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The name Thrissur is an abbreviation of Thrissivaperur, the abode of Lord Shiva, who resides at Vadakkumnatha Temple. The town is built around a hillock atop which is the temple. With its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth, it is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district 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 inluding the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region.
Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Shakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Today Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival. A cultural centre, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 3032 sq km Altitude: Sea level STD Code: 0487
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air: The nearest airport is Kochi (58 km
Rail: Thrissur is a major rail head.
Road: Thrissur is well connected with almost all the major towns and cities of India. There are 3 major bus stations in the town: The KSRTC bus station, near the railway station operates long distance and interstate services. Sakthan Thampuran bus stand is 1 km away from town and the north bus stand is in the heart of the town.
PLACES OF INTEREST
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.
The land around the temple was once a grove of teak trees and hence is called Thekkinkad or teak forest. 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 inside the temple. Timing: 0400-1100 hrs & 1700-2030 hrs.
Shaktan Tampuran Palace: This palace of the erstwhile Maharaja of Cochin has been converted into a Museum. Formerly known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam, the refurbished palace is a blend of the traditional Kerala and Dutch styles of architecture. It has the largest collection of excavated megalithic material in Kerala. Tel: 2323631, Timing: 0930-1700 hrs. Closed on Monday & public holidays. Entry Fee: Adult Rs. 10/-, Child Rs. 5/-.
State Museum and Zoo: Tel: 2333056Built together in the same compound in 1885 and covering an area of 13 ½ acres, the Art Museum, the Natural History Museum and the zoo are located at Chembukavu. Tel: 2333056, 2333110, Timing: 0900-1715 hrs. Entry Fee: Adult Rs. 8/-, Child Rs. 5/-, Closed on Mondays. Closed on Monday and public holidays.
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours: Located at Puthen Palli, near Jubilee Medical College. Timing: 0600-1700 hrs. With its 3-storeyed façade and even higher steeples, it is one of the biggest churches in Asia.
Martha Mariyam Chaldean Church: The present structure was constructed in 1814. The distinctive feature of this church is the absence of idols or pictorial representations of Christ. It still follows old rites and holds masses in Syriac. It has a lovely gabled façade and an ornately carved tulip shaped pulpit.
It is located opposite the Police Club on High Road. Lourdes Cathedral: Established in 1885, it was elevated to a Cathedral in 1891. A flight of steps, from the altar, leads to an underground chamber. Located on the Palakkad Road. Mass Timings: 0600 & 0730 hrs.
EXCURSIONS:
Chimmini: Located 25 Km from Amballur Junction on NH-47 en route to Thrissur from Kochi. (About 30 km from Thrissur town). The ideal time to visit is from October to May. Timing: 0600-1800 hrs. Entry Fee: Adult Rs. 10/-, Child Rs. 5/-. The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary which was established in 1984 lies contiguous with the Peechi-Vazhani and Parambikulam sanctuaries.
With its dense forests, variety of birds and butterflies and innumerable trekking trails, this is a sanctuary that provides a heady experience for nature enthusiasts. It spans an area of 85 Square Km on the western slopes of Nelliyampathi.
The Forest Department organizes trekking and bamboo rafting programmes, the highlight of which is the Moonlight Sonata. For info and trekking: Wildlife Warden, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmini Dam PO, Tel: 2699017.
Athirappalli and Vazhachal: Located 63 km and 68 km from Thrissur respectively. The two scenic waterfalls are on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Athirapalli is 170 Km from Kochi. Silver Storm Amusement Park,
Peechi–Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located 5 Km from Pattikkad Junction on NH 47 enroute to Palakkad from Thrissur. It is open all year round but the ideal time is from October to February. Timing: 0600-1800 hrs. Entry Fees: Adult Rs. 10/-, Child Rs. 5/-. For info on trekking and information: The Wildlife Warden, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi PO, Tel: 2699017, wlpeechi@sancharnet.in.
Established in 1958, this 125 Sq km sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur, in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli–Nelliampathy forests and forms the northern boundary of the Chimmini Sanctuary. Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy: 32 km north of Thrissur. One of the most revered places for the traditional art forms of Kerala, the Kalamandalam is the cradle of Kathakali training in India.
