Malappuram which literally means a terraced land atop hills is rich with evergreen forests, ravines, hills and dales, sandy surfs, rivers etc. Malappuram is one of the most fertile lands, bordered by the Western Ghats in the East, Palakkad district in the South, the Arabian Sea in the West and Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the North. Malappuram has contributed significantly in the cultural history of Kerala. The district witnessed many historical events like Mamankam festival, Mappila Revolt against British East India Company between 1792 and 1921, the Khilaphath Movement etc. Malappuram was famous for Hindu Vedic learning and Islamic Philosophy. Malappuram was the Military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since early times. Three great rivers - Chaliyar, Kadalundi and Bharatapuzha make this district unique. Malappuram gave birth to many distinguished personalities like Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of modern Malayalam Literature.

Malappuram Tourism Destinations | Malappuram Hotels and Resorts

Malappuram Destinations
Jamaat Mosque, Malappuram: Jammaat Mosque, constructed by a Hindu family is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims in Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalized in the Mappila ballads.
Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple is located about 3 km West of Perinthalmanna on the way to Malappuram.
Poonthanam Illam: Poonthanam Illam is the house of Poonthanam Namboothiri, an exponent of the Krishna cult of Bhakthi movement, known for his work, Jnanappana (song of knowledge) and is located in Kizhattoor near Perinthalmanna.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti: (18 km East of Manjeri on the way to Malappuram) The three day long Valia Nercha feast at this 500 year old Muslim Pilgrim centre, celebrated in February/March, is a local cultural event.
Thirumandhamkunnu Temple: Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathi Temple is one of the ancient and famous temples in Kerala. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Thirumandhamkunnu temple is located at Angadippuram. The annual pooram festival celebrated in March/April attracts large numbers of devotees.
Rudra Dhanwanthari Temple: This Temple is about 3500 years old and is located in the centre of Pulamanthol. Rudra Dhanwanthari Temple belongs to the Ashtavaidya Pulamanthol Mooss family.
Thrikandiyoor Siva Temple: The idol at this ancient temple said to have been installed by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is located near the town of Tirur and attracts devotees from far and wide.
Vettakkorumakan Temple: Vettakkorumakan Temple is located in Nilambur and the renowned Nilambur pattu festival is held here. 
Thunchan Memorial, Tirur: This is the birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language. The iron stylus with which Ezhuthachan wrote his texts on palm leaves and the ancient Kanjira tree under which he composed his poems are treasured exhibits here.
Thirunavaya: (8 km South of Tirur) Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, Thirunavaya was one of the Venues for Mamankam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, held once in every 12 years. This extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1755. Today, Thirunavaya is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is also a famous pilgrim centre. During Karkidakavavu, people flock at the banks of Bharathapuzha here, to perform the Pithrukriya for departed souls. The site of Melpathur Illam, the home of great poet, Melppatthur Narayana Bhattathiri, author of Narayaneeyam, is about 2 miles from here.
Tanur:The small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km South of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Kottakkal: (12 km South-West of Malappuram) Kottakkal is known as the abode of Ayurveda. This small town is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda in Kerala.
Kottakkunnu: Located near the district collectorate in Malappuram, one can see traces of an old fort at the crest of the Cantonment Hill. The fort was the first to be built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode.
Padinharekara Beach: At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani, Padinharekara beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur River and the Arabian Sea.
Vallikkunnu Beach: A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. Kadalundi bird sanctuary is a short distance away.
Mamburam: The shrine and mausoleum of the Thangals, the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims in AR Nagar Village is a major Pilgrimage centre.
Ponnani: The only port in the district, Ponnani is an important fishing centre. During the months of February/April, thousands of migratory birds arrive here. Located close to Ponnani is Biyyan Kayal, a placid, green fringed waterway with water sports facility.
Paloor Subramaniya Temple: The famous Temple of Lord Subramaniyan, renowned as Paloor Kalari from ancient period is an all religious pilgrim centre.
Nilambur: Nilambur is the original home of Cholainaickans the oldest aboriginal tribe of Kerala.  The extensively forested land is well known for Canoli’s Plot the world’s oldest teak plantation and Bamboo woods.
Nilambur Teak Museum: The world’s first teak museum is situated 4 km away from Nilambur on the way of Nilambur-Gudallur. It is also the sub centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute.  With a two storeyed building, the museum offers all information about teak with various exhibitions.
Poonkudi Mana: Located 3 km away from Anakkayam town on Manjeri-Perinthalmanna road, Poonkudi Mana is an ancient mental health care centre.
Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple: (3 km North of Vettichira on the highway connecting Kozhikode to Thrissur) Dedicated to Kirathaparvathi, Kadampuzha Temple has no idol. Poojas are performed at a hole into which the Goddess is said to have disappeared after showing her presence to Adi Sankaracharya.
Thirurangadi: Thirurangadi is the place which witnessed the 1921 Malabar Mutiny.
Kodikuthimala: (11 km from Perinthalmanna on NH to Palakkad) The Perennial Springs and the green mountains form an alluring landscape. View tower and other facilities have been developed at this spot.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: (19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore Port) The Sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. A hillock which is 200 meters above sea level provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea.
Adayanpara: (15 km from Nilambur) Located in the Kurumbalangode Village of Nilambur taluk, Adayanpara is famous for its waterfalls and the splendour of its lush jungles.