Places to Visit in Malappuram

Valiya Juma Masjid in Malappuram, Kerala, is one of the oldest and important mosques, which was built around 600 years ago by Sheikh Zainuddin Ibn Ali Ibn Ahamed Maabari. This mosque is a hub of Islamic belief and features Kerala-style architecture, making it a must-include in your Kerala tour package. It also plays a major role in the region’s religious education and gathers a large crowd during jummah prayer time.

The mosque is surrounded by greenery and peaceful views that offer spiritual energy and historical insight. Whether you are on a spiritual tour, this sacred site is one of the most notable Islamic landmarks in Kerala and is worth visiting.

Nilambur is famous for their teak produce, which is a kind of tree used for woodwork and is easily available throughout the country. Kerala, however, is one of the biggest providers of teak in the country, and this museum in the Nilambur district is entirely dedicated to the history of the wood.

A basin at the base of waterfalls where people can enjoy a dip in the pond is something everyone wants to have an experience. Keralam Kundu Waterfalls are undoubtedly the best of all Malappuram Tourist Places, and that is why people keep flocking here to have an experience of the mystical.

The Bharathapuzha River, or the Nila, is Kerala's second-longest river, tracing its way smoothly for 209 kilometers. The river originates from the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu and then flows through Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram districts before joining the Arabian Sea at Ponnani. 

Apart from its role as a life support system for agriculture, it also has cultural and historical significance. The river’s banks are also home to many ancient temples such as Thirunavaya and Alathiyoor.

The renowned Kerala Kalamandalam school of arts is also located on the banks of the river which is famous for traditional dance forms like Kathakali. The river also plays host to the world-famous Mamankam Festival, commemorating centuries of history. Bharathapuzha's natural beauty and history-imprinted heritage are a soulful retreat for nature as well as history enthusiasts.

Another attraction of Malappuram that is often compared to the famous town of Ooty, Kodikuthimala is definitely a sight for the sore eyes. A hill station of Kerala, the place is perched on a height of about 522 m above sea level, and is the highest point in the Amminikkadan hills.

Nilambur kovilakam, located in Malapuram, was the royal residence of the Nilambur Rajas. The residence is known for its exclusive teak wood craftsmanship and the intricate frescoes that beautifully blend the traditional architecture of Kerala.

It was built along the Chali river, offering a glimpse into the royal heritage and cultural past of the region. The wooden ceilings, carved doors and sloping roofs of the Kovilakom stand as testament for the amazing craftsmanship of the builders.

The Navamukunda Temple, set on the banks of Bharathapuzha, is one of Kerala’s oldest shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped as Navamukunda Perumal. Renovated over 1300 years ago by Vettath Rajah, the temple stands out for its traditional Kerala architecture which includes wooden carvings and outer pavilions. It is also home to a unique idol which is only visible above the knees while the rest remains underground.

The temple hosts two significant festivals, namely, the Mamankam festival which is held once every 12 years and the annual Utsavam festival. Both the festivals draw a huge number of devotees and visitors by keeping the spiritual and cultural heritage of Thirunavaya alive. 

Kottakkunnu in Malappuram, Kerala, is one of the most beautiful hilltop destinations that offers greenery and heritage. It is famous for its historic Kottakkunnu fort, which was built by the Zamorins, and now this spot serves as a cultural park. There are beautiful gardens, amusement rides for children, and art installations to keep you entertained throughout the visit, making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala.

This site is a popular weekend getaway for locals and tourists both, featuring a musical fountain, an open-air theatre, and trails that offer great views of sunsets and sunrises. Kottakkunnu provides great opportunities to enjoy a picnic amidst the lush greenery, making it a must-include in your Kerala itinerary.

Nedumkayam Rainforest, located in Nilambur, Malappuram, is a hidden spot in Kerala. This forest is a part of the Silent Valley National Park’s buffer zone and features a thick plantation along with trails and tribal encounters. Throughout the visit, you can enjoy walking amidst lush greenery, learn about rare birdlife and animals, and take guided tours.

This forest is ideal for wildlife explorers, and it also offers panoramic views of the area. Those who want a getaway from the hustle of their daily life can visit this forest as a pure natural retreat and can rejuvenate themselves.

Arimbra Hills or Mini Ooty is one of the most scenic places to visit in Malappuram. The place is called mini Ooty because of its resemblance to the hill station of the same name, and a rather famous one at that. 

Located at a height of about 1,050 feet above sea level, you can get a breathtaking view of the area around. Not just that, on the top of the hill, you can get to see a number of stone crushers, plantations, and a few Jain temples as well.

Location: Malappuram, Kerala 679331

Timings: No time.

Entry Fees: None

How to reach from city: It can be reached by traveling a 4 km distance from Aravankara.

A famous Muslim Pilgrimage in the Malappuram district, Mamburam is a shrine dedicated to the dead bodies of some of the primary Thangals of Kerala. It was a title given to the Arabs from Yemen who scattered from there and migrated to Kerala. 

