It is situated on the Calicut - Madras road, 12 km. south - west of Manjeri and 52 km. south - west of Calicut. Malappuram is the head quarters of the district. In earlier times, Malappuram was the head quarters of European and British troops and later it became the head quarters of the Malabar Special Police (M.S.P). This place has still the ruins of an ancient fort built by Tippu Sultan. Malappuram was also the scene of the Malabar rebellion of 1921 which was suppressed by the Malabar Special Police (M.S.P).

Thirunavaya: Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this is a place of great historical importance. The Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, was held here once every 12 years in olden times. This extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1755. Today Thirunavaya is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda temple is also a famous pilgrim centre

Thali temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple is located about 3 km west of Angadipuram on the way to Malappuram from Perinthalmanna.

Thirumandhamkunnu temple, Angadipuram: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual Pooram festival celebrated in March /April attracts large numbers of devotees.

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 immortalised in the Mappila ballads.

Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti: The three day long Valiav 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.

Tirur: The birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of the Malayalam language, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of 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 which was Ezhuthachan's home.

Kottappadi: Located near the renowned Ayurvedic centre at Kottakkal, one can see traces of an old fort at the base of the Cantonment Hill. The fort was the first to be built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Nearby are the Vettakkorumakan Temple and the Siva Temple with the famous murals of Malabar.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha river flows into the Arabian sea. Over a hundred varieties of native birds And over 60 verities of migratory birds flock here in large numbers .A hillock which is 200m above sea level provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The place is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs.

Kottakkal: 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.

Padinharekara Beach: At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea.

Vallikunnu Beach: A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attractions here. The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is just a short distance away.

Kadampuzha: Kadampuzha on the highway connecting Kozhikode and Thrissur: Kadampuzha is famous for its Bhagavathy Temple said to have been set up by Sree Sankaracharya, the philosopher.

Trikandiyur Shiva Temple: The idol at this ancient temple is said to have been installed by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is located near the town of Tirur and attracts devotees from far and wide.

Mamburam: The shrine and mausoleum of the Thangals (the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims) in AR Nagar Village is a major pilgrimage centre. 

Tanur: 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. About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.

Biyyan Kayal: Located close to Ponnani, this placid, green fringed waterway has a water sports facility.

Kodikuthimala: The perennial springs and the green mountains form an alluring landscape.

Adyanpara: Located in the Kurumbalangode village of Nilambur taluk, Adyanpara is famous for its waterfalls and the splendour of its lush jungles.