SABARI MALA THEERTHA YATRA.

Kerala is a land of temples; perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats). Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.

The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.
Mandalapooja(Nov.17th)and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th)are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures.
Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.
The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.The Legend of Lord Ayyappan

Ayyappan

Lord Shiva, answered Rajasekara's prayer and ordered Dharmasastha to take the avathar of Ayyappan . Ayyappan took the form of a baby with a golden chain and bell around his neck and placed himself near the Pamba river.
(Dharmasastha born to Lord Shiva and Lord Mahavishnu who was in the disguis of Mohini to get back the Amrutham from the asuras and restore to the devas.)

King Rajasekara who was returning after hunting in the forest adjoining the banks of River Pampa, along with his men, heard a child crying from somewhere in the forest. Surprised, he went round and reached the banks of River Pampa. There he saw a beautiful and divine child (i.e. Ayyappa) kicking its legs and crying out, and was in a dilemma whether to take the child to the Palace or leave it there itself.
While the King was engrossed in his thoughts, a Sanyasi (Yogi) appeared before him and told the King that he need not be afraid of the child and take him to the Palace and that the child belonged to Kshatriya dynasty capable of mitigating all sufferings. The Sanyasi further stated that since the Child had a gold bell around his neck, his name be called "MANIKANDAN" and when the child completed twelve years, the King would know his divine history. After uttering these words, the Sanyasi disappeared.
The King of Pandalam was very joyous; he took the child to his Palace and briefed the Queen about the incident. The King and the Queen, having prayed to Lord Shiva, for a child, were very happy that they had been blessed with a child. The people also felt happy that a heir to inherit the Kingdom after the King, had been found.
History
PANDALAM ROYAL FAMILY: Ancestors of the Pandalam Royal family came to Kerala in Malayalam Era 79 from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Hailing from the Pandya dynasty they fled from Madurai following the threat to their lives posed by machinations of their own ministers.On reaching Pandalam after several sojourns en route, the family was helped by rulers of Venad to settle down. Later, they helped Marthanda Varma Raja to subjugate Kayamkulam.By 370 ME other branches of the dynasty came from Tamil Nadu and a full-fledged kingdom was established which was also known as Airoor Swaroopam.
During 1789 AD, Tipu Sultan attacked Kerala. But the offensive was snubbed by Marthanda Varma. After the battle, a war tax was imposed on all small kingdoms and Pandalam's share was Rs 2,20,001.Known as Pandalam Adamanam, the amount included revenue from Sabarimala Sastha Temple also. However, the Pandalam family failed to pay the amount following which the Raja of Travancore instructed them to hand over all areas to him. In turn, the Travancore king, through the directive of 996 ME, agreed to pay each member of Pandalam family an amount big enough to take care of their needs.The oldest member of the family is selected as the Raja. The present Raja is 83-year-old Punartham Naal Ravi Varma Thampuran.
PANDALAM FAMILY AND SABARIMALA:The connection between the Pandalam family and Sabarimala is as old as the Ayyappa myth. The most repeated story is the adoption of Ayyappa into the family after King Rajasekhara found him on the banks of River Pamba; about how Ayyappa successfully fetched tiger's milk and exposed the plot to kill him.Though the Pandalam raja apologised for the Queen's folly, Ayyappa insisted on returning to the forest and a temple was constructed at a place where existed a Sastha temple.Even though this is just another theory about the origin of Sabarimala, this story gained credence in spiritual circles. Says Punartham Naal Ravi Varma Thampuran, the present king of Pandalam: ``Whenever a mishap has occurred at Sabarimala, clear omens were witnessed in the palace. Thrice the temple caught fire and at the same time, the same day there were fire-related accidents in the palace.''
History tells this is true. However, for the average pilgrim Pandalam is the place where Ayyappa grew up. The pond in which he bathed and the temple where he prayed are still on the palace premises.The palace itself is on borrowed time. Nothing much is being done by the Government or the Travancore Devaswom Board to protect the premises which carries lot of religious sentiments.
Another interesting aspect is that the king of Pandalam never visits Sabarimala. The belief is that Ayyappa would stand up from his posture to greet the king, who is like father to him. Hence, once a member is selected as the valiyathampuran, he stops going to Sabarimala.
THIRUVABHARANAM:Deluged with religious fervour thousands of pairs of eyes scanned the clear blue sky even as the crowd in the courtyard of Pandalam palace grew restless on that 28 day of Malayalam month Dhanu.
``There, there is the Krishnaparunthu,'' someone cried out pointing at the speck that appeared from somewhere and hovered magnanimously over the area. From somewhere a bright star braved the fierce sun to underscore a mythological enigma.
Soon the lone voice became a mass murmur. ``Swamiye Saranamayyappa,'' thousands cried in unison as members of the royal family prepared to start the procession carrying the thiruvabharanam, set of ornaments of Lord Ayyappa. History was repeating at Pandalam. The representative of the Raja of Pandalam stepped into the palanquin. Floating on a sea of pilgrims, boxes containing the Thiruvabharanam slowly began yet another pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Thiruvabharana procession is one important feature of the Makaravilakku festival, the second part of the annual congregation at the hill shrine. This precious set of ornaments is kept under the custody of the Pandalam royal family even today reaffirming the mythology that Lord Ayyappa was the adopted son of the Pandalam raja. The ornaments are believed to have been made by the king for his son.
The idol of Lord Ayyappa at the hill shrine are adorned with these ornaments only once in a year, during the Makara Vilakku festival. The procession carrying the ornaments follows the traditional route. It reaches Aiyroor on the first day and Laha on the second day.
By afternoon on the third day, the procession reaches Saramkuthy, where stands a pipal tree where devotees deposit toy arrows and bows they buy from Erumely to re-enact Ayyappa's victory in war over dacoit-King Udayan. (Details in mythology). The representative of the king will not accompany the thiruvabharana procession from Neelimalathodu as it is believed that no member of the Pandalam family should visit Sabarimala during Makravilakku season. At Saramkuthy, the procession is received by temple authorities. And as the Deeparadhana is performed after adorning the idol with Thiruvabharanam, the legendary Makaravilakku appears at Ponnambalamedu, a mountain range opposite Sannidhanam.
