Top tourist places in Malappuram

Malappuram, located in the Indian state of Kerala, is rich in natural resources, unique cultural and religious heritage and fascinating history. With plenty of interesting things to do and see, Malappuram should be on every tourist’s bucket list. Here are some of the top things to do in Malappuram that you shouldn’t miss out on.

 

How to reach Malappuram?

You can reach Malappuram in multiple ways:

By train: From other major cities in the country, there are no regular trains to Malappuram. The nearest railway station is Shoranur, 37 kilometres away. 

By air: At a distance of 16 kilometres, the nearest airport is in Calicut.

By road: The road network in Malappuram connects it with all the major cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. There is a 50-km road distance to Kozhikode and a 90-km road distance to Palakkad.

 

Best time to visit Malappuram

The winter season, spanning from October to March, is the ideal time to discover the charms of Malappuram. With pleasant temperatures ranging from 18 to 28°C, this season offers the perfect climate to explore the vibrant attractions of the region.

 

18 Malappuram tourist places you must visit on your trip

If you are looking for tourist places to visit in Kerala, then, Malappuram is the perfect destination for you. With its rich culture and history, there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful city. From visiting the ancient temples to taking a dip in the river, there’s something for everyone in Malappuram.

Visit these top tourist places in Malappuram to see what there is to see and do:

 

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple

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One of the most popular tourist places in Malappuram is the Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. The temple is situated on a hillock and has a flight of steps leading up to it. Inside, there is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga, as well as several other smaller shrines. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside from the temple. The temple is located in Bhagavathi Padam, Angadipuram, Kerala, and the timings are 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 4:30 – 8 PM. You can reach it by taking the auto-rickshaw from the city centre.

See also: Kollam tourist places: Places to visit and things to do

 

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

 

A wonderful site hosting over 100 different species of birds and 60 migratory birds of various species is famously known for its location. The distinguishing aspect of the site is that the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. For tourists who are keen to explore such places, the Kadalundi bird sanctuary is the perfect place for them. The place is well-connected by the road from the city centre. You can grab a taxi or a local bus to reach here. The ticket price is just Rs 25.

 

Padinharekara Beach

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Located in the small town of Tanur, Padinharekara Beach is one of the most popular tourist places in Malappuram. This beautiful beach is known for its clear waters and lovely views. Visitors can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the scenery. There are also a few small shops near the beach where you can buy snacks and drinks. Padinharekara, Kondotty is located 18 km east of Manjeri, on the way to Malappuram in Kerala.

 

Valiya Juma Masjid

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The Valiya Juma Masjid is one of the popular tourist places in Malappuram. It is located near the town centre and is easily accessible by public transport. The mosque was built in the 16th century and is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. The mosque has a large prayer hall and a stunning minaret from which you can get a great view of the town. This place can be easily found on the highway connecting Nilambur with Malappuram, about 36 km away from the city centre.

 

Keralamkundu Waterfalls

 

Just a few kilometres away from the town of Manjeri, the Keralamkundu Waterfalls offer a stunning natural setting for a refreshing dip. There are several small pools at different levels, each with its little cascade. The place is ideal for picnics and is surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the nearby river. Karuvarakundu is the nearest village to Keralamkundu Waterfalls and is connected to nearby towns such as Manjeri, Perinthalmanna and Nilambur by road.

See also: 15 tourist places and things to do in Idukki that will make you want to stay forever

 

Kodikuthimala

 

Kodikuthimala is one of the top tourist attractions in Kerala. Located on the highest point of the Amminikkadan hills, this is one of Malappuram’s most beautiful places. The British hoisted their flags here during colonial times. You can easily find the place on the highway leading to Nilambur district, which is 36 km away from Malappuram.

 

Shanthitheeram

 

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The Shanthitheeram is one of the most beautiful places in Malappuram to visit and hang out with your loved ones. There are many activities available in the park, and boating is one of them, which both locals and tourists never tire of. You can find the place on the highway leading to Nilambur district about 3.6 km from Malappuram

 

Kovilakam

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Just 2 kilometres away from the nearest tourist places, Kovilakam is a must-see while in Malappuram. It is a 300-year-old traditional home that has been turned into a museum. You can learn about the history and culture of the area and see some of the original furniture and belongings of the family that used to live there. There is also a beautiful garden on the property. You can easily board a local bus from the city centre.

Also check out the best places to visit in Munnar

 

Pazhayangadi Mosque

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One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Malappuram is the Pazhayangadi Mosque. It is said to be one of the oldest mosques in Kerala and is worth a visit. Plus, it’s conveniently located near other tourist places in the area. If you’re looking to explore Malappuram, this mosque should be on your list!

