Tour to Malappuram

Padinharekara beach:

Close toPonnani and at the end point of the Tipu Sultanroad.It offers a breath taking view of the confluence of the river Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha with the Arabian Sea.

Kadampuzha :

In Melmuri village of Tirur is situated 3 km north of Vettichira on the NH-17 connecting Calicut and Thrissur and is famous for its Bhagavathi temple said to have been set up by Jagadguru Sakaracahrya

Angadipuram

About 1.5 kms west of Perinthalmanna.This is an important place on the Madras Calicut Trunk road through which the shournur -Nilambur railway line also passes.This place has two well kwown temples Thirumanddhamkunnu and Tali.

Thirumanthamkunnu Temple

Thirumanthamkunnu Temple in Angadipuram is located about 1.5 km west of Perinthalmanna in the Malappuram district of Kerala state, south India. It was erected after the Angadipuram Temple.[1] The temple courtyards are on a hill with a lovely view of the countryside spread out below.
The temple is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram, especially for the annual 11 days Pooram festival celebrated in March and April. Mangalya pooja, Rigveda laksharchana, Chandattam and Kalampattu are important poojas here.[2] The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga.[3] There are ceremonies and rituals specific to this temple that are not carried out at others.[4]
A memorial for the martyrs of Mamankam is preserved near the Thirumandhamkunnu temple.[5]

Legend

Mandhata of Surya Vamsam, ruler of Ayodhya at the time, selected the site of the temple as a place to do lifelong penance, attracted by the beauty and wildness of the location, according to one legend.

Thali Temple

Angadipuram Tali Temple

There is a Temple on the plains of the hillock Thirumandamkunnu at Angadipuram about 200 yards from the Thirumandhamkunnu temple. This temple was renovated due to the untiring efforts of a Gandhi Sishya who organised Sathyagraha for a number of days to overcome objections to the renovation.

The Temple, which is considered to be an ancient one and a part of the 18 Tali temples (Shiva temples) built by Parasurama. Only the big Shivalinga and the plinth of the temple were intact, although covered by shrubs.

A local spotted the Shivalinga and the Hindus there joined together and planned to start puja there. However, there was a small structure nearby (about 100 yards) from there, used for Namaz by local Muslims, who objected to it.
The case was reported to K Kelappan who was a Sarvodaya worker and he planned a peaceful Sathyagraha. Kerala at that time was under Communist rule. The Communist government ordered a wall to be erected around the deity so that Hindus could not do their puja there. Some young people, under the instruction of Sree Kelappan, broke the wall and started the worship again, keeping a 24-hour sit-in Sathyagraha.

This went on for several days and the movement also attracted large outside support. People from distant places started to come and offer sathyagraha. Due to public support the government did not take any further action and soon a small temple was built there. The administration of the temple is now with Kshetra Samrakshana Samithi and the temple is functioning well there.

Thirunavaya

This ancient and famous temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha dedicated to Lord Shiva was the traditional venue of the ritual of Mamankam and enactment of traditional martial arts by suicide squades.

Location of Thirunavaya:

Nearest Airport to Thirunavaya: Karipur Airport in Kochi is 36km Nearest Railway Station: Tirur Railway Station which is 8 km away. Best Time to Visit: The best time to take a tour to Thirunavaya is from September to March.

History:

Thirunavaya is the land of Mamankam. This refers to the assembly of rulers and merchants of Kerala which took place here. The merchants arrived in Thirunavaya from all over the world while the rulers also were present in Thirunavaya during this time. Later there was a dispute between Valluvanad and Zamorin regarding who has the right to organize this trade fair. Valluvanad Raja used to send Chavers to fight the Zamorin which led to a lot of bloodshed.
Tourist Attractions:
The major tourist attraction of Thirunavaya is the Thirunavaya Temple located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva this was the venue of Mamankam or the great assembly which was held in earlier years in Thirunavaya.
Take a tour to Thirunavaya and discover the historical past of Kerala and its rich cultural heritage.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport to Thirunavaya: Karipur Airport in Kochi is 36km
Nearest Railway Station: Tirur Railway Station which is 8 km away.
Take a tour to Thirunavaya and spend a few days exploring the historical past of Kerala.