The king's representative comes to Sannidhanam on Makaram 3. And the chief priest welcomes him at Pathinettampady by washing his legs, the only occasion in Kerala history when a Brahmin washes a Kshatriya's feet. He leaves the premises only on Makaram 7 after all pujas. The chief priest closes the shrine and hands over the key to him which in turn is given to the priest with the instructions to safeguard the shrine till he visits the son next year.Another specialty is that only members of Pandalam family are allowed to enter the temple premises through Pathinettampady without an irumudy. In fact, if one were to rummage through the dusty pages of palace records many more striking facts strengthening ageold beliefs can be found.
PLACES TO VISIT IN PANDALAM:a. Pandalam Valiyakoyikkal Dharmasastha Temple: Believed to be constructed by King Rajasekhara soon after his return from Sabarimala after Ayyappa's installation, this temple was built to worship the Lord everyday.Instead of an Ayyappa idol, sadagramam, a piece of rock with considerable gold content, is worshipped here. The Valiyakoyikkal temple has been functioning as a private place of worship. Morever, this is a temple sans festivities.The shrine remains closed for 12 days on the death of any member of the royal family. Says Punartham Naal Ravi Varma Thampuran, the present raja of Pandalam: ``Certain omens appear in the temple as harbinger of an impending tragedy. Like successeive priests have noticed the presence of ants in the sanctum sanctorum before a death in the family.''
b. Kaipuzha Sri Krishna Temple:This is an ancient temple on the banks of Achankoil River. The idol of the temple is Narasimha Murthy, believed to be a very powerful avatar of Lord Vishnu.Following several unfortunate incidents in the palace, astrologers suggested that the power of the idol should be decreased. And as per the direction of the pundits, priests chanted santhanagopalam to decrease its power, it is said.Elders of the area say that there is a secret tunnel from the temple to the palace. No archaeological exploration has been undertaken to check-out on this theory. But one fact remains that there is an underground cell in the temple which has not been opened. Though Devaswom authorities conducted two devaprasnams (astrological ), they were advised not to touch the cellar on both occasions.
c. Kaipuzha Siva Temple: This temple was built by Pandalam Royal Family for worshipping. The most famous Siva temple in Pandalam is the Mahadevar Kshetram and the lord is considered as the guardian of the land.After the kings found it difficult to reach this shrine, they invoked the Lord on to a new idol and installed it at the Kaipuzha shrine.
d. Palace pond:On the premises of the Pandalam palace covered by overgrown shrubs and weeds is a deep pond. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa used to take bath in this pond during his childhood. However, today it's discarded and remains unsung, unheard Though both tantri and mel shanthi hail from the Brahmin community, there are several differences in the rights each one enjoy at a temple. While Tantri is the chief priest or presiding priest who has the final say in ritualistic matters, mel shanthi presides over the pujas only for a time-span.In the case of Sabarimala, tantris from the Thazhamon family supervise the pujas while the mel shanthi is selected every year through a draw of lots.
THAZHAMON FAMILY:Seat of the Thazhamon family of tantris is Chengunnur in central Kerala. They are the traditional priests of Sabarimala temple. Apart from Sabarimala, the family presides over the pujas at Aryankavu, Achankoil and Kulathupuzha.The installation of idols at these temples was also performed by Thazhamon priests and this gives them a paternal status vis-a-vis the respective temple. ''The tantri turns a statue into God,'' points out Tantri Kandaru Rajeevaru of Thazhamon, one of the two Tantri familes in Kerala; the other being Tharanallur in North Kerala.The myth about the origin of these families dates back to the time of Sage Parasurama.The sage brought two able Brahmins from Andhra to Kerala for looking after pujas at the 108 Sastha temples and 108 Durga temples he had built in the State after creating it from the Ocean.En route to Kerala they came on the banks of swirling River Krishna. For testing the powers of the Brahmins, the sage asked them to cross the river.The first priest walked over the current to the other bank. But the second priest stopped the flow of the river and walked through the river bed.PArasurama was pleased with them and granted them titles.
While the Brahmin who walked over the water was called Tharananelloor (Tharanam means to cross), the other priest was called Thazhamon (the one who walked on the sand below the river). The sage also bestowed the title Kandararu to the Thazhamon family.The present idol at the Sabarimala was installed by late Kandararu Sankararu.
The earlier idol which was destroyed in a fire was installed by Kandararu Prabhakararu.Eldest among the present generation of priests at Thazhamon is Kandararu Neelakantararu. The others are his brother Kandararu Maheswararu and son Kandararu Mohanararu, and son of his late brother Kandararu Krishnararu, Kandararu Rajeevararu.Each priest officiates the proceedings once in three years.The male child in the family is initiated into the tantric world soon after his upanayanam at the age of five. The boy observes three years of brahmacharyam and wears blades of the dharbha grass on his body.This period is followed by samavarthana kaalam. During this time the boy is taught vedas, mantras and other rituals. After samavarathanam, he will have to observe penance for a year. This is followed by a pilgrimage to Sabarimala as a junior tantri.He begins performing pujas alone at the age of 18. Before this he would've obtained the `Rahasya upadesham' (secret and sacred advice which is given to the member of family only at a particular age).Even the women of the family have to follow certain practices. From the third month of pregnance they have to start consuming medicated ghee. There are several other traditions to be followed in the successive months.
MEL SHANTHI OR CHIEF PRIEST: Unlike the tantri, the chief priest is selected every year. And one gets only one chance in his life.Only those brahmins with the deep knowledge of mantras and who satisfy many other criteria can apply for the post.The Devaswom Board holds the interview after a preliminary screening. The final selection is through draw of lots.
The names of those selected from the interview are put in an urn. Title chief priest is written on a piece of paper and is deposited in another urn contaning similar number pieces. The tantri performs certain pujas and the urns are broht out of the sanctum sanctorum.A young devotee on pilgrimage is invited to draw the lots. He'll have to pick up one piece from each urn. When the name of a priest and the paper scribbled chief priest are drawn together, that person is appointed to the post.

