THRISSUR / TRICHUR TRAVEL GUIDE

At a distance of 2.5 Km from Thrissur Railway Station, Archaeological Museum is housed in Sakthan Thampuran Palace built by Raja Rama Varma (Sakthan Thampuran).

The palace has been constructed in a unique combination of Dutch and traditional Kerala style of architecture. The palace is marked by high roofs, thick walls, large rooms and Italian marble flooring. The Museum is famous for its collection of murals and relics from different parts of Kerala. It also houses the Royal exhibits of Kochi Kingdom. The museum has big life-size statues of famous and eminent personalities. There are several models of ancient temples, monuments, etc. An interesting collection is a set of manuscripts written on dry palm leaves. There is also a heritage garden within the museum complex. Veerakallu or herostones, the stone engravings and sculptures of figures and weapons recovered from the forests of Wayanad and Thrissur and worth watching.

Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM. Closed on Monday & national holiday .....

At a distance of 2.5 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, the Marth Mariam Church is the oldest in Thrissur district constructed in 1815. It is also called as 'Vyakula Mathavin Pally'.

The Church was dedicated to King Rama Varma by Abraham Cathanar of Palai. Since the Roman Catholics began to argue that this church was a Catholic Church, the authorities of this church changed the name to Marth Mariam, which is the Syrian translation for St. Mary. This Chaldean Syrian Church is the headquarters of Chaldean Syrian Churches in India. The Chapel has no idols or pictorial representation of Christ or anyone else. The prayer hall has chandeliers and colour glass balls hung from the ceiling. The ornate carving on wooden beams & pulpit are amazing.

At a distance of 2.5 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Lourdes Cathedral (also known as Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral) is one of the largest churches in Kerala.

Dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, the church is noted for its imposing interior. Main attraction is an underground shrine which is a masterpiece of architectural designing. The exterior of this church features an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of this church was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986. The Cathedral church attracts thousands of pilgrims every month. There is also a permanent exhibition of artwork depicting the life of Jesus which lines the tower staircase, ranging from beautifully detailed stained glass windows to garish frescoes and wood carvings. The 80 meter Bell Tower is also open to visitors. One can climb the 350 steps or take the lift to the top of Bell Tower.

At a distance of 2.5 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Sri Maheswara Temple is located near Koorkkencherry on SH22. This temple is dedicated to Lord Siva.

Thaippooyam Mahotsavam is the main festival celebrated for one day, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the eldest son of Lord Siva. Kavadiyattom, dancing with decorated wood models are the special attractions of the festival.

At a distance of 3 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Zoo is a major attraction in the city of Thrissur.

The zoo provides shelter for many endangered species like the Asiatic Lion, Tiger and the extremely rare lion-tailed macaque, etc. It has an impressive reptile house with King Kobra, Indian python, krait, etc. The reptile house is on of the best in South India.

The Zoo complex also has an impressive museum complex, which has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures, Kathakali figures and ancient jewellery. There are wonderful figures and good paintings in the museum. It also has a great collection of traditional Kerala lamps.

Zoo Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Monday
Museum Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Monday

At a distance of 11 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Ammathiruvadi Temple is located in Urakam village. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and it is regarded as one of the great 108 Durga temples.

According to the Kerala history, Poomulli Namboothiri or Thiruvalayannur Bhattathiri founded Ammathiruvadi temple about 700-1000 years ago. The temple consists of two majestic Gopurams called Mathilkettu & Ootupura Naalambalam and the double storied Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum).

The Makeeram Porapadu is one of the great events celebrated at this temple. This festival is regarded as the beginning of Ammathiruvadi's journey for the Arattupuzha Pooram celebrated at Arattupuzha Temple. This temple plays an important role in Arattupuzha Pooram.

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.

At a distance of 18 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Thiruvanikkavu Temple is located near Vadakkancherry. This temple is dedicated for goddess Bhagavathy (an incarnation of Goddess Durga).

