Malappuram district General information

It is situated on the Calicut - Madras road, 12 km. south - west of Manjeri and 52 km. south - west of Calicut. Malappuram is the head quarters of the district. In earlier times, Malappuram was the head quarters of European and British troops and later it became the head quarters of the Malabar Special Police (M.S.P).

History

It is situated on the Calicut - Madras road, 12 km. south - west of Manjeri and 52 km. south - west of Calicut. Malappuram is the head quarters of the district. In earlier times, Malappuram was the head quarters of European and British troops and later it became the head quarters of the Malabar Special Police (M.S.P).

This place has still the ruins of an ancient fort built by Tippu Sultan. Malappuram was also the scene of the Malabar rebellion of 1921 which was suppressed by the Malabar Special Police (M.S.P) Prior to 1947, the area covered by the present district formed part of Kozhikode, Ernad, Valluvanad and Ponnani taluks of the erstwhile Madras Presidency. However, large scale changes in the territorial jurisdiction of this tract took place in 1957 and 1969. On 1st January 1957, Tirur taluk was newly formed taking portions of Ernad and Ponnani taluks. Another portion of Ponnani taluk was transferred to the newly formed Chavakkad taluk, while the residuary portion was known as Ponnani taluk. Perinthalmanna was a new taluk formed out of the erstwhile Valluvanad taluk. Of these, Ernad and Tirur continued under Kozhikode district and Perinthalmanna as well as Ponnani under the Palakkad district. The new district of Malappuram was formed with four taluks, Ernad, Perinthalmanna, Tirur and Ponnani, four statutory towns, fourteen developmental blocks and ninetyfive panchayats. Two more taluks namely Tirurangadi and Nilambur were formed later by bifurcating Tirur and Ernad taluk.

At present Malappuram District consists of 2 Revenue Divisions, 6 Taluks, 135 Villages, 14 blocks, 5 Muncipalities and 100 panchayats.

Geography

Malappuram is a hilly terraced tract. The innumerable streams that meander these hills reach the coconut fringed and picturesque sea coast. In many places, these streams are linked with backwaters which facilitate a network of inland waterways. The midland region is fertile with thick coconut groves while the hilly tract has dense forests and extensive teak plantations apart being the source of innumerable streams and rivers.

River

The important rivers are Chaliyar or Beypore, Kadalundi, Purapparamba, Tirur, Bharathapuzha, Sea - Coast, Backwater and Canals.

Towns and Villages

The district, at present comprises 6 taluks and 14 Development Blocks. It has 5 towns and 135 inhabited villages. The urban population of the district as percentage of total population, in the census years 1981 and 1991 is indicated below. It also shows the sex ratio (Females per 1000 Males) and density (population per sq. km.)in Urban population of the district in relation to the State:

Demography

According to the 2001 Census, the district has a population of 36,29,640. (17,59,479 males and 18,70,161 females), a ratio of 1063 females for every 1000 males(higher than the state average of 1058 females for 1000 males)The population density is reported 819 per km². Literacy as per the 2001 census is put at 88.61%.

Muslims constitute the majority of the population, followed by the Hindu and Christian communities. The Muslims of Malappuram District are known as Mappilas. A great majority of them are traditional Sunnis following the Shafi School of thought. Many of the social reforms in and around Malappuram District is due to the historical renaissence activities lead by Mampuram Sayyid Alavi thangal, Veliyamkode Umer quazi, Zainuddin Makhdum Ponnani PMSA Pookoya Thangal Panakkad and other Scholars[citation needed]. Malappuram is the birth place of a number of Muslim scholars and orators.

Culture

Malappuram district has a good tradition in the field of art and culture. Many renowned writers and poets hail from this part of the land. Thunjath Ezhuthachan, honoured as the father of modern Malayalam literature was born in Trikkandiyur near Tirur, 400 years ago. Manpuram is a historical place which was involved in anti-British agitation in Malabar in 1921. A grave of Mampuram Thangal who is a leader and scholar of Muslims in Kerala Veliyamkode is located here.It is also the birthplace of Omar Qazi, a muslim scholar and a leader of anti british strikes.The family of Panakkad Thangal is located at Panakkad.