The Koothambalam (the traditional dance theatre) at Kalamandalam is the only one in the State which is built outside a temple complex. The Kerala Kalamandalam was established by allathol Narayana Menon, the renowned Malayalam poet. Over the years this unique institution has imparted training for Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Kootiyattam, Panchavadyam, Thullal etc - following the ancient gurukula system of education. Kerala Kalamandalam, Vallathol Nagar, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, Tel: 0488-4262418, 4262562, Fax: 4262019, Email: info@kalamandalam.org,
Arattupuzha: This village is known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple in April/May. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring temples to this village.
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.
Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam temple: (21 km from Thrissur). 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 in April/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala. During the months of April & May, pilgrims undertake the Nalambalam darshan covering the temples of Rama at Triprayar, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam (in Ernakulam), Shatrughna at Payamel and Bharata at Irinjalakuda.
Ariyannoor temple, Kandanisserry: This temple has a carved entrance gable. The Siva temple at Thiruvanchikulam and the Sri Krishna temple at Thirukulashekharapuram are believed to be monuments from the 9th century.
St. Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor: St. Thomas is believed 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.
Kodungalloor: The small town of Kodungalloor is situated 35 kilometres south of Thrissur. Kodungallur situated on the west coast, was once a great port of the Chera rulers of Tamilnadu and was known to the Greeks as Muziris. Kodungalloor is surrounded by backwaters and the sea. It is also famous as Cranganore.
The places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort. The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is of great renown. The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala.
Cheraman Juma Masjid: This mosque is believed to have been built in the 7th Century at the behest of the king, Cheraman Perumal, who embraced Islam and went to Mecca. It retains a bit of its original architecture in the interiors. It faces east unlike other mosques which faces towards Mecca. A huge bronze lamp continues to be kept lit inside.
Nattika Beach: It is equidistant (30 Km) from Thrissur, Kodungallur, Guruvayoor and Irinjalakkuda. It is 3 km from the temple town of Thriprayar. Accom: Kadappuram Beach Resorts, Nattika Beach PO, Tel: 2394988, 3090534, Fax: 2394988, Email: kadappuram@sancharnet.in,
www.kadappurambeachresorts.com.
The name Thrissur is an abbreviation of Thrissivaperur, the abode of Lord Shiva, who resides at Vadakkumnatha Temple. The town is built around a hillock atop which is the temple. With its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth, it is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district 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 inluding the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region.
Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Shakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Today Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival. A cultural centre, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 3032 sq km Altitude: Sea level STD Code: 0487
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air: The nearest airport is Kochi (58 km
Rail: Thrissur is a major rail head.
Road: Thrissur is well connected with almost all the major towns and cities of India. There are 3 major bus stations in the town: The KSRTC bus station, near the railway station operates long distance and interstate services. Sakthan Thampuran bus stand is 1 km away from town and the north bus stand is in the heart of the town.
PLACES OF INTEREST
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.
The land around the temple was once a grove of teak trees and hence is called Thekkinkad or teak forest. 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 inside the temple. Timing: 0400-1100 hrs & 1700-2030 hrs.
Shaktan Tampuran Palace: This palace of the erstwhile Maharaja of Cochin has been converted into a Museum. Formerly known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam, the refurbished palace is a blend of the traditional Kerala and Dutch styles of architecture. It has the largest collection of excavated megalithic material in Kerala. Tel: 2323631, Timing: 0930-1700 hrs. Closed on Monday & public holidays. Entry Fee: Adult Rs. 10/-, Child Rs. 5/-.
State Museum and Zoo: Tel: 2333056Built together in the same compound in 1885 and covering an area of 13 ½ acres, the Art Museum, the Natural History Museum and the zoo are located at Chembukavu. Tel: 2333056, 2333110, Timing: 0900-1715 hrs. Entry Fee: Adult Rs. 8/-, Child Rs. 5/-, Closed on Mondays. Closed on Monday and public holidays.
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours: Located at Puthen Palli, near Jubilee Medical College. Timing: 0600-1700 hrs. With its 3-storeyed façade and even higher steeples, it is one of the biggest churches in Asia.
Martha Mariyam Chaldean Church: The present structure was constructed in 1814. The distinctive feature of this church is the absence of idols or pictorial representations of Christ. It still follows old rites and holds masses in Syriac. It has a lovely gabled façade and an ornately carved tulip shaped pulpit.
