Malabar

Malabar (മലബാർ Malabāṟ), a region of the Indian state of Kerala (Keralam), is historically famous as a major spice trade centre, and was the port of first call for Vasco da Gama on his maiden voyage on the Cape Route.

The region is divided into five districts, arranged north to south:

Here are nine of the most notable cities.

• 11.1875.821 Beypore — known for the walk into the sea, 1 km long Pulimoottu
• 11.61027876.0827782 Kalpetta — famous for beautiful tea estates at Meppadi
• 11.86888975.3555563 Kannur (Cannanore) — famous for Theyyam temple dance
• 12.50138974.994 Kasaragod — District headquarters of Kasaragod district. Forts, temples, beaches and back waters
• 10.99954476.0019585 Kottakkal — known for its herbal medicines and massages
• 11.24777875.7802786 Kozhikode (Calicut) — largest city in Malabar
• 11.98298175.4020697 Parassinikkadavu — known for the cute riverside temple
• 11.7575.498 Thalassery — famous for its beautiful beaches

• 11.8476376.08531 Begur Wildlife Sanctuary — dense lush green trees with a huge variety of animals such as deer, elephant and tigers besides a large number of birds
• 11.64676.3642 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary — at Muthanga, near Sultan Battery, home to large population of elephants, and other wildlife, including some tigers

The name "Malabar" (muh-luh-bahr) is derived from Malayalam mala (മല, "hill" or "mountain") and Persian bār (بار, "coast"), meaning "hill coast". It is reminiscent of the native Malayalam name Malavaraṁ (മലവരം), literally the "land of mountain".

Malabar was a district of British India until 1947. After Indian independence, Malabar became part of the state of Kerala and was divided into six new districts. The people of Malabar are very friendly and respond reasonably well when you speak to them in English or Hindi.

Malabar is the area of Southern India that receives the heaviest rainfall per year, particularly during the monsoon season.

Malayalam is the local language but English is generally understood.

Malabar is served by three main airports:

• Calicut International Airport (CCJ)near Kozhikode, 11.13611175.9551 .  (updated Oct 2026)
• Kannur International Airport (CNN) near Kannur, 11.91988575.5480432 .  (updated Oct 2026)

• Mangalore International Airport (IXE) in neighbouring Karnataka 12.96194474.8897223 .  (updated Oct 2026).

Calicut International Airport is approximately 25–30 km from Kozhikode city, while Kannur International Airport is about 25 km from Kannur. Taxis and road transport are available from the airports. Calicut International Airport has domestic connections to major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, as well as international connections, particularly to destinations in the Middle East. Check flight schedules and fares before travelling.

The railway is one of the most convenient ways to reach Malabar. The main stations include

• Kozhikode (CLT) 11.24623475.7804074 .  (updated Oct 2026)
• Kannur (CAN) 11.87069475.3683275 .  (updated Oct 2026),
• Thalassery (TLY) 11.7531475.4929876 .  (updated Oct 2026)
• Tirur (TIR)

They are served by trains connecting the region with cities such as Mangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram. For example, trains from Kozhikode to Kannur cover approximately 89 km in around 1–2 hours. Indicative fares start at about ₹65–70 for second-class or unreserved travel, while reserved tickets cost more depending on the train and class. Some services make the journey in approximately one hour.

Malabar has an extensive bus network connecting its towns, villages and neighbouring states. Government buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses serve routes between Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, Malappuram, Wayanad and other destinations. Long-distance buses also connect the region with Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kochi, Chennai and Mangalore. Ordinary buses are generally the cheapest option, while fast passenger, super-fast and air-conditioned services cost more. Local bus fares depend on the distance and type of service. Check the current fare with the operator or at the bus station. KSRTC routes and services can be checked on the official KSRTC website. .  (updated Oct 2026)

Malabar is connected to the rest of Kerala and neighbouring Karnataka through a network of national highways.

• NH 66 follows the western coast and connects major towns, including Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode and destinations farther south.
• NH 766 connects Kozhikode with Wayanad and continues towards Mysuru and Bengaluru.
• NH 966 connects Kozhikode with Malappuram and Palakkad.

