Thrissur

Athirapally Waterfalls Punnathoor Kotta Nattika Beach Muziris Heritage Village Peechi Dam

MUST SEE

Area: 3032 Sq kms Population (2001): 29, 75,440 Altitude: Sea Level Clothing: Tropical Cottons Tourist Season: September to March

Thrissur, the land of Pooram, is the Cultural Capital of Kerala. Kerala Kalamandalam, The Kerala Sahithya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are all located here. The original name of this centrally located district of Kerala is Thrissivaperur in vernacular, which was distorted to Trichur. Thri is a Sanskrit prefix for thiru in Tamil both meaning Sri or something opulent. Ur is land. The land with the title of Siva = Thrissivaperur. The cultural heritage, historical importance, archeological acumen etc. make this district a class apart. Many rulers like The Zamorin of Kozhikode, Tippu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans contributed their share in shaping Thrissur. Raja Rama Varma of Kochi popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of Thrissur town. Thrissur is famous for the Pooram festival (AprilMay) which paved the way for her to find a covetable place in the world tourism map. Pooram is the grandest temple festivities in Kerala. It was Sakthan Thampuran who ordered for this festival to be celebrated in front of the sprawling Thekkinkadu ground.

Telephone Access Codes

Chalakudy ++ 91 480 Irinjalakuda ++ 91 480 Kodungalloor ++ 91 480 Kunnamkulam ++ 91 4885 Thrissur ++91 487 Vadakkancherry ++ 91 4884

Transport and Communication

Air - Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (58 km), Ph: 0484 2610115. Rail - Thrissur is well connected with the major towns in and outside Kerala by an extensive rail network. Ph: 0487 2440251. Railway enquiry - Ph: 139, 1397. Road - Thrissur is connected by road with several tourist centres and cities in India. Long distance buses and inter state buses operate from the KSRTC Bus Station, Ph: 0487 2421150. Long distance private buses operate from Sakthan Thampuran Bus Stand (1 kmfrom town) and North Bus Stand which is in the heart of the city. Local Transport - Buses, Taxis and Autorikshaws. Local private buses operate from Sakthan Thampuran Bus Stand (1 km away from the town) and North Bus Stand which is in the heart of the city. Tourist Information Offices - DTPC, Palace Road, Chembukkavu, Ph: 0487 2320800.

Places Interested

Anakkayam: (20 km from Chalakudy) This place offers an enchanting expereince to the visitors. On Sholayar Peringalkuthu road from Chalakudy this place is famous with a lake of cool and placid waters. The place got its name because some elephants had been drawn in this lake. Archelogical Museum: (Town Hall Road) Open 1000 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays and national holidays. Kerala State Zoo: Started in 1885 and Spread over in 5.5 hectors of land Kerala State Zoo is in Thrissur town. There are Zoological Garden, Botanical Garden, Art Museum and Natural History Museum in this compound. The Zoo has 315 animals in 46 species. Natural History Museum displays array of specimens of different kinds of animals. Open 0900 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays. Art Museum: Located in the Zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of wood-carvings,metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. The art museum is also a treasure of Kerala traditional lamps. Open 1000- 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays. Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple: The temple is built in typical Kerala architectural style and the important festival is Ekadesi in November/December.

Fascinating Destinations

Acquarium | Adur | Anakkayam | Arattupuzha | Archelogical Museum | Ariyannoor temple | Kandanisserry | Art Museum | Athirapally | Chalakkudy | Chavakkad | Cheraman Juma Masjid | Cheruthuruthy | Guruvayoor | Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary | Vazhachal | Divine Retreat Centres | Vilangankunnu | Kerala Museum and Zoo | Kodungalloor | Koodalmanikyam temple | Nattika Beach | Palayur | Peechi Dam | Punnathur Kotta | Saint Thomas Memorial | Shakthan Thampuran Palace | Sree Krishna Swamy Temple | St. Mary’s Forane Church | Koratty | Thiruvenkitachalapathy Temple | Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple | Vadakkumnathan Temple

Shakthan Thampuran Palace The marvelous sculptures add beauty to this Palace

Shakthan Thampuran Palace: Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of six acres. Here you can see three savakudeerams (tombs) including that of the renowned Shakthan Thampuran,the greatest ruler of Cochin dynasty. The marvelous sculptures add beauty to this Palace. Arattupuzha: This village is known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple in April-May, every year. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the idols of deities from 41 neighbouring villages, which are brought to the temple at night in procession on caparisoned elephants. This colourful festival attracts a large number of people from different parts of the state.

