Flanked by the Nilgiris on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, Malappuram is a district rich with evergreen forests, pristine valleys, meandering rivers and breathtaking beaches. Situated 50 km southeast of Kozhikode, Malappuram has four great rivers flowing through it, namely, the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi, the Thirurpuzha and the Bharathapuzha. The district that has a rich heritage has several examples of Indo-European architecture.
This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprisings against the British East India Company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921. It was also a famous centre for Hindu – Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy. The temples and mosques of this district are well known for their spectacular festivals. Along with historic monuments and diverse natural attractions, Malappuram is also famous for its cultural and ritual arts.
The region also has 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 from the innumerable streams and rivers.