Thrissur
The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is synonymous with the world famous and spectacular Pooram Festival. The abode of several prominent culture centres including the Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahitya Academy and Sangeetha Nataka Academy. Thrissur has an extraordinarily rich past as well as vibrant present. From ancient times, this district with its cultural heritage and archaeological wealth has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran is the architect of the present Thrissur town.
Place to Visit
Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls: (63 km from Thrissur) The most famous waterfalls of Kerala, Athirapally and Vazhachal are situated on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges is the largest waterfall in Kerala, Athirapally, which stands tall at 80 feet. Just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. This is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered Hornbill species are seen.
Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy: (32 km north of Thrissur) Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its Kathakali training centre. This music and dance academy was founded by the famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here. Witness the classes here through the centre’s cultural tourism package and learn interesting things. Like, that there are 600 hand gestures and 9 facial rasas (emotions) that artistes must master. You can also sign up for a two-month crash course, if interested.
Punnathoor Kotta Elephant Sanctuary: (20 km from Guruvayoor. Open 09.00-06.00 hrs) The palace grounds of the erstwhile Rajas of Punnathoor is today home to 60 temple elephants. All the elephants here are offerings from the devotees and the camp is the only one of its kind in the world.
Muziris Heritage Village: (35 km from Thrissur) The ancient port city of Muziris, once a major centre for trade and commerce, was the gateway for various religious faiths like Christianity, Judaism, Islam and others. A thriving link in the Indo-Roman trade during the first century BC, merchants from a number of cultures are believed to have operated in this port. Gold coins, topaz, coral, copper, glass, wine and wheat were imported from afar, while pearl, diamonds, sapphire, ivory, silk, pepper and precious stones were exported from the Kerala coast. The Muziris Heritage Project is a unique heritage preservation-cum tourism project that provides circuit and timeline tours, culture tours, museum tours, backwater cruises etc. to help rediscover the imposing past of this exciting new find on the international archaeological map.
The State Museum and Zoo: (2 km from Thrissur: Open on all days except Mondays) The Art Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Zoo were built in the same compound in 1885. Covering an area of 13 ½ acres, the museums and the zoo are located at Chembukkavu.
Zoo: (Open 09.00-05.15 hrs on all days except Mondays) The zoo is home to a variety of fauna such as the endangered lion-tailed macaque, tiger, lion, sloth bear, several species of deer and many birds including the pink flamingos. The Snake Park has an impressive reptile collection of king cobras, kraits, vipers and rat snakes. Ph: 2333056
The Peechi Dam: (20 km east of Thrissur): Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1958, is one of Kerala’s oldest wildlife reserves. Formed around the twin reservoirs of Peechi and Vazhani, the sanctuary is a rich repository of bio-diversity with several endangered herbs, shrubs, rare medicinal plants and innumerable variety of orchids. The sanctuary also teems with about 176 species of birds and harbours all the major mammals found in India. The Forest Department offers several adventure packages including overnight stays in tents, bamboo rafting, bird watching, butterfly safari and trekking. A much sought-after picnic spot, the dam offers boating facilities. Tariff: Rs. 750 per head, inclusive of food. Children: Rs. 500. Minimum of 4 persons required.
Special Attractions
Archaeological Museum: (Near the Zoo, on Town Hall Road. Open 10.00-05.00 hrs on all days except Mondays and national holidays) The one-time summer palace of the Raja of Kollengode now houses a mélange of artefacts. The sati stones, hero and heroine stones, wooden models of the grand old temples of Kerala, huge burial pots, Harappan shards and menhirs are part of the exceptional collection seen here.
Art Museum: (Open 10.00-05.00 hrs on all days except Mondays) The art museum displays collections of wood carvings, metal sculptures, ancient jewellery, stone figurines and some Chinese and Japanese artefacts. A sample of kodakallu (Umbrella) stone), or prehistoric dolmen spotted around many places in Thrissur, can also be seen in the museum. The Kodakallu was a secondary burial site.
The Natural History Museum: (Open 10.00-05.00 hrs. No cameras allowed) Along with specimens of various animals, entomological objects and stone sculptures, it showcases the skeleton of the biggest elephant in India. It also has an interesting section displaying the costumes of Kerala. Ph: 2333056
Chavakkad Beach: (10 km from Guruvayoor) Easy to access, the beach is famous for the Azhimukam, the confluence of river and sea. On the other side of the beach is the Ramachapadam, a vast farmland of the Ayurvedic herb, Ramacham.
