Discover Malappuram

Malappuram district stretches from the Nilgiri Mountains in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west. Wetlands and mangroves, a seasonal waterfall, historic sites and regional cuisine give a trip here a variety of distinct features. Whether you prefer to explore waterscapes, immerse yourself in culture or spend time surrounded by greenery, you can choose your holiday rental based on which of these aspects interests you most.

Backwaters, coast and waterways

The Kadalundipuzha estuary lies on the border between Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. The Kadalundi Backwaters cover more than 250 hectares and are characterised by wetlands and mangroves. Since 1995, the area has been a protected site designated by the Forest Department as the Kadalundi Backwaters and Bird Sanctuary. If you are interested in wetlands and birdlife, you will find a different focus here than at a beach or a body of water known for boating activities.

Padinjarekkara Beach offers views of the Bharathapuzha, Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea. Water scooter and speedboat rides are available there, and migratory birds are often spotted. Ferries run between Ponnani Harbour and the opposite side of the beach. Biyyam Kayal, a tranquil, green-fringed body of water with good boating opportunities, is three kilometres from Ponnani. An annual boat race takes place there during the Onam celebrations. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore consider whether you would rather focus on beach and water sports or on a tranquil waterscape known for its boat race.

Nature and seasonal changes

The Adyanpara Falls near Kurumbalangodu, close to Nilambur, are a seasonal cascade waterfall in Malappuram district. They carry considerably more water during the monsoon than in the hot summer months. Swimming is possible there, but the slippery rocks in the riverbed should be taken into account. The surrounding forests are home to numerous exotic and migratory birds and are suitable for birdwatching. Seasonal changes in water levels and the riverbed’s particular conditions are part of this nature experience.

The Nilambur Teak Museum also combines nature with information about trees. Located four kilometres from Nilambur, it is considered the world’s first teak museum and is run by the Kerala Forest Research Institute. It presents historical, artistic and scientific information about the uses of teak. Its nature trail is 800 metres long and includes 50 naturally growing tree species, 136 endangered or nearly extinct species of the Western Ghats, and 58 resident and migratory bird species.

Culture, history and shared discoveries

Thirunavaya lies on the banks of the Bharathapuzha and is of religious, historical and cultural importance. Mamankam, a medieval cultural event held for 28 days every twelve years during the rule of the Chera dynasty, is associated with the town. At Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, wood carvings on the roof and walls depict scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The annual temple festival lasts ten days and takes place in April.

Another cultural perspective focuses on language and literature: the Literary Museum at the Thunchan Memorial explores the development of Malayalam. On display are visual excerpts, audio recordings, paintings and photographs from various stages of its development. The annual Thunchan Festival takes place in the first week of February. Its five-day programme includes literary seminars, readings, cultural talks, and dance and music performances. If you like to shape your travel experiences around literature and traditions, you can consider these themes alongside nature and water activities.

Kottakunnu has a children’s traffic park and a cycling track. This makes it an additional outdoor activity to include in an excursion, alongside cultural sightseeing in the region. In Ponnani stands the Juma Masjid, built in the 15th century by Zainuddin Ibn Bin Ahmed, a descendant of an Arab theologian. Its main festival is a four-day Nercha celebration in March or April, which attracts many worshippers.

Local cuisine and choosing where to stay

Local eateries in Malappuram serve pathiri, Malabar biryani and a variety of seafood specialities. These dishes add a culinary reason to discover the region to its nature and cultural experiences. If the backwaters, beaches, Nilambur’s nature attractions or cultural sites are especially important to your trip, you can give each destination different weight when choosing your holiday rental.

For further orientation around the area: Pulamanthole, Kalikavu, Wandoor, Ponnani, Kundoor, Malappuram, Valanchery and Kakkadampoyil.

For the broader travel overview: Kerala.