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Malappuram district was formed on 16th of June 1969. The Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu in the east, Arabian sea in the west, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the north and Palakkad and Thrissur districts in the South. The district has a geographical area of 3550 Sq.Kms, which is 9.13 per cent of the total area of the state. With regard to area, Malappuram district ranks 3rd in the state.

Topography And Climate : The location of Malappuram district is 75 to 77 east longitude and 100-to 120-north latitude, in the geographical map. Like most of the other districts of the state, Malappuram too consists of three natural divisions, lowland, midland and highland. The low land stretches along the seacoast, the midland in the center and the highland region towards the east and north eastern parts. The topography of the district is highly undulating; starting from the hilltops covered with thick forests on the east along the Nilgiris. It gradually slopes down to the valleys and the small hills, before finally ending on the sandy flat of luxuriant coconut groves in the west.

The district has more or less the same climatic conditions prevalent else-where the state, viz, dry season from December to February, hot season from March to May, the South West Monsoon from October to November. The South West Monsoon is usually very heavy and nearly 75 per cent of the annual rains are received during this season. The climate is generally hot and humid; the range of temperature varying between 300C and 200C. The Average annual rainfall is 290mm.

Rivers : Four important rivers of Kerala flow through Malappuram district. They are, Chaliyar, Kadalundippuzha, Bharathappuzha and Tirurpuzha. Chaliyar has a length of 169 Kms, and originates from Illambaleri hills in Tamil Nadu. Important tributaries of this river are Chalippuzha, Punnapuzha, Pandiyar, Karimpuzha, Cherupuzha and Vadapurampuzha. Chaliyar traverses through Nilambur, Mampad, Edavanna, Areekode, Vazhakkad and flows into the sea at Beypore in Kozhikode district. Kadalundippuzha is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Olipuzha and Veliyar. Olipuzha originates from Cherakomban hill and Veliyar from Erattakomban hill. They flow by the wilds of silent valley and traverses through Eranad and Valluvanad regions, before flowing in to the sea at Kadalundi Nagaram. It passes through places like Melattur, Pandikkad, Malappuram, Panakkad, Parappur, Kooriyad and Thirurangadi. Kadalundippuzha has a circuits course of 130 Kms. Bharathappuzha the second longest river in Kerala, flows by the southern border of the district and drains in to the sea at Ponnani. Its main tributary, Thothappuzha, originates from the silent Valley, flows through Thootha, Elamkulam, Pulamanthole and joins the main river at Pallippuram. After a course in Palakkad and Thrissur districts, the Bharathappuzha again enters Malappuram district at Tiruvegappura and from Kuttippuram onwards, the river belongs entirely to Malappuram. Tirurpuzha 48 Kms long, originates from Athavanad hills in Tirur Taluk, flows in a south west course upto Tirunavaya, deviares to encircle Tirur Taluk, flows in a south west course up to Tirunavaya, deviates to encircle Tirur town and flows south west parallel to the sea, until it joins the Bharathappuzha near Ponnani port. Of these rivers, only Chaliyar is perennial; all other get dried up in summer and hence Malappuram District is prone to drought. In Tirur and ponnani taluks, Kayalas (back water) like Biyyamp, Veliyancode, manur, Kodinhi etc. offer fishing and navigation facilities.

Flora And Fauna : The district has a total forest are of 758.8684 Square km, out of which 325.3261 Square km is reserve forests and 433.5423 Square km is vested forests. The major forest area is concentrated in Nilambur and Vandoor blocks and Melattur in the Western Ghats. Of the forests, 80 percent is deciduous and the rest is evergreen. Teak, Rosewood, Venteak, Choropin, Mahagonyh, etc. are the important trees. Other varieties like Kulamavu and villa pine are used in the plywood industry. Bamboo hills extensively grown in all parts of the forest. The district has also several man made plantations mainly of Teak.

Elephants, deers, tigers blue monkeys, bears, boars, rabbits etc. are found in the forests along with variety of birds and reptiles. Forests are the main source of raw materials for a number of wood-based industrial units. Besides timber, firewood and green manure, forest produces like honey, medicinal herbs, spices etc. are collected. The tribals collect minor forest produces. Bamboo for pulp factories is mainly supplied from Nilambur forests. The forests are protected by two forest divisions Nilambur North and Nilambur South. The social forestry division promotes planting of trees outside forestlands, for protecting natural forests. About 50 Acres of Mangroves forest are spread over kadalundi Estuary in Vallikkunnu Grama Panchayat.