Ariyannoor temple, Kandanisserry: This temple has a carved entrance gable which has been compared to the wooden sculptures of American artist Louise Nevelson. The Siva temple at Thiruvanchikulam as well as the Sree Krishna temple at Thirukulash-ekharapuram are believed to be monuments from the 9th century.

Vazhachal: (68 km from Thrissur and 83 km from Kochi) Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river. Athirapally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala and favourite destinations of tourists.

Town Hall: Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display.

Divine Retreat Centres: In Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudy situate Divine Retreat Centres. Peoples gather from all parts of the country to meditate and pray in these centres.

Kodungalloor: Situated at the confluence of the Periyar river system with the Arabian Sea, Kodungalloor is a place of great historical interest. It was a great emporium of trade even before the dawn of Christian era. The jews, the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs came here with their merchandise. From here ivory, sandalwood, peacock’s feathers and cinnamon were exported to foreign countries. The Roman colonists are said to have founded here a temple in honour of Augustus. The Jews, Christians and Muhammedans all claim it as the place of their first settlement of India. Kodungalloor the farther south end of Thrissur district is specially noted for being the place where St. Thomas, the Apostle is said to have landed first, in AD 52. Cheraman Palli, one of the ancient Mosques is situated here proclaiming the centuries old Muslim tradition here. Kottappuram, a tiny town nearby, was a trading center. From Azhikkode in the west of Kodungallur to Nattika and Chavakkadu are fishing centers on the Arabian coast. Kodungallur is noted for the Durga temple here. Bharani festival and Kavutheendal are the main attraction.Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam temple and the Portuguese fort.

Cheraman Juma Masjid Built in 629 AD, this is the first mosque in India

Cheraman Juma Masjid: (2 km from Kodungalloor Town) Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in 629 AD, this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started.

Chalakkudy: It is a place of historical importance as it was here that Tipu Sultan established the base as his army was besieging the “Travancore Lines”. The town enjoys reputation of being one of the healthiest spots in the district. It is a place worthy of visit and sightseeing. A few miles away from Chalakkudy loacates Irrigation Project and 26 miles east of the town is the Peringalkuthu Hydro-electric project.

St. Mary’s Forane Church, Koratty: The church was established in 1381 and also known as ‘Koratty Muthy’. In the following Sunday of 10th Ocotber the church celebrates its annual festival and the procession during the feast is spectacular. Poovan Kula (Bunch of Plantain) is the main offering to the church to get blessing from the Holy Mary.

Koodalmanikyam temple: (21 km from Thrissur and 10 km from Irijalakuda Railway Station) This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the presiding deity. The temple is a telling example for architectural marvel.The Koothambalam here attracts huge crowd. The colourful elevenday annual festival with a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants is held in April - May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala. Many traditional artforms are performed during festival.

Athirapally Waterfalls Cascading from a height of 80 feet

Athirapally Waterfalls: (63 km from Thrissur and 78 km from Kochi) At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, this 80 ft high waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Athirapally is a unique water falls 19 kms from Chalakkudy in Thrissur district and 75 kms from Kochi.This picnic spot that attracts thousands daily is considered to be a gift of nature with not much distortation having been inflicted. Tourists, nature lovers and educationalist find this spot a wonderment. Athirapally has been the background for many motion pictures and movies in various Indian Languages which proclaims the importance or acceptability of the place. These waterfalls, near the entrance to the Sholayar ranges are of great scenic charm. Cascading from a height of 80 ft Athirapally waterfalls joins the Chalakkudy river.

Adur: The place is famous for Annamanada Temple. Annamanada was the venue of two historic interviews between the rulers of Travancore and Cochin in the later part of the eighteenth century. The famous Nedumkotta of Travancore Lines built by Dharma Raja of Travancore to meet the menace of the Mysore invasion passes through Adur.