Trikandiyur

This ancient Shiva temple with an idol said to ahve been installed by Parasurama is situated close to the town of Tirur , and attracts devotees from far and wide.

Trikandiyur Siva TempleThe idol at this ancient temple said to have been installed by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is located near the town of Tirur and attracts devotees from far and wide. The temple is administered by Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode

Mumburam

Muslim shrine and receptacle for dead bodies of the Thangals (the relegious leaders of the malabar muslims), situated in A.R.Nagar village; is a major pilgrimage centre of Muslims

Valiya Juma Masjid Malappuram

This is an important pigrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala .The four day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is celebrated in April .Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram shaheeds (martys whose brae exploints have ben immortalisd in the Mappila ballads.

This is the One of the World’s oldest mosque is in India. This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is main attraction. This mosque is built in the typical architecture used in Kerala.

Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti:

(18 km east of Manjeri . On the way to Malappuram) The three day long valiya Nercha feat at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre , celebrated in February/March , is a local cultural event.

Kottakunnu.

One can see trace of an old fort at the base of the cantonment Hill.The fort was the first to be built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode.Nearby are the Vettakkorumakan temple adn the Siva temple with the famous Murals of Malabbar.DTPC has to pan to develop kottakunnu in to an attractive park and the District Sports Council to establish a stadium near by.There is a beautiful helipad at Kottakunnu.

Biyyam Kayal:

close to Ponnani is a placed greenary fringed waterway with a water facility recentrly set up by the D.T.P.C

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Located 19 kmas from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore port , the sanctuary which is spread cluster of islands covers an area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha flows in to the Arabian Sea.Over 100 varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here.

Aryavidyasala Kottakkal, 13 kms from Malappuram is the premier centre for the traditional classical Indian medical system of Ayurveda with a renowned private institution set up in 1900. It posses a large private hospital , drugs producing centre, herbarium and even an Ayurvedic medical college .Patients even from several foreign countries come ot this world renowned centre of excellence in Ayurveda for treatment.

Manjeri

Manjeri is a city and a municipality in Malappuram district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the commercial capital of Malappuram district and is 25 km from Calicut International Airport and 50 km from Kozhikode railway station. It was a live centre of the National movement. Anakkayam, 4 km from Manjeri, was an important centre of 1921 uprising. Anti British revolts took place from 1790, in and around Manjeri.[citation needed]

Manjeri Municipality is a Local Self Government Institution with a jurisdiction of 3 villages, Manjeri, Payyanad and Narukara. Most of the government institutions and many offices such as district court, district hospital, district medical office are located in Manjeri. Ali Musliyar who fought against the British rule was native to Nellikkuth near Manjeri.
The eastern side of Manjeri town is a hilly area. FM Station of All India Radio "College Kunnu", which is a hill where N.S.S College is situated. Towards the south lie Vettecode and Pullancheri. Famous schools such as Chinmaya Vidyalaya and Noble Public School are located in Vettecode. The famous Kunnath Temple is on the way to Vettecode. Pullancheri is a beautiful place with hills, scenery, dam and Kadalundy River. This river starts from the eastern border of Malappuram district called Karuvarakkundu and flows into the Arabian Sea.

Malappuram district hospital and district court are located at Manjeri.
Manjeri is a Parliament constituency in Kerala. The current MLA of Manjeri is P. K. Abdurrabb, and the MP is T.K. Hamza. The current chairperson of Manjeri Municipality is Smt. Safar Santha and current deputy chairperson is Sri. Raveendran Nair
Between Manjeri and areacode lies KAVANUR, which is a panchayat near Manjeri. It's a typical Kerala village with a lot of modern facilities. The river Chaliyar is flowing besides this innocent village.
Pookolathur is small village located near Kavanur Mangalasseri is a small village 1.5 km from Manjeri Town.