This temple is famous for Machattu Mamangm (or machattuvela) festival celebrated for 5 days in the month of Kumbham - Feb/Mar. On the final day, richly decorated horse themes brought as offerings by devotees and beautifully decorated elephants accompanied by traditional musicians in the temple courtyard offer great joy to the devotees.

At a distance of 21 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station & 5 Kms from Guruvayoor Temple, Harikanyaka Temple is located in Ariyannur, between Thrissur and Guruvayoor.

Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy (an incarnation of Goddess Durga), this temple was built in early 14th century. This temple is one of the ancient Maha Kshethrams. The carved entrance of the temple is a special attraction. People believe that Maha Vishnu has taken the avatharam of Kanyaka here, hence the name 'Hari Kanyaka'. In the past, this temple had a glorious history and it was much wealthier than Guruvayur Temple. This temple was the head of 32 surrounding Deshams.

Special festival is celebrated for 15 days in the month Meenum (December). One of ancient ritual called Chandrolsavam is celebrated here.

Timings: 5.30 AM to 9.30 AM & 5.30 Pm to 7.30 PM.

At a distance of 22 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Koodal Manikyam Temple is an ancient Temple located in Irinjalakuda.It is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharatha or Lord Sangameswara, the brother of Lord Rama.

The temple has a vast pond called Kulipini Teertham. Daily ritual of the temple include three poojas, and only lotus, chethi and tulasi flowers are used for offering and making garlands. Another peculiarity of the temple is the offering of 'brinjal nivedyam' that is believed to be very effective to cure stomach ache.

The annual festival is celebrated for 11 days in the month of April/May, with 17 colorful & well decorated elephants.

Timings: 3 AM to 11.30 AM & 5 PM to 8.15 PM.

At a distance of 23 Kms from Thrissur, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Peechi village. The sanctuary is spread between Peechi Dam and Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spread across 125 Sq. Kms, the sanctuary was established in 1958. There are more than 50 species of orchids and medicinal plants in this sanctuary. There are 60 types of birds, 25 types of mammals and 10 types of snakes in the sanctuary. The sanctuary provides shelter for Leopards, Tigers, Sambhar Deer, Elks, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Wild Dogs, Fox, Langurs, etc.

Peechi village is the entry point to the sanctuary. Forest department arranges trekking into the sanctuary. The trekking is recommended only for the experienced trekkers. October to March is the best time to visit. Bookings can be made at Wildlife Warden at Peechi (Ph: 0487-2699017). Forest department does not arrange Jeep Safaris at this sanctuary.

At a distance of 24 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Nattika Beach is the place to experience the exotic beauty of the nature. Nattika is a wide and virgin beach blessed with an endless stretch of golden sand.

This picturesque place offers beach holidays and package tours. The resorts in the beaches provide all modern facilities. Prime attractions include ride on country boats, elephant rides, deep-sea fishing & beach games.

At a distance of 28 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station & 3 Kms from Guruvayoor Temple, Punnathur Kotta was once the home of Punnathoor Zamorin (ruler), now an Elephant Sanctuary which is home for about 60 Elephants. The elephants housed at this sanctuary are brought for ritual offerings at Guruvayoor Temple.

The elephants offered to the Guruvayoor deity by rich devotees are given shelter at the sanctuary. Elephants are also trained for performing various rituals. These elephants are groomed for various ritualistic performances in festivals like Thrissur Pooram. You can also observe how sick elephants are given treatment with traditional medications.

Tips: Can be visited along with Guruvayoor.

At a distance of 29 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, Kerala Kalamandalam is located in Cheruthuruthy on the banks of Bharathapuzha River, on SH22 towards Shoranur.

Founded in 1930 by Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja, it is one of the most revered places for the traditional art forms of Kerala. This temple of arts has preserved and propagated Kathakali, the classical dance of Kerala. Many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala and India have been trained here. The Koothambalam, the traditional dance theatre at Kalamandalam is the only one in the State which is built outside a temple complex. Constructed according to vikrushtra madhya, one of the three natya grihas specified in sage Bharatha's Natyasasthra, the theatre is 14.62 meter long and 7.31 meter wide. This unique institute has been involved in giving training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kootiyattam, Panchavadyam and Thullal.

