Thirunavaya
Distance : 8 km south of Tirur
Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this was one of the venues for Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, held once every 12 years. The extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1766. 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 the departed souls. The site of Melpatthur Illam, the home of the great poet, Melppatthur Narayana Bhattathiri; author of Narayaneeyam, is about 2 miles from here.
Thali temple, Perinthalmanna
The temple is located about 3 km west of Perinthalmanna on the way of Malappuram.
The Jama-at Mosque, 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 (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalized in the Mappila ballads.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti
Distance : 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.
Nilambur
This is the original home of the 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.
Teak Museum , Nilambur
Situated at Canoli Plot, Nilambur this is the only teak museum in the world. It also houses around 55 types of bamboos and arboretum and the biggest Teak in the world. A butterfly park is also attached with the Museum. Visiting hours 10 am to 5 pm. Entry pass: Rs. 10/- per head. Ph: 04931-222846.
Kottakkal
Distance : 12 km southwest of Malappuram
This small town is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in Kerala. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala has branches all over the State as well as in Delhi and Madras. One of the best Ayurvedic centres in the State, the Arya Vaidyasala runs an Ayurvedic research centre, a nursing home and a hospital. The chief physician can be consulted only by appointment made at least 10 days in advance. Accommodation options at the nursing home include family blocks, double rooms, single rooms and suites.
Alathiyur Hanuman Temple
Distance : 12 km from Tirur
One of the famous Hanuman Temple in Kerala and also dedicated to Sree Rama and Baratha. Special Poooja: Neyvedyam – Aval. Ph: 0494-2430666.
Mamburam
The shrine and mausoleum of the Thangals (the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims) in AR Nagar Village is a major pilgrimage centre.
Thunchan Memorial, Tirur
This is the birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of the Malayalam language. On Vijayadasami Day, many come here for vidyarambham, the ceremony in which children are initiated into learning. 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.