The 18 Steps
Normally the steps leading to a temple are forgotten the moment one steps on to the holy premises, but not in the case of the pathinettampadi. The significance of the sathyamam ponnu pathinettampadi is next only to the idol of Lord Ayyappa. In fact, only those devotees carrying an irumudi are allowed to enter the temple premises through the pathinettampadi.Droplets of ectasy trickles into one's mind at the very sight of the 18 golden steps. The devotee, after the hazardous 6-km trek on the forest road from Pamba, breaks a coconut carried in the irumudi before stepping on to the pathinettampadi.
Till a few years ago, pilgrims used to break the coconut on the step corresponding to the number of the pilgrimages undertaken. However, after the pathinettampadi was coated with panchaloha, they aren't permitted to do so and instead have to break the cococnut on a stone at the foot of the steps.
Breaking of the coconut in itself is a spiritual act. The shell of the coconut represents the material body and kernel, the immaterial. The water represents the soul. When the devotee breaks the coconut and steps on to the pathinettampadi, he breaks the physical barrier and blends with the Ultimate.
A devotee on his 19th pilgrimage carries with him a coconut sapling which he plants near the temple. This again underscores one more magnificent facet of the pilgrimage: The symbiosis between man and nature.
THE 18 STEPS TO MOKSHA:There are many theories about the significance of 18 steps in the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. It is believed that the steps represent 18 mountains surrounding the temple. On each step, the deity of the corresponding mountain has been installed. So when the devotee climbs the 18 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum, he attains the punya of visiting all 18 hill gods.During the padipuja, deities of these 18 mountinas are propitiated.
The 18 mountains are: Ponnambalamedu, Gowdenmala, Nagamala, Sundaramala, Chittambalamala, Khalgimala, Mathangamala, Myladummala, Sreepadamala, Devarmala, Nilakkalmala, Thalapparamala, Neelimala, Karimala, Puthuserrymala, Kalakettimala, Inchipparamala and Sabarimala.The 18 steps are also considered as five indriyaas _ eye, ear, nose, tongue and skin; eight rajas, kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, matasraya, aham and asooya; three gunas: satva guna, raja guna and tamo guna; and vidya and avidya.
SIGNIFICANCE OF 18 IN HINDUISM:Eighteen is considered as the code number to break into the soul of the Nature. The significance of 18 can be traced back to the Vedic age.The first Veda, believed to be protected by Lord Brahma himself, had 18 chapters. Later, Veda Vyasa divided it to create the four vedas: Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharava Veda. Each of these vedas had 18 chapters.Veda Vyasa also wrote 18 puranas and 18 upa-puranas. The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and the Kurukshetra war lasted 18 days.
Women and Sabarimala
An age old discipline that is still followed at Sabarimala is the ban on the entry of young women to the hill shrine. In fact, eves are not allowed even in to the poonkavanam or forest around Sannidhanamm, making Sabarimala the only temple in India where women aged between 10 and 50 cannot visit.
The ban has always been a controversial issue and a heavy demand to revoke it was raised by many a feminist organisation.However, the Devaswom and other agencies connected with Sabarimala have been successful in resisting this demand.One of the main reasons cited to justify this traditional stand is the duration of period of penance. Tradition insists on 41-day severe penance before undertaking the pilgrimage.The fact that it is womanly impossible to stick on to a strict routine laid down against a conservative Hindu background, especially the stigma attached to menstruation, is cited as one reason for restricting women's entry.
Similarly, the six-km trek from Pamba to Sannidhanam through hazardous forest path is physically a demanding task. However, this argument will not hold good in today's world abundant with examples of Amazonian talents.
Presiding priest of Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevararu points out the exact reason: ``Millions of devotees throng Sabarimala during the pilgrimage. And presence of women among them can lead to law and order problems as not everybody, however ardent devotee he is, need not behave decently with women.''The concept about Ayyappa as installed at Sabarimala is that of a brahmachari in penance. The lore also says that he has vowed to remain a bachelor. People cite these reasons also to justify the ban on women's entry.
AYYAPPA AND ILAYATHAMPURATTY KALLU:The Ilayathampuratty Kallu, a small stone statue hidden by time in a niche on a wayside rock, has nothing significant to catch the attention of devotees streaming to Pamba on the Laha Road. For, not many realise that this statue believed to be that of a princess of the Pandalam Palace stands as a warning post to women against undertaking a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.The story goes that a young princess of the Pandalam family insisted on accompanying the King on the first pilgrimage to Sabarimala even as other female members of the family stopped their journey at Kakkad, near Laha.However, the princes couldn't continue her journey from Laha due to unexpected menstrual problems. She informed the King about it and said she would wait for them in the hut of a Kani tribal. (According to Hindu beliefs, women shouldn't take part in any religious functions during menstruation.)And on his return the King was shocked to see that the princess had turned into a granite statue. The incident reminded him of Ayyappa's words that none without a 41-day penance should visit the hill shrine.
The royal representative accompanying the Thrivabharanam procession stops at the statue and offers pujas before proceeding to Pamba. And as the procession winds its way towards the hill shrine, the orphaned statue says a silent adieu.
AYYAPPA AND MALIKAPPURAM: A pilgrimage to Sabarimala is not complete without visiting to Malikappuram, shrine of goddess at Sannidhanam. Though there are many stories about the relation between the Lord and Malikappuram, the most heartrending is the one portraying the goddess as Ayyappa's lover; certain rituals and practices underscore this theory.Mahishi was a demoness with the face of buffalo who wreaked havoc among villagers and sages. None could kill her as she was insulated with a boon that she shouldn't be killed by anyone born of man-woman relation. Ayyappa is believed to be the son of Siva and Vishnu and the main objective of his incarnation was to kill Mahishi.
After killing Mahishi at Erumely, the Lord danced on her carcass. Then Leela, the previous birth of Mahishi, came out of the dead body and bowed before Ayyappa with a request to marry her which was rejected by the Lord, who had embraced Brahmacharya.
But Ayyappa told Leela that he would shed his sainthood if no new devotee visited him during a season. And she began her wait at the adjoining shrine.On the Makarasamkramam day (first of MAlayalam month Makaram falling in mid-January) after the Makaravilakku spectacle, idol of Malikappuram is taken out in a procession accompanied by drums and pipes. The goddess comes on an elephant to the pathinettampadi before proceeding to Saramkuthyaal, a pipal tree one km away from the shrine. New devotees visiting the shrine deposit toy bows and arrows bought from Erumely at this spot, believed to be where the Lord had left his weapons before merging with the Sastha idol.
On reaching the spot the goddess finds out that thousands of toy weapons are dumped at the spot announcing the arrival of many new devotees. The drums fall silent as Malikappuram slowly makes her way back to Sannidhanam before she begins her one-year wait hoping that no new devotee would trek the mountain next season. One more chapter is added to a celestial love story.
How to Go
The normal itinerary of a Sabarimala pilgrim is to reach Erumely before proceeding to Pamba through the Mannarakulanji-Chalakkayam Road and trekking the forest road to reach the shrine. Following are a few routes that could be adopted by devotees:1. FROM PATHANTHITTA: Mannarakulanji, Vadasserikkara, Perunadu, Plappally, Nilakkal, Chalakkayam, Pamba. Distance: 69 km.
2. FROM THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are two routes:a. Ayoor,Punalur, Pthanmathitta and Pamba. Distance: 184 km.b. Kottarakkara, Adoor, Pathanmthitta. Distance: 179 km.
3. FROM CHENGUNOOR: There are two routes to reach Pamaba from Chengunoor, the nearest railway station to Sabarimala:a.Chengunoor-Aranmula-thekkemala-Pathanamthitta-Pamba. Distance: 93 km.b.Chengunoor-Aranmula-Ranni Blockupadi-Vadasserikkara-Pamba. Distance: 88km.
4. FROM KOTTAYAM: There are several routes to Pamba from Kottayam, one of the main transit points in the pilgrimage. The important five routes are the following:a.Kottayam-Changanassery-Thiruvalla-Kozhenchery-Ranny Blockupadi-Vadasserikkara-Pamba. Distance: 119 km.b.Kottayam-Kodungoor-Chamampathal-Manimala-PLachery-Chethonkara-Athikkayam- Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 105 km.c.Kottayam-Kangazha-Pathanadu-Manimala-PLachery-Chethonkara-Athikkayam-Peru nadu-Pamba. Distance: 104 km.d.Kottayam-Karukachal-Manimala-Mukkada-Edamon-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 100 km.e.Kottayam-Ponkunnam-Erumely-Mukkuttuthara-Pambavalley-PLappally-Pamba. Distance: 90 km. This is one of the easiest routes to reach Pamba.
5. FROM ERUMELY: There are four routes to Pamba from Erumely.a.ERumely-Karinkallum Moozhy-Thulappally-PLappally-Pamba. Distance: 56 km. Resort to this route only if you are coming by a light vehicle as the road is narrow and there are several steep climbs.b.Erumely-Mukkada-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 64km.c.Erumely-Vechuchira-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 57 km.d.Erumely-Plachery-Chethonkara-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 69km.
6. FROM PANDALAM: There are two routes to reach Pamba from Pandalam, the seat of royal family who adopted Lord Ayyappa. The devotee can see the thiruvabharanam, the set of ornaments of the lord, exhibited at the Pandalam palace.a.Pandalam-Kaipattur-Omallur-Pathanmathitta-Vadasserikkara-Pamba. Distance: 84 km.b.Pandalam-Kulanada-Ambalakkadavu-Muripara-Pathanthitta-Pamba. Distance: 84 km.
7. FROM NORTH KERALA: Devotees from northern part of KErala can reach Pamba without touching Kottayam. the main routes are:a.Angamaly-Ettumanur-Pala-Ponkunnam-Erumely-Chethonkara-Athikkayam- Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 146 km.b.Through the same route one can also reach Ranny and then Vadasserikkara-Pamba. Distance: 153 km.c.Ernakulam-Alappuzha-Chaganassery-Thiruvalla-Pathanamthitta-Pamba. Distance: 170 km.
8. FROM TAMIL NADU: The two main routes are: a. Chengottai-Punalur-Pathanthitta-Pamba. Distance: 170 km. b. Kumily-Vandiperiyar-Erumely-Plappally-Pamba. Distance: 180 km.
IN CASE YOU FORGETThere aren't any fuel stations on Vadasserikkara-Pamba route. Fill your tanks and store enough quantities at Vadasserikkara. Though a fuel station is functioning at Pamba, availability of petrol and diesel cannot be ensured.
Carry out minor repairs of your vehicles before you enter the ghat section. There are many workshops at Erumely, Pathanamthitta, Vadasserikkara, etc.
MUST: Keep important spare parts and tool kit with you. And don't forget that extra tyre.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN KERALA

