ATHIRAPALLY & GURUVAYUR (FROM KOCHI)

Waterfall | Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr
This trip demands considerable trekking / walking

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Trip Starting Point: Kochi City

Mode of Travel: Car (or Cab)

Trip Duration: 2 Days

Ideal Start Time: 8 AM (Day 1) & 10 AM (Day 2)

Total Places Visited: 7

DAYS

DAY 1 : VISIT ATHIRAPALLY & TRAVEL TO GURUVAYUR

Travel from Kochi to Athirapally Waterfalls

Waterfall

At a distance of 32 km from Chalakudy, 59 km from Thrissur, 73 km from Kochi, 100 km from Munnar, 122 km from Kottayam, 170 km from Kozhikode, 174 km from Coimbatore & 269 km from Trivandrum, Athirapally Waterfall is a scenic waterfall situated at the entrance of Sholayar hill range in the Thrissur district. It is one of the best waterfalls in India, and among the most famous tourist places in Kerala.

Formed over the Chalakudy River, Athirapally is the biggest waterfall in Kerala. This waterfall drops down from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams offering a great scenic beauty. In the monsoon season, the water gets strength and all the streams join together and appear like Niagara Falls. This is the biggest waterfalls in Kerala and is well-known for its scenic beauty. It is one of the popular places to visit near Kochi.

One .....

Waterfall

At a distance of 7 km from Athirapally & 75 km from Kochi, Vazhachal Waterfall is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall situated very close to Athirapally - Valparai road. It is one of the popular tourist places in Athirapally.

Near the entrance of the Sholayar forest range, the waterfall is formed on Chalakkudy River at the lower stream of Athirapally Waterfalls. The surroundings of the waterfalls offer rich natural views. Unlike Athirapally Waterfalls, Vazhachal flows through an inclined slope of more than 300 feet to descend into a huge pool. It is very difficult and dangerous to step into the flow or to reach the bottom of the flow.

This waterfall became famous for not just its view but the endemic species found in the surrounding dense forests. Researchers have found four endangered species of the Hornbill here, the only .....

Overnight Stay in Guruvayoor

DAY 2 : GURUVAYUR SIGHTSEEING & TRAVEL TO KOCHI

Start Guruvayoor Sightseeing

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 27 km from Thrissur & 81 km from Kochi, Guruvayoor is a temple town well-known for the most famous Sri Krishna Temple. This is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites near Kochi, and among the must-visit places during Thrissur tour.

Guruvayur Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Guruvayurappan, a four-armed form of the Lord Vishnu who is worshipped in the form of his avatar Krishna. According to the legends, the idol worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. But there are no historical records to establish it. Often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunta, it is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and among the most prominent religious place to visit Thrissur.

The earliest temple records date back to the 17th century. In 1716, .....

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 32 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station & 4 Kms from Guruvayoor, St. Thomas Forane Church located in Palayoor is the oldest church in India, established by St.Thomas in 52 AD.

This is one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas the Apostle. A silver statue of St.Thomas on the roof and charming stone lamps are special features of the church. The main entrance of the church is decorated with 14 granite life size statues of various scenes from the life of St. Thomas. The jubilee door in front of the entrance to the main hall of the church portrays various important biblical events, carved in Burmese teak.

Palayoor Mahatheerthadanam is the main festival celebrated at this church. Devotees walk all the way from Thrissur to Palayoor church carrying wooden crosses.

Beach

At a distance of 17 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Vatanappally Beach is among the beautiful Kerala beaches. It is situated on the coastal belt of Thrissur District.

It is an enchanting strip of golden sand laced with the rich greenery of coconut palms. Today, this calm and pleasant beach is a dreamy destination for many tourists.

This beach is close to NH17 between kochi and Kozhikode and connected by many bus services from Thrissur.


BREAK FOR MEALS / HOTEL CHECK-IN | CHECK-OUT / SHOPPING / LEISURE

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 21 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Sri Rama Temple is located in Thiripayar, close to NH17 on Kochi - Kozhikode route.

The idol of Sri Rama installed at this temple is believed to have been originally worshipped by Sri Krishna at Dwaraka. When Dwaraka was submerged, the idol of Sri Rama was lying on the sea shore along with the idols of Lakshmana, Bharata and Shaturghna, which was later brought and installed here.

This temple is famous for exquisite Wood Carvings, Sculptures and Mural Paintings. During the Onam festival in August / September, there is a snake boat race conducted near the temple in Kornoli kanal.The Ekadashi festival (November - December) is also celebrated in a grand manner at this temple.

Timings: 4.30 AM to 12.30 PM & 4.30 PM to 8 PM.

Travel from Guruvayoor to Kochi