"Malappuram" - literally meaning a terraced place atop hills, this district was carved out of the dstricts of Kozhikode and Palakkad. It figured prominently in history during the freedom struggle especially during the Mappilla revolts of malabar bvetween 1792 and 1921. Although Malappuram lags behind other districts in literacy and education standards, it has contributed immensely to Kerala's cultural traditions. It hs been a centre for vedic learning and Ponnani for education of Islamic philosophy.  

The father of Malayalam literature, Thunchath Ezhuthachan and Vallathol narayana Menon, often called the poet laureate of Kerala was born here.Among contemporary personages, the marxist political leader E.M.S.Namboothiripad, was born at Elamkulam in Perinthalmanna, a taluk of Malappuram district.  

Landmarks 

Kottapadi - At the foot of Cantonment Hill lies the remains of an old British fort,built to repel the attacks of Tipu Sultan. 

Jama-at mosque - An important mosque for Kerala's muslims, the annual 'nercha' festival is celebrated for four days in April. Adjoining it is a mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds, whose exploits have been immortalised in Malappuram's war ballads. 

Angadipuram - An important religious centre for both muslims as well as hindus, it has the Tirumandhankunnu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga as well as the Puthanangadi mosque. 

Nilambur - An extensive forest area well known for it's bamboos. Itis home to the world's oldest teak plantation known as 'Canolly's Plot'. 

Tirur - The birthplace of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, now called Thunchan Parambu.  

Kottakal - 12km south of Malappuram and 168km from Kochi, home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, pioneering centre for Ayurveda, Kerala's traditional system of health and medicine.  
 

Details 

District area - 3550 sqkm 
Climate - Humid on the coast, tropical, with oppressive hot season in the interior. 
Temperature - (Mean max - 32 to 37 deg C, Mean Min - 22 deg C) 
Annual Rainfall - 290cm 
Clothing - Tropical 
Tourist season - September to March 

Tourist Info 

The nearest airport and main railway station is at Kozhikode, 36km away. There is a small station at Tirur, 44km south of Kozhikode. It is linked by motorable roads to many towns in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. 
 

Distances 

Kollam - 324 km 
Alleppy - 232 km 
Kottayam - 219 km 
Thekkady - 336 km 
Thiruvananthapuram - 395 km 
Kochi - 169 km 
Thrissur - 95 km