Nedumkayam:- Nedumkayam is famous for its thick forests where you can find all conceivable shades of green. The evergreen tropical rainforests here house a wide variety of rare species of animals as well. There is an elephant training centre as well at Nedumkayam. A half an hour’s journey into the jungle will take you to Macheeri, a tribal settlement occupied by the Chola Naikan tribe. Kottakkunnu is another spot of the area where you can see the remains of the fort built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode. The town by itself is also quite scenic, located at the top of a hill. The best spot from which to watch the landscape around would be from atop the wooden rest house built by the Britons.
Nilambur:- Nilambur is most famous for its priceless teak plantations. Conolly’s plot, named after the then district collector Conolly who planted the trees, extends to a full 2.31 acres beside the Chaliyar River. The teak museum on the Nilambur-Gudallur road is the only one of its kind in India. The museum offers comprehensive information on various aspects of the tree and also has a collection of historically and aesthetically significant articles.
While in Nilambur, don’t forget to check out the ‘Kovilakams’ or the official residences of the royal family. These houses reflect typical Kerala architecture at its best; simple yet elegant; large airy houses with carvings in wood.
Mancheri:- Mancheri also has settlements of various tribes. Valamthode is another tribal settlement area which also has a beautiful waterfall. A further 10 km from here and you will reach Adyan Para, yet another waterfall.
Malappuram Town:- This is the headquarters of the district. Malappuram has several spots of historical significance. Poonkudi Mana, 10 km from Malappuram, is famous for its centre offering treatment for mental illness. The centre specializes in using traditional methods for the treatment.
Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala:- Kottakkal, one of the provinces of Malappuram, is reputed for its Ayurveda centre. The centre here called the Arya Vaidya Sala is almost 100 years old and is visited by people from all over the world. The Arya Vaidya Sala also promotes various art forms like Kathakali. In fact, a Kathakali school is run by the centre.
Trikkandiyur:- Trikkandiyur is known for being the birthplace of Thunchathu Ezhuthachan, popularly known as the father of the Malayalam language. The spot where Ezhuthachan’s house stood has now been developed into a memorial with a meeting hall and a library. During the Thunjan Utsava held during the last week of December, budding poets come here and offer their first poem to Thunchathu Ezhuthachan.
Thirunavaya:- The legendary Mamankam festival used to be held here. The Mamankam is a festival with a long history behind it. In the past, it was a festival which was held once in 12 years in which all the rulers participated. The Ponnani port used to get crowded during the time owing to the many barges of the traders which would dock there. A huge trade fair was also held as part of the festival. The celebrations went on for 28 days during which time there would be pageantries, contests, exhibitions of valor and festivities of various kinds.
Ponnani:- Ponnani is a coastal town of Malappuram with a rich heritage. The beach at Ponnani is quite scenic and unspoiled. There is an old sea port as well at Ponnani. Fishing and other activities still go on in the port. The tidal mouth of the Bharathappuzha at Ponnani is an ornithologist’s paradise; migratory birds from all over the country flock here during certain seasons presenting a visual extravaganza to the onlooker.
Padinjarekkara Beach:- The beach is unique offering a magnificent view of the convergence of the two rivers- the Bharathapuzha and the Tirur Puzha with the Arabian Sea.
Kodikuthimala:- Kodikuthimala which is situated at an altitude of 1500 ft is popularly known as the Ooty of Malappuram owing to its pleasant climate throughout the year. The view from here is nothing less than enthralling. |
