Thrissur

TRICHUR

Trichur occupies a prominent place in the history and culture of Kerala and is said to be the cultural Capital of the state.It is also one of the main trade centres in the state.The present Trichur District of the same name on 1st April,1958.It derives is name from the location of its headquarters at Trichur.The name Trichu derives from Thrishivaperur ot the place with LOrd Shiva's name.The town is thus built around a hillock atop which is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple which has Shiva as the presiding deity.Adi Sankara is supposed to ahave spent his last days in this temple a shrine dedicated him lends credence to this belief.
Trichur rose in importance due, it is believed, to Raja RAma Varma, Popularly known as sakthan Thampuran who ascended the throne of Kochi in 1790.Large areas ofTrichur were captured by the Zamorins of Kozhikode in the 14th and 15th centuries.Later in the half of the 18th centureis, Tipu sulthan held sway over Trichur until the European domination began under the protuguese, the Dutch, and the English.
Long ago, the vast open area aroound the temple was a magnificent teak forest called Thekkinkadu.Today, the forest has given way to one of the most important examples of Kerala 's architecture which often does away with the imposing gopurams of South Indian temples .This temple fetures low, titled roofs, an abundance of woord work and the famous koothambaam or theature hall with sloping roofsof metalplates within which is performed the dramatic art form chakia koothu.The Vadakkumnathan temple is also well known for its urals depcting scences from the Mahabharatha as well as equisite paintings and carvngs.
South East corner of the district is bounded by Tamil Nadu.The Periyar ,The Chalakudy, The Karuvannur and Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the district. A place of great antiquity.Trichur was also known by such names as Vrishabhadripuram and TEn Kailasm in ancient days.The famous Kerala Kalamandiram, Cheruthuruthi founded by the late poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, isin Trichur District and Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka situated in Trichu town.

Guruvayur
Guruvayur is a small town in Thrissur district in the Indian state of Kerala. Guruvayur temple is one of the most important and sacred pilgrim centres of Kerala. Located in the Guruvayur town of Trissur district in Kerala ,India it is easily accessible by road and rail. The presiding deity is MahaVishnu, in standing posture with four hands carrying Sankhu, Sudarshana chakram ,lotus and mace. He is worshipped as Balakrishna, the full avatar (Purnaavatara) of Mahavishnu . The idol is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjana.

