Thrissur

Thrissur - The history of Thrissur District from the 9th to the 12th centuries is the history of Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram and the historysince 12th century is the history of the rise and growth of Perumpadappu Swarupam. In the course of its long and chequered history, the Perumpadappu Swarupam had its capital at different places.

We learn from the literary works of the period that the Perumpadappu Swarupam had its headquarters at Mahodayapuram and that a number of Naduvazhies in Southern and Central Kerala recognized the supremacy of the Perumpadappu Moopil. The Perumpadappu Moopil is even referred to as the "Kerala Chakravarthi" in the "Sivavilasam" and some other works. One of the landmarks in the history of the Perumpadapu Swarupam is the foundation of a new era called Pudu Vaipu Era.

The Pudu Vaipu Era is traditionally believed to have commenced from the date of which the island of Vypeen was thrown from the sea.

Thrissur District Map :

Vadakkumnathan Temple – Shiva temple, one of the largest in Kerala. Shrines & Koothambalam (temple theatre) have exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Houses a museum of wall paintings, wood carvings & art pieces. Is the venue of the famous Pooram festival celebrated in April-May, which includes procession of decorated elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas.

Archaeological Museum – Picture gallery of mural paintings from all over Kerala. Art Museum – Collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. Vilangankunnu Hill (7 km) – Picnic spot atop a small hill.

Arattupuzha (12 km south) – Known for the annual Pooram festival during March – April. Deities of 46 temples from neighbouring villages are brought at night on caparisoned elephants accompanied by music to the local temple of Lord Sastha.

Thriprayar Temple (South of Thrissur) – Rama temple with exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and mural paintings. Temple festival in November with parade of 17 elephants.

GURUVAYOOR (31 km) – 16th century Sree Krishna or Guruvayoorappan Temple. Walls of sanctum have exquisite mural paintings & carvings. 33.5 m high gold plated dhwajasthambham (flag post) adorns outer enclosure. 7m high dipasthambham (pillar of lamps) with 13 circular receptacles provides a gorgeous spectacle. Narayana Bhattathiri composed ‘Narayaneeyam’, at this temple. Popular venue for Hindu weddings & annaprasanams. Festival (Feb/March) - elephant processions.

Punnathoorkotta (2 km from Guruvayoor) – Visitors can see the trained elephants of the Guruvayoor temple here.

Koodal Manikyam Temple near Irinjalakuda (21 km) – Ancient temple, only one in India with Bharatha (brother of Sree Rama) as deity. 11-day annual festival with 12 caparisoned elephants is held in April/May.

Cheruthuruthy (32 km) – Seat of Kerala Kalamandalam, a music and dance academy founded by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon in 1930. Imparts training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal and other art forms. Also arranges cultural programmes on request.

PEECHI-VAZHANI Wildlife Sanctuary & Peechi Dam (20 km) – Dam site is a picnic spot with boating facility in the reservoir. Botanical garden & cascading fountains.

St. Thomas Church at Palayur, Chavakkad – One of the oldest churches in India, originally supposed to have been built by St. Thomas in A.D. 52.

CHIMMINI Wildlife Sanctuary – Sanctuary headquarters is at Echippara. Endowed with scenic beauty and varied wildlife. There is a dam across Chimmini river.

KODUNGALLOOR (Cranganore) (50 km southwest) – Coastal port town of immense historical importance. Ancient centre of trade with Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs.

St. Thomas Memorial Church – St. Thomas landed here in 52 A.D. This church established by him houses ancient relics.

BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF DOLOURS (PUTHEN PALLY): Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Puthan Pally) is claimed to be the biggest and tallest church in Asia, situated in the heart of the city of Thrissur in the Kerala state of south India. It is famous for its Gothic style architecture with an area of 25,000 square feet (2,300 m2), it has soaring belfries at the entrance, double storeyed aisles all along the nave and transepts, and eleven altars, five on either side of the main one. It is the largest church in India and its exuberant interior decorations include fine specimens of murals, images of saints and scenes from the scriptures. An array of 15 altars and musical church bells imported from Germany. The ceiling is decorated with marvellous mural paintings of the holy trinity. Look for the pulpit and the throne used by Pope John Paul II during his visit in 1986.The construction of this biggest church in India was done in different phases, started in the year 1929. The two front towers are of 146 feet (45 m) height each and the central tower of 260 feet (79 m) height makes this church as tallest in Asia. Completion of the towers were an architectural challenge. Few experts from TamilNadu were brought over. Architect who completed the church was Ambrose Gounder.

Cheraman Juma Masjid – Originally believed to be built in 629 A.D. First juma masjid in India and the second in the world. A local king Cheraman Perumal is believed to have gone to Mecca, embraced Islam and got an existing temple in Kodungalloor converted into a mosque. The present building dates from the 16th century and is designed in Hindu architectural style. The mosque faces east, unlike other mosques, which face Mecca.

ATHIRAPALLY (63 km) and Vazhachal waterfalls (68 km) – Two scenic waterfalls on the edge of Sholayar forest range, 5 km apart. Athirapally falls joins Chalakkudi river after plummeting 80 ft. This is a popular picnic spot. Dream World and Silver Storm amusement parks are nearby. Vazhachal is part of Chalakkudi river & is amidst dense forest.