Happy TravellerWelcome to Ponnani, a small town located in the state of Kerala in India. With a history that dates back to ancient times, Ponnani is a town steeped in culture, tradition, and legend. Situated at the estuary of Bharatappuzha (River Ponnani), on its southern bank, and bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Ponnani is a town that is blessed with natural beauty. It is the seventh-most populated municipality in the state, the second-most populated municipality in the district, and the most densely populated municipality in Malappuram district. As of the 2011 Census, the municipality forms a part of Malappuram metropolitan area. National Highway 66, from Panvel to Kanyakumari, passes through Ponnani Municipality, making it easily accessible.
Ponnani is a town that has seen the rise and fall of civilizations and is home to a vibrant history that still echoes through its streets. In the Middle Ages, under the ambitious Hindu chiefs of Kozhikode (the Samutiris/Zamorins), Ponnani developed as one of the most important centers of Muslim trade – both overseas and domestic – on the Arabian Sea. The port also served as the military headquarters of the Kozhikode rulers. With the arrival of the Portuguese explorers in the late – 15th century, the city witnessed several battles between the Admirals of Kozhikode and the Portuguese for the monopoly in the Spice Trade. Whenever a formal war was broke out between the Portuguese and the Kozhikode rulers, the Portuguese attacked and plundered, as the opportunity offered, the port of Ponnani. The relentless battles lead to the eventual decline of the settlement, with the exodus of Middle Eastern merchants, and the rulers who protected it.
The Ponnani Jumah Masjid, also known as Valiya Jumah Palli/Makhdum Mosque, was built in the 16th century AD. Ponnani, once known as the Little Mecca of Malabar and the Jamiat al-Azhar of Malabar, was a prominent center of Islamic learning. It is known that students from as far as Sumatra, Java and Sri Lanka traveled to Ponnani for their spiritual education. The town was described in many sources as the Land of 23½ Mosques. It currently has around 50 mosques, spread around the town.
Ponnani is also known for its natural beauty and wildlife. During the months of February and March, large number of migratory birds flock at Ponnani (both Ponnani and Patinjarekkara Beaches). Bharathappuzha, also known as the Ponnani River, has contributed much to the Malayalam literature. The town is nestled amidst the fertile plains suitable for rice cultivation, which might have attracted early settlers. The Palakkad Gap on the bank of River Bharathappuzha was the principal trade route between Malabar Coast and Coromandel Coast in ancient times. Ponnani is a place where you can experience nature in all its glory.
Come and explore the hidden treasures of Ponnani, where history, culture, and nature come together in perfect