They held great importance to the locals of Kerala and thus, had this shrine dedicated to them. A local festival held here during the time of Muharram is one of the primary attractions of this place.

Location: Malappuram, Kerala.

Timings: All day

Entry Fees: None

How to reach from city: The shrine is located about 26 km from the town of Tirur and can be reached easily via road.

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary or the Kadalundi Nagaram, is definitely one of the best places to visit in Malappuram. It sits right at the spot where River Kadalundi Puzha flows into the Arabian Sea.Easily accessible from Malappuram and Kozhikode, the bird sanctuary is host to about 100 species of native birds, and about 60 species of migratory birds. 

This includes Whimbrels, brahminy kites, terns, seagulls, sand plovers, sandpipers, green shanks and turn stones, all of whom appear to their respective seasons.

Location: Near Kadalundi Railway Station, Kadalundi, Kerala 673302

Timings: Everyday 8 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fees : INR 25 per person

How to reach from city: There are regular buses that lead to Kadalundi, or you can hire cabs and taxis to take you here.

The region of Malappuram is full of backwater lakes created inland, and one of the most famous ones in the region is the Biyyam Kayal. Located close to Ponnani in the Malappuram district has recently been revamped to the status of an adventure zone of the area. 

The local councils have set up facilities of a number of adventure and water sports here, like Speedboats and water scooter rides. Apart from these, there are a number of rest houses on the bank of the lake as well, visited highly by locals at the time of Onam.

Location: Kanhiramukku - Biyyam Rd, Ponnani, Kerala 679576

Timings: Everyday, 6 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fees: Free

How to reach from city: You will find the lake at a distance of about 46 km from Malappuram as you ride towards Ponnani. You will have to get off the highway before Ponnani to get to the lake.

Associated with one of the most prominent saints of Islam who ever set foot in India, the Pazhayangadi Mosque is more than 500 years old. Known by its other name Kondotty Thangal, the mosque is constructed with a white dome and displays intricate carvings all throughout, giving it a resemblance to the Mughal Style of Architecture. 

Visited equally by devotees and tourists, the best and most vibrant time to visit this mosque is during the week long festival of Valiya Nercha in February or March

Location: Malappuram - Kozhikode Route, Kondotty, Malappuram 673638, India.

Timings: No time.

Entry Fees: None

How to reach from city: You can visit this shrine as it falls on the way to Manjeri from Malappuram, some 18 km before the former.

Padinharekara Beach or Padinjarekara Beach is one of the most scenic places to visit in Malappuram for a serene experience. One of the most amazing things to do in Malappuram is to experience a sunset from this beach. 

Located at the very end of the famous Tipu Sultan Road, you can also get mesmerized with the view of the rivers Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha before they merge with the Arabian Sea. You can find palm trees surrounding the white sandy beach, attracting tourists in large numbers.

Location: 17 km from Tirur Town, Malappuram, India.

Timings: All day

Entry Fees: None

How to reach from city: The beach is located about 17 km from the Tirur town of Malappuram. Take the Tipu Sultan Road and the beach is at the very end of it.

Angadipuram Temple, also known as Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy or Bhadrakali Temple, is located in the city of the same name, which was once the capital of Valluvanad kingdom. Dedicated to Thirumandhamkunnil amma who was the mother goddess of the kings of the empire. 

The main attraction of the temple is the eleven-day-long annual festival of the temple that is held in the months of March and April and attracts visitors in the capacity of thousands every year. It is definitely one of the most favorite of Malappuram Tourist Places.

Location: Angadippuram, Malappuram 679321, India.

Timings: Everyday, 4:30 AM - 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Entry Fees: None

How to reach from city: The temple is at a distance of about 20 km from Malappuram city center, and can be reached by the highway number 966.

A natural cascading waterfall, the Adyanpara is counted amongst the best of Malappuram tourist places. Located in in the Kurmbalangodu village of Nilambur district near Malappuram, the waterfalls are a seasonal delight. 

In summers, the water runs dry and with a lesser flow, but are nonetheless similarly beautiful to look at. The waters of the falls descend down in a cascade over the rocks of the hill, with a rich variety of flora around it to make it look even more mesmerizing.

Location: Malappuram, Kerala 679334

Timings: No time.

Entry Fees: INR 25 per person.

How to reach from city: The place is easily accessible through the road from Nilambur, which is about 16 km away.

Shanthitheeram Park, or the Shanthitheeram Riverside Park to be specific, is known to be one of the most famous Malappuram Tourist Places and is a great spot to hangout for the locals, and tourists, alike. Located on the banks of the river Kadalundi, the park has a number of activities to offer. 

You can be a part of the excitement of boating, that is available as both pedal boating and riding on a coracle (bowl boat), or as the locals call it, Kuttavanchi. You can also take up off-road ATV riding and much more while visiting here.

Location: Civil Station Rd, Down Hill, Malappuram, Kerala 676505

Timings: All day

Entry Fees: Free

How to reach from city: Take the road towards Civil Station Malappuram and keep driving through Collectorate to reach the park.