Chettuva Backwaters: (7 km south of Guruvayoor) Placid and scenic backwaters make Chettuva a popular tourist destination. Dotted with mangrove vegetation and islets, the place is known for the tranquility it offers.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary: (Varandarapilly Village, 37 km from Thrissur) Located in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur District, Chimmini is only a two-hour drive from Kochi. With its dense forests, a variety of birds and butterflies, and innumerable trekking trails, this is a sanctuary that provides a heady experience for nature enthusiasts. This is a sanctuary that provides a heady experience for nature enthusiasts. The Forest Department organises trekking and bamboo rafting programmes in and around the sanctuary. But the best of all experience is the Moonlight Sonata, which involves rafting on full moon nights.
Fr. Gabriel Memorial Herbarium: (6 km from Thrissur city) An Ayurvedic and Herbal Garden located in Amala Medical College campus with a collection of more than 600 species of plants, both live and preserved.
Institute of Mural Painting: The institute which is situated at the Kizhakke Nada of Guruvayoor temple, functions in the traditional Gurukul system. Apart from the training in mural painting; Art history, Aesthetics, Sanskrit, Silpa texts, Dhyanasloka etc. are also taught here. The institute is open on all Government working days.
Sakthan Thampuran Palace: Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here you can see three shavakudeerams (tombs) including that of Sakthan Thampuran, the greatest ruler of the Cochin Dynasty. Ph: 0487-2323631
Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy: Also in Chembukkavu, the academy is housed in a beautiful building with a neat little art gallery. Artists in Kerala are supported through workshops, artist’s camps and exhibitions. Ph: 2333773, 2339262
Kerala Sahitya Academy: (En route to the Town Hall) Located in a sprawling bungalow, the academy was established in 1956 to promote Malayalam literature and the language. An autonomous body, the Sahitya Academy recognizes superior literary works every year through its prestigious literary awards. The building houses a splendid picture gallery of Malayalam litterateurs.
Ph: 2331069 Secretary Ph: 2331103
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy: (Chembukkavu) The centre was established to train, preserve and patronise music and dance. The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy sees regular expositions of theatre, dance, drama and folk art. A huge library holds exhaustive tomes on all these subjects. Ph: 2332134 Secretary Ph: 2335485
Kuthampully Handloom Village: (50 km northeast of Thrissur) A traditional cotton weaver’s village with around 600 Brahmin families, Kuthampully is well known for kasavu handloom weaving. Kuthampully saris are a favourite among womenfolk not only in Kerala, but also in other parts of the country.
Kodungalloor: (35 km from Thrissur) Once a maritime port of international repute because of its strategic location at the confluence of the Periyar River and the Arabian Sea, Kondugalloor was considered the gateway to ancient India or the Rome of the East, because of its status as a centre for trade. It was also the entry point of three major religions to India-Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Malakkapara: (56 km east of Athirapally) A small and beautiful hill station in the Sholayar rainforest.
Nattika Beach: (25 km west of Thrissur) A traditional fisherman’s village, Nattika beach shot to fame after becoming the location for one of the most famous Malayalam films, Chemmeen. Attractions include backwater cruises, country boat rides, elephant rides, cultural performances etc.
Thumboormuzhi River Gardens: (15 km west of Athirapally) A scenic spot by the Chalakudy River, the butterfly garden here attracts more than 148 varieties of butterflies. Open from 0900-1700 hrs.
Town Hall: (On Museum Road) An excellent monument of erstwhile Thrissur’s administrative, military and cultural history. It houses the Chitralayam Gallery, where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display, and also an excellent library and auditorium.
Vazhani Dam: (29 km from Thrissur) One of the largest earth dams in India, the Vazhani dam and garden offers a splendid view to visitors.
Vilangankunnu: (7 km from Thrissur) This beautiful hill is a good picnic spot. Ph: 2309340
Thalikulam Snehatheeram Beach: (25 km from Thrissur) A perfect picnic spot to spend the day or evening, visitors can enjoy the sandy shore, the beach park and lovely sunsets. Ph: 2622245
Places of Worship
Aaratupuzha Temple: (South of Thrissur on SH 22. Open 0500-1100 hrs, 05.00-08.00 hrs) The Aaratupuzha Village is known for the annual Pooram Festival held at this temple in April/May. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions where the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring temples are carried to this village. Ph: 0480-2791692
Ariyannoor Temple, Kandanisserry: This temple has a carved entrance gable which has been compared to the wooden sculptures of American artist Louise Nevelson.
