Kerala - Tourism - Thrissur (Trichur) @ whatisindia.com

THRISSUR
Thrissur with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. Thrissur is the west end of Palakkad gap through the low pass, between Nilgiri and Palani hills. Thus it has been a most important place in Peninsular India since Pre -Roman times. It is world famous for its Annual Pooram festival. A cultural centre, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Academy are located here. Best time to visit the city of Thrissur is September to March.

How to get there
Air: The nearest airport is Cochin 78 kms connected by Indian Airlines with Bangalore, Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Goa, Chennai (Madras), Thiruvananthapuram.
Rail: Trichur is a Railway station directly connected with Mumbai (Bombay).
Road: Trichur is connected by road with many tourist centres in south India. Cochin- 78 km, Coimbatore- 114 km, Kalady- 55 km, Kanyakumari- 376 km, Chennai (Madras)- 720 km, Palghat- 67 km, Palani- 229 km, Rameswaram- 222 km, Udhagamandalam (Ooty)- 202 km etc.

Vadakkunath Temple
One of the oldest temple in the state, The Vadakumnatha temple is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. The temple sits atop a hill in the center of Thrissur. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April -May every year. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple except during the pooram festival. In addition to its religious function, the temple was the center of an extensive administration with legal and tax raising powers. The temple is also known as the Rishabhari or Thenkailasam ( the Kailash of the south). It open from 4 to 10.30 in the morning and 5 to 8.30 in the evening.

Art Museum
The art museum is situated in the zoo compound. This small museum contains rare exhibits of sculpture, religious idols, Kathakali figures, traditional jewellery of Kerala and a delightful collection of traditional lamps. It will be open daily from 10am to 5pm and closed on Monday.

Thrissur Zoo
It is situated near the Art Museum. The zoo contains 13.5 acres of land with cool green, flowered area and there resides a variety of fauna such as the endangered lion, tailed macaque, tiger, lion, sloth bear, several species of deer and many birds. It is reputed to have one of the best snake collections in India. The snake park has the reptilian collection of the King cobra, pythons, kraits, vipers, rat snakes, etc. It will be open from 3pm to 5.15pm. Small entry and camera fee. There is an aquarium near Nehru Park which is open daily from 3pm to 8pm.

Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur
Situated 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 mt 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 pujas 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 (Februaru/March) - 10 days, Vishukkani (April), Ashtami Rohini (August/September), Ekadasi - The most important festival (November/December)-30 days.

Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy
29km north of Thrissur near Shoranur Junction. It is famous for the Kerala Kala Mandalam Which leds to the revival of Kathakali dancing. It is a center for teaching music, drama, Mohiniyattom and Ottam Thullal in addition to Kathakali. The training session can be seen from 4.30am - 6.30am, 8.30am - 12 noon and 3.30 pm -5.30 pm. Closed on Saturdays & Sundays and on public holidays. The centre is closed in April and May.

Peechi Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
23 Kms, away from Trichur, the Peechy dam is a beautiful picnic spot. It has boating facilities through the reservoir. It is surrounded by tea and eucalyptus. There are many occasions which can see the elephants and wild dogs in the forest. The prime purpose of the reservoir is to provide Thrissur's irrigation and drinking water supply. There is a park information centre. The other attractions is a large variety of orchids. Several buses are available from Trichur to Peechy. Accommodation is also available.

Anakkayam
It is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route. It is famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.

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 and favourite destinations of tourists.

References:
http://india-tourism.com/

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