Minerals : Malappuram district is not rich in mineral wealth. Laterite stone is found abundantly in the midland areas. It is exploited economically for construction work and hundreds of quarries cutting laterite stone known as Vettukallu are in operation, giving employment to thousands. It was Dr. Francis Buchanan, a Scottish scholar who named the porous rock Laterite based on the Latin term Laterites, meaning brick stone. He conducted his studies in and around Angadipuram in 1800 A.D.

Deposits of lime shells are found in the coastal belt, mainly in ponnani and Kadalundi nagaram. The coastal sands of ponnani and Veliyancode contain heavy minerals like ilmenite and monosite. China clay, the principal raw material for porcelain industry, is found abundantly in many parts of district. Iron-ore, as Magentite-Quartizite is found in Nilambur, Vaniyambalm, Kalikavu and Chembrassery. Karuvarakkundu in the district derived its name from iron-ore cutting and blacksmithy, which flourished in the district from very ancient time. Nilambur region of the district, forms part of the hidden Wayanad Goldfields Placer gold; Main zones for auriferous gravels are in Nilambur valley, namely Pandippuzha-Chiyarpuzha zone and Punnapuzha-Maruthappuzha zone.

Art and Culture : The late P.S. Warrier, the founder of Arya Vaidya sala, initiated the revival of the Malayalam stage. It was under his patronage that the Paramasiva Vilasom dramatic company was started to promote Malayalam drama, at a time when only Tamil drama clubs had their sway. A permanent hall to stage Malayalam dramas, was built at Kottakkal. Later, this dramatic club was renamed as PSV Natya sanghom where Katha kali is the main program now. The Natya sanghom also runs a Kathakali School. Of the popular theatre, K. Damodaran’s ‘Pattabakki’ and Cherukad’s ‘Nammal Onnu’ played an important role.

Kolkai, Daffmuttu and Arbanamuttu of Muslim Community are important folk art forms of the district. Chavittukali or Cherumakkali is another ancient folk art form of Malappuram. The exponent of Sopana Sangeetha, late Nheralath Rama Pothuval, hails from Angadipuram.
The district has a good network of libraries. The Kerala Grandha sala Sanghom is very active here. Under the Library Council, there are 388 affiliated libraries, 97 in Eranad, 62 in Tirur, 75 in Perinthalmanna, 54 in Thiroorangadi, 55 in Nilambur and 45 in Ponnani Taluks.Fairs And

Festivals : With a number of Temples, Mosques & Churches Malappuram bounds in fairs and festivals. Some important ones are given below.

Thirumandham kunnu Pooram : Thirumandham kunnu pooram is an important temple festival of central Malabar. Thirumandham kunnu temple is said to be one among the three important Bhagavati temples of Kerala, the others being Kodungallur and Panayarakavu. The pooram festival is during March-April. The cultural feast is the most attractive feature of this festival. The seven day daily pooja attracts thousands of devotees. The famous Mangalya Pooja attracts young women in thousands, who come to pray for a good wedlock. Thirumandham kunnu is 2 Kms of perinthalmanna, in the Kozhikode-Palakkad state highway.

Kottakkal Pooram : Kottakkal, the seat of Ayurvedic treatment is also famous for its temple festival. Kottakkal pooram, celebrated during March-April, is attractive for its cultural festivity. During the seven days, famous classical artists of the country perform here.

Nilambur Pattu : Nilambur Pattu is an ancient festival. Nilambur Kovilakam conducts it during Feburary. Thousands gather to witness this weeklong celebration. The festival is related to ancient war and hunting. Tribal chieftains have important roles in the rituals.

Kondotty Nercha : Kondotty Nercha is a weeklong festival in March. The Nercha is conducted in Pazhayangadi Mosque of Kondotty, constructed in the 18th century AD. The tomb of mohammed shah the Sufi exponent, is close to the mosque. It was constructed in Mughal style. The nercha has an inter religious expression in its ‘Petty Varavu’. Thousands gather during the nercha, which assumes carnival proportion with hectic trade and amusements.

Puthenpalli Nercha : The Andu Nercha of Puthenpalli at Perumpadappu in the southwest border of the district is also famous. Lakhs of devotees attend this annual festival of the mosque. As a part of the festival, Ney Chor (Ghee Rice) is distributed to devotees and the poor.

