Malappuram District was formed on the 16th June 1969. It was formed by merging the distant and backward areas of the Erstwhile Kozhikode District and Perinthalmanna  and Ponnani Taluks of Palakkad District.

Known as the land of great poets and writers, political and religious leaders, Malappuram has occupied prominent place in the history of Kerala.ng
The early rulers of this District were the of Valluvanad, the Zomorins, the kings of perumpadappu swarupam and the kings of Vettathunad. Also, the Portuguese, mysore sulthans and the Britishers  had their sway over this place.

In earlier times, Malappuram was the headquarters of European and British troops and later it become the headquarters of the Malabar Special Police (MSP)

The place has a rich and political heritage. Malappuram is known for national movement such as Khilafat movement and Maplah Rebellion, in which the Muslim Mappilas and peasants struggled against feudalism and colonialism, the histhe torians have seen these struggles as a forerunner of the Indian independence struggle.
Malappuram has t he ruins of an ancient Fort built by Tippu Sulthan. This district had witnessed many Mappila revolts viz. uprisings against the British and East India Company between 1792 and 1921.

Before India’s independence in 1947, Malappuram was a part of Malabar district in the Madras presidency of British India, i.e. the barea covered by the present district formed part of Kozhikkode, Ernad, Valluvanad and Ponnani Taluks of the erstwhile Madras presidency. But immediately after independence, Malabar District was merged on November 1, 1956 with Travancore-Cochin to form the State of Kerala. Large scale changes in the territorial jurisdiction of this place took place in 1957 and  1969. On 1 January 1957, Tirur Taluk was newly formed taking portions of Ernad and Ponnani Taluks. Another portion of Ponnani Taluk was Transferred to the newly formed Chavakkad Taluk, while the residuary portion was still known as Ponnani.

Perinthalmanna was a new Taluk formed out of the erstwhile Valluvanad Taluk. Of  these, Ernad and Tirur continued under Kozhikkode district and Perinthalmanna as well as Ponnani under the Palakkad District.

The new Malappuram District was formed with four Taluks viz. Ernad, Perinthalmanna, Tirur and Ponnani, four statutory tours, Fourteen developmental blocks and 95 Panchayats. Two more taluks namely Tirurangadi and Nilambur, were formed later by bifureating Tirur and Ernad Taluks.

Presently, Malappuram has Revenue Divisioncis, 6 Taluks, 135 villages, 14 Blocks, 5 Muncipalities and 100 Panchayats.

Kottakkunnu means the “mount with the fort” and is situated 12kms. away from Manjery and 25 kms. away from Calicut Airport. It is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions of the malappuram District and also known as the highest point of Malappuram town. Kottakkunnu is located at the heart of Malappuram town and one can reach the traces of an old fort at the crest of the cantonment hill. This was the foist fort to be built by the Zamorins of Kozhikkode. There are renowned temples like Vettakkorumakan Temple, and the Siva temple built in five mural works. The top of this hill is an ideal spot to watch the beautiful sunset
The place has also amusement park and water theme park.

This place is well connected to famous towns like kozhikkod, Manjery, Kottakkal, Malappuram and Thrissur etc.

TEAK MUSEUM AT NILAMBUR
The worlds foist Teak Museum and sub-centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute is situated on Nilambur-Gudallur Road, Just 4 kms. away from Nilambur. If a visitor coming malappuram viz. Calicut-Ooty highway, a distance of 40 kms. will be required to reach here Nilambur is famous for this well designed Teak museum and also for an important trading centre here for hill products and plantations (Cannolly’s Plot).in the Teak museum, one can get detailed information on all aspects performing to Teak wood, including an opportunity to trace its history and also to know its various uses. This museum housed in a two storied building exhibits articles and details of historic , aesthetic and scientific value.

Nilambur is also known for its rain forests, which can be seen at Nedumkayam, 18 kms. away from Nilambur. The rain forest provides a wooden rest house built by the Britishers and from here elephants and deers roaming in the forest can be viewed. There is also an elephant taming centre situated here.

