The district of Malappuram, which literally means a terraced place atop hills, was carved out of the districts of Kozhikode and Palakkad in 1969. Malappuram figures prominently in history as the place which frequently questioned British Colonial authority. Most of the famous Mappilla revolts of Malabar, which took place between 1792 and 1921, occurred in areas now under Malappuram district. In fact, it was to tame the Mappillas that the Malabar Special Police, symbol of British colonial oppression and tyranny, was formed in 1852. Malappuram has always enjoyed the status of a military headquarters. The Zamorin of Kozhikode, for instance, consolidated his conquests and built a palace at the then important Malabar sea port of Ponnani in Malappuram. 

Although Malappuram lags behind the state's other districts in terms of standards of literacy and education, paradoxically, the district has contributed in no small measure to Kerala's cultural traditions. It has been a centre for Vedic learning and teaching and Ponnani enjoyed a similar status as an important centre for education in the philosophy of Islam. Celebrated Mappilla poets and the famous dance, 'opana pattu' of Mappilla women originated here. The father of Malayalam literature, Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the classical epic poet, was born in Trikandiyoor in this district. 

 The Chaliyar and Kadalundi rivers are two of the six which flow through this district. On top of the hill overlooking the Kadalundi river is the old Haig barracks, founded by the British, now the headquarters of the district administration. At the foot of the Cantonment Hill is the maidan called Kottappadi ('fort gate'), though today there are only traces of the old fort built by the British to protect Malappuram from the occupation of Malabar by Mysore. The Jama-at mosque here is important to Kerala's Muslims. The annual 'nercha' festival of the mosque is celebrated for four days in April. Adjoining the mosque is a mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds whose brave exploits have been immortalised in Mappilla was ballads. An important religious centre for both Muslims and Hindus, Angadippuram has the Tirumandhankunnu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga as well as the Puthanangadi Mosque which has Arabic inscriptions engraved on one of its planks.

Thirunavaya: 
Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this is a place of great historical importance. 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 held for the last time in 1755. Today Thirunavaya temple is also a famous pilgrim centre.

Kottakkal: 
This small town is home to the famous Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institution 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.

Tirur: 
The birthplace of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of Malayalee children are initiated into the wonders of writing when they first trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabets in sand taken from that revered spot which was Ezhuthachan's home.

Nilambur: 
This is the original home of the Cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe of Kerala. The extensively forested land is also well known for its bamboo woods and canolly's plot, the world's oldest teak plantation.

Tanur: 
this coastal town, supposed to be one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese, has a chapel which was built in 1513. This place was visited by St. Francis Xavier in 1546. The Trikkayikkad Temple here contains exquisite mural paintings. Tanur is also an important marine fishing centre.

Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna: 
The temple, is located about 3 Km west of Angadipuram, is dedicated to Goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual Pooram festival celebrated in March/April attracts large gatherings of devotees.
The Jama-at Mosque 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 Valia Nercha feast at this 500 years old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February/March, is more of a local cultural event with people from all communities participating.

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 varieties of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. A hillock which is 200 m 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.

Padinjharekara Beach: 
At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluences of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea.
Kadampuzha: It is famous for its Bhagavathy Temple said to have been set up by Sree Sankaracharya, the philosopher.

Mumburam: 
The shrine and mausoleum of the Thangals in AR Nagar Village is a major piligrimage centre.