Omanur Nercha : Omanur Nercha is a famous mosque festival in Malappuram district, celebrated in memory of martyrs. Omaanur is 6 Km away from Kondotty.

Malaparamba Perunnal : The Church festival at Malaparamba near Angadipuram is famous. Church festivals in pariyapuram, Chungathara and Edakkara in summer also attracts plenty of devotees. Small and big religious festivals are conducted in almost all parts of the district during summer. Bakrid, Id-UI-Suha and Muharam of Muslims Thiruvathira and Navarathri of Hindus and Christmas of Christians, along with Onam, common to all are celebrated. An intermingling fragrance of Oppana pattu, Duff, Kaikottikali and Margam kali, prevails all over the district. During Onam, a tourism festival for one week, with a variety of cultural programs is also organized.

Places to visitTourism Attractions
Malappuram district, with its rich natural beauty and historic past has its own tourist attractions.

Nilambur: Nilambur is famous for its teak plantation. The oldest teak plantation of the world is in the Conolly’s plot is just 2 Kms, from Nilambur town. The plot was named in memory of HV Conolly the then Malabar District collector, who was instrumental in raising the teak plantation in the entire Nilambur area. Sir Chathu Menon, a forest officer under Conolly, organized the hectic task of planning Teak. Chathu Menon was laid to rest in the Teak garden in the Conolly’s plot. The plot of 2.31 hectares is beside the Chaliyar River at Aruvakkode, where a country boat ferry awaits visitors.

Teak Museum : Four Kms, away from Nilambur, on the side of Nilambur-Gudallur road, is world’s first Teak Museum and a sub center of Kerala Forest Research Institute. In the Teak Museum, a visitor can have at hand, information on all aspects of teak. The museum, arranged in a two storied building, exhibits articles and details of historic, aesthetic and scientific value.

Eighteen Kms, away from Nilabur, is Nedumkayam where the rain forests flourish. Form the wooden rest house built by the Britishers, elephants and deer can be viewed. An elephant-taming center is also there. Half an hour jeep journey through the thick forests from Nedumkayam, leads to Mancherri, the settlement of Chola Naickas, a primitive tribe.

Beyond Chaliyar river, 27 Kms. From Nilambur, is Valamthode, a hill top place where a perennial waterfall attracts people. This too is a tribal settlement. Road accessibility is through Kozhikode district by Areekode-Mukkam Road. Nilambur town is famous for kovilakams where the Rajas resided and ruled the land. The Kovilakams have beautiful frescoes and art works in wood. The forest division offices (Nilambur North & South) are functioning from here. It is the terminus of Shornur-Nilambur railway and it is 40 Kms from Malappuram town.

Adyan Para : Beautiful waterfall, suitable for trekking Adyan Para, 10 Kms. away from Nilambur is fast emerging as a main tourist center.

Manjeri : Twelve Kms. northeast Malappuram town, Manjeri is the head quarters of Eranad taluk. It was a live center of the National movement. Majeri Kovilakam was the seat of the ruling families under the Zamorins. The district hospital and District court are at Majeri. Some district offices like the District Medical Office, PWD Roads Division etc. are also functioning in this own. Anakkayam 2 Kms. from Manjeri was an important center in 1921 mass upsurge. Anti British revolts took place from 1790 itself, in and around Manjeri.

Malappuram : Malappuram is the head quarters of the district. It is 26 Kms. South-East from Calicut Airport and 28 Kms. North-East from Tirur railway station. It was a military head quarters from ancient times. The Zamorins of Kozhikode had their away over this place and they stationed a part of their militia here. Para Nimbi, the chieftain of the Zamorin, ruled with his head quarters at Kottappady in Malappuram. Malappuram Nercha, celebrated in summer, is in memory of martyrs who fought the atrocities of the militia. The Britishers established the Haig barracks on top of hill, at the banks of kadalundi river, to station their forces. Main barracks has now been turned into the seat of district administration. Main district offices are functioning here. Malappuram is the headquarters of the Malabar Special Police, established in 1921. Pookkottyr near Malappuram, has a place in history, where the mappila warrior fought the British with their traditional weapons were killed in cold blood, during the Malabar rebellion. Panakkad, 6 Km from malappuram in Malappuram-Parappanangadi road, is an important spiritual center for the Muslims of Kerala, Ten Km. away from Malappuram, between Anakkayam and Manakada, is poonkudi Mana, famous for the traditional method of treatment of mental illness. Seminars on modern treatment and traditional styles are conducted here. Poonkudi Thalappoli is a Hindu religious festival of this mana.

Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala: Kottakkal is a world-renounced center of Ayurveda. The Arya Vaidya Sala, established by P.S. Warrier, the well-known physician and social reformer, has completed its hundred years of glorious existence. People from different parts of the world come for treatment, Art and culture also flourish in Kottakkal at the patronage of Arya Vaidya Sala. P.S.V. Natyasanghom has a unique place in Kathakali. A Kathakali School is run by the Sanghom. Venkata theva temple near the Arya Vaidya Sala, is noted for mural Paintings. Kottakkal Pooram festival attracts thousands. Connoisseurs of music, art, culture and literature of the country, participate in the cultural mela organized in connection with the pooram.

Annual Seminar on Ayurveda and other branches of medicine, conducted as a pert of founder’s day of Arya Vaidya Sala, are attented by experts from abroad also. A medicinal herbal garden, maintained by the Vaidya sala is a rare treasure.

There is an Ayurveda College at Kottakkal. The Govt. of Kerala runs the only Ayurveda Mental Hosptal of the state, here. Kottakkal is 12 Kms. west of Malappuram. National Highway-17 passes through Kottakkal. The distance from there to Calicut Airport is 13 Kms., and to Tirur Railway station is 16 Kms. The famous Kadampuzha Devi Temple is not far from Kottakkal, where devotees in and out of Kerala, come and pray to remove obstruction in life. Dry coconut is the main offering.

Tirunavaya: The land of ancient Mamankam, Tirunnavya is South of Tirur. Situated on the banks of Bharathapuzha; it is a place of historical importance. In olden days, Mamankam was a grand assembly of the rulers held once in 12 years, in which, one among them was selected as the emperor of Kerala. It was an enormous trade fair also. The Mamankam festival was celebrated for 28 days with great pomp and pageantry where traders from outside came in ships and barges to Tirunnavaya through Ponnani Port. Thus the economical importance of Mamankam was high and hence the right to conduct and control it was important. At the end of the rule of Perumals, the right of mamankam was with Vellattiri, the ruler of Valluvanad. Later the Zamorn of Kozhikode, took this right by force and this resulted in dispute and bloodshed between these two Rajas. Valluvanad Raja used to sent Chaver warriors to fight until death, to recapture the right from the Zamorin, who would stand Nilapadu at Nilapadu thara in Tirunnavaya, Surrounded by a large contingent of soldiers, in every 12th year. The last of such Mamankam, was believed to be held in 1755, when Zamorin had an hair breath escape from a 16 year old Chaver. The Nilapadu thara, now in the premises of Kottakkal Tile factory, is protected by the Archaeological department. A deep well called Manikkinar believed to be dumped with bodies of the Chavers is also protected. Tirunnavaya is a converging place of the Trimurtis, - (Brahma, Vishnu, Siva). Three temples, Consecrated to these deities, are on either bank of Bharathapuzha. The famous vedic Vidyalaya Othanmar Madhom of ancient times, is on of the left bank of Bharathapuzha, near the Siva temple. This madhom was a center of aryanisation through Sanskrit and Vedic education as Tirunnavaya as believed to be the main center, where Parusurama brought and settled Brahmins. The place (Mana) of Puranic fame Azhavancherry Thamprakkal is 2 Kms north of Tirunnavya. Nava mukunda Temple beloved to be constructed by Nava yogis on the right bank of Bharathapuzha, is an important Vishnu temple of Kerala. Pithru Tharpanam is a ritual, held here on the day of Amavasi of Karkitaka (July). ‘Bali Karma’ is offered by people in their wet clothes, after dip in the river, for the salvation of sins and appease the dead souls

A martial art festival of Kalarippayattu is conducted during summer on the sands of Bharathapuzha. The famous Changampalli Kalari is near Tirunnavaya. During the second week of February, A Sarvodya Mela is conducted in Tirunnavaya where the Gandhians of Kerala, use to assemble. The Santhikudeeram established by the national leader K. Kelappan, is the center place of this mela.

Tirur: Tirur is one of the important business centers of Malappuram district. It is 41 Kms. south of Kozhikode, on the Mangalore-Madras railway line. Thunjan Paramba in Trikandiyur, 3 Kms. from Tirur railway station, is sacred for all who sepak Malayalam. This is the birth place of Thunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan of the 15 century AD, honoured as the father of Malayalam literature. Important works of Ezhuthachan, Adhyatma Ramayanam and Maha Bharatham are widely recited in kerala homes. A memorium for the great poet has been built at Thunjan Paramba, where weeklong literary mela is organized in last week of December. People in hundreds reach Thunjan paramba with their children, to initiate them into the world of letter on the vijayadasami day. Children are made to write on the white sands of Thunjan paramba with their fingers. Young poets of Kerala come on that day to offer their poem. A Nuxvomica tree, of which leaves are not bitter, is a surprise here. 12 Kms. south of Tirur is Chamravattom Sasta Temple, which is constructed on the Bharathapuzha. Six Kms. from Tirur, is Triprangode where the only temple of Kerala, consecrated to Garuda, the bird deity, is situated. Chandanakkavu, the birth place of the great Sanskrit poet and grammarian, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri of 16th Century, is 10 Kms. away from Triur in Thiruvnnavaya Kottakkal road. A memoriam has been built there for the poet where small children are brought for their formal initiation into learning, on Vijayadasami day, as in Thunjan Paramba. Tirur-Koottayi road ends at Padinjharakkara, where the Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha converge to drain into the sea. This place is noted for migratory birds, gathering in thousands during February-April.

Tirur was a witness of the ill-famed Wagon tragedy of the 1921 rebellion. Seventy prisoners sent to Pothannur, filed up in an airtight goods wagon from Tirur railway station, died of asphyxiation. The wagons were returned with the dead bodies to Tirur. Tirur municipality has built a town hall on memory of the Wagon Tragedy.

Perinthalmanna : Twenty Kms. South-East of Malappuram, this town is the headquarters of Perinthalmanna Taluk. Thirumandham kunnu temple and Tali temple in Angadippuram, 2 Kms. from Perinthalmanna, are important pilgrim centers, Tiruurkad, a place 6 Kms. away from Perinthalmanna, in Kozhikode road, is famous for its Muslim educational complex and Yathimkhana. The Mankada Kovilakam, 8 Kms. away in Majeri road, was the seat of the ruling family, under old Valluvanad Kingdom. A Chaverthara, preserved near the Thirumandham kunnu temple, is a memorium for the martyrs of Mamankam. The Chaver warriors used to converge at this place before moving to Tirunnavaya.

Eight Kms. from Perinthalmanna is Keezhattur, the birthplace of great poet of Malayalam, Poonthanam Namboothirit of 16th century AD. The Guruvayur Devasom preserves the house of the poet as a monument. Pariyapuram Church and Malaparamba Church are important Christian Centers. A fort of Tippu Sultan is at Paloor near Angadippuram.

In the Angadippuram Rest house premises, a monument of Francis Hamilton Buchanan;s finding of laterite stone is built by the Gelogical survey of India.

Kodikuthimala: Known as Ooty of Malappuram, Kodikuthimala emerged as one of the important center of tourist attraction. 1500 feet above from sea level, this place is cooler than the height indicates. The DTPC plans some development schemes to convert this hilly area into a tourist hot spot.

Kondotty: The growing town of Kondotty near the Calicut Airport is famous for the nercha in the Pazhayangadi Mosque. It is the birthplace of the great Mappila poet, Moyin Kutty Vaidyar. He popularised Mappilapattu by his poems on non-religious and romantic themes. A memorium for the poet is proposed to be built in Kondotty. The history of Kondotty is connected with that of Kondotty Thangals, the Sufi exponents. Tippu of Mysore brought the first Thangal Mohammed Shah, to bring the Mappilas to the side of his rule. The Thangal first resided at Areekode and later settled in Kondotty. When the British emerged on the scene putting an end to the reign to Tippu sultan, the Thangal switched sides with them. Hence, during the 1921 upsurge, the Mappila mob attacked the house of the seventh thangal, naziruddin shah, Kondotty nercha is held at the tomb of the first Thangal.

Two Kms. from Kondotty is Nediyiruppu from where the Zamorin Kingdom was expanded. In ancient time, Zamorins were known as Neiyiruppu Swaroopams.

Tirurangadi: Tirurangadi was an important centre of the Khilaphat movement, the National movement and the Malabar rebellion. It was the Tirurangadi incident on 20th August 1921 that ignited the outbreak of the Mappila rebellion. Mampuram Kizhakkeppalli was the seat of Khilaphat leader, Ali Musliar and a center of religious education.

The Mampuram mosque on the other side of the Kadalundi River is a pilgrim centre. At Mampuram Nercha, people from all religious come and offer incese sticks for the fulfillment of their aspirations. Tirurangadi 24 km. west of Malappuram is now the block headquarters. A new Taluk is proposed to be formed with its headquarters at Tirurangadi. There is a PSMO College and a big YatheemKhana (Muslim Orphanage) here.

Eight Kms. West of Tirurangadi is Parappanangadi, which is an important fishing center. A Fisheries Development project is functioning here. A fish seed central also functions at Ullanam, near Parappanangadi.

Kadalundi Nagaram: Kadalundi Nagarm is situated in the north western border of Malappuram district, where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. It is 10 Kms. north of Parappanangadi. The nearest railway station is a Vallikkunnu. Kadalundi nagaram is an above of migratory birds, which flock in on the vast stretch of water during February-April. Pooram festival in the Niramkaitha Kotta Bhagavati temple near Vallikkunnu, lasts for a week, attracting thousands.

Tanur: The coastal town Tanur was one of earliest Portuguese settlements. It is believed that. St. Francis Xavier visited this place is 1564. Situated 8 Kms. from Tirur, it is an important fishing center. Mangalore-Madras railway line passes through this town. The Keraladhesswarapuram temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is one among the oldest temples of Kerala, is 3 Kms. south of Tanur town. Keraladhesswarapuram is also a weaver’s settlement.

Ponnani: Ponnani is the only port in Malappuram district and one of the oldest ones in Kerala. A tidal port at the mouth of Bharathappuzha, Ponnani is an important fishing center. Ponnani is connected by road from Kuttipputam railway station. National Highway – 17 passes through this town, which is divided by the Canolly Canal, adding to its beauty.

Ponnani is a town of mosques and Khabaristans. Though described as a place of 23a mosques, there are nearly more than 50 mosques. Malik Ibnu Dinar, the first Islamic missionary who cam to Kerala, was believed to have visited Ponnani. The Huma Ath mosque, the biggest mosque in the town was built by Sheikh Zainuddin Makhodum in the 16th Century. Zainuddin was proficient in Arabic and he wrote books. Zainuddin Makhodum-II was another scholar who wrote the early history of Kerala Muslims. The religions established by the Makhodum-I, is renounced all over the country.

Trikavu in Ponnani was one among the seats of the Zamorin, from where he controlled the trade and commerce. The famous Trikavu Durga temple here, clebrates Navarathri festival.
Ten Kms. South-East of Ponnani, is the legendary Mookuthala Bhagavathi Temple, one of the ancient Durga temples of Kerala. It is believed that Sankaracharya is associated with founding of the temple. The Karthika Mahotsav, celebrated in Vrischikam (November-December) attracts thousands of devotees. The Mookkuthala stone, believed to be growing from below the idol every day, is considered sacred. Sukapuram temple near Edappal, is another important Hindu temple.

Biyyam Kayal is a spread of backwaters near Ponnani town, where a boat race is conducted annually, during Onam celebrations. A permanent pavilion is built for the spectators and nearly a dozen country boats, including some rowed by women participate. A big scheme is underway to develop a tourist complex here, with hotel, park and pedal boats.

Perumpadappa: Boarding Thrissur district, perumpadappa was the seat of Cochin princes known as perumpadappa Swaroopam. It is now the headquarters of Perumpadappa Block. Puthenpalli mosque and Jaram attract devotees. Perumpadappa is about 15 Kms. from Ponnani. Veliyancode near Perumpadappa in the coastal line, is an important Islamic center from ancient times. The religious leader Umar Quasi (1757-1852) was also a social reformer. He instigated tax denial, a movement when the landlords inordinately increased land tax with government backing. He was arrested by the Kozhikode Collector and imprisoned. Another social reformer was the successor of the Qasi, sayed Makti Thangal, who preached for secular education of Muslims, for progress in life.

Malappuram district has a good tradition in the field of art and culture. Many of the renowned writers and poets hail from this part of the land. It is a long chain, starting with Thunjath Ezhuthachan, honoured as the father of modern Malayalam literature. Her was born in Trikkandiyur near Tirur, 400 years ago. He wrote his poems in Malayalam, when the Kerala literary field was crushed under Sanskrit, the language of the upper class. Ramayana and Bharatham of Ezhuthachan are widely read in Malayali houses, as sacred books.

Melpathur: Melpthur Narayana Bhattathiri, a Sanskrit scholar, the author of ‘Naraayaneeyam’ lived in Exhuthachan’s period. His birthplace is Chandanakkavu, near Tirunnavaya. He was a great Sanskrit grammarian.

Poonthanam: Poonthanam Namboothiri was a great poet of the 16th Century. He wrote devotional poems aiming at social reforms. He exhorted the people to have moral and secular values in a period when Chaturvarnya was in its top status. His birthplace is Keezhattur, near Perinthalmanna.

Achutha Pisharodi: Trikandiyiur Achutha Pisharodi, an authority in Astronomy, Sanskrit grammar and Ayurveda lived in the period of Thunjath Ezhuthachan. He was the Guru of Melpathur Bhattathiri.

Vallathol: Vallathol Narayana Menon, the great modern Malayalam Poet, who was instrumental in reviving Kathakali, hailed from Chennara, near Tirur. Vallathol later settled in Cheruthuruthi in Trichur district.

Kuttikrishna Marar: A great literary critic, writer and grammarian in Malayalam, was a native of Ponnani..

Moyin Kutty Vaidyar: The great exponent of Mappila Pattu, Moyin Kutty Vaidyar (1851-1891) was born in Ottupara, near Kondotty. His Badr-UI-Muneer-Husn-UI-Jamal, the earliest romantic piece in Mappilappattu, is praised for its craft.

V.C. Balakrishna Panicker: Poet and writer, V.C. Balakrishna Panicker (1889-1912) was born at Oorakam Melmuri near Vengara. His poem ‘Oru Vilapam’ is famous.

Edasseri: Edasseri Govindan Nair, poet and Social reformer, was a native of Mallur near Kuttipputam, was settled in ponnani. He was prominent among progressive writers of Kerala.

Uroob: P.C. Kuttikrishnan, known as Uroob was from Kadavanadu in Ponnani. His novels and short stories played a great role in the development of Malayalam literature.

Cherukadu: Cherukadu Govinda Pisharodi, known as Cherukadu was a great playwriter and novelist, associated with Communist movement. His birth place is Chealkkara, near perinthalmanna.

K. Damodaran: The communist theoretician and author of the famous play ‘Pattabakki’, which helped the growth of agrarian movement in Kerala, was born in Tirur.

Kuttipurath Kesavan Nair: This poet was from Kuttipuram. The agrarian beauty and the innocence of country sides, were his themes.

P.V. Krishna Warrier: Kavikula guru P.V. Krishna Warrier, was born in Kottakkal.

Vachaspathi: Famous for the interpretation of Amarakosam named parameswari. Vachaspathi Parameswaran Moosad was a native of ponamala near Malappuram.

Vazhemkada: Famous Kathakali actor and Guru, Vazhemkada Kunju Nair, was from Malappuram District.

Pulikkottil Hyder: Writing mappila songs in lucid and simple style and in colloquial Malayalam of Eranad, Pulikkottil Hyder attacked social evils. He was born in Vandoor.

Chakkiri: Chakkiri Moideen kutty, Mappila poet and writer born in cherur near BVengara, used simple Malayalam. He composed an Arabi-Malayalam dictionary.

Nanthanar: Nanthanar (P.C. Gopalan) born in Angadipuram, is famous for his stories based on military life.

Madhavanar: The translator of Gandhiji’s autobiography into Malayalam. Madhvanar (K. Madhavan Nair) was born in Pallikkunnu.

The founder of Drig ganitha in astronomy, Vadasseri Parameswaran Namboodiri of Thirunnavaya the writer of interpretation for the Arya Bateeyam, neelakanta Somayaji of Trikkandiyur poets and writers like K.C. Komu kutty Moulavi, O. Chandu menon, M. Govindan, Vallathol Gopala Menon, kuttipurath Kittunni Nair, Kadavanad Kuttikrishnan…..; the list is lengthy.