Thrissur

Like a shining diamond in the centre of a bejeweled crown, Thrissur is situated right in the middle of Kerala. This “Cultural Capital” is a city whose heart is so stuffed with tradition and its warm inhabitants so very content with its past that it defies the cultural progress of this sylvan city. Covering an area of about 3032 sq. km, Thrissur is the fourth largest city in Kerala and has a rich cultural heritage and an interesting history. The name Thrissur originates from the word “Thriu shiva perur” which in the local language means “the abode of Lord Shiva”. The influential king Shakthan Thampuran is the architect of this beautiful city that is bedecked with ancient palaces, historic buildings, quaint temples and sprawling mansions. Built on elevated land around a 65 acre hillock on which the well known Vadakkumnathan temple elegantly stands, Thrissur attracts a flurry of tourists from the world over. Around 3.6 hectares of land called the Thekkinkadu surrounding the temple is bordered by a spacious circular road called the Swaraj Round. This Thrissur Round is the central reference point and is one of the largest roundabouts in India.

Vadakkumnathan temple If the area around the Round is the hub of the city’s business activity, then the area within the Round is the core of the city’s cultural and religious activities. Thrissur Pooram, the most extravagant temple festival of Kerala is held at the Thekkinkadu grounds in summer. The Thiruvambady temple and the Paremakkavu temple are friendly competitors in this colourful festival.  The Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral and the Basilica of Our lady of Dolours popularly known as Puthenpally are two historic churches in the heart of the city that attract believers. Spiritual experiences are further enhanced with an array of festivities that are religiously followed. The vibrant city comes to a stand still when the unique Pulikali is held as a part of Onam celebrations in the month of August or September. Trichur PooramThrissur is also an important commercial centre in South India and is famous for its traditional silks. Being the gold capital of India, it the clear favourite among wedding shoppers from across the state. Well connected by excellent roadways as well as rail, the nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery.

Arattupuzha temple

Situated about 15 kms from the Thrissur town is the 3000 year old Arattupuzha temple. The temple is set in the tranquil and serene village of Arattupuzha. This village temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ayyappa who is the presiding deity of the temple. An event called “Develop”, meaning the coming together of all the Gods and Goddesses at one place is hosted annually at the temple.
The people believe that there is a divine power emanating from the principal deity. This belief and faith bring home the devotees in flocks.

Archeological Museum

The archeological museum is an architectural wonder located on the Town Hall road of Thrissur. The museum has an impressive collection of mural paintings and relics, which are brought for display from across Kerala. Another valuable and must see possession of the museum is the collection of old manuscripts. Its claim to fame is that the script is written on dry palm leaves and they are referred to as Olagrandhangal.  Most of the artifacts and the spectacular show pieces that the museum proudly boasts of were recovered mainly from the dense forests of the Wayanad district in Kerala.

Athirapally Falls

Athirapally Falls Known as Gods own country for its unbeatable beauty, lush greenery and breath-taking scenery, the natural locations of Kerala further enhance the magic and splendor of this dream destination. The Athirapally Waterfalls is one such spectacular location. Situated at around 60 kms from Thrissur at the entrance of the Sholayar ranges, Athirapally is a popular tourist attraction and is undeniably one of the most famous picnic spots around that area.

Definitely a sight to behold, the Athirapally Waterfalls is aesthetically cradled in the middle of the emerald green forest at a height of around 80 ft. Starting calmly from the high ranges, the gushing, shimmering waterfalls, crashes through the gorges and  joins the Chalakudy River after a steep, plummeting drop of 80 ft. The mesmerizing sight of the Waterfall set against the backdrop of nature in its beauty best, provides an extremely tranquil atmosphere.

For the adventure buffs who love exploring, trekking along the banks of the Chalakudy River is the best way to get around and discover the areas surrounding the fall. There is a heavenly hill resort nearby called Valparai, which is famous for its sprawling green tea plantations and has a remarkably high elephant density.  Another relaxing and refreshing place to  visit around there is Anakkayam, which is about 20 km away from the Chalakudy River and has a lake with clear and soothing waters.

The Athirapally Waterfalls can be visited on all the days between 8.00 a.m and 6.00 p.m. There are small stalls there that sell  jute hats, bamboo wall hangings, wild honey and herbal stuff, making the place more tourist friendly. This paradise can be visited for its sheer beauty, elegance and tranquility!