It is located opposite the Police Club on High Road. Lourdes Cathedral: Established in 1885, it was elevated to a Cathedral in 1891. A flight of steps, from the altar, leads to an underground chamber. Located on the Palakkad Road. Mass Timings: 0600 & 0730 hrs.
EXCURSIONS:
Chimmini: Located 25 Km from Amballur Junction on NH-47 en route to Thrissur from Kochi. (About 30 km from Thrissur town). The ideal time to visit is from October to May. Timing: 0600-1800 hrs. Entry Fee: Adult Rs. 10/-, Child Rs. 5/-. The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary which was established in 1984 lies contiguous with the Peechi-Vazhani and Parambikulam sanctuaries.
With its dense forests, variety of birds and butterflies and innumerable trekking trails, this is a sanctuary that provides a heady experience for nature enthusiasts. It spans an area of 85 Square Km on the western slopes of Nelliyampathi.
The Forest Department organizes trekking and bamboo rafting programmes, the highlight of which is the Moonlight Sonata. For info and trekking: Wildlife Warden, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmini Dam PO, Tel: 2699017.
Athirappalli and Vazhachal: Located 63 km and 68 km from Thrissur respectively. The two scenic waterfalls are on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Athirapalli is 170 Km from Kochi. Silver Storm Amusement Park,
Peechi–Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located 5 Km from Pattikkad Junction on NH 47 enroute to Palakkad from Thrissur. It is open all year round but the ideal time is from October to February. Timing: 0600-1800 hrs. Entry Fees: Adult Rs. 10/-, Child Rs. 5/-. For info on trekking and information: The Wildlife Warden, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi PO, Tel: 2699017, wlpeechi@sancharnet.in.
Established in 1958, this 125 Sq km sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur, in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli–Nelliampathy forests and forms the northern boundary of the Chimmini Sanctuary. Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy: 32 km north of Thrissur. One of the most revered places for the traditional art forms of Kerala, the Kalamandalam is the cradle of Kathakali training in India.
The Koothambalam (the traditional dance theatre) at Kalamandalam is the only one in the State which is built outside a temple complex. The Kerala Kalamandalam was established by allathol Narayana Menon, the renowned Malayalam poet. Over the years this unique institution has imparted training for Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Kootiyattam, Panchavadyam, Thullal etc - following the ancient gurukula system of education. Kerala Kalamandalam, Vallathol Nagar, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, Tel: 0488-4262418, 4262562, Fax: 4262019, Email: info@kalamandalam.org,
Arattupuzha: This village is known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple in April/May. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring temples to this village.
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.
Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam temple: (21 km from Thrissur). 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 in April/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala. During the months of April & May, pilgrims undertake the Nalambalam darshan covering the temples of Rama at Triprayar, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam (in Ernakulam), Shatrughna at Payamel and Bharata at Irinjalakuda.
Ariyannoor temple, Kandanisserry: This temple has a carved entrance gable. The Siva temple at Thiruvanchikulam and the Sri Krishna temple at Thirukulashekharapuram are believed to be monuments from the 9th century.
St. Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor: St. Thomas is believed 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.
Kodungalloor: The small town of Kodungalloor is situated 35 kilometres south of Thrissur. Kodungallur situated on the west coast, was once a great port of the Chera rulers of Tamilnadu and was known to the Greeks as Muziris. Kodungalloor is surrounded by backwaters and the sea. It is also famous as Cranganore.
The places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort. The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is of great renown. The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala.
Cheraman Juma Masjid: This mosque is believed to have been built in the 7th Century at the behest of the king, Cheraman Perumal, who embraced Islam and went to Mecca. It retains a bit of its original architecture in the interiors. It faces east unlike other mosques which faces towards Mecca. A huge bronze lamp continues to be kept lit inside.
Nattika Beach: It is equidistant (30 Km) from Thrissur, Kodungallur, Guruvayoor and Irinjalakkuda. It is 3 km from the temple town of Thriprayar. Accom: Kadappuram Beach Resorts, Nattika Beach PO, Tel: 2394988, 3090534, Fax: 2394988, Email: kadappuram@sancharnet.in,
www.kadappurambeachresorts.com.
Beautiful place.
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