Tirur

Tirur is a town and a municipality in Malappuram district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the most important business centres of Malappuram district. It is situated 41 km south of Kozhikode or Calicut, on the Mangalore-Madras railway line. It is a major trading centre of fish and betel leaf. Coimbatore, Manjeri and Calicut are the nearest cities.
Tirur is a part of the first laid railroad in Kerala, and hence historically significant. It is also home to the famous Trikkandiyur Lord Shiva Temple. The main attractions of this temple are the large ponds on either side of the temple.
Pachattiri is a village near Tirur. It lies on the banks of the Tirur River. Idiyattu temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Krishna is located here. There is also a Shiva temple, called the Pachattiri Shiva Temple.
Puthiyangadi is a small town near Tirur and is considered sacred by Muslims. The Pudiyangadi Mosque is very famous and annually, in the month of January, the 'Pudiyangadi Nercha festival is held at this mosque. Several elephants line up in the famous procession from Tirur to Pudiyangadi, during the festival. This festival has been discontinued for the past few years owing to difference of opinion among the families responsible for the conduct of the festival.
Tirur is also famous for the harmony among different religions. Its secular nature has attracted immigration from various areas in the south of India. In addition, the supposedly divine presence of Islamic saints has caused interest among potential residentsBirth place of Thunchathu Ramanujan EzhuthchanThunchan Parambu is a small place in Tirur where Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthchan, the poet considered as the father of the Malayalam Literature was born in the 16th century AD. Thunjan Parambu is located near Annara, 1.5 km away from Tirur railway station. This place is sacred for all who speak Malayalam. The famous "Thunchan Utsavam" is held here every year in the first week of February. During this festival many literary luminaries, singers and classical dancers gather here.And of all those who starts learning,they come here to write "Hari Sree Ganapatheya Namah" in the white sand or in the rice,helped by the poets,narrators and other language "acharyas"
Important works of Ezhuthachan, Adhyatma Ramayanam and Harinamakeerthanam are widely recited in Kerala homes. Thunchan parambu is a hallowed ground where hundreds of children are introduced into the world of writing, soon after infancy, when they first trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabet in sand taken from that revered spot which was Ezhuthachan's home. People in their hundreds reach Thunjanparamba with their children, to initiate them into the world of letters on the Vijayadasami day. Children are made to write on the white sands of Thunjanparamba with their fingers. Young poets of Kerala come on that day to offer their first poem. A Nux vomica (Kangiram) tree, the leaves of which are not bitter, is a surprise at the Thunjan parambuWagon tragedy - 1921The Wagon tragedy was the death of a large number of prisoners on 10 November 1921 in the Malabar region of Kerala state of India. The prisoners had been taken into custody following unrest in Malabar, and their deaths through apparent negligence discredited the British Raj and generated sympathy for the Indian independence movement.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and the national leaders of India, there was a wide-spread and peaceful uprising against the British colonial rule of India. After a series of events that culminated in violent clashes between police and protesters, Martial law was introduced and the rebellion mostly crushed. The British packed 70 prisoners into a railway goods wagon at Tirur railway station to be sent to the Coimbatore jails. By the time they reached their destination 61 of the prisoners had died from suffocation. A monument to this notorious tragedy can be now seen in Tirur

Manmankam

The land of ancient Mamankom, Thirunavaya is 7 km south of Tirur. Situated on the banks of Bharathapuzha River, it is a place of historical importance. In olden days, Mamankam was a grand assembly of the rulers, held once every 12 years, in which one among them was selected the emperor of Kerala. it was an enormous trade fair also. The Mamankam festival was celebrated for 28 days with great pomp and pageantry where traders from outside came in ships and barges to Thirunavaya through Ponnani port. Thus the economical importance of Mamankam was high and hence the right to conduct and control it was important.

