Once serving as the capital of the Valluvanad Kingdom, Perinthalmanna is a Malayalam-speaking town that is nestled amidst the rolling hills of Kerala. It’s clustered with historic temples and mosques dating from its ancient rule and is on the doorstep of a British hill station that offers a cool respite from the plains below.

Things to do

A short drive west of Perinthalmanna is the historic temple town of Angadippuram, home to the Thirumandhankunnu Bhagawathy Temple that was built by the rulers of the Valluvanad Kingdom. It’s dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathi, the family deity of the Valluvokonathiris, with its hilltop courtyard offering impressive views across the countryside below. Also in Angadippuram is the ornately decorated Tali Temple, which is renowned for its ancient Shiva linga.

For elevated views across Perinthalmanna, climb the small hill of Kulir Mala that rises to the town’s east. If you continue driving east, you’ll discover Kodikuthimala, a former British hill station that lies at the highest peak of the Amminikkadan Hills. Its watchtower offers sweeping views across the emerald green landscapes that surround the settlement while several hiking trails wind through its scenic grassy meadows.

North of Perinthalmanna is the historic home of the legendary poet Poonthanam Namboothiri, which is surrounded by picturesque rice paddies near Kamanan. Learn about his involvement with the Bhakti movement and his renowned masterpiece, “Janappana”, with it said that Lord Krishna himself approved of Poonthanam’s works.

Getting around

Kozhikode International Airport is around an hour’s drive from Perinthalmanna and the town is connected by long-distance buses to Coimbatore, Palakkad and Kozhikode. Buses are also available for getting around Perinthalmanna, as are rickshaws and private taxis.