Industry

As on 31-03-2001, there were 11334 small industrial units with permanent registration. Out of them, 21.21 per cent are agro-based and 22.94 per cent are textile based. These units have a total investment of Rs. 176 cores and they provide employment directly to 45200 people. The average investment per unit is Rs.1.55 lakhs. There are about 696 women’s industrial units and about Rs.1 core is spent annually for various industrial promotion schemes like investment subsidy, interest subsidy, self employment assistance, etc. in the district[citation needed]. There are 25 medium industries of which only 11 are working which provide direct employment to 2,300 people. These units have a total capital investment of Rs. 46 cores. Among the medium undertakings, 3 are spinning mills.

There is one major industrial Estate (16 Industries and 8 mini industrial estate in the District – 51 working units) in the district. About 1,000 persons were assisted under PMRY scheme every year of self-employment scheme. Preliminary steps for establishing an industrial growth centre in 250 acres (1.0 km2) bear panakkad, has been completed[citation needed]. There is a Kinfra Food Park and IT park have at Kakkancherry. There is also a rubber based common facility centre and industrial estate at Payyanad. The estate is spread in an area of 15.03 acres (60,800 m2), in which 32 plots have been given to entrepreneurs for rubber based units. 17 units function at present.

Wood related business are widely seen in Malappuram district. For e.g. at Kottakkal, Edavanna, Vaniyambalam, Karulai, Nilambur and Mampad; there are more than hundred wood related industries. Saw mills, furniture manufactures and timber sales are the most important business in Malappuram district.

Tourist Place

Padinharekara beach: Close to Ponnani and at the end point of the Tipu Sulthan road. It offers a breath taking view of the confluence of the river Bharathapuzha and Tirur puzha with the Arabian sea.

Kadampuzha: In Melmuri village of Tirur taluk is situated 3 Km north of Vettichira on the NH-17 connecting Calicut and Trissur and is famous for its Bhagavathi temple said to have been set up by Jagadguru Sankaracharya.

Angadipuram: About 1.5 Kms west of Perinthalmanna. This is an important place on the Madras-Calicut Trunk road through which the Shoranur-Nilambur railway line also passes. This place has two well known temples Thirumandhamkunnu and Tali.

Thirunavaya: This ancient and famous temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha dedicated to Lord Shiva was the traditional venue of the ritual of Mamankam an enactment of traditional martial arts by suicide squades.

Trikandiyur: This ancient Shiva temple with an idol said to have been installed by Parasurama, is situated close to the town of Tirur, and attracts devotees from far and wide.

Mumburam: Muslim shrine and receptacle for dead bodies of the Thangals (the relegious leaders of the malabar muslims), situated in A.R.Nagar village; is a major pilgrimage centre of Muslims.

Valiya Juma Masjid Malappuram: This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque(nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram shaheeds (martys) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila ballads.

Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti: (18km east of Manjeri. On the way to Malappuram): The three day long Valia Nercha feat at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February/March, is a local cultural event. Moyin Kutty Vaidyar- Kondotty, the finest exponanent of Mappila Pattu. His Badral Muneer - Husn-Ul-Jamal, the earliest romantic piece is praised for its craft.

Kottakunnu: One can see trace of an old fort at the base of the cantonment Hill. The fort was the first to be built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Nearby are the Vettakkorumakan Temple and the Siva temple with the famous murals of Malabar. DTPC has plan to develop Kottakunnu in to an attractive park and the District Sports Council to establish a stadium nearby. There is a beautiful helipad at Kottakunnu.

Biyyam Kayal: Close to Ponnani, is a placed greenery fringed waterway with a watersports facility recenlty set up by the D.T.P.C.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: Located 19kms from Kozhikode and 7kms from Beypore port, the sanctuary which is spread over a cluster of islands covers an area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha flows in to the Arabian sea. Over a 100 varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here.

Kozhicode Beach: Two crumbling piers, more than hundred years old stand out into sea at Kozhikode Beach pondering the glorious trade witnessed in yester years.The Beach is easily accessible from city and is ,best for enjoying sunset.

Thusharagiri: True to its very name , land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at this destination. The three water falls in the backdrop of lush green forest is exhilarating and dumbfounding for every visitor. This natural beauty spot exists 11 kms from Kodenchery which is abound in plantations of rubber, aracanut, coconut, pepper, ginger, and spices of all sort. This destination provides ample opportunities for young and old alike and challenging time for adventurers. Best season to visit is from October to March. more

Kakkayam: A dam site of unique beauty and abundant wild life,Kakkayam is situated 45 kms. from Kozhikode. Kakkayam offers a Muscle flexing and challenging trekking and rock climbing through river path, enjoying numerous water falls. Best seasons for a trek is from November to April.

