The district of Malappuram, once part of the erstwhile Malabar region, was carved out of the districts of Kozhikode and Palakkad in 1969. The Headquarters of the district is Malappuram town.
Kottakkal
This small town, 12 km south-west of Malappuram, in Malappuram district is a renowned centre for Ayurvedic medical treatment. Kottakkal Aryavaidyasala (Ph:91-0493-742244) here, founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P. S. Warrier is one of the best known Ayurvedic centres in Kerala popularising the traditional Ayurvedic medical treatment.
Tirur
The birth place of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of Malayalee 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.
The important works of Ezhuthachan are Adhyatma Ramayanam and Adhyatma Bharatham which is widely recited in Kerala homes. Young poets of Kerala come on that day to offer their first poem. A Nuxvomica tree at the Thunchan Parambu is a surprise to any one because its leaves are not bitter.
Tanur
This coastal fishing town was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546 and converted the local Chieftain to Christianity. Keraladesapuram Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu near here is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Nilambur
The world’s oldest teak plantation called ‘Canolly’s Plot’ is in the Nilambur Forest area. The forest is also well known for its bamboos. The Cholanaickans living in the Nilambur forests are among the oldest aboriginal tribes of Kerala.
Tanur
This coastal fishing town was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546 and converted the local Chieftain to Christianity. Keraladesapuram Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu near here is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Nilambur
The world’s oldest teak plantation called ‘Canolly’s Plot’ is in the Nilambur Forest area. The forest is also well known for its bamboos. The Cholanaickans living in the Nilambur forests are among the oldest aboriginal tribes of Kerala.