Malappuram literally means a terraced place atop hill. Lush coconut plantations-hallmark of the district-are bordered by Arabian Sea on the west and NiIgiri Hills on the east. The district has the highest birthrate in Kerala ( 28.74 per cent). Money orders from the Gulf countries are the backbone of the district's economy. Malappuram villages have most of the ancient Hindu, Muslim families in the state. Several places in the district are akin to legendary figures in Malayalam literature. It also has a unique position in the history; its people were the first to raise the flag of rebellion against the British Colonial Authority with the Mappilla revolt of 1921 being the bloodiest.

Thirur : Associated with Wagon tragedy, a black day in the history of freedom struggle. Poet Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language, lived here in the 16 the century.

Nilambur : Famous for teak and bamboo plantations. Kanoli plot; the oldest teak plantation in the world.The only teak museum in the Country.

Thanur : One of the first Portuguese colonies in the country. St. Francis Xavier visited the coastal town in 1546