At the end of the rule of Perumals, the right of Mamankam was with Vellattiri, the ruler of Valluvanad. Later the Zamorin of Kozhikode, took this right by force and this resulted in dispute and bloodshed between these two Rajas. Valluvanad Raja used to send ChaverNairs (warriors) to fight until death, to recapture the right from the Zamorin, who would stand poised at Nilapadu thara in Thriunavaya, surrounded by a large contingent of soldiers, in every 12th year. The last of such Mamankam, was believed to have been held in 1755, when Zamorin made a close escape from a chaver(Kander Menon of Puthuman pannikkar family) aged 16.

The Tirur-Koottayi road ends at Padinharakara, better known as Koottayi Azhimugham), where the Bharathapuzha and Tirur rivers converge to drain into the sea. This place is noted for migratory birds, gathering in their thousands during February - April. This beautiful beach is very near Tirur and is also famous for its astonishing scenic beauty. This beach has long been a favourite destination for both domestic and international travellers as well as nature lovers.

The Nilapaduthara, now in the premises of the recently demolished Kodakkal Tile Factory, is protected by the archaeological department. The place has three temples, dedicated to the Trimurtis, the gods of creation, sustenance and annihilation of life, according to the Hindu belief strewn on the banks of the Bharathapuzha. The famous vedic Vidyalaya Othanmar Madom of ancient times, is on the bank of Bharathapuzha, near the Siva Temple. This madom was a centre of Aryanisation through Sanskrit and Vedic education, as Thirunavaya was believed to be the main centre, where Parasurama brought and settled Brahmins.

The Palace (Mana) of Puranic fame Azhvanchery Thamprakkal is 2 km north of Thirunnavaya. Navamunkuda Temple, believed to be constructed by Nava yogis on the right bank of Bharathapuzha, is an important Vishnu temple of Kerala. Pitru Tharpanam is a ritual, held here on the day of Amavasi in Karkidaka (July). Balikarma is offered by people in their wet clothes, after a dip in the river, for the salvation of sins and to appease the manes.
A marital art festival of Kalripayattu, is conducted during summer on the sands of dry Bharathapuzha. The famous Changampalli Kalari, is near Thirunavaya. During the second week of February a Sarvodaya Mela is conducted in Thirunavaya where the Gandhians of Kerala used to assemble. The Santikudeeram established by the national leader K. Kelappan, is the centre place of this mela.
A memorial for the great poet has been built at Thunjan paramba, where a week long literary mela is organised in the last week of December. South of Tirur is the Chamravattom Sastha Temple, which is constructed on the banks of Bharathapuzha.
Situated at GarudanKavu, 6 km from Tirur, is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Garuda, the bird deity. The Hanuman kavu temple is also located near this place. Thousands of pilgrims from all over India come here to worship lord Hanuman. This is supposedly the place where Lord Rama described Sita, and gave Hanuman his ring to authenticate Hanuman as his messenger, and sent him off to visit Sita in Lanka, where she was being held captive by Ravana. This is supposedly the spot where Hanuman took a huge leap towards Lanka. The speciality of this temple is that Lakshmana, Lord Rama’s brother, has a separate Sanctum. It seems that Lord Rama asked Lashmana to leave the room when he was describing Sita and giving Hanuman his ring. Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana were inseparable, and so this temple is sort of unique in that they are not together. Triprangode Siva temple is also nearby which has historical importance too. The legend behind the temple is that Markandeyan, a very young devotee of Lord Siva, who had his parents to take care of, was scheduled to die at a very young age. When lord Yama came to take his soul away, Markandeyan approached Lord Vishnu (at the Navamukundan temple), to request him to save him from death. Lord Vishnu had to turn him down, and direct him to request Lord Siva instead. So off Markandeya goes to Lord Siva. He is said to have embraced a Siva Linga at the Triprangode temple, and Lord Siva is said to have killed Yama, the messenger of death, at this spot. There are a total of five Siva lingas at this temple. The first being the linga that Markandeyan embraced, the next three being the steps that Lord Siva took on the way to killing Lord Yama, and the last being the extremely angry Lord Siva, immediately after killing Lord Yama. The saints and other gods had to request Parvati, Siva’s consort to appear naked, except for jewelry to appease and cool Lord Siva down.