Half an hour jeep journey through the dense forests of Nedumkayam will take a visitor to Mancherri – the settlement of chola Naikas, known as the primitive tribe. 27 kms. away from Nilambur and beyond, Chaliyar river is located ‘Valamthode’, an ideal hill top point offering to tourist an enchanting of perennial waterfall, cascading down the hill side. This spot is also coming under the Tribal settlement. Journey by road to this area is accessible through Kozhikkode district by Areekode-Mukkam Road.

Nilambur town is also very famous for kovilakams, where the Rajas resided and ruled the land. The Kovilakams (dwelling place) have beautiful frescoes and art works finished in wood. The forest division offices (Nilambur North & Nilambur South) are functioning from here. This place is also the terminus of Shorannur-Nilambur Railways, and is distanced 40 kms. from Malappuram.

This is a Coastal town and once bevy famous for trading from ancient times. Now Ponnani is known as a prominent fishing centre. An ancient Muslim Mosque is situated here.     

Biyyam Kayal, an extensive stretch of water, is close to Ponnani where boat race is held every yea.

About 19 kms from Kozhikode and 7kms.from Beypore Port on the Arabian Sea, is situated Kadalundi Bird sanctuary in Malappuram District.

This bird sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands and set in an enchanting landscape. This place is also surrounded by lush and woody hillocks and through which the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea.

This Virgin land is home to more than a hundred local birds and over 60 species of migratory birds like seagulls, red and green shanks and turnstones to. Which block here in large number during the months from October to March.

There is also a nearby hillock about 200 m. above sea level, which provides the tourists a splendid view of the river mouth and the expanse of the sea during Onam festival. This is a great event in which women rowers come to participatein the boat race. This place is now turning in to a popular picnic spot.

Ponnani – Purathur belt has become a fascinating spot for viewing a wide range of migrating birds as many as 25 variety. The waters of the river ‘Bharathappuzha’ and the river ‘Tirur-Ponnani puzha ‘ converge at Ponnani – Purathur belt before flowing in to the Arabian sea.

The name ‘Kottakkal’ instandly reminds a person of Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala – a renowred centre for Ayurvedic treatement in Kerala. Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala is one of the pioneer institution of Ayuveda – the traditional system of health and medicine.

Kottakkal Arya vaidyasala is located at Eranaud Talukin Malappuram District and is very famous both in India and abroad. This unique centre for Ayurvedic  treatement was established in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Variar (1869-1946).

Kottakkal is also very well-known for Kottakkal Sasidharan Nair – an internationally renowned classical Indian dancer and Kathakali artist. He was born on May 24, 1951. His father was late P. Sankunni Nair and mother was late Janaki Amma. He had primary education up to 5th std and now he resides and works in Ahmedabad (Gujarat state). He is famed in kathakali, Bharatha Natyam, Kuchupudi and contemporary & Folk dances. He has had a distinguished career as a performer, choreographer and teacher for the past two decades. He has done the choreography for “Mrichchakatikam”- an ancient Sanskrit play.

Thunjan Parambu, located 32 kms. away from Malappuram at Tirur, is the first place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language. This place has been preserved for posterity. The stylus (ancient writing – implement) used by this great scholar and literary giant, Thunchath Ezhuthachan, has been kept on display. On the holy day of Vijayadasami, children are being brought here to be initiated in to the world of education and knowledge. Also preserved and exhibited here as one of the most treasured items, is the ancient Kanjira tree (Nux Vomica). Under this Kanjira tree, Thunjath Ezhuthachan is believed to have imparted knowledge to his disciples and also composed this poems. There is also a memorial housing a granite Saraswathi Mandapam along with a literary of rare manuscripts.

Pookkottur is a magnificent  Agricultural village situated in Ernadu Taluk of Malappuram District. It occupies on area of 2063.15 hectares, covering Pookkottur and Valluambram.

Pookkottur, once known for its serene and green scenery, is now changing in to modern luring conditions.