 

Alathiyoor Hanuman Temple

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Situated atop a hill in Alathiyoor, this temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malappuram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is known for its stunning architecture and scenic location. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area from the temple and can also participate in various puja ceremonies that are held here. The nearest bus stop to the temple is at Alathiyur, 7 km from Tirur. Buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available almost all the time to get to the temple from Alathiyur.

 

Arya Vaidya Sala

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This is one of the best healthcare centres in India for traditional healing techniques and rejuvenation. In this Ayurvedic centre, you’ll learn ancient healing methods and how you can tackle illnesses. Malappuram is where they do certified Ayurvedic treatment with doctors and therapists. At a distance of 16 km, the nearest railway station is TIRUR (Malappuram Dist), on the Chennai-Mangalore railway line. At a distance of 28 km, Kozhikode is the nearest airport. Approximately 165 kilometres from Kochi, 160 kilometres from Coimbatore, and 48 kilometres from Calicut (Kozhikode) separate Kottakkal from the rest of India.

 

Nedumkayam

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There are a variety of flora and fauna species in this part of the Nilgiri Bioreserve. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning water bodies, charming guest houses, and serene surroundings. It is approximately 60 kilometres away from Calicut International Airport, which serves cities like Ernakulam, Palakkad, Trivandrum, Thrissur, etc. Nilambur has its railway station and is connected to other major cities like Ernakulam, Palakkad, Trivandrum, and Thrissur.

 

Teak Museum

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The Teak Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Malappuram. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Kerala. The museum houses a collection of over 200 teakwood artefacts, including furniture, sculptures, and carvings. The museum also has a library with a collection of books on teakwood. A local taxi can take you from Malappuram centre to Nilambur railway station, about 3 km from the Teak Museum, and Karipur International Airport, about 36 km away.

 

Angadipuram Temple

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The Angadipuram Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malappuram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a great place to learn about the Hindu religion. The temple is also near other tourist places, so you can easily visit it while you are in town. Located some 18 km before Malappuram, this shrine is accessible from Malappuram.

 

Keraladeshapuram Temple

This temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was plundered by Tipu Sultan later on and visited by Francis Xavier in 1546 AD. The temple is located 3 km south of Tanur, and to reach there, you can either board a local bus or hire a taxi.

 

Bharathapuzha River

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The river, also referred to as River Nilsa or Malampuzha River, is the second longest in Kerala. It nurtures 11 reservoirs, including the renowned Malampuzha dam. With its mention in ancient scriptures, the river holds spiritual and cultural significance, particularly for Hindus. Notably, the prestigious cultural institution of Kerala, Kalamandalam, is situated on its banks.

 

Mamburam

Mamburam is a renowned Muslim pilgrimage site in Malappuram and one of the prominent mosques in Kerala. It is home to sacred shrines dedicated to the esteemed ancestors known as Thangals. These Thangals were esteemed Arabs from Yemen who migrated to Kerala and held great significance among the locals. The shrine was established in their honour, ensuring their immortalisation for future generations.

 

Kadampuzha Temple

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Kadampuzha Temple, situated in the tranquil town of Melmuri in Tirur Taluk, is one of the ancient temples in Malappuram district. The temple provides breathtaking views of the nearby valleys and is devoted to Goddess Kadampuzha, a divine incarnation of Goddess Parvati.

 

Things to do in Malappuram

Cherai Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Malappuram. This pristine stretch of white sand with calm, clear waters makes for an awesome place to relax and unwind after a long day. Be sure to check out nearby Vamanapuram Beach (2 km away) for better views and larger crowds. If you’re looking for nightlife action, head over to Kottakkunnu Beach (4 km away). Other than beaches, you can explore a few interesting historical places like Kakotuparambu Kavu Temple near Cherai Beach or Thirunavaya Temple near Ponnani.

 

FAQs

What is Malappuram famous for?

The temples and mosques of this region are popular for their spectacular festivals and are renowned for their Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy.

Is there a beach in Malappuram?

The Vallikunnu beach in Malappuram can be described as serene and secluded.

How many places are there in Malappuram?

There are seven Taluks in the district: Eranad, Kondotty, Nilambur, Perinthalmanna, Ponnani, Tirur, and Tirurangadi.

Are there any sea shores in the Malappuram district?

The district of Malappuram, literally the land atop the hills, is surrounded by the Nilgiri hills on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.