadu or Arangottu Swaroopam was an erstwhile late medieval feudal state in Kerala. Extended from the Bharathapuzha River in the south to the Pandalur Mala in the north during, Valluvanadu is famous for the Mamangam festival conducted by Kozhikode Zamorin. Celebrated poets, Kunchan Nambiar and Poonthanam were born in Valluvanadu.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Angadipuram
Kozhippara waterfalls Set in the lush green surroundings,Kozhippara waterfalls is situated on the Kozhikode - Malappuram border. This waterfall is the best choice for adventure tourists. The spot is idel for swimming and trekking. One of the less explored tourist destinations, Kozhippara falls is on the Kuthradampuzha River.
Getting there:
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport, about 44 km
Padinjarekkara Beach Situated at the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani in Malappuram district, the Padinjarekkara Beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea. Tourists visiting this spectacular beach have the option to enjoy a ride on water scooters or speed boats and they can also munch on tidbits at the floating coffee shop here. The beach is famous for bird watching, as migratory birds are often spotted here. You can also find an amenity centre, an amphitheatre and eco shops.
Location: 17 km from Tirur town, 45 km from Malappuram headquarters
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Tirur Railway station, 18 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 53 km
A cultural and research centre commemorating the father of Malayalam language Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. This great bard of Malayalam who rendered the Indian epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana in his own style, brought a new light into the life of the common Keralites, who had no access to Sanskrit (an Indo-Aryan language in which these epics were originally written) at that time. Thunchan Memorial is situated precisely at the same spot where the poet lived and taught in his open-air school. The iron stylus with which Ezhuthachan wrote his texts on palm leaves and the ancient kanjira tree under which he composed his poems are treasured exhibits here.
The memorial has a Saraswati Manadapam - a structure in granite; an auditorium with a seating capacity of 500, an open-air stage, cottages for guests, dormitory, dining hall and two ponds. The research library here has a collection of around 15,000 books and 120 manuscripts. Students, research scholars and those who love the language frequent the centre from all over the country.
The National Manuscript Mission has designated Thunchan Memorial Trust as its Manuscript Resource Centre to survey, document and electronically report manuscripts of north Kerala. The Thunchan Literary Museum here, that depicts the different stages of development of the Malayalam language, is the only one of its kind in any Indian language. The centre is also popular in connection with Vidyarambham, the ritual in which children are initiated into the world of letters.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Tirur, about 1.7 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 35 km
Vettom, about 16 km southwest of Tirur, is a charming hamlet that provides visitors the opportunity to watch the coconut segregation process. The coconut segregation plant here has a number of employees, who are involved in works such as removing of husk, beating it into shape and so on. The fibre removed from the coconut is then used for making coir products. The fibrous coconut husks are soaked in a slow-moving body of water to swell and soften them. Then, these husks are beaten by hand to separate the fibres. During your trip to Vettom, you can see a lot of coconut husks, left to soak, floating on the backwaters. The skill and speed with which the workers manually remove husk from hundreds of coconuts in a single day is simply amazing. Various attractive handicrafts made from husk, coconut shells and fibre have been put on sale here.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Tirur Railway Station.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district, about 36 km from Malappuram town.
Mamankam was an age old festival of Kerala, held every 12 years on the banks of Bharathapuzha in at Thirnavaya in Malappuram. Lasted for 28 days, this glorious magnum event was noted for the festivals and trade fair of Kerala from middle age. A huge number of traders from different parts of current Kerala and Tamil Nadu came here to trade here. Celebrated during the time of Kulasekharas (Chera dynasty) from the 14th century till 18th century, the Mamankam festival came to an end with the conquest of Kozhikode by Hyder Ali in 1776.
Here are some Mamankam Monuments protected by DTPC Malappuram:
Manikkinar: Located on Kodakkal- Alathiyur Road, it was the place where the captured elephants of the enemies were buried.
Nilapadu thara: Located on Kodakkal - Tirur Road, it was the venue of Mamankam.
Marunnara: Located on Kodakkal - Banthar Road, it was the place where the rulers used to keep the explosive for the wars.
Changampalli Kalari: Located on Thazhathara - Kuttippuram Road, it was the place where soldiers were trained for wars.
Pazhukkamandapam: Located near famous Thirunavaya temple, this mandapam is the place where the kings and queen of were seated to view the Mamankam festival.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thirunavaya, about 2 km away
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 32 km away