Vadakkumnathan Temple classical example of the Kerala-style of architecture

Vadakkumnathan Temple: One of the oldest temples in the state, the Vadakkumnathan temple is a classical example of the Kerala-style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at Pooram are a spectacular sight. According to legends the temple which has sacred shines of Paramasiva, Parvathy, Sankaran-arayana, Ganapathy, Sree Rama and Sree Krishna is consecrated by Parasurama. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. Peechi Dam: (20 km east of Thrissur) It is a spectacular dam site with beauty of flowery gardens. This picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi dam.

Vilangankunnu: (7 km from Thrissur and open 0700-1900 hrs) This is a beautiful hill which is a good picnic spot. The children’s park offers amusement rides.

Saint Thomas Memorial: St. Thomas is belived to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the apostle houses holy relics from the olden days Chimmini Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary: (35 km from Thrissur) This wildlife sanctuary is the abode of flaura and fauna. Trekking is also added attractions here. Flaura includes evergreen forests, leaf sheding forests and fauna includes elephants, bears, wild pigs, leopards, wild bi sons, tigers etc.

Thrissur Pooram The grandest festival in Kerala

Thrissur Pooram: Thrissur is famous for the Pooram festival (April-May) which paved the way for her to find a covetable place in the world tourism map. Pooram is the grandest temple festivities in Kerala. It was Sakthan Thampuran who ordered for this festival to be celebrated in front of the sprawling Thekkinkadu ground. The king during one of his visits to Thrissur summoned his subjects and asked them to divide into two groups and arrange procession from Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples with 15 caparisoned elephants each. Apart from these 30 caparisoned tuskers there are 15 additional stand by. Kundamattom (exchange of decorated umbrellas) in different fascinating colours is a major attraction of Pooram. What is more exhilarating is the performance of instrumental music displayed in situ, a blend of all major Kerala musical instruments finding place. Panchavadyam, Pandimelam and Pancharimelam are the main one. Chenda(drum), Maddalam, Thimila, Edakka, Conch, Chengila, Kaalam, Kuzhal - everything. Fire work is yet another attraction. The sample fire work is held in the evening of the day before the previous day of Pooram while the real fire-work takes place at 3.00 in the following morning of the festival day. People of the town, mainly traders, partake the huge expenses involved without any petty feelings of caste or creed. Therefore Thrissur Pooram is the real festival of people of Kerala.

Sree Krishna Swamy Temple Famous pilgrim centre in Kerala

In an around Guruvayoor

Accessing Guruvayoor: Air : The nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (87 km). Ph - 0484 2610115 Rail - Guruvayoor is well connected with the major towns in and outside Kerala by an extensive rail network. Railway enquiry - Ph: 0487 2556820, 2554300. Road - Guruvayoor is connected by road with several tourist centres and cities in India. Long distance buses and inter state buses operate from the KSRTC Bus Station. Ph: 0487 2556450, 2556210. Guruvayoor: (29 km west of Thrissur) Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. Sree Krishna Swamy Temple: (Open: 0300 - 1330 hrs, 1630 - 2030 hrs) The temple, according to belief, was “constructed” by Guru, the precepter of Gods and Vayu, the wind God. After the deluge when the duo were avaiting they beheld a beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu floating in Sea waves. They carried the idol and consecrated inside the temple they built, for the amelioration of mankind. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure)there is a tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambham (flag-post). There is also a seven metre high Dipasta-mbham (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 Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Ph: 0487 2556280

Nattika Beach: It is the coastal village of Thrissur District, part of south Malabar is an upcoming potential destination of Tourism in Kerala. The historical importance of this region is not tapped yet. Starting from Muzris, Marthoma Church at Azhikode believed to be the place where St.Thomas landed in India, Cheraman Masjid the first Muslim mosque of India, Palayur Church where the first Christian baptized by St. Thomas in India, megalithic monuments umbrella stones and caves, Arnos Pathiri memorial at Veloor church, centuries old mural paintings at Velur and Pazhuvil churches etc are the sleeping histories in a radius of 30 km. The long stretch of land lie between pristine beach of Malabar coast and the National water way Canolie Canal and the Tippu Sulthan Road in between is the reminiscence of the Tippu Sulthan’s race. The golden sand beach is virgin and world class. Easily accessible from National Highway NH 17 from Triprayar in 3km and nearest Airport Kochi by 65 km. Nearest Railway Station and city centre is Thrissur and 25 km.