Important Tourist Destinations in Kerala.

India's Most Idealic State Kerala, Situated on the south western edgeof the the Indian Subcontient.With the Arabian Sea in the west, The werstern Ghats "Sahyadri" towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by the forty four rivers , Kerala enjoys Unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.

CALICUT

Kozhikode is also known as Calicut, is famous in history as the capital of the Zamrin Raja's.Vasco-da-Gama landed in 1498 at Kappad near Calicut. It waas one of the great ports on the west coast and is a port of call for cargo streamers even today.A big centre of the timber industry , has busy boat-building yards. There are a number of Temples.mosques and important churches, some of which has historical importants.In the Idyllic setting of the serence Arbian Sea on the west and the proud peaks of the Waynad hills the on the East, this district has all the elements that facinate a visitor.

Krishna Menon Museum

Krishna Menon Museum situated at East Hill is five km by bus from the Railway station / city bus station. Lying adjacent to pazhassi raja Museum, a store house of knowledge.

Beach

1.5 Km from the city. A place to spend your evening. The sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are specialty. The Lions Club Childrens Park along with the nearby ice-cream parlours make evenings pleasant for visiting families. Fishermen with their small rowing boats entering the sea, fighting the waves and returning with varieties of fish is worth watching.

Beypore

Situated 11 Km from the city, off Kallayi road. City buses ply form the city bus station and Palayam terminals. The hall mark of Beypore is its traditional ship building yard where the world famous "URU" is build, which has been a mode of transportation on the high seas for ages.

Kappad

Situated 16 km from the city. Buses are readily available from city bus station(New Bus Stand) you have to get down at Thiruvangure three KM away from beach, a stroll along the stretch takes you to the beach where, Vasco Da Gama the famous Portughese traveller alighted four centuries back, in search of the land of fantasy - India. Beach accommodation at Kappad Beach Resort.

Peruvannamuzhi

Situated 60 KM from Calicut city. Buses are available from the central bus station. Places of interest are the dam site, Crocodile farm, bird sanctuary and facility for boating.

Kakkayam

78 km from calicut city. The oorakuzhi water falls and dam site are places of interest. Direct buses limited from calicut city. no accommodation facility available.
Thusharagiri water falls
68 km from calicut city via kodancheri brilliant for the famous eye catching water falls which exhilarates you. Accommodation not available. Buses to kodancheri are available from calicut bus station.

Kakkadam Poyil

Well known for its serene water falls and nearby lush streams. you have to catch a bus from calicut to valanthod or koyilpara.

Dolphin's Point

Here one can see in the early hours of the morning dolphins playing in the sea. The beach, 2 km from Calicut town centre is along stretch of tree lined sand popular with the local people because of the Lions Club park, the Light House and the two piers - and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy in the evening breeze.

Science Planetarium

Kozhikode wins a place in the planetarium map of the world. Situate within city at Jaffarkhan Colony. It reveals the mysteries of universe and enlightens about the planets and stars. Shows are at 12.00, 2.00, 4.00 & 6.00 pm.

Kalipoika
A recreational boating centre within the heart of city can be seen at Arayadathupalam. Boating in pedal boats and row boats are facilitated here. Timing 8.00 am - 7.00 pm

Malabar House Boats
For luxury boating and exploring pristine back waters of Kozhikode, House Boats can be availed. The novel concept and excellent hospitality in this floating palace is worth enjoying, with family and friends. These are the first fully newly built House Boats of Kerala. These are stationed at Purakkattiri, close to Purakkattiri Bridge on Ullery - Perambra road. 10 kms. from Kozhikode.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary at Kadalundi is a Haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whimbrels and other such migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. It is 25 kms. from Kozhikode. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day. BEYPORE It is one of the important ports and fishing harbor. Ancient Beypore had been the centre of ship building industry where merchants from West Asia and Middle East regularly placed orders for huge wooden crafts, locally called as URU's. This art is a mnemonic tradition of almost 1500 yrs old. It is 15 kms. from Kozhikode, City buses are available.

Lokanarkavu Temple:

The Lokanarkavu Temple is 5km from vbatakara, 20km south of Mahe. This serene temple complex has three temples; one to Durga-the main diety, one to Siva and the other to Vishnu. All the temples are open to Hindus only. The Siva Temple contains vivid paintings, which are replicated wooden carvings at the entrance.
Pishakarikavu: This temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy. The special attraction of this temple is the elephant procession during the festival season (March/April).

Mannur Temple: This temple is 12 km away from Kozhikode. The exquisitely carved Gajaprathista styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parashuraman starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. The noon pujas here are therefore considered very special.
Ponmeri: The Sree Krishna Temple at Karatt and the Shiva Temple at Ponmeri have flamboyant paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the story of the churning of the ocean of milk) from the Puranas.
Jain Temple: The two temples in this compound at Trikkovil lane have exquisitely painted interiors and elaborately carved porticoes.

Parsi Anju Amman Baug: It is a Fire Temple on S M Street dates back to the period when the Parsis, settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago.

Thali Temple

The Kozhikkode Thali temple is an ancient one, dating back to the days of the Zamorin rule. The term Thali refers to a Shiva temple; however, the temple complex also houses a shrine to Krishna. Legend has it that Parasurama, associated with several temples in Kerala, worshipped Shiva here. Several legends associated with feudal rivalry, curses and relief from curses are associated with this temple. In its glorious days, this temple celebrated the Revathi Pattattaanam festival for seven days in the malayala month of Tulaa where learning and scholarship was celebrated with feasting and awards. The composer of Narayaneeyam (Guruvayur) is said to have been a recepient of awards at this festival. The Zamorin is also asociated with the pomp and splendor of the now extinct Mahamakam festival at Tirunavayi. This temple suffered destruction at the hands of Tippu Sultan and Hyder Ali and was renovated in the 18th century. The current structure dates back to the period of the ruler Manavikraman. The two storeyed sanctum has works of art in terms of stone sculptures and wood work with scenes from the puranas. In front of the sanctum is a chamber with intricate woodwork.There are also shrines to Ganapati, Narasimha and Saasta.