HOW TO REACH GURUVAYUR
By road
Guruvayur is well connected with the other parts of the country by road and rail. The National highway is passing through Kunnamkulam which is just 8 kms away from Guruvayur. The private bus stand is towards the east of the temple, near Manjulal (the banyan tree). It is half an hour drive by car from Thrissur and busses ply every 5 minutes from Thrissur to Guruvayur. Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs bus services from all major locations of the state and few inter-state services. The bus stand is 500 meters to the west of the temple. Both KSRTC and private busses offer interstate services to all major South Indian cities like Madras, Madurai, Palani, Salem, Coimbatore, Thiruchandoor, Mysore, Mangalore, Uduppi, Mookambika etc. By railGuruvayur has got a railway station towards the east of the temple which is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur. It has got computerised ticket booking facility and tickets can be booked to any locations from here. One from the Mangalore side can get down at the Kuttippram station. Regular buss services are available from there to Guruvayur. Those from the Madras/Trivandrum side can get down at Thrissur.
By air
Kochi international airport (Nedumbassery) is 80 kms from Guruvayur and the Calicut airport is 100 kms away. All major international flight services are operated from these airports.
Punnathurkotta
Punnathur Kotta is located in Kottapadi a small place near Guruvayoor in Thrissur district of Kerala, South India. This place is famous for the elephant pound (Anakkotta in local language) where the elephants belonging to the Guruvayoor temple are kept. Elephants are trained here for purposes related to temples. The pound currently has about 60 elephants. All of them came here as offerings by devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa. Gajapooja (Worshipping Elephants) and Anayoottu (Feeding Elephants) are observed here, as offering to Lord Ganesha. OTHER HOLY PLACES
Thiruvanchikulam
Having derived its name from Tiru-Anjaikkalam, Thruvanchikulam is the only Shivastalam in Kerala, which has been sung by the Nayanmars and is located in the vicinity of Kodungallur, near Thrissur.
In keeping with the Keralite architectural style, this temple has a conical copper plated Vimanam. This temple has a namaskara mandapam, and gopura dwarams on the east and the west. The sanctum is in the form of a chariot and there is no separate shrine for Ambal. Unlike most other Shiva temples in Kerala, there is an image of Nataraja here. Murals adorn the temple walls.
Cheruthuruthy
Situated ata distance of 35 km from Thrissur, Cheruthuruthy is famous for the Kerala Kalamandalam, established by the great poet Sri Vallathol Narayana Menon in 1930. Training for many art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Thullai and folk dances are being imparted on a large scale.
Triprayar
The Temple of Sri Rama situated on the banks of the river Triprayar attracts a large number of devotees to Trissur. Built in the same architecture style as that of Vadakkumnatha Kshathram, the exquisite woodcarvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are a feast to the eyes. Offering Timings : 4:30 to 12:30 & 16:30 to 20:00. Phone : 91-487-2391375
Kodungalloor Bhagavathy Temple
Kodungalloor Bhagvathy Temple located at a distance of 40 Km from Thrissur is the most ancient temple in the northern part of Kerala. The main idol is that of Kali or Bhagvathy which is 6 feet high and is entirely covered with gold. Other deities in the temple are Lord Ganesh, Mahameru, Adisankara, Lord Veerabhadra and the Seven Divine Mothers. There is a separate shrine for 'Silappathrkaram,' the chaste Kannagi, an avatar of Goddess Durga. The two major festivals are Kodungaloor Bharani festival and Thalappoli. Offering Timings : Morning 4 am to 12 pm. Evening- 4 pm to 8 pm. Phone No : 91-480-2803061
Koodal Manikyam Temple
Situated at a distance of 21 km from Thrissur and 10 km from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, this ancient temple is dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Sree Rama. Probably the only temple in the whole of India dedicated to Bharatha, the loyal and selfless hero, the diety is said to symbolize the ecstasy experienced when Bharatha learned of reunion of Rama and Sita. Offering Timings : 3 to 11.30 & 17 to 22:30Phone : 91-480-2822631
Arattupuzha
Famed for the hosting of the colorful festival Arattupuzha Puram every year in the month of Meenam(Mar. - Apr.), this Ayyappa temple is located 12 km south of Trissur. It is believed that on this day 101 gods and goddesses of the neighbouring villages visited Lord Ayyappa. Today, the deities of 46 temples from the neighborhood villages are brought at night in colourful processions on rows of caparisoned elephants accompanied by music to the local temple of Lord Sastha, during the 7-day festival.
Vadakkunnathan Temple
One of the oldest temples in the state, the Vadakkunnathan Temple is an authoritative illustration of the exquisite Kerala style of architecture. The presiding deity Vadakkunnathan (Shiva) worshipped in the form of a Lingam is covered with mounds of ghee which does not melt despite the lamps nearby, and which has not decayed over centuries. This is a vast temple with lofty towers and fine artistry. The breathtaking murals hold captive the visitors in rapt attention. This is also the site of the famous Pooram festival conducted during April-May , that attracts thousands of devotees. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the temple. Offering timings: 4:30 to 11:00 & 17:00 to 22:30. Phone: 91-487- 2426040
Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral (Religious)
Thrissur has a number of churches and the Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral is the most famous amongst them. The building of this church is impressive and worth visiting. St.Thomas church, Palayur
This ancient church at Palayur is thought to have been built by St.Thomas, the apostlle himself in 42 AD and is considered to be the oldest church in India.
Anakkayam
Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, 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 and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.
Athirapallay Vazhachal Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart The falls are very popular with tourists. Athirappally is located 78 kms from Kochi, located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80ft. high and located in the forest area.
Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet.
Vazhachal is a picturesque spot just a short drive from Athirapally and is adjacent to dense green forestland. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River.
Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.
How To Get There
By AirNearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, about 58 kms from Thrissur.
By RailNearest railway station is at Thrissur, about 63 kms.
By RoadA good motorable road takes you to Vazhachal and Athirappalli from either Kochi or Thrissur town.
The River Retreat ( 5 Star Hotel )
Address : Palace Road, Cheruthuruthy , Thrissur ,
TrichurLocation : City CenterProperty
Type : ResortRiver Retreat is located on the bank of Bharatha puzha, Cheruthuruthy. Situated amidst serene surroundings, River Retreat is 2 hrs from Cochin, Calicut & Coimbatore airports & 3 minutes from Sharanur Jn. Rly. station.
Accessibility: Airport: 85KM.,
Rail Station: 1.5KM.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotel Merlin International ( 3 Star Hotel ) Address: Opp. Trichur Railway Station, Poothole Road, , TrichurLocation: City CenterProperty Type: Business And Leisure HotelAccessibility: Airport: 45KM., Bus Station: 0.2KM., Railway Station: 0.1KM. Make Booking Enquiries -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Krishna Inn ( 3 Star Hotel ) Address: East Nada, Guruvayur , TrichurLocation: SuburbanProperty Type: Business And Leisure HotelWhether you are in Guruvayoor for worship or for a wedding, make the unique multi-star Krishna Inn your home. The moment you walk through the soothing ambience of Krishna Inn"s lobby, You"ll experience a fusion of peace and pleasure. The cool of the white marble combined with the radiant interiors keep you under a spell.Accessibility: Airport Dom: 80KM., Airport Int.: 84KM., Bus Stand: 0.1KM., Railway Station: 0.5KM., Shopping Centre: 0.1KM. Make Booking Enquiries -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotel Luciya Palace ( 3 Star Hotel ) Address: Marar Road, , TrichurLocation: City CenterProperty Type: Business And Leisure HotelAccessibility: Airport: 45KM., Bus Station: 1KM., Railway Station: 1KM. Make Booking Enquiries -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Casino Hotels Limited ( 3 Star Hotel ) Address: T.B. Road(Thrissur), , TrichurLocation: City CenterProperty Type: Business And Leisure HotelAccessibility: Airport: 50KM., Bus Station: 0.5KM., Railway Station: 0.5KM.