Vyrankodu Bhagavathi temple is another famous temple near Tirur (approximately 8 km away). The Theeyatt (jumping into fire) is the well known festival here. Vyrankottu Bhagavthi is worshipped as 'Desathin Devatha' (Goddess of the land) of this part of Ernadu. The Bhagavathi's thattakam (territory) extends from Kuttipuram to Kadalundi, Ferok. She is considered to be very powerful and is worshipped by all people irrespective of caste & creed.

Another smaller Bhagavathi Thara (Temple of Goddess) considered to be the sister of Vyrankodu Bhagavathi is situated in Kuttur. The annual festival (Bhagavthi attu) of this temple attracts many people.
Chandanakavu, the birth place of the great 16th century Sanskrit poet and grammarian Melapthur Narayana Bahttathiri, is 10 km away from Tirur in Thirunnavaya–Kottakal road. A memorial has been built there for the poet, where small children are brought for their formal initiation into learning, on Vijayadasami day, as in Thunjan parambu.

Tanur

Tanur is a small town in Malappuram district of Kerala state, South India.The costal town Tanur was one of the earlierst Portugese settlements situated 8km from Tirur.It is believed that St.Francis Xavier visited this place in 1546.
About 3 km south of Tanur is Keraladeshpuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala. Trikkaikattu Temple and Math situated at Pariyapuram, 3 km North of Tanur. Math was founded by Sri Sankaracharya. The temple dedicated to Lord Siva Tanur also has a beautiful beach.

Tirurangadi

Tirurangadi is a small town in Malapuram district of Kerala, South India. It is a historical old town which is much famed for its active participance in the freedom struggle, especially those dating back to 1920s. It is a panchayat as well as a taluk. It is located 30 km south of Calicut, 195 km north of Ernakulam and 25 km west of Malappuram, the district head quarters.
This town is well connected with all parts of Kerala and National Highway 17 passes through this town. There are two main bus stations situated in the town, one in Chemmad, and another one in Kakkad. The former is for buses plying to the nearby areas while the latter is used for long distanced buses only.
The important Government Offices are; Taluk Office, Taluk Supply Office, Taluk Head Quarters Hospital, Govt. Treasury, Block Development Office, Head Quarter of Police.
The railway station is at Parappanangadi 7 km away from the town and the nearest airport is 21 km away Calicut International Airport.
The PSMO College Tirurangadi is right in the center of the town and the University of Calicut is just 13 km away from the town.
Major Hospitals: 1) MK Haji Memorial Hospital. 2) Tirurangadi Taluk Hospital

Ponnani

Ponnani is a coastal town and a municipality in Malappuram district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the smallest Taluk in Malappuram district. This tiny, picturesque town is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west. It is the only port in Malappuram district and one of the oldest ones in Kerala. This tidal port, mainly used by the fishing industry, is at the mouth of Bharathapuza, the longest river of Kerala. This place is an important fishing centre.
Ponnani has a population which is a blend of almost equal percentage of Hindus and Muslims and has set an example for tolerant and peaceful co-existence. Malik Ibn Dinar, the first Islamic missionary to come to Kerala, is believed to have visited Ponnani. William Logan, the British historian, records in his Malabar Manual that the Ponnani Juma Masjid was built in 925 Hijrah Era. Ponnani was considered as the second capital of Malabar during the reign of Zamorins of Calicut and was the headquarters of Kunjali Marakkar, the naval chief of Zamorin.

The tidal mouth of Bharathappuzha in Ponnani, where 'Bharathapuza' and 'Tirur-PonnaiPuzha' join together to traverse into the Arabian Sea, is a seasonal home to hundreds of migratory birds and attracts a large number of bird watchers and ornithologists. If one crosses the ferry of Chamravattom in March-May period one cannot but miss the lovely flock of birds. Nearly 25 varieties of birds have been identified in this area.