In the north east segment of the temple complex is the Krishna shrine with its own set of mandapams and a flagstaff. The 7 day long annual festival commences on the Malayala new year. Five worship services are offered each day.

NALAMBALAM(Temple Package)

NALAMBALAM YATHRA

Nalambalam Yathra is a religious journey popular in Kerala. It is conducted during the month of Karkidakam.

This journey is connected with the visit to four temples namely, Sree Rama Temple at Triprayar, Koodalmanikyam Temple at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana Temple at Moozhikkulam in Ernakulam District and Payammel Temple near Irinjalakuda. The specialty of these temples are they are dedicated to Lord Ram, Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughna.

Nalambalam Yathra starts with the visit to Sree Rama temple at Triprayar and ends with the visit to Payammel Temple.

Triprayar, also spelt Thriprayar, is a temple town approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Thrissur (Kerala, India). It is the home of a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. According to legend, idols of Lord Vishnu resembling Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna were washed ashore and were consecrated at Triprayar, Tirumoozhikkalam and Koodalmaanikkam Payammel respectively by a local chieftain Vakkel Kaimal who used to be the naaduvaazhi. Descendants of Vakkel Kovilakam moved to the south and settled in Niranam (Thudangiyil) and Thalavady (Cherussery Madhom) as worshippers of Thrikapaleswar (Lord Shiva) for the attainment of the lotus feet of Lord Krshna. Thachudaya kaimal, who was entusted as the caretaker, used to reside at Iringalakkuda. Worshipping all the four deities in a single day is considered especially auspicious.

The idol is that of a four-armed Vishnu (Chaturbhuja Vishnu) and Rama is depicted as the victor over the demon Kara. The deity is said to contain aspects of Brhama and Shiva too, making it into a Trimurthi. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in its outer courtyard.
The main festivals of the temple are the Pooram (held in the Malayalam month of Meenam) and Ekadasi (which falls in November-December). One of the popular sacrifices (vazhipadu) at the temple is meen-oottu (fish-feeding) which involves feeding grains of rice to the fish at the river that forms one boundary of the temple.

On the banks of a beautiful river near Thrissur in Kerala almost bordering the trunk road is a big temple dedicated to Sri Rama, which combines attractive location, traditional legend and superb architecture. In the dim past, this river is believed to have skirted the temple on three sides and hence the sacred place is called Thirupuraiyar or most popularly as Triprayar.
The main idol of Sri Rama which is installed and worshipped at this temple is believed to have been originally worshipped by Sri.Krishna at Dwaraka in Sowrashtra coast. When Dwaraka was submerged, the idol of Sri Rama was lying in the sea bed along with the further idols of Lakshmana, Bharata and shaturghna.

After many centuries, when some fishermen went out into the sea for fishing, the idol, of Sri Rama, along with the other idols got entangled in their fishing nets. They brought them ashore and handed over to the local chieftain Vikkal Kaimal. He consulted the astrologers and came to know about the previous history of these idols. At that time, there was a divine ‘asari' who informed him that the idol of Sri Rama should be installed at the place where a peacock would be visible in the sky.

Accordingly, all the preparations were made for the installation of the idol, but even after several days, no peacock was visible. At last, a devotee pilgrim carrying a bunch of peacock feathers came to this spot, followed by a live peacock also. The idol of Sri Rama was installed at that very spot where the peacock feathers and the peacock were found.

The idol is Bharata was installed at Irinjalakuda Koodalnickam. Lakshmana's idol, was installed at Moorikunni village 10 kms. away similarly the idol of Shatrughna was installed at an adjacent place called payamel. The chieftain is said to have constructed the original shrines at all these places for the respective idols. Among all these, the shrine of Bharatha at Irinajalakuda came to prominence as that was the only temple built separately for Bharata in the entire region.

According to the local legend, it is said that the idol of Sri Rama kept on revolving after it was installed until an ascetic did some rituals and prayers and a nail driven at the base. The majestic deity of Sri Rama is worshipped here as Maha Vishnu due to its posture and the attributes. He holds in his two hands the bow and garland and the other two hands hold the discuss (chakra) and conch (Shankha). The chest is adorned with srivatsa and Kaustubham. Some time later, the ‘Saparivara Pratishta” of Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi was also done on the right and left side of the deity.

An outstanding peculiarity of the ‘sanctum sanctorum' si that there are idols of Dakshinamurthy, Ganapathi and a lamp at the back of the deity. The local devotees call the idol as ‘Trimurthy' as it is supposed to represent Brahma also. Hanuman is said to be present at the ‘Namaskara Mandapa' although there is no separate idol for him.

Devotees possessed of evil spirits throng to this place and the cure is miraculous due to the presence of Hanuman. He is supposed to be always running about the temple chanting ‘Drishta Sita, Drishta Sita'. The periodical fireworks conducted here also emanate the same type of sound. As is in the temple of Thrissur , there is no ‘Dhwaja Stambha' in this temple also. Devotees offer prayer first to the‘Namaskara Mandapa' before worshipping Sri Rama.
Located on a picturesque spot on the banks of river Triprayar, the temple occupies a vast area as the main Shiva temple at Thrissur. The ‘garbhagriha' is square in plan, on a massive base, and includes sveral tiers sending in a conical roof. According to an inscription, historically the temple is ascribed to the 11th century. a number of pillars, beautifully carved, uproot the roof of the structure which has a pyramidal roof covered with copper sheets. The Namaskara Mandapam has a treasure of carvings on wood. Mural paintings are found on the walls. The panels have fine carvings depicting the ‘Navagrahas'. Around the Srikovil are carved episodes of Ramayana in the style of sculpture that blend with the architecture of the shrine.

About 3 kms. to the north-east of Thirupuraiyar, there is a place where a bund was supposed to have been erected on the river similar to the ‘Sethu Bhandana' at Dhanushkodi. In the month of Kanni on Thiruvonam star, the deity is taken to that place every year. This place is known as Raman Chitra or the bund of Sri Rama.

The ‘Arattu', something similar to the south Indian temple Brahmotsavam of the deity is celebrated in the Arattu Kadavu, known as Mandarathi Kadavu. An important feature observed here is a kind of drama acting with a single person, known as ‘Kuttu'. The festival lasts for twelve days. The theme is usually episodes from Ramayana such as Hanuman locating Sita in Ashoka vana, presentation of ‘Chudamani' to Sri Rama, etc. Major part of the presentation is the conversation between Hanuman and Sita.

According to the‘Sthala Purana', when Parasurama created Kerala and brought the Brahmins to inherit the area, they complained about the absence of a sacred river for bathing purposes. Thereupon, Parasurama prayed to Brahama for the grant of the sacred River, who sent the seven ‘Kanyas', Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada and Kaveri to flow here as river triprayer. It is believed that these seven divine ‘Kanyas' come to this river every year on the‘Vrat' day of the deity.

Thirupuraiyar ‘Ekadashi' in ‘Vrischika Krishna Panchami' (Dark fortnight) is a very auspicious day at this ‘Kshetra'. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees flock to this temple to participate in the celebrations. Another important festival is Arathupuzha Pooram, held in March-April attracts a large crowd to witness the fireworks and the elephant procession. Till a generation ago, more than a hundred elephants decorated with glittering howdahs, umbrellas and ornaments used to take part in the procession.

