District: Thrissur, State: Kerala, India Area: 3032 Sq. Km. Languages Spoken: Malayalam, English and Hindi Long Distance Code: +91-487 Importance: Best Time to Visit: September to March
Description
Thrissur lies on the west end of Palakkad gap through the low pass between the Nilgiris and the Palani hills. It is the beautiful cultural capital of Kerala and a land of colourful festivals. Thrissur, an abbreviation of 'Tiru-Siva-Perur' or the town with the name of Lord Siva, is appropriately named. The central and the most important feature of this city is the Vadakkunath Kshetram (temple) where the reigning deity is Lord Siva. It is particularly famous for its annual Pooram festival (April-May).<br /><strong>The Cultural and Historical Background</strong><br />Trichur occupies a prominent place in the history and culture of Kerala and is said to be the Cultural Capital of the State. It is also one of the main trade centers in the state. The present Trichur District was carved out of a bigger District of the same name on 1st April 1958. It derives its name from the location of its headquarters at Trichur.<br />The name Trichur derives from 'Thrishivaperur' or the place with 'Lord Shiva's name'. The town is thus built around a hillock atop which is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple, which has Shiva as the presiding deity. Aadi Sankara is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple; a shrine dedicated to him lends credence to this belief. <br />Trichur rose in importance due, it is believed, to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuran' who ascended the throne of Kochi in 1790. The Zamorins of Kozhikode captured large areas of Trichur in the 14th and 15th centuries. Later, in the latter half of the 18th centuries, Tipu Sultan held sway over Trichur until the European domination began under the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English. <br />Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls<br />East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 km apart. These waterfalls are a place of scenic beauty, and are of 80 feet high.
Location
Tamil Nadu bound 54 km long coastal area, South East corner of the District. The Periyar, The Chalakudy, The Karuvannur and The Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the District.
(7 km from Thrissur)\r\nThis is a beautiful hill, which is a good picnic spot. 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 neighboring temples to this village.
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 the Pooram are a spectacular sight. Non-Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.
Kodungallur constructed in AD.629 is famous as the first mosque erected in India and also the first in India and second in the world where the Juma prayers were started. People from far and near irrespective of caste and creed visit this holy place and pay their homage. Id-ul-Fitar (Ramsan) and Id-ul-Asha (Bakrid) are celebrated here on a grand scale.
They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route. Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur\r\nSituated 33km north of Thrissur, Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple known as "Guruvayoor Ambalam". This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu. In the 'Chutambalam' or outer enclosure is the tall 33.5 meter high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7mt high Dipastambham (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, which houses the main deity. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. An unusual feature of the temple at Guruvayoor is the timing of the rituals. The sanctum opens at 0300 and closes at 1300. Except between 1300 and 1600, when it is closed, a continuous series of pooja and processions are performed. The Darshanam at 0300 is believed to be particularly auspicious. The festival in this temple is held in Feb/march which continuous for 10 days. The festivities start with an elephant procession and performances of Krishnattam dances. Festivals at Gurvayoor Temple are: Utsavam (February/March) - 10 days, Vishukkani (April), Ashtami Rohini (August/September), Ekadasi - The most important festival (November/December)-30 days.
20 km east of Thrissur, this picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur. Built across the Manali River, the dam is a vast catchment area of nearly 3200 acres with extensive botanical gardens and cascading fountains offer numerous inviting avenues for tourists.
Located in the zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of woodcarvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers. Open 10.00 am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.
Located on the Town Hall Road, the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and national holidays.
(7 km from Thrissur)\r\nThis is a beautiful hill, which is a good picnic spot. 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 neighboring temples to this village.
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 the Pooram are a spectacular sight. Non-Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.
Kodungallur constructed in AD.629 is famous as the first mosque erected in India and also the first in India and second in the world where the Juma prayers were started. People from far and near irrespective of caste and creed visit this holy place and pay their homage. Id-ul-Fitar (Ramsan) and Id-ul-Asha (Bakrid) are celebrated here on a grand scale.
They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route. Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur\r\nSituated 33km north of Thrissur, Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple known as "Guruvayoor Ambalam". This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu. In the 'Chutambalam' or outer enclosure is the tall 33.5 meter high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7mt high Dipastambham (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, which houses the main deity. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. An unusual feature of the temple at Guruvayoor is the timing of the rituals. The sanctum opens at 0300 and closes at 1300. Except between 1300 and 1600, when it is closed, a continuous series of pooja and processions are performed. The Darshanam at 0300 is believed to be particularly auspicious. The festival in this temple is held in Feb/march which continuous for 10 days. The festivities start with an elephant procession and performances of Krishnattam dances. Festivals at Gurvayoor Temple are: Utsavam (February/March) - 10 days, Vishukkani (April), Ashtami Rohini (August/September), Ekadasi - The most important festival (November/December)-30 days.
20 km east of Thrissur, this picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur. Built across the Manali River, the dam is a vast catchment area of nearly 3200 acres with extensive botanical gardens and cascading fountains offer numerous inviting avenues for tourists.
Located in the zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of woodcarvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers. Open 10.00 am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.