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores: (Near the District Hospital. Service Timings: 06.00, 07.30 & 05.30 hrs, Sundays 10.00 hrs) Built in 1925, this church is popularly known as Puthen Palli. With its three-storeyed façade and even higher steeples that tower above the town’s skyline, this is claimed to be the biggest and tallest church in Asia. An architectural marvel, the church has triple towers built in the Gothic style, an array of 15 altars and musical church bells imported from Germany. The ceiling is adorned with beautiful mural paintings of the Holy Trinity. Other highlights are the wall paintings, the crypts and the Perpetual Adoration Centre. Visiting Hours - Tuesday to Friday: 10.00 hrs to 01.00 hrs -02.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 hrs to 01.00 hrs – 02.00 hrs to – 07.30 hrs. Ph: 2420906.
Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungalloor: (Open 05.30- 06.00 hrs) Located 2 km from Kodungalloor Town in Methala, this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in 629 AD, this is the first mosque to be built in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. The mosque is open to people of all faiths. Other places of interest nearby include the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, Cheramanparambu, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese Fort. Ph: 0480-2803170
Christian Divine Retreat Centres: They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudy, on the Kochi - Thrissur route.
Lourdes Cathedral: (St. Thomas College Road, Mass Timings: 06.00, 07.30 hrs and 10.40 hrs) This unique church which has an underground prayer chamber is the third biggest church in Thrissur. Established in 1885, it was elevated to a Cathedral in 1891. Ph: 0487-2333995
Guruvayoor: (29 km west of Thrissur. Open 03.00-12.30 hrs, 04.30-09.15 hrs) Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna Temple, considered the Dwaraka of the South. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, God of the winds. The eastern NADA is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There is also a 7 metre high Deepasthambam (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy. Renowned for its healing powers, people make an astonishing range of offerings here to the Lord. One of the most popular offerings is the Thulabharam, where devotees are weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery and coconuts equivalent to their weight. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Dress Code: Men and boys: White Dhotis; Women: Sarees or churidars; Young girls: Long skirts. www.guruvayurdevaswom.com
Accessing Guruvayoor
Air: The nearest international Airport: Nedumbassery (87 km)
Rail: Railway enquiry Ph: 2554300, 2556820
Train timings: Guruvayoor-Thiruvananthapuram : 0320, 0855 hrs
Guruvayoor-Ernakulam: 0645, 1320 hrs
Guruvayoor- Thrissur: 0855 hrs
Guruvayoor- Chennai: 0850 hrs
Road:Guruvayoor is connected by road with several important cities of India KSRTC enquiry Ph: 2556450
Guruvayoor Temple Museum: Located closer to the east Nada of Guruvayoor Temple.
Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple: (21 km from Thrissur. Open 03.00-11.30 hrs, 05.00-08.15 hrs) Situated 10 km away from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Sri Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity. The colourful eleven-day annual festival with a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants is held April/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala. Ph: 0480-2826631
Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, Kodungalloor: (Open 04.00-08.30 hrs, 11.30-12.00 hrs, 04.00-08.00 hrs) Located in the centre of Kodungalloor town, the deity of this temple is a majestic 6 feet high wooden image of Goddess Kali. The temple is famous for its annual Bharani festival. Ph: 0480-2803061
Mammiyoor Temple: (Open 04.00-12.30 hrs, 04.45-08.30 hrs) A visit to the Guruvayoor Temple is considered incomplete without a visit to this Siva Temple noted for its murals.
Marthoma Pontifical Shrine, Azhikode: (Open 09.00-06.00 hrs. Service Timings: Every hour) Based on the model of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, this shrine was built to commemorate the landing of St. Thomas in India. A painting depicts the scene of his arrival and within the church is enshrined the relic of his right arm, brought down from Ortona, Italy.
Martha Mariyam Chaldean Church: (Opposite the Police Club on High Road. Service Timings: Weekdays 07.00-08.00 hrs, 04.15-04.45 hrs; Sundays 07.30-09.30 hrs) Called the Valiya Palli or big church, because of its age, not size, this is the headquarters of the Chaldean Syrian church (Church of the East) in India, dating back to when Sakthan Thampuran settled 64 Syrian Christians in Thrissur around the end of the 18th century. Parts of the Mass are still held in Syriac and the congregation follows old rites. It has no pictorial representations of Christ inside the chapel, only the cross. The church has a lovely gabled façade and an ornately carved tulip-shaped pulpit.