Thirupuraiyar is only 24 kms. form Thrissur railway station. Kochi is the nearest Airport. An excellent road connects this sacred ‘Kshetra' with many important cities in Kerala and Tamilnadu. The State and Public Transport authorities operate in this route in addition to hired taxis nd vans. A moderate choultry is maintained at this ‘Kshetre' by the temple authorities, but Thrissur would be the most convenient place for overnight stay as good lodging facilities are available here.

How to get thereTriprayar is freely accessible by road from Thrissur, which has a major railway station. It is about 60 kilometers from the airport at Kochi.

Koodalmanikyam Temple

Koodalmanikyam Temple and the big pond insideKoodalmanikyam Temple is the only Hindu temple in India where Bharata (Lord Sangameshwara), the brother of Sree Rama is worshiped. This beautiful ancient temple is situated in Irinjalakuda a small town in Trissur district of Kerala state, south India.
The speciality of this temple is that there is only one place of worship, even Ganapathy is not be found inside the temple. Usually all big temples in India will have more than one deity inside the temple, especially Sree Ganapathy.
The temple is surrounded by four vast ponds . The pond inside the compound is believed to be sanctified by Kulipini Maharshi (Sage) who had held a great yaga here. The pond is known as Kulipini Theertham.
The pond outside the compound located at the eastern side is called Kuttan Kulam
Seventeen elephants are engaged for the ceremonial rounds which happens once in a year for ten days, to the accomplishment of Panchari Melam. The last Two days of festival, Panjavadyam will be accomplished. The head gears ('Netti pattam' in Malayalam language) of seven elephants are made of pure gold (Or so believed) and rest of pure silver is another uniqueness of this temple.
The Ten day annual festival in this temple is held in April/May with Seventeen caparisoned temple elephants. It starts the day after the famous Thrissur Pooram and goes on for 10 days. The first day of utsavam (festival) falls under the star Uthram, and the ceremonial flag is hoisted which marks the beginning of the festival. On all ten days, a seeveli (procession of caparisoned elephants) is held twice, one in the forenoon and one at night. A unique speciality of this temple utsavam is the fact that two baby elephants are made to stand on either side of the elephant carrying the thidambu (the deity).

How to reach there

Nearest local railway station - Irinjalakuda 10 km Nearest main railway station - Trissur 21 km Nearest city - Trissur - 21 km Nearest airport - Cochin International Airport - 40 km

Moozhikulam

Moozhikulam Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram. It is located near Angamaly, in Ernakulam District. Folklore is that Vakkey Kaimal, a local chieftain, once had a dream that idols of Lord Ram, Bharatha, Lakshman and Shatrugna had washed up on the beach of the shore nearby. As per the advice of astrologers, these idols were installed at four temples: Lord Ram at Thriprayar, Bharatha at Irinjalakuda, Lakshman at Moozhikulam and Shatrugna at Payyammal.

There is a belief that to worship at all four temples on the same day is beneficial.Moozhikulam is 30 km from Irinjalakuda.

The Shatrughna Temple(Payammal)

The Shatrughna Temple is situated at Payammal, which is six kms from the Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur District of Kerala. This incidentally is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shatrughna in India. The idol of Lord Shatrughna is housed in a squarish granite sanctum sanctorum in the Payammal temple. The original Panchaloha (Five Metals - Brass,Bronze, Copper,Gold and Silver) has been untracable though efforts have been made to retrieve it from the temple pond situated in the back yard of the temple complex. The existing idol made of granite exudes a rare kind of divinity. The temple is haven of peace and sanctity and a devotee experiences an unique sense of satisfaction after praying in this abode. The Shatrughna Temple is the fourth temple which devotees visit when they embark on the Nalambalam (Four Temples) yatra or visit. Visiting nalambalam is considered to be a sacred event during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. Nalambalam Yathra is a religious journey popular in Kerala. This journey is connected with the visit to four temples namely, Sree Rama Temple at Triprayar, Bharatha (Koodalmanikyam) Temple at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana Temple at Moozhikkulam in Ernakulam District and Sree Shatrughna Temple at Payammel near Irinjalakuda.Nalambalam Yathra starts with the visit to Sree Rama temple at Triprayar and ends with the visit to Payammal Sree Shatrughna Temple.

Contact

SREERAM TRAVELS
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About me

Sreeram Travels

Travel to the beautiful land of Kerala. The land where one experience the freshness and warmth of nature in every corner they travels
Sreeram Travels is an organization that offers its specialized travel related services to visitors to the state.The organization takes care to provide the customer with all sorts of information and facilities for making a memorable and happy holiday. Our Company manages to achieve great heights in the field of travel destinations Taxi servicesPackage tour and Travel related services.
Our sincerity and commitment approach to tourist's requirements, anticipating their needs and working towards providing maximum satisfaction to them. Moving ahead, we have continued to expand the range of services offered.

Our Operations

• Bus service,• Family Tour,• Corporate Tour,• Student Group Tour,• Temple Packages• Hill station Tour,• Sunset Tour city Tour etc etc….

Temple Packages

Temple Package

This package includes a tour of most of the important temples in south India.the temple package with kerala gives you a chance to go on a pilgrimage to thetemples that were built thousands of years ago.

• Holy trip to Guruvayur , on every first day of Malayalam month.

GURUVAYOOR TEMPLE

Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of kerala. This is probably the only temple in the state that hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for infants).
The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'.
In the 'Chuttambalam' (outer enclosure) is a 33.5-m tall gold-plated 'Dwajastambham' (flagpost). There is also a 7 m high 'Deepastambham' (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brillant spectacle, when lit.
The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple

https://http://www.guruvayur.com/

• Thirvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple Packages

Thiruvairanikulam Mahadev Temple is 15 km south of Aluva in Ernakulam District and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The deity faces towards east and there is a separate shrine for his consort, Goddess Parvati. There is a Nandi facing Lord Shiva in front of the mandapam. An idol of Lord Ganapati is seen facing east in the nearby lawn. Other deities within the temple compound are Lord Ayyappa and Lord Vishnu towards the east and Goddess Satidevi and Goddess Durga to the west.

A unique feature of this temple is that the shrikovil of Devi Parvati's idol is opened only for 12 days in a year, from the Thiruvathira asterism in the month of Dhanu. During this occasion, huge crowds flock from across the states to the shrine. There is a temple well and to the south of it, one can see a cave, where Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared.
The festival time occurs on the Thiruvathira asterism of the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February–March). The eight-day festival also includes Arattu. Another eight-day festival is celebrated during Ashtamirohini. Other festivals celebrated are Pradishta Divasom (day of deity installation), Mandala festival, Vishu, Naga Pradishta and Navaratri.
The temple can be reached from Kaladi by traveling 5 km on Chowara - Kalady road to reach Sreemoolanagaram. From there take a 1.5 km route through Vallam road, and then a deviation to right to Akavoor-Thiruvairanikulam road for another 1.5 km to reach the temple. Frequent buses ply from Aluva, Perumbavoor, Angamaly, Chalakudi and Ernakulum to the temple. The nearest railhead is at Aluva.

http://http://www.thiruvairanikkulam.com/legend.htm)

CHOTTANIKKARA TEMPLE

Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, is one of the most popular deities in Kerala.
On way is the Poornatrayesa temple at Tripunittura. The goddess is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu.
People who have mental illness seek refuge in the divine mother, who graciously cures all her devotees. Goddess Rajarajeswari is the presiding deity.
This deity is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the morning - draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in blue.
The image in the shrine is not fixed to the ground and is mounted on loose sand. Water offered during ablution ceremonies percolates underground.