At a distance of 32 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station & 4 Kms from Guruvayoor, Chavakkad Beach is a beautiful beach lying on the coast of Arabian Sea.

The beach is full of natural beauty. This beach does not have much commercial activity and less crowded. One can have complete privacy and enjoy the beauty of the beach. Boating is available on country fishing boats.

Chavakkad Beach can be reached by private vehicles from Guruvayoor.

Tips: Can be reached along with Guruvayoor.

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.

At a distance of 34 Kms from Thrissur, Chimmony WLS is located in Echippara village, near Varandarappilly town. The sanctuary is spread around Chimmony Dam. This is one of the popular weekend getaways from Kochi.

Established in 1958, the sanctuary is spread over 100 Sq. Kms on the Nelliyampathy slopes of Western Ghats. It is bordered with Peechi-Vazhahi Wildlife Sanctuary. The entry point into the sanctuary is at Echipara checkpost (guides can be hired at checkpost). Forest department organizes trekking programs - short (3 Hrs - Rs. 250), half-day (Rs. 400) & full-day (Rs. 800). Bamboo rafting is also offered from Inspection Bungalow (2 Hrs - 100 per person). Elephants, Sambar are most common fauna. There are 200 species of birds and 100 species of butterflies in the sanctuary.

Sanctuary timings are 6 AM to 6 PM. Overnight stay is allowed with prior permission. Basic accommodation is available at Inspection Bungalow. For all bookings, contact Wildlife Warden at Peechi (Ph: .....

At a distance of 36 Kms from Thrissur, Chimmony Dam (also known as Chimmini Dam) is a picturesque dam constructed across Chimmony Puzha. Located in Echippara village (2 Kms), near Varandarappilly town, the dam is surrounded by the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary.

Close to Peechi Dam and Mangalam Dam, the Chimmony Dam provided water supply for drinking and forming to the nearly by villages. Situated on Nelliyampathy slopes of Western Ghats, Chimmony Dam is a place with immense natural beauty. Boating is also available in the reservoir.

It can be reached via Varandarappilly & Palappilly from Thrissur. It has limited public transportation. Best way to reach the dam is to hire private vehicle from Varandarappilly.

At a distance of 38 km from Kochi & 36 Kms from Thrissur, Kodungallur, also known as Cranganore is a historical town located in Thrissur district on NH17 between Kochi and Kozhikode. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Kochi and also an ideal getaway from Kochi for a short trip.

Kodungallur was the capital of Cheraman Perumal, the last Chera Ruler in the 7th century AD. Kodungallur is home for several important historical monuments:

- Bhagawati Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala with history of above 2000 years and was mentioned in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha
- Thomas the Apostle of Jesus is believed to have landed in Kodungallur with his followers in the year 52 AD. This place has become the earliest Syrian Christian centre of Malabar. Monuments built in the memory of Thomas still exist here, including St. Thomas Church.
- Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque built in India in .....

Distance (From Thrissur): 36 Kms
Trip Duration (From Thrissur - Including Travel): 2-3 Hours
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At a distance of 52 km from Coimbatore, 140 km from Kochi, 65 km from Thrissur and 336 km from Trivandrum, Palakkad, also known as Palghat, is a town and headquarters of Palakkad district in the state of Kerala. Palakkad, the Granary of Kerala, is situated at the foot of the Gigantic Western Ghats on the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu.

Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala (a tree Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest), which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree. Palakkad is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Palakkad is considered as the gateway to Kerala from the north.

The history of Palakkad dates back to the Paleolithic period; several megalithic relics have been found in the region. During the second and third centuries, the Pallavas of Kanchi probably invaded the present region of Palakkad. The Perumals .....

Distance (From Thrissur): 64 Kms
Trip Duration (From Thrissur - Including Travel): 1-2 Days
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