Peruvannamoozhy: The dam site ,60 kms. from Kozhikode girdled with mountains is an abode of beauty, calm & serenity. Cruise in a speed boat or leisurely walk through thick foliage. A crocodile farm run by the Forest Department is situated close to the reservoir. There exists a 'Smarakathottam' within this reservoir bearing the heroes of nation building.

Velleri Mala: A beautiful location for trekking. The trekking starts from a water fall and pass through lush green forest. Overnight stay in tented accommodations is required, as it is not safe to trek at night. On the top of the hill it is so chill that warm clothes are required. Can be reached from Thiruvambadi.

Science Planetarium: Kozhikode wins a place in the planetarium map of the world. Situated within the city at Jaffarkhan Colony ,it reveals the mysteries of universe and enlightens about the planets and stars. Shows are at 12.00, 2.00, 4.00 & 6.00 pm.

Regional Science Centre: The science centre abounds with puzzles and wonders that can keep you busy for at least half a day. Floating ball, whisper being carried from one end to another with the help of parabolic reflectors and many more wonders await you at Science centre. Science Centre and Planetarium are situated in the same compound.

Mananchira: The palace tank of King Mana Vikrama is now turned into a traditional architectural splendour, with carpeted green grass, and surrounded by Kerala style buildings. The musical fountain within the maidan (open ground) has become a local favourite.

Lions Park: A park for children is situated next to the light house at Calicut beach. The park is open from 3 pm onwards. It is good to enjoy the sunset from here.

Kalipoika: A recreational boating centre within the heart of city can be seen at Arayadathupalam. Boating in pedal boats and row boats are facilitated here. Timing 8.00 am - 7.00 pm.

Aquarium: A marine water aquarium is situated at Kozhikode beach near the light house. Varieties of marine and fresh water fish can be seen here. Opened on all days from 8am to 8pm.

Malabar House Boats: For luxury boating and exploring pristine back waters of Kozhikode, House Boats can be availed. The novel concept and excellent hospitality in this floating palace is worth enjoying, with family and friends. These are the first fully newly built House Boats of Kerala. These are stationed at Purakkattiri, close to Purakkattiri Bridge on Ullery - Perambra road. 10 kms. from Kozhikode.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctury: The sanctury at Kadalundi is a Haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whimbrels and other such migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. It is 25 kms. from Kozhikode. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day.

S. M. Street: Sweet Meat Street is the busiest shopping area at Kozhikode City. All shops are opened till 9.00 pm. The name is derived as a result of the presence of numerous sweet meat stalls.

Birth Place of Kunhali Marakar: The Marakars were admirals of Zamorins. who valiantly resisted the Portuguese on high seas. Kunhali marakkar built a fort on the southern bank of Mooriad river which was completely destroyed by Portuguese with the help of Zamorins for various reasons. The place is known today as Kottakkal. It is 46 Kms. North of Kozhikode. A small hut belonged to Kunhali Marakkar with collections of ancient swords, canon balls and knives can be seen here.

Velliyamkallu: A massive rock "Velliyamkallu" associated with the valiant Kunhali Marakkar is situated 13 kms. off Payyoli Beach. The rock though much dreaded by navigators was a safe ground for the Marakar to attack the invading Portuguese. The fisher folk looks at it with awe and fear. However., it is worth exploring the beautiful figures that nature has engraved on it. It was on this rock that Marakars killed the whole crew of a ship belonging to the Portuguese.

Crocodile farm: The Forest Dept. is maintaining a crocodile farm at Peruvannamuzhy near the dam site.There is a Forest Complex, by name Vanasree, at Mathottom in Beypore panchayat just 5kms. away from the city which accommodates the Regional Divisional & Range Offices.

Edakkal Caves: Situated on Ambukuthi Hills, Edakkal caves are 10 kilometers from Sultanbathery, in Wayanad district.

Pookot Lake: With its own dream-like serenity, this natural fresh water lake surrounded by meadows and trees on all sides is a haven for peace-loving travellers. It is located half way from Calicut half an hour ahead of Kalpetta.