Cheruthuruthy: (32 km north of Thrissur) Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam.Thrissur is famous for being the headquarter of Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university devoted to promote classical arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Bharathanatyam, Kuchupudi, Vadyam, Thayambaka, Ashtapa-dikoothu and Koodiyattom. Classical Music, Kathakali Music, Musical Instruments like Chenda, Maddalam, Edakka, Thayambaka, Panchava-dyam etc. are also taught here. It was the great poet Vallathol Narayana Menon who established this institute which later became a land mark in history. Many teams of Kerala Kalamandalam have toured around the globe several times presenting Kathakali and other fine arts, thereby upholding the cultural values of India. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Sahitya Academy etc. are also situated in the heart of Thrissur Town. Chavakkad: The mausoleum of Haidross Kuttee, Haidor Ali’s Lieutenant is situated at the Manathala Desam near Chavakkad. Because of its assocaition with Haidross Kuttee Chavakkad is also known as Kuttingal.

Chowalloor Siva Temple: The hoary Chowalloor Siva Temple or Mahadeva Temple, as it is called is famed to be over centuries old. A unique feature of this temple is that in the two-tiered sreekovil or sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Lord Siva is seen facing West and that of His consort Sree Parvathy faces East. Thiruvenkitachalapathy Temple: The Thiruvenkitachalapathy temple situated at Thiruvenkidom Desom which is one kilometer north-east of the famous Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, is a great and unique shrine in many

respects. The most noteworthy point is that the Deity worshipped at this temple is the same Lord Venkitachalapathy, worshipped in the world famous Thirumala Thirupathi temple in Andhra Pradesh. Ph: 0487 2555394 Palayur: At Palayur, half a mile from Chavakkad Road is a Roman Syrian Christian Church which according to tradition is one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle, on the West Cost.

Ayurveda

Vaidyaratnam Nursing Home: One out of the acclaimed Vaidyaratnam Group of institutions, Vaidyaratnam Nursing Home fends for the holistic and restorative healthiness. Now a 98-bedded multi-speciality hospital (with NABH accreditation), the Nursing Home has been employing traditional Ashtavaidya methods complemented by the classic Kerala Ayurvedic healing, since 1951. It is situated at Thaikkattussery, Ollur, a peaceful and tranquil village near Thrissur in central Kerala. The Nursing Home provides Panchakarma treatments in its authentic form as stated in Thaliyolas (palm leaf manuscripts) and other revered doctrines of Ayurveda. Vaidyaratnam Nursing Home provides expert guidance from specialist doctors for rheumatic disorders like Cervical Spondylosis, Lumbar Spondylosis, Paralysis, Osteoarthritis etc. Ailments like skin disorders, pediatric diseases, gynaec disorders, PCOD and obesity are treated effectively with proven results. Specialist treatments are also offered for paralytic conditions, migraine, sinusitis, gastric problems and other lifestyle diseases. The Nursing Home is equipped with a highly developed physiotherapy centre, yoga hall, library, Wi-Fi connectivity, ambulance service etc. The pure vegetarian canteen serves special Indian Ayurveda cuisines to experience healthy eating. Advance IP booking is available. Accommodation facilities vary from premium cottages, suites, and deluxe rooms to general wards. For more details, contact 0487 2432832, 2432732. Email: nursinghome@vaidyaratnammooss.com, Website: www.vaidyaratnammooss.com See Advt in Page 141 Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum: The Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum is a ‘well thought of’ initiative by Vaidyaratnam Group to recount and uphold the legacy of the rich Ayurveda tradition. This pioneering project imparts the need of preserving history and heritage of Ayurvedic methods for times ahead. An audio-visual tour through the museum is a kind of enlightenment on various elements in Ayurveda. It unfolds the archaic history and evolution of Ayurveda through ages as well as its development until now, using various artefacts, sculptures, scriptures and pictures. An astounding 3D gallery displays the retrospective procedures to the contemporary developments in medicine manufacturing, additionally to various treatment techniques amended and upgraded over the ages. Furthermore, the museum acknowledges the connect of ancient Indian healing tradition and modern technology for an extended and amassed acceptance in the contemporary world. For more information: Vaidyaratnam Museum, Vaidyaratnam Road, Ollur Thaikkattussery, Thrissur, Kerala - 680 306, Ph: +91 487 2350230; Email: museum@vaidyaratnammooss.com, Website: www.vaidyaratnammooss.com

See Advt in Page 141