Malappuram Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Malappuram

Thirunavaya Temple, also known as Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Kshetram, is an ancient temple having great historical importance. The temple is scenically placed on the banks of river Bharathapuzha and draws devotees from all over Kerala. It is situated in a small village named Thirunavaya, a place marked in the ancient history of Kerala as the location for the most renowned Mamankam Festival.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the form of Nava Mukundan. Sub shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi can be seen inside the temple complex. The temple was known in ancient times as a Vedic learning centre and scholars from all over South India are believed to have visited this place.

During the period of Mysorean invasion, the temple was ravaged and looted by the army of Tipu Sultan but later regained its glory. Thirunavaya Temple is located 8 km away from Tirur town and is accessible by road.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, a scenic stretch spread over a huddle of small islands, is a must-see attraction in Malappuram district. It is located at the strategic location where river Kadalundi meets Arabian Sea before merging into the sea. Kadalundi, the beautiful hamlet where the sanctuary is situated, is easily accessible by road.

The sanctuary serves as the seasonal home to a wide variety of migratory birds. Placed at an altitude of 200 m and surrounded by undulating hills, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience to bird lovers. An exciting variety of bird species including Malabar hornbills, woodpeckers, whimbrels, darters, gulls, herons, sandpipers, plovers, kingfishers and brahminy kites can be spotted in the area.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and March and boating facilities are available to explore the region. Apart from birds, the sanctuary houses a variety of marine species including fishes, turtles, crabs and mussels.

Keraladeshpuram Temple, an ancient and historic Hindu temple of South India, is located at a distance of about 3 km from Tanur town. Tanur, a coastal town in the Malappuram district, is known as one of the oldest Portuguese settlements.

The presiding deity of the ancient Keraladeshpuram Temple is Lord Vishnu and history has it that it was visited by Saint Francis Xavier in the mid-sixteenth century. The present structure of the temple is a renovated one which was rebuilt after having been destroyed by Tipu Sultan of Mysore.

The temple is situated close to the Tanur Beach, and it offers a tranquil ambience to visitors. One of the key features of the temple is its remarkable mural paintings depicted on the walls. The main annual festival of the temple falls in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam. Other popular destinations around the town include Trikkaikattu Temple and Math, Shobha Parambu Devi Temple and Vettakkorumakan Temple.