CITIES
Guruvayoor:
29 km northwest of Thrissur, Guruvayoor, where the
famous Sree Krishan Temple is situated, is one of
the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala.
The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According
to belief, the temple was created by 'Guru'- the preceptor
of the gods and 'Vayu'- the god of winds.
The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine.
In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is a 33.5 m
tall gold-plated 'Dwajastambham' (flagpost). There
is also a 7-m high 'Deepastambham' (pillar of lamps),
whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly
brillant 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 Sree Ganapathy,
Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy.
Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. (Open
03:00 am - 01:00 pm & 04:30 pm- 08:30 pm)
Punnathoorkotta:
(2 km from Guruvayoor)
This home of 50 temple elephants offers unusual spectacles
of the gentle pachyderm. Brought as ritual offerings
to the temple, these elephants are groomed at this
fort. Visitors are allowed into this elephant hostel.
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 traditional
art forms is imparted here. Cultural programmes are
also arranged.
TEMPLES
Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam
Temple:
(21 km from Thrissur) Situated 10 km from Irinjalakuda
Railway Station, this ancient temple is perhaps the
only one in India dedicated to Bharatha, the brother
of Sree Rama. The eleven-day Annual Festival featuring
a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants (held
in April/May), marks the end of the festival season
in Kerala. It is open from 03:30 am - 11:30 am &
05:00 pm - 08:30 pm).
Ariyannoor Temple, Kandanisserry:
This temple has a carved entrance gable, which has
been compared to the sculptures of American artist,
Louise Nevelson. The Sree Krishna Temple at Thirukulashekharapuram
as well as the Siva Temple at Thiruvanchikulam are
believed to belong to the 9th century.
Thriprayar Temple:
Thriprayar Temple, located south of Thrissur is one
of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The
exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings
are an interesting sight
WATERFALLS
Athirapally Waterfalls:
(65 km from Thrissur) This 80 foot high waterfall
at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular
picnic spot.
Vazhachal:
(68 km from Thrissur) 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
that attract tourists in plenty.
FORTS & PALACES
Shakthan Thampuran Palace:
Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an
area of 6 acres. Here one can see three tombs (Shavakudeerams)
including that of Shakthan Thampuran, the greatest
ruler of the Cochin dynasty.
CHURCHES
Saint Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor:
St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have landed
in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD.
The St. Thomas Church established by him houses ancient
relics.
MASJID
Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungalloor:
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. Other places
of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient
Thiruvanchidulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and
the Portuguese Fort.