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple

Guruvayoor The Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is about 5000 years old and is located in Thrissur district of Kerala. It is referred to as the “Dwarka of the South” and is one of the most important and sacred pilgrim centres in South India. The origin of this temple dedicated to Lord Krishna dates way back into the 16th century A.D. The best way to reach Guruvayur is by road. It is a belief that Lord Brahma himself had worshipped this idol when it was at Dwarka. The temple also houses the idols of Lord Ganapathi, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy.

According to Hindu legends, when the holy city of Dwarka got submerged in the sea, the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was destroyed. Consequently, the preceptor of Gods, namely, Guru and the God of Winds who is Vayu, were honoured with the task of finding a similar holy site for constructing a new temple. The place that was finally selected was named Guruvayur and the deity was respectfully called Guruvayurappan.

Famous for its magical healing powers powers it is the most preferred sacred site and is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number of marriages and annaprasanam ceremonies (the ritual first rice meal for infants). Though shrouded in mystery and legends, a visit to this historic temple will enlighten you about the religious beliefs of Kerala and enrich your knowledge about its traditions. The walls of the temple are decorated with exquisite paintings and large murals. The flagstaff is a single column of teak wood that is covered with bell metal and then plated with gold. Only Hindus are permitted inside the temple. The great religious leader Adi Shankaracharya is said to have laid down the worship protocol that is followed here.

Mammiyoor Temple

MammiyoorThe Mammiyoor Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is just a kilometer away from the Guruvayur temple. The temple is a splendid structure and its grandeur is enhanced by the holy paintings and exquisitely carved sculptures.

Devotees with a total belief in legend and mythology regard the pilgrimage to Guruvayur as complete and fruitful only if followed with a darsan at Mammiyoor Temple. Tourists may seek blessings any time between 4.30 a.m and 12.30 p.m in the mornings and from 4.30 p.m to 8.30 p.m in the evenings.

Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple. Though the Guruvayur temple is more famous and is considered to be the main tourist attraction, the Mammiyoor Temple manages to captivate its visitors with its quaint beauty, simple charm and serenity.

Paramekavu Bhagavathy temple

Paramekavu This temple is famous for being the biggest temple of Maa Bhagawaty in Kerala and is considered to be over a 1000 years old.  Goddess Paramekavu Bhagawathy is the principal deity of the temple. An annual parade that takes place between the temples of Paremakavu and Vadakkumnathan is a great visual treat for any tourist.

An active participant in the Thrissur pooram celebrations, the temple is also credited with the traditional orchestra called ‘Palachottil Melom’.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace

The grand Shakthan Thampuran Palace is located well within the Thrissur town. The royal grandeur of the Kochi rulers can be witnessed in the architecture of the palace. The palace has interesting and detailed memorabilia that narrate the historic milestones of the Kochi kings. Initially known as the Vadakkechira Kovilakam, it was renovated and remodeled under the expert guidance of the king Shakthan Thampuran and has been preserved in that manner till date.

The palace is a two storeyed structure which is built in the traditional Kerala style called Naalukettu. Sarpakaavu, an ancient serpent grove where devotees offer prayers to the serpent gods forms an integral part of the palace complex.

State Museum

Located in an expanse of 5.5 hectors by the Town hall road is the State Museum. Established in the year 1885, it stands in the heart of the town, just 2 kms. from the Thrissur Railway Station. Among the various sections of the museum, the Art section has an interesting collection of ancient sculptures and kathakali statuettes. The natural history section has realistic exhibits of the different animals found in the region. The State Museum also has unique traditional jewellery items on display.

Tomb of Shakthan Thampuran

The Tomb of Shakthan Thampuran present within the palace complex is now preserved by the Archeological department.  The design of the tomb of the erstwhile king, Shakthan Thampuran is a fusion of the Dutch and Kerala style of architecture.

Vadakkumnathan Temple

Vadakkumnathan In a place famous for many state-of-the-art architectural temples, the Vadakkumnathan Temple takes credit for being one of the oldest temple complexes in Kerala and one of the largest in South India. The temple is a classic specimen of rich Kerala style architecture and possesses several decorative murals depicting Indian epics, art pieces and sculptures.

The temple stands atop a beautiful hillock in the heart of Thrissur, overlooking the town. The vast 64 acre expanse around the temple is called Tekkinkadu, meaning Teakwood forest. A massive stone wall encircling an area of nearly 9 acres provides strong protection around the temple. The temple has four majestic gopuras with intricate woodwork. These lofty pillars around the main shrine indicate the four cardinal directions – North, South, East and West. The temple encloses a central complex having three main shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva or Vadakkumnathan, Sankaranarayana and Lord Rama.

Being the venue of the world famous Pooram festival, the temple attracts devotees, visitors and tourists from all over the world. During this festive season, Thrissur, turns into a town of music and mirth. Celebrated annually in the month of April-May, this strikingly colourful temple festival combines the majestic pageant of decorated tuskers, the frenzied drumming and the rhythmic beat of the cymbals that reaches a sensual tempo.  It concludes with a brilliant display of dazzling fireworks in the evening that continues till the wee hours of the next morning. Like many other temples in Thrissur, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. The morning worship begins at 3.00 a.m and closes at around 10.30 a.m. It opens again at 4.00 p.m and closes at 8.30 p.m after the Trippuka, which is the last rite for the day. The temple has a serene atmosphere, associated with age and centuries of devotion.

Vazhachal Falls

Vazhachal Water Falls Nestled in the middle of misty mountains, the Vazhachal Falls is located approximately 3 km from Athirappilly. This picturesque waterfall is spaciously settled along the boundary of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala and is a popular picnic spot as well. It off shoots from the Chalakkudy River and its crystal cascade of cool waters set against the backdrop of lush evergreen forest dotted with the rocky terrain is an awesome sight. As one travels from Athirappilly to Vazhachal a small waterfall midway through the route captivates the beholder.

Peechi Dam

Peechi, a small, rustic town situated about 20 kms east of Thrissur shot to fame with the construction of the Peechi Dam across the river Manali. Primarily an irrigation project, this 3200 acre spread of serene greenland is now a fascinating picnic spot. The Monsoons provide an excellent opportunity to bask in the magnificent sight of the fully filled reservoir with open shutters. Be it a cruise along the flowing river, the beauty of its botanical gardens or the exuberance of its rippling fountains, Peechi Dam is the unaminous choice to escape from the complexities of city life.

Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

Formed around the twin basins of the Peechi and Vazhni dams, the Peechi-Vazhni Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1958. Spread over an area of 125 sq. kms., the sanctuary shelters many mammals, carnivores, birds, snakes and a variety of orchids, medicinal plants and trees. A venture into the forest area may unravel spotted deer, barking deer, elephants and bison. A boat ride at the Lake as well as a visit to the Kerala Research Centre is an added attraction.

Punnathoor Kotta

Located about 2 kms from Guruvayoor, Punnathur Kotta was once the palace of a local ruler. The palace grounds now house over 60 elephants. The only one of its kind, Punnathur kotta is the official stable of the temple elephants that have been donated by devotees to the Guruvayur temple. These jumbos participate in many festivals that are held in the district.

Timings: 9 a.m to 6 p.m : Ph: 0487-2556004.

Cheruthuruthy

Cheruthuruty is a small village situated about 32 kms north of Thrissur. Here, the renowned cultural renaissance poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, founded the Kerala Kalamandalam to rescue the performing arts from a steady decline. Standing stylishing on the banks of the river Bharatapuzha, the Kalamandalam is well famed for its Kathakali Training Centre. Other stylized art forms like Mohiniyattom, Thullal and Koodiyattom are also taught here.

Palayur Church

Founded by St. Thomas who is believed to have reached Kerala in 52 AD, the Palayur church is claimed to be the oldest church in India. Granite statues at the entrance highlight the illustrious life of St. Thomas.  The church premise has Thalyakulam, a pond where St. Thomas baptized the local people and is known for its divine healing powers. A historical museum and a replica of the Little Mount where he died in Chennai are also seen there.

Cheraman Juma Masjid

Situated at the northern end of the Periyar river, the Cheraman Juma Masjid is located about 2 kms. from Kodungalloor town. Considered to be the oldest mosque in India and the second oldest in the world to offer Juma prayers, this mosque attracts visitors of all castes and creed. Built in 629 AD, the Cheraman Juma Masjid looks similar to a Hindu temple and unlike other mosques in Kerala, faces eastwards.

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1984, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Varandarapilly Village, 37 kms from Thrissur. Encircled by hills, its dense rain forests are the perfect haven for a variety of animals, birds, insects and plants. Trekking trails penetrating the depths of these forests initiated the Forest Department into organizing trekking programmes. An artificial lake has been formed here by of the erection of the Chimmini Dam across the Chimmini river. And the mother of all excursions is the Moonlight Sonata, which is the mystical experience of rafting at night in the sensuous light of the Full Moon.