SABARIMALA

This holy shrine, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. The sanctum sanctorum nestles 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats.
The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January. Regardless of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
The Sabarimala Temple festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ayyapan who is revered by all in India. There are two main pujas called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja, which are celebrated from November to Middle of January in Kerala, during which time the devotees perform austerities and penance

VADAKKUMNATHAN TEMPLE

Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur, Kerala. This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.
The 'Pooram festival, falling in April/ May, attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world. It is a spectacular event, combining the majestic elephant pageantry with the frenzied playing of drums and cymbals and rounded off with a fireworks extravaganza.

ALAPPUZHA(The Venice of the East)

ALAPPUZHA

To label Alappuzha (The Malayalam for Alleppey) The Venice of the East' might today appear a far etched cliche of travelogue writes, but this quaint little town is certainly the Venice of India.Nowhere else will you find, spread out across the center of twon m a unique crisscrossing network of canals on which thatch covered country boats put along leisurely.The proximity of lakes adds to the Venetian ambience.For tourists Alappuzha is the pivotalpoint for trips into Kerala's famed backwaters and the states lush rice bowl, Kuttanad, Between Kolam to the south nd Kottayam to the east lie some of the most entrancing scenery of palm lined banks, quiet water-bound villages and little boats taking the local people to and fro- everything framed in green.A singular characheteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.
The Rice bowl of Kerala.Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is dome below sea level.Apart from the boat trips through the towns many canals and lages, and the Mullackal Bhagavathi Temple in the heart town, Alappuzha offers glimpses of the coir manufacturing process - from the coconut husk to the final rope/coir yarn stage.There are also several shops selling coir matting and carpets often at prices cheaper than elsewhere .The long sandy beach at Alappuzha has a lighthouse and a pier jutting out inot the sea , once active in the unloading of goods from ships calling atAlappuzha.Children can rop in the Vijay Beach Park.The not-to-be missed spectaclein Alappuzha is ofcourse the Nehru Trophy Boat Rice which began in 1952 on the occassion of the visit of Inida's first Prime minister , Jawaharlal Nehru , to Alappuzha, It is now a major event held on the second saturday of ever August and features the gigantic snake boats of Kerala, the chundans, once the battleshipsof the Malayalee kings of yore.Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuza's single most important tourist eent with each boat being sponsered bya different village.Competition is severe as the boats , with over 100 rowers in each race to the fiish to the accompaniment of rousig music.
Alappuzha Backwaters
Alleppy Venice of the East figures prominently on the tourist trail as one of the major centeres for backwater boat trips served by ferries to Quilon and Kottayam in particular .One of the best known ports along the coast of Malabar.It is often referred to as the Venice of the East.

Alappuzha Backwaters

Alleppey Venice of the East figures prominently on the toursit trailas one of the major centres for backwater boat tripsa, served by ferried to Quilon and Kottayam in particular.One of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar, it is oftern referred to as the Venice of the East' Alappuzha has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land.This gives the advantage ofgetting a closer lok at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride .Siling along in a Kettuvallam(House Boat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha is sure to rob your heart.Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the foget.One can glimpse chinese fishing nets, flock of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky..It is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life style in the countrtside if God's own country .Kuttanad : The 75 kilometre long sparkling network of rivers ,cansls l;akes lagoons and tiney streamless between Quilon and Cochin and beyond to Thiruvananthapuram ,, of which the Kuttanad (Backwater) comprises of are akin to tropical land of canals.This bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets is lined with dense tropical greenery and preserves Kerala life styles that are completely hidden by road called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealrth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters.Yams and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as side dishes this is the one of the places in the workd where farming is done below sea leve (1.5-2) metres belwo sea level.In lnd waterwaysthat flow above the land levelis an amazing feature of this land.Kuttanad is the heart of the ackwaters of Kerala.This beautiful countryside with its waterways also has a rich crop of banan.Cassava and yam.Thje scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas.Allepy ahs a large netwotk of canals and is the centre for backwater cruises in kerala.Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes.Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as of the major centres for backwater boat trips.

KUTTANAD

Kutttanad is called as the rice bowl of Kerala, because for her wealth of paddy crops are at the very heart of the backwaters.The scenic country side of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich croip of bananas, casava and yams, which accompany the rice bowlas side disehd This is perhaps the only land in the work where farming is dome below sea level .In land waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this unique land.

BOATRACES

Alappuzha district is proud of being the cradle of bat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Thiruvndoor, Neerettupurm, Karuvatta and Thaikkootam boat races are held at different parts of the district during August-September.Thousands of people from all parts of the world caome and witnes these races.
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popolar spots in the districts of Alappuzha .Its beautigul garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight .Imposing building of a colonia past overlook the shore.The peir, which extends into the sea is morethan 140 yearas old and is a rare sight house at the other, Vijay Park and Sea view park are all spectacular sights one should never miss.Boating Facility is available in both Parks.
Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boatng, a childeren's park withtoy train and bicycles.Open from 1500- 2000 hours

PATHIRAMANAL

According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake toperform his evening ablutions and the water made a way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal.This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different partrs of the world.The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarako, and its accessible only by boat.
Arthunkal Chruch.This Christaian Pilgrim centre near Cherthalai is 22km .Noth of alappuzha.The St.Andrewas Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries.The annual feast of St.Sebastain is held here in the month of January.

Ambalappuzha

The Sreekrishan Temple here built in the typical Kerala architectura;l style is famouns all over Kerala for Palapayasam the daily offereing of deliciously sweert milk poprridge, which tastes like rice pudding.It is also in this temple that pallipana is performed by Velans (Scorcerers) onein twelve years.Human Sacrifies was conducted in ancient times.However cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.

The Routes in Alappuzha

There are many interesting routes to cruise on the backwaters of Kerala, each route is more enchanting than the other.

Alappuzha to Alappuzha

is a one night round abot cruise which takes you through the Legendary Punnamada Lake.Sail along the gentle clear backkwaters tothe romanticVattakayal lake and spend a night aboard.
Alappuzha to Kumarakom
a one nigth cruise which offers you a magicalnight.Water birds- both residents and migratory adorn the canals and water seen in the night dazzle like the twinkling stars in a dark sky.Fishing women and men add to the magic with theirimaginaitve ways of fishing.
Alappuzha to Kottayam is one of the most exotic Backwatersccruises.A Cruise from Alappuzha through these backwaters tantalizes you with its breathtaking serenity to remain as the most beautiful reminiscences of your life.See the toddy tappers at work and farming done at below sea level.

Alappuzha to Thottappally

a cruises of many historical places.Visit significant places likethe Ambalappuzha temple and the Champakkulam Church .The cruise from Alappuzha to Kidangara takes you through the exotic backwaters to the Vembanad Lake and the fascinating Pathiramanal Island.

Alappuzha to Mankotta

this cruise takes you through the punnamada Lake and provides you the coir making villags and other historically important sights.

Alappuzha to Alumkadavu

offers both a one night cruise as well as a two night cruise.This cruise takes you to the place of origin of the house boats you are traveling in the Kettuvallams. Alumkadavu is the place where entire clans used to make these Kettuvallams.