Another tourist attraction is 'Biyyam Kayal'. This placid, green fringed waterway has water sports facilities. A boat race is conducted here annually, during Onam celebrations. A permanent pavilion is built for the spectators and nearly two dozen country boats, including some rowed by women, participate in the race. A big scheme is underway to develop a tourist complex here, with hotels, parks, etc. Today, a rest house situated on the banks of the lake, welcomes the tourists for a comfortable and cozy stay.
As Chamravattom project become reality, a landmark growth is expected in tourism, irrigation and transportation sectors. The foundation for this ambitious project was laid down in 1982.

Nilambur

Nilambur is a place in Malappuram district of Kerala, South India. It is famous for its green forests, especially the wildlife habitat, clean water rivers, waterfalls and teak plantations. It is situated close to The Nilgiris range of the Western Ghats on the banks of the Chaliyar river. It is about 40 kilometres from Malappuram town. The town is located on the Calicut-Ooty road which gives it much prominence.
The town of Nilambur is famous for the Nilambur Vettekaran Pattu held every year in the Nilambur Kovilakom temple. Nilambur is also home to the oldest teak plantation in the world, called Conolly's plot. It is claimed that the world's tallest or biggest teak tree is in the Nilambur Teak Preserve. Nilambur is also famous for its bamboos. The word Nilambur means place of Nilimba (Sanskrit word for Bamboo). Some nearby places are Chungathara and Edakkara

Nedumkayam

Nedumkayam in the Nilambur reserve forest, where one can have a close look at the elephant camp run by the forest department.
Nedumkayam is 18 km from Nilambur town, in Malappuram district, Kerala, India. Nedumkayam is noted specially for its rich rain forests. The wooden rest house built here by the British offers a panoramic view of the elephants and deers grazing in the forest near by . One has to get prior permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest zone. Heavy restrictions are imposed as a measure to save the existing forest land. An elephant taming center is also here. The place Nilambur including Nedumkayam is selected for developing as Kerala's second eco - tourism destination.

Giant teak

Giant teak, as the oldest planted teak is referred to. A part of the oldest teak plantation is retained here

Teak Museum

Teak Museum is located 4 km from Nilambur, a town in the Malappuram district of Kerala, south India. Teak occurs naturally in India with the main teak forests found in Kerala.[1]

The museum, a two story building, is the world's first teak museum and is operated by the Kerala Forest Research Institute. The exhibits include comprehensive information on aspects of the use of teak in their exhibits and articles on the subject. The museum provides extensive information of value historically, artistically and scientifically.[2]
The museum was established in 1995 on the campus of the centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) because of the historical significance of teak to the area. The worlds first teak plantation was planted in Nilambur in the 1840s by the British.[3
Teak Museum maintained by the Kerala Forest Research Institute, giving additional information about teak, and the forest produce in general.

Adyan Para

Adyan Para waterfalls situated a few kilometers away on the other side of the Chaliyar river.[1] Chaliyar River is the fourth longest river in Kerala at 169 km in length. The Chaliyar river is also known as Beypore River as it nears the sea. Nilambur, Edavanna, Areekode, Cheruvadi, Mavoor, Peruvayal, Feroke and Beypore are some of the towns/villages situated along the Chaliyar River.
Manjeeri Colony is a colony built by government for 'Cholanayikkas' - one of the ancient tribals of human race, still many living in caves in deep forest away from civilisation. Nilambur Teak Plantation, 20 years oldElephant Training Centre is where elephants poached from the forests were trained. Huge wooden cages can still be seen though poaching has been banned.

Banglavu kunnu

Banglavu Kunnu (Bungalow Hill) is famous for its winding road where ayurvedic herbs are planted on both the sides of the officers' cottages(which are now used as forest range offices).

Kodikuthimala : A scenic hilltop near Perinthalmanna town named after the flag hosting during the survey conducted by British. Its panoramic view attracts tourists all over Kerala. From here we can see several mountains and rivers surrounding Perinthalmanna town. The watch tower, suicide point and water falls are famous. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) is now developing it further.