Rich in cultural legacy, historical significance, and natural beauty, Malappuram is a district in the southern state of Kerala, India. The city is tucked away among verdant hills and rolling terrain. Some of the best places to visit in Malappuram include a special fusion of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural encounters. Malappuram offers everything to enthral your heart and spirit whether your interests are cultural exploration, environment, or history.
10 Places To Visit In Malappuram
Your trip should include the top 10 places to visit in Malappuram, Kerala, listed below! Let’s take a closer look at them!
1. Nilambur
Photo: Shijan Kaakkara / Wikimedia Commons
First on the list of top places to visit in Malappuram is Nilambur. This place is perfect for nature enthusiasts, sometimes called “Teak Town.” Here is the Conolly’s Plot, the oldest teak plantation in the globe. Giants of teak trees—some thicker than four metres—are visible here. Find out about teak at Nilambur Teak Museum. If you enjoy adventure, swim refreshingly from the Adyanpara Waterfalls.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: Visit Nilambur Teak Museum, Adyanpara Waterfalls and Explore Vachanam Bird Sanctuary
Suggested Read: Temples In Malappuram
2. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons
Birdwatchers really must visit the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. More than one hundred bird species call this large marsh home, including some migratory birds. See the birds close-up with a boat trip over the mangroves. Being one of the popular tourist attractions in Malappuram, Kadalundi is more than just a sanctuary; it tells a story. This landscape was designated a protected area in 1990 to preserve its diverse avian population and the critical role it plays in coastal ecology.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Things To Do: Spot a variety of endangered birds, witness wildlife at its best, enjoy panoramic views of lush green surroundings
3. Kerala Deshpuram Temple
Photo: Vijay Krishnawat / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Over 1,200 years old, the Keralapuram Temple highlights Kerala’s traditional architecture. Admire the walls’ rich paintings and decorations. If fortune favours you, you could see the vibrant parades and events of the Pooram festival. Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of the ancient Keraladeshpuram Temple, which Saint Francis Xavier reportedly visited in the mid-sixteenth century. The temple’s current structure has been renovated and rebuilt after being destroyed by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. It is truly one of the most popular Malappuram tourist places.
Best Time To Visit: April and May
Things To Do: If coming during that period, take in temple rites, appreciate the architecture, tour the temple complex, and take part in the Pooram festival
Suggested Read: Malappuram Beach
4. Valiya Jum Masjid
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Built in the tenth century and combining Arabic and Indian architectural elements, the Valiya Juma Masjid is one of Kerala’s oldest mosques. Treat this place of worship respectfully. If you are someone who wants to worship tourist places in Malappuram then Valiya Jum Masjid is for you. It holds a four-day festival every April that draws lots of people. With prayers, cultural events, and social gatherings, this event is an important time for worship and community building.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Things To Do: Discover the architecture of the mosque, study its past, and feel the peace of this sacred place
5. Arimbra Hills
Photo: Moidu.babu / Wikimedia Commons
Called “Mini Ooty,” Arimbra Hills provides a cool haven from the heat. Enjoy swimming at the Keralamkundu Waterfalls, strolling over the verdant hills, and appreciating breathtaking vistas. If you are searching for the best places to visit in Malappuram, then Arimbra Hills is for you. The breathtaking sunset views from this location are highly praised by visitors. Numerous places, including Thiruvonamala, Poolappees, Muchikundu, Cheruppadi Mala, Kunnumpuram, and Kakkadseemly, are accessible by foot; some of these offer views of the runway at Kozhikode International Airport.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: Go trekking, see Keralamkundu Waterfalls, take in breathtaking views, and, if allowed, tour surrounding tea estates.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala
6. Mamburam
Photo: Photoakbar / Wikimedia Commons
See the distinctive Theyyam performance in Mamburam, in which participants dress as gods and goddesses with vivid costumes and makeup. There are annual intense events; the peak season runs from November until May. So if you are someone who wants places to visit in Malappuram during this time, then go for it. Being a major Muslim pilgrimage site in the Malappuram district, it is a shrine dedicated to the remains of some of Kerala’s most prominent Thangals. It was a title given to Arabs who had moved from Yemen to Kerala.
Best Time To Visit: November to May
Things To Do: See Sheyam performances, find out more about its background and importance, and, if at all feasible, engage with neighbourhood artists.
7. Biyyam Kayal
Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons
Relax on a boat ride over Biyyam Kayal, often known as backwaters, on calm waves. Kerala boasts some calm rivers, and this is among the Malappuram tourist places list. Take in the rich green scenery and birding; have a Kerala dinner on the boat. The local governments have set up a number of water sports and adventure activities here, such as speedboat and water scooter rides. Furthermore, residents of the area make great use of the several rest areas that line the lake’s edge during Onam.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: Activities include a houseboat tour, backwater exploration, bird spotting, dining locally on board, and leisurely relaxation among nature.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala
8. Padinharekara Beach
Photo: Nakkeeran Raveendran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
See Padinharekara Beach for a tropical getaway. Perfect for swimming in the Arabian Sea or lounging on golden sands, this quiet beach is. See neighbourhood fishermen or savour a breathtaking sunset. This is truly one of the best places to visit in Malappuram. The majority of people think that the view of the Arabian Sea, Tirur Puzha, and Bharathapuzha confluence is the primary draw of Padinjarekkara Beach. Locals in the Malappuram district, however, credit the district’s atmosphere and the sheer number of boating options for the large crowds that return.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: Watch the sunset, swim, enjoy water sports if at all possible, lounge on the beach, and explore surrounding towns.
9. Kottakkunnu
Photo: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons
One tiny hill next to Manjeri, Kottakkunnu, is said to be an ancient fort. It now has a park with breathtaking views of the surroundings. Search the ruins of the fort walls and picture their former grandeur. Tourists can also use helicopters to get to this ancient site, which has its helipad. The temples in this ruined fort are well-known for their Malabar murals. Travellers should also visit the art gallery located inside the fort, which showcases various artistic works by trained artisans and tribes.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: See the panoramic views, tour the fort remains, go to the park, and unwind in the calm surroundings.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala With Family
10. Angadipuram Temple Complex
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Temples honouring many gods and goddesses abound at the Angadipuram Temple Complex. One can learn about Kerala’s culture and history at this lovely location. Look at the sculptures and observe customary ceremonies. Festivals like Navratri or Vishu find the temples alive with celebrations and decorations. Situated atop a hill in Angadipuram village, Malappuram—once the capital of Valluvanad Rajavamsham—is the Thirumanthamkunnu Temple. Consequently, the goddess of this temple was considered to be “Paradevatha,” the official goddess of the Kingdom.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: If going during that period, explore the temples, appreciate the architecture, observe ceremonies, and take part in celebrations
Malappuram is a place of history, beauty, and lifelong memories. Malappuram provides something for everyone, whether your preferred kind of leisure is an adventure in the hills, a rest in the backwaters, or a trip back in time to historical places. So be ready for fun, pack your luggage, and head for the best places for Malappuram trip with TripXL. This provides you with a great deal and a hassle-free experience.
Cover Photo: Dipu Chandran / Unsplash