The land of great poets and writers, political and religious leaders, this district has carved a niche of its own in the history of Kerala. The past history of Malappuram indeed shines radiantly throughout ages. Some of the early rulers of this district were the Kings of Valluvanad, the Zamorins, the Kings of Perumpadappu Swarupam and the Kings of Vettathunadu. The Portuguese, Mysore sultans and the Britishers had their sway over this place, partly or wholly. The topography of Malappuram district with the Nilgiris in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, presents a treat to the eye. Malappuram is embellished with gorges, hills and rivulets and sandy surfs. The palm fringed coasts and affluent evergreen forests give you the feel of an ornately designed carpet, enigmatic in its own distinctive way. Malappuram is the land which sincerely preserves the cultural wealth of the glorious past.

The nearest airport is at Calicut, 36 kms away from Malappuram. Other neighbouring airports are- Cochin Airport (169 kms) and Trivandrum International Airport (395 kms) to the south. The main railway station is at Calicut. However, there is another smaller station at Tirur, 44 kms south of Calicut. Malappuram is linked to several other towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu through roads.

Travel Attractions
The Jama-at Mosque: This is a sacred pilgrim site which stands sentient to the religious ethos of the Muslims. A four day annual festival- Nercha is celebrated at the mosque every April. Adjacent to the mosque lies the mausoleum of the Malappuram ‘shaheeds’ (Martyrs) whose valuable sacrifices have been immortalized in the Mappila ballads.

Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple is located about 3 kms west of angadipuram on the way to malappuram from perinthalmanna.

Nilambur: Nilambur is the original abode of the oldest tribe of Kerala, the cholainaickans. This interminably timbered land accommodates the world's oldest teak plantations and bamboo woods.

Tanur: The miniature coastal fishing town of Tannur is scripted in the pages of history as one of the earliest colonies of the Portuguese. St. Francis Xavier is believed to have visited the place in 1546. About 3 kms south of Tannur town is the exquisite Keraladeshapuram temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in kerala.

Kottakkal: 12 kms southwest of Malappuram, this small unexplored town of Kottakal is home to the famed Kottakkal Aarya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutes practicing Ayurveda. This institute includes a plethora of Ayurvedic procedures like- cultivation of medicinal plants and manufacturing herbal medicines.