Thirur
: The birth place of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan,
now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the
hallowed ground where hundreds of Malayalam children
are initiated into the wonders of writing when they
first trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabet in
sand, taken from that revered spot.
The important works of Ezhuthachan are Adhyatma Ramayanam
and Adhyatma Bharatham which is widely recited in Kerala
homes. Young poets of Kerala come on that day to offer
their first poem.
Thali Temple : This temple is located about 3
km west of Angadipuram. Dating back to the 14th century,
the temple is a fine example of the total integration
that can exist between wood and laterite.
Thirunavaya Temple : Thiruvanaya
Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district
is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha.
Holding immense historical importance, this is the place
where 'Mamangam', a grand assembly of the rulers of
Kerala was held here once every 12 years, in olden times.
This extravagant festival was held for the last time
in 1755 AD. Today, Thirunavaya temple is also a famous
pilgrim centre. The ten-day annual festival at the Thirunavaya
Navamukunda Temple, dedicated to Navamukunda (Lord Vishnu),
begins with Kodiyettam and concludes with Arattu. The
last three days are the most auspicious. Classical art
forms like Krishnanattom, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc.,
are performed during the festival nights.
Kottakkal : Kottakkal town is the house to the
famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer
institutions of Ayurveda. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam
P.S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidshala has branches
all over the state as well as in Delhi & Madras.
One of the best Ayurveda centers in the state, it is
an research center, a nursing home & a hospital.
The treatment it offers for various ailments attracts
a large number of patients. Prior appointment has to
be taken with the chief physician.
The Jama at Mosque : This is an important pilgrim
centre of the Muslims of the state. The 4 day long annual
festival at the mosque is celebrated in April. Adjoining
the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malapuram shaheeds
(martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised
in the Mappila Ballads.
Tanur Beach : The small coastal fishing town
of Tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the
Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited
the place in 1546 AD. About 3 km south of Tanur town
is Keraladeshpuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu
and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Nilambur : Nilambur is famous for having the
oldest teak plantation in the world, the Conolly's Plot,
just 2 km from town. It is named after H.V.Conolly,
the then Malabar District Collector. The place is also
noted for its tribal settlements, the world's first
Teak Museum, vast rain forests, waterfalls and ancient
kovilakoms - residences of maharajas. This is the original
home of the Cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe
of Kerala.
The oldest teak tree, Kannimari, in the plot is a rare
attraction. On the Nilambur-Gudallur Road is the world's
first teak museum and a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest
Research Institute.
Nedumkayam, just 18 km from Nilambur town, is noted
for its rich rain forests. From the wooden rest house
built here by the British, elephants and deer can be
seen. One has to get permission from the Forest Department
to enter the forest zone.
Angadippuram : Angadippuram has the Thirumandhankunnu
dedicated to Goddess Durga as well as the Puthanangadi
Mosque, which has Arabic inscriptions on its walls.
It serves as an important religious centre for both
Hindus and Muslims.
Vallikunnu Beach : A beach resort set in the
middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here.
The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is just a short distance
away.
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