Pookkottur has a golden history. It has started as an agricultural villagefrom 1900. Pookkottur then belonged to Nilambur Kovilakam became later a place of immense importance and attraction in 1921, after the invasion of Tippu Sulthan. The war between the Natives of Pookkottur and its supporters with British army, made Pookkottur very famous. This place was acclaimed as the foist place in British India where the people mustered courage and directly battled with the British Raj. During this period, the land lord-tenant issue flared up and the spirit of independent movement caught up and spread among the people like a wildfire.

The combined movementof Khilafat followed by non-cooperation brought the people in to the path of independent struggle. This independent struggle against the British anarchy and the arrest of large number of people did not dampen their morale and spirit instead, they become more spirited and determined in fighting against the British misrule.

Kuttipuram is town in Malappuram District, between Edappal and Kozhikkode. Bharathappuzha, the longest river of Kerala, flows through Kuttipuram. It is also known as the important railway station in Malappuram District. CALICUT  INTERNATIONAL  AIRPORT ( IATA : CCJ, ICAO : VOCL )
It is also known as Karipur Airport, for it is located at Karipur in the Malapuram District, near Kozhikode (Calicut) in Kerala State.

This Airport is located 26 kms. away from the Calicut Railway station and 27 kms. away from the Manjery town. The closest Railway station to this Airport is at Feroke.

The Calicut international Airport ranks as the 12th business Airport in India In terms of the volume of passenger traffic. In terms of cargo handling, it is ranking as the 11th Airport.

This Airport is one of the three international airports located in Kerala. Calicut airport was given the status of International Airport on February 2, 2006, there by paving the way for improvement of infrastructure facilities for handling international flights. There is a story of struggle behind the selling up of this Airport. Sanction for this Airport was given after a long struggle which leg an in 1977 under the leadership of freedom fighter K.P.Kesava Menon .When the union government  had no funds for Development of the Airport, funds were collected from Gulf Malayalis in 1990. Also Malabar International Airport Development Society Was formed Later, Major works like extension of runway from 6,000ft (1,800m) to 9,000 ft (2,700m) for facilitating operation of wide-body aircraft were carried out with loans from the housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO). In order to pay back the loans, a user fee was introduced since then, the facilities of this Airport increased and also there has been steady increase in the volume of traffic in this Airport.

Manjery, 25 kms. from Calicut International Airport and 50 kms. from Kozhikode Railway station, is the commercial capital of Malappuram district. Manjery is closely associated with the National movement. Anakkayam, 4 kms. away from Manjery, was also the scene of the 1921 uprising. Another place Nellikkuth,6 kms. away from Manjery, also prominently figured in 1921 Malabar Revolt. This place also well known as the birth place of the freedom fighter Nellikkuth Ali Musliyar.

KADAMPUZHA
Kadampuzha is famous for its Bhagavathi Temple, which is said to have been set up by Jagadguru Sankaracharya. This Temple is located in Tirur Taluk of Melmury Village, just 3 kms. away north of Vellichira on the NH 47-17, connecting Calicut and Thrissur.

ANGADIPURAM
It is situated about 1.5 kms. west of Perinthalmanna on Madras-Calicut trunk road. Two well known temples called Thirumandhamkunnu and Tali are located here. Shoranur-Nilambur railway line passes by this place.

THIRUNAVAYA
This is a very ancient and famous temple located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. This Temple, which stands dedicated to Lord Shiva, was traditional venue of the rituals of Mamankam, an enactment of traditional marital arts by suicide squads.

VALIYA JUMA MASJID MALAPPURAM
This is a very important pilgrim centre for the muslims of Kerala. In April every year, a four day festival (Nercha) is celebrated at this Mosque. This festival draws large number of devotees. The famous mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds (Martyrs), whose brave exploits have been immortalized in the Mappila ballads, is situated close to this Mosque.

PAZHAYANGADI MOSQUE, KONDOTTI
This Mosque, 18 kms. east of Manjery and located at Kondotti on the way to Malappuram, is a 500 hundred year old famous Muslim pilgrim centre. A three day long Valia Nercha is celebrated at this Mosque every year in February/March. This Mosque is built in the memory of the Muslim Saint Muhammed Shah, Known as Kondotty Thangal.