[13][14] Malappuram is also the first Indian municipal body to achieve the International Organization for Standardization certificate.

However, there are some pre-historic relics, particularly Rock-cut caves found in some parts of the city like Oorakam, Melmuri, Ponmala, Vengara etc.

Notably, the 1500-year-old Jain Temple above 2000 ft sea level at Oorakam Hill of Malappuram undoubtedly proves the same.

[25] Eranad was ruled by a Samanthan Nair clan known as Eradis, similar to the Vellodis of neighbouring Valluvanad and Nedungadis of Nedunganad.

Archaeological relics found in Malappuram also include the remnants of palaces of the eastern branch of the Zamorin reign.

[28] The British established the Haigh Barracks on top of the hill of Malappuram, at the bank of the Kadalundi river to station their forces, where once Tipu had a fort.

Main Barracks has now been turned into the seat of the district administration as Civil Station, Malappuram.

[29][25] Malappuram was the headquarters of one of the five revenue divisions of erstwhile Malabar district, the others being at Thalassery, Kozhikode, Palakkad and Fort Cochin.

[31] Inscription of the Malappuram Taluk Board can still be seen on the wall of one of the remaining wells constructed in 1916, over 100 years ago at Valiyangadi in the city.

[32][33] Offices of the Divisional Revenue Magistrate and Assistant Superintendent of Police of Malabar district were located at Malappuram.

The name Kottakunnu comes from the fort built here when the area was the military headquarters of the Calicut rulers Zamorins.

As the name suggests, it is covered with small mountains of lush greenery, bonded with several freshwater streams flowing through the city.

[35] Malappuram is one of the few municipalities in the state with a tremendous track record of keeping the city clean.

The best season to visit Malappuram is during the months of September to March as the weather conditions are quite pleasant.

For administrative purposes, the city is divided into 40 wards, from which the members of the municipal council are elected for five years.

[45] Malappuram is the only city in Kerala with a million-plus urban agglomeration that is yet to be upgraded to a Municipal Corporation.

Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Madhyamam, Chandrika, Deshabhimani, Suprabhaatham dailies have their printing centres in and around the city.

Malappuram Press Club is also situated at UP Hill adjacent to Municipal Town Hall.

Even without any private FM stations, Malappuram finds a place in Top Ten Towns with Highest Radio Listenership in India.

[65] There is a multiplex and four standalone cinema halls that screen movies in Malayalam, Tamil, English and Hindi.

Even without any private FM stations, Malappuram, Ponnani, and Tirur, find their own places in the ten towns with the highest radio listenership in India.

[68] Malabar Special Police HSS is one of the best achievers in the Indian inter-school football tournaments.

[69] It is also the runner up team of 53rd and 55th Subroto Cup international Inter-school football tournament held at Delhi.