Cochin

KOCHI(COCHIN)

Cochin is a vibrant city situated on the souuth west coast of the Indian penisula, in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, dubbed Gods Own Country' Its strategic importance over the centrureis is underlined by the sobriquest Quen of the Arbian Sea.Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin.Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay).Cochin is pround of its world class port and internatioonal airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.Kochi is situated on the west coast of india in the beautiful state of Kerala.It is flanked by the ARabian Sea on the western side and the WEstern Ghats on the eastern side.
Cochin is one of the finest harbours of Kerala nad is quite famous as thecommercial hub.Discovrr thebeauty of cochin city as you enter and explore the many faceted of the city.The city hst a number of attaction that will surely entice you.
Best Time & Climate
Being sitauyted very close to the sea, Kochi has a moderate climate,Heavy showers are experienced during the months June, July and August due to the South West Monsoon.In summer the tempertature rises to a mazimum of 355c while in winter it is around 25 The best time to visist Cochin is between December toi FEbruary when the weather is cool and pleasant.
How to get there
By Air: Cochin city iis directly connected Delhi, Mumbai, Madras,Goa, Bangalore and Thiruvanathapuram.All major domestic airlines have theri services to Cochin. By Rail- Cochinis connected by rail to most of the important cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. By Road- Cochin is connected by road with several tourist centres in India.It is 565 km from Bangalore, 223 km from Coimbatore, 848 km from Goa, 694 km from Chennai, 470 km from Mysore, and 312 km from Ootacamund.Ferries-Ferry service is availabe for travel between the island towns.MATTANCHERY PALACEIt is also aas Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguse and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 A.D.t acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace.It is interesting to note that at n time did the Portuguese or Dutch actually stay here.Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayaa and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palaquins.Timings: 1000 hrs to 1700 hrsclosed on fridays and national holidays.How to get there: Mattancherry is about 10km from Ernakulam. There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry from Ernakulam town. The boats start from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park at Ernakulam. Air : International Air Port is at Nedumbassery, near Aluva, about 22 kms away from Ernakulam, Kochi. Rail : The nearest station is at Ernakulam about 10km from Mattancheri. Kochi has 3 stations, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus. Trains from the Northern cities/Southern parts of India stop at Ernakulam Junction. Ernakulam Junction, D.H. Rd, Ernakulam South, Phone: 131; Ernakulam Town, Near North Bridge Phone: 2390920. Road : KSRTC Central Bus station is near the Ernakulam Junction railway station. It runs Express and Fast services from Ernakulam to other major cities within Kerala and into the neighbouring states. Reciprocal services from other States are also available. Enquiry phone : 2352033, 2372033. There are plenty of private buses available for travel from Ernakulam to other cities. They operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction. ST.FRANCIS CHURCHLocated at Fort Kochi this Protestant church was originally buil;t by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India.It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vascoda Gama were initially bured and 14 yearts later, his morta remains were taken to Portugal.How to get there:
Fort Kochi is accessible mainly by bus or boat from Ernakulam. There are ferry rides from the Main boat jetty in Ernakulam near Subhash Park to Fort Cochin every 45mts from around 6am to 9.30pm. The ticket office opens 10mts before each sailing. From Willingdon Island, you have to board the ferry from the Terminus Jetty (near Taj Malabar). The boat from both places dock at the Customs Jetty (1.5 km from Fort Kochi bus stand) in Fort Kochi. Junkar ferries for the transshipment of vehicles and passengers are operated between Vypin Island and Fort Kochi. The boat from Vypin jetty, docks at the Fort Kochi Jetty near the bus stand. For ferry information Contact: 0484-2371761 Air : International Air Port is at Nedumbassery, near Aluva, about 22 kms away from Ernakulam, Kochi. Airport Enquiry: 0484-2610015 Rail : The nearest station is at Ernakulam about 13 km from Fort Kochi. Kochi has 2 stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. Trains from the Northern cities/Southern parts of India stop at Ernakulam Junction at D.H Road, Ernakulam South (Ph: 131), and Ernakulam Town, Near North Bridge (Ph: 0484-2390920, 2395198 Bus : Buses are very frequent from Ernakulam to Fort Kochi. The bus ride from Ernakulam town, which is nearly 13 km away, takes about an hour. KSRTC Central Bus station is near the Ernakulam Junction railway station. Enquiry phone : 0484-2352033, 2372033. Private Buses operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
Situated In Mattancherry the Synagogue was built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilage made bythe Kochi rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand - painted tiles are of interest.
Timings: 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs to 1700 hrs
closed on Saturdays and Jewsih Holidays.


SANTACRU BASILICA CHURCH
The Churchsitated at Fort Kochi cose to St.Francis Church and is worth visitings .Some beautifu painitings can be seen here.The church was buit by Portuguese and elevated to cathedral by pope paul IV in 1558.
ST.FRANCIS ASSISSI CHURCH
St.Francis Assissi church popularly know as Naduvileppali, the most beautiful and old church in Ernakualm city, the blen of Portuguesse and Keraka sytlke of architecutre .The unique feature church's roof is that the entire hyper bolic para bloid shell roof rests only on th centre pillars on the either sides.It has completed 179 th year existence hundreds of people come hjere at odd times to sit in the quietnes of the church to commune with god.
CHINESE FISHING NETS
Fort kochi -The Chinese Fishing nets that line the sea fornt and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi, said to have been broght from China by traders of Kubala khan's Court, they are usd at high tide.
BOLGHATTY PALACE
Bolghatty palace is situalted in Bolghatty Island a narrow palm-fringed Island easily accesible from the mainland.The Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 Later it becane the seat of the British Resident and today this has been converted into a hotel run by the KTDC.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM
Tripunithura Hill Palace Museum is sitated 12km away from Ernakulam on the Ernakulam Chotanikkara route.Different types of sculptures,collection of rarte coins, old wapons, manuscripts in ancient scripts and coolection form Kochi Royal Family are exhibited here.Tourist may also visit the Deer Park situated there .Horse riding facility is also avaliable .The Parishith Thampuran Museum situated at the Durbar Hall Ground togther nwith its collection were transferred to Hill Palace Museum in 1997. Timings: 9.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs and 14.00 hrs to 16.30 hrsclosaed on Mondays and National Holidays.
WILLINGDON ISLAND
A man made islandcreated form the material dredged while deeping Kochi Port.Situated between the main kand Ernakulam and the old twon Mattancehry and separed by the backwaters.Willingdon Islandis an important part of Kochi .The Govt. of India Tourist office, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters, the Seaport, Naval Airport, Railway terminus, Customs House, Kochi Port office etc. are all located in this island.
MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY
Situated at Edappally 10km on the National Highwat from Ernakulam on the Alua route.Presents one hur light and sound spectacles of life size makers of Kerala history , together with the background music and commentary with glimpses of the vastness and diversity of Kerala history over the centruries. Timings 10:00 , 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 14:00, 14:30,15:00.15:30,16:00.closed on Mondays and Public hoidays.
M.N.F.GALLERY OF PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES
The centre for Visual ARtc and Gallery Paintings and Sculptures is situated at Edapally about 10km from Ernakulam and located next to Museum of Kerala History.It houses about two hundred origianