Malappuram is bounded by the Nilgiris hills on the East and the Arabian Sea on the west. District of Malappuram is literally the land atop the hills, is remarkable for its unique natural beauty. As the name suggests, it is covered with small mountains of lush greenery, bonded with several freshwater streams flowing through the city. Kadalundi Puzha, a major river in Kerala is flowing around the city. Home to the khilafath movement and the mappila revolts, which questioned the British authority in India, Malappuram was the military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times.