Thirunavaya(8 km south of Tirur): Situated on
the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this is a place of great historical importance.
The
Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, was held here
once every 12 years in olden times. This extravagant festival was conducted
for the last time in 1755. Today Thirunavaya is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya
Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda temple is also a famous pilgrim centre.
Thali temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple is located about
3 km west of Angadipuram on the way to Malappuram from Perinthalmanna.
Thirumandhamkunnu temple, Angadipuram: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this
is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual
Pooram festival
celebrated in March /April attracts large numbers of devotees.
he Jama-at Mosque, Malappuram: This is an important pilgrim 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 (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila
ballads.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti (18 km east of Manjeri, on the way to
Malappuram): The three day long
Valia Nercha feast at this 500 year
old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February /March, is a local cultural
event.
Tirur: The birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of the Malayalam
language, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground
where hundreds of children are initiated into the wonders of writing when they
first trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabet in sand taken from that revered
spot which was Ezhuthachan's home.
Tanur: The small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of
the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis
Xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram
Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples
in Kerala.
Kottakkal(12 km southwest of Malappuram) : This small town is
home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions
of Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in Kerala. Founded
in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala has branches
all over the State as well as in Delhi and Madras. One of the best Ayurvedic
centres in the State, the Arya Vaidyasala runs an Ayurvedic research centre,
a nursing home and a hospital. The chief physician can be consulted only by
appointment made at least 10 days in advance. Accommodation options at the nursing
home include family blocks, double rooms, single rooms and suites.
Kottappadi: Located near the renowned Ayurvedic centre at Kottakkal,
one can see traces 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 and the Siva Temple with the famous murals of Malabar.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary(19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore
port): The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic
area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha river flows into the Arabian
sea. Over a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory
birds flock here in large numbers. A hillock which is 200 m above sea level
provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The place is also known
for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs.
Padinharekara Beach:At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani,
the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharatha Puzha,
the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea.
Vallikunnu Beach:A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove
is the main attraction here. The Kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance
away.
Kadampuzha(3 km north of Vettichira on the highway connecting Kozhikode
and Trissur): Kadampuzha is famous for its Bhagavathy temple said to have
been set up by Sree Sankaracharya, the philosopher.