Travellers can drive, hire a taxi or use intercity buses. Travel times depend on traffic, weather and road conditions. The mountain roads towards Wayanad can be winding, and restrictions may apply on certain routes at night.

Taxis are available at airports, railway stations and major bus terminals. They can be hired for local journeys or longer trips between towns. Agree on the fare before departure or confirm the price through a booking service.

Auto-rickshaws are widely used for short journeys within towns. Fares depend on the distance and applicable local rates, so confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip.

Malabar has a long maritime history, and ports such as Kozhikode and Beypore remain important coastal landmarks. However, these ports should not be assumed to offer regular passenger services for tourists. Local ferry services operate in some waterways and backwater areas, but routes and availability vary by location. Check locally for passenger ferry services before planning a journey by water.

• Theyyam Folk Dance and Rituals - Malabar is known for the "Theyyam" folk dance which are part of the "Kavu" festivals. Kavu Festivals are celebrated from the end of December to April and especially during February and March.
• Visit Wayanad which is a famous hill resort in North Kerala. Wayanad is known for its spices, waterfalls and wildlife.
• Travellers can visit some of the famous beaches of Malabar. Bekal Beach in Kasargod, Payyambalam Beach in Kannur, Muzhappilangad Beach and Dharmadam Island in Thalassery, Beypore Beach in Kozhikkode, Kappad Beach in Kozhikkode are all famous beaches in Malabar.
• Bekal Fort in Kasargod District, St. Angelo Fort in Kannur, Thalassery Fort, Palakkad Fort excellent forts to visit. They offer rich architectural vistas and an excellent dose of history.
• There are 3 water theme parks in Kannur District that are worth visiting. They are Vismaya, Sadhoo Merry Kingdom and Jukis.
• Thirayattam is one of the most outstanding ethnic performing art of Kerala state in India. This Ritualistic annual celebration enacted in courtyards of sacred groves and village shrines of south malabar region (Kozhikode & malappuram Dt: )at Kerala. This vibrant ethnic art form manifested to place the deities and rapid in movements. The word "Thirayattam" refers to a 'colourful dance'. It is an admixture of dance, drama, song, instrumental music, facilal & body makeup, martial art and rituals composed in a harmonizing manner. Thirayattam differs from other performance by this unique customs tradition and artistity. Thirayattam is performed in the courtyards of Kaavu (sacred groves) with accompaniment of traditional torch - light (coconut palm leaves) and big drum beets. It reflects the antique life style and tradition through the unique customs. kaavu (sacred groves) are thick vegetation isolated for divine purpose. Thirayattam annual festival in between January and April.

Malabar cuisine, which its residents consider to be the tastiest varieties of Kerala cuisine, is distinguished by the preparation style and unique recipes. It is a style that arose from the blending of Arab, Brahmin, Zamorin, and Chirakkal cultural influences. You will find that Malabar offers a full range of vegetarian options. There are plenty of non-vegetarian dish varieties for omnivores, too. Dishes are accompanied by a plethora of distinctive rice preparations, rice breads, and flatbreads. Malabar also has an unusually bountiful selection of traditional Indian snacks. The extreme north of Malabar has a large presence of Konkani influence, with distinctive recipes focusing more on seafood.

• Dum biryani - One of Malabar's most distinctive specialties.
• Malabar paratha - The local variant of the unleavened flatbread is especially fluffy and soft.
• Pathiri - A type of rice bread.
• Rice - Popular preparations include ghee rice, saffron rice, and fried rice.

However today most of the style varieties are available throughout Kerala and though unique food specialties needed to be tasted at its own place.

Beer and wine are easily available. Stronger drinks are available only in five-star hotels.

Malabar is free from violent crime but not free from petty thieves. Police usually rescues tourists trapped in bus stations. Tourists should take care while roaming forest areas, but be careful in lonely treks.

• Central Kerala
• Mysore
• Ooty