Nalambalam Darshan: The month of Karkkidakam (July-August) is considered to be auspicious for the Nalambalam Darshan comprising the four temples of Rama at Triprayar, Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam (in Ernakulam) and the Shatrughna Temple at Payemmel. The Nalambalam Circuit lies within the triangle formed by Guruvayoor, Ernakulam and Kodungalloor and a visit to these temples must be completed in a single day. Ph: 0487-2331124
Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple: Situated near the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur, Paramekkavu is one of the largest Devi temples in Kerala and is also one of the participating temples in the Thrissur Pooram. The ceremonial procession with fifteen caparisoned elephants from Paramekkavu to the Vadakkumnathan Temple, where the Pooram is held, is a truly captivating sight.
Palayur Church: The oldest church in India, this was founded by St. Thomas who is believed to have come to Kerala in 52 AD. The main entrance of the church is decorated with 14 life-sized, granite statues depicting various scenes from the life of St. Thomas. Other highlights include Thaliyakulam- a pond where St. Thomas baptized the local people, a replica of Little Mount in Chennai where he died, and a historical museum. The Thaliyakulam is said to have miraculous powers of healing and a community baptism is held here once a month. Close by is the Chavakkad Beach and the 100 ft high Chetwa Lighthouse.
Siva Temple, Thiruvanchikulam: The Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Siva, is located in the same vicinity as the Cheraman Juma Masjid. The porch is adorned with carvings dedicated to the heroes of the Ramayana.
Sree Rama Temple, Triprayar: (Open 04.30-12.00 hrs, 04.30-08.00 hrs) The exquisite woodcarvings, sculptures and mural paintings are a feast for the eyes. Nangiar Koothu, a local theatre for enacting scenes from the Ramayana, is offered as a worship service in the temple premises. Ph: 0487-2391375
St. Mary’s Forane Church, Koratty: (15 km from Kochi International Airport) Also known as the Church of Koratty Muthy, this church was established in 1381. As a pilgrimage centre, this shrine is second only to Velankanni. The Koratty Muthy is said to shower her blessings on all who visit her, regardless of caste and creed. The annual feast falls on the Saturday and Sunday following the 10th of October, during which the statue of Koratty Muthy is taken out in a procession from the church. An important offering here is the poovankula (bunch of plantain).
St. Francis Xavier’s Church: More than being just a religious centre, this is a church with a rich history. The world’s first Anglo Indian museum is situated here. The remains of the church, the adjacent St. Paul Cemetery and the Press, destroyed during the onslaught of Tipu Sultan, have been preserved at the Sambaloor History Museum. Also housing the burial chambers of some of the famous saints of yesteryear, the St. Francis Xavier’s Church, is a must see for all those religiously and historically inclined.
The Holy Cross Church, Mapranam: One of the oldest churches in Kerala, this religious centre has played an important part in the emergence of Christianity in India. This is one church that combines and practices the cultural, spiritual and ethical values of Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. Huge candles which weight as much as the devotee is a major offering here and the church is included in the Limca Book of Records for owning ‘the largest candle in India’. Annual feast of Holy Cross Church: September 14th.
Thiruvambady Temple: The Thiruvambady Temple in the Thrissur district is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple is one of the major participants of the Thrissur pooram and the colourful procession, called the Madathilvaravu, from this temple to the Vadakkumnathan temple as a part of the Pooram ceremony is well known all over Kerala.
Urakam Amma Thiruvadi Temple: (13 km, en route to Aaratupuzha Temple) This Devi Temple was set up by a Namboodiri to avert disasters that continually befell this place. The idol here is unique and is cleaned only with peacock feathers.
Vadakkumnathan Temple: (Open 04.00-10.30 hrs, 05.00-08.30 hrs) Believed to have been built by Lord Parasurama who reclaimed Kerala from the sea, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is one of the oldest in the State. A classic example of the Kerala style of architecture, the temple has many decorative murals and pieces of art. Exquisite murals on the Mahabharata adorn the walls of the shrine. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram Festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the Pooram are a spectacular sight. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the temple.
