Malappuram District Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Malappuram District, Kerala. Plan your trip with our comprehensive tour guide today.


Introduction to Malappuram District

Malappuram District is a beautiful coastal district situated in the southern region of Kerala in India. Well known as the land of forests, hills, and ravines, Malappuram is a top tourist destination in the state. The district is renowned for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and famous mosques.

List of Places to Visit in Malappuram District

From natural attractions and cultural sites to local cuisine, Malappuram District is the perfect destination for travelers of all kinds. This list contains some of the must-visit places during your trip to Malappuram.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Kovilakoms: The vast palaces and temples of Kovilakoms provide a glimpse into the rich legacy of the region’s rulers. Some of the popular Kovilakoms include the Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple and the Parappanangadi Mosque.

  2. Kottakkunnu: This historical fort is a must-visit destination in Malappuram. The scenic beauty of the fort is a hot favorite among nature lovers.

  3. Kerala Kalamandalam: - This is a renowned center of excellence for learning classical performing arts. Find the beauty of the traditional art forms of Kerala here.

Natural Attractions of Malappuram District: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Nilgiri Hills: Nilgiri hills are one of the most popular and enchanting tourist spots in Kerala. These hills attract nature lovers, trekkers, travelers, and adventure enthusiasts alike.

  2. Adyanpara Waterfalls: This serene and tranquil waterfall is the perfect place to spend time between the green and lush forests.

  3. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: Second largest of its kind in Kerala, this sanctuary holds an exclusive beauty and variety of birdlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Malappuram District

  1. Pazhani-Kakkadampoyil: This biking trail is one of the highly recommended trails of Malappuram too many. You can have a panoramic view of the scenery they pass along with.

  2. Chamravattom River Trail: This is a popular biking route of Malappuram, the peaceful and serene calm of the river, and vast greenery are simply delightful to have along the trails.

  3. Peruvam Trails: A picturesque trail where you can enjoy a great time along the green paddy, a view of hills, and alluring farms

Best Things to Do in Malappuram District: Activities and Tours

  1. Boat Riding in Kadalundi River: This river rafting tour is a perfect way to explore the beauty of Malappuram District. You’ll be able to spend time exploring the beauty of the river, knowing more about the surrounding, and taking in the refreshing breeze all along the river bed.

  2. Traditional Classical Dance: Enjoy watching the popular dance forms of Kerala, including Kathakali and Mohiniyattam or attend training sessions and workshops to learn these traditional art forms.

  3. Ayurvedic Spa Treatment - Get rejuvenated with the traditional Ayurvedic spa treatment at Malappuram.

Week-Long Itinerary for Malappuram District

Here is a suggested itinerary that covers the most popular tourist attractions of Malappuram District:

Week-Long Itinerary for Malappuram District

Food and Drink Scene of Malappuram District

Malappuram cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, spices, and traditional cooking methods. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kappa and Meen Curry: Boiled cassava with fish curry is a signature dish of Malappuram.

  2. Unniyappam: A traditional snack made of jaggery, rice powder, and banana.

  3. Chicken Perattu: A blend of whole spices and fresh chicken comes in a uniquely spicy and rich taste.

Local Beverages

  1. Sulaimani: This mildly bitter tea is a popular local beverage that’s refreshing on hot summer days.

  2. Sharbat: A nutritious, refreshing, and tasty drink made of fruits, milk, and other ingredients.

Where to Stay in Malappuram District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Malappuram offers all kinds of accommodations, starting from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodgings. Here are a few top recommended places to stay:

  1. The Raviz Kadavu- 5-Star Resort - Located on the banks of the Chaliyar River, this resort offers luxurious amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.

  2. KTDC Tamarind Thirunelly- Resort - This traditional style resort surrounded by coffee plantations offers a peaceful stay and mesmerizing hill views.

  3. Puzhayoram Heritage Homestay - This homestay offers a unique experience of discovering rural Malabar, beautiful architecture with scenic views.

What to Buy in Malappuram District: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Teak wood articles: They are handcrafted by indigenous craftsmen, and you could choose a wide variety of beautiful wood art items.

  2. Crafted Jewelry: There are beautiful artisanal crafted necklaces, bangles that you could take as a memorabilia back to your hometown

Local Culture and Customs of Malappuram District

Malappuram District is home to people from diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds. However, the rich cultural heritage of the region has influenced the daily lives of the locals for centuries.

Best Time to Visit Malappuram District

The best time to visit Malappuram District is between October and March since the climate is cool and comfortable during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Malappuram District

Do:

  1. Dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites.

  2. Respect the local customs and be courteous to the locals.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t carry plastic and litter in public places.

  2. Avoid smoking in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Malappuram District

Malappuram is a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take general precautions while traveling or exploring the destination.

Health in Malappuram District

It’s always best to carry a first-aid kit with commonly used medicines. Consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Getting to Malappuram District: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kozhikode Airport is the closest airport to reach Malappuram. Some of the other nearby airports include Coimbatore Airport, Kochi Airport, and Bangalore Airport. Visitors can also take buses or trains from nearby cities to reach Malappuram.

Airports Near Malappuram District

  1. Kozhikode Airport: approximately 28 km from Malappuram.

  2. Coimbatore Airport: approximately 103 km from Malappuram.

Bus Stations Near Malappuram District

  1. Malappuram Bus Station: Located in the heart of the city, this bus station is well connected with nearby cities.

  2. Kozhikode Bus Station: Approximately located at a distance of 45 km from Malappuram.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi to explore Malappuram’s beautiful sites and attractions.

How to Get Around in Malappuram District

The most common mode of transportation in Malappuram is by bus or taxi. Visitors can also opt for renting a bike or car to explore the destination at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Malappuram District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the popular nearby destinations from Malappuram include:

  1. Kozhikode: Famous for its colonial architecture and serene beaches.

  2. Wayanad: Home to several wildlife sanctuaries and tea gardens.

  3. Thrissur: Known as the cultural capital of the state, home to several temples and museums.

Conclusion

Malappuram District is an enchanting destination in Kerala that presents a blend of scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and excellent traditional cuisine. Plan your next trip to Malappuram and explore the popular tourist attractions and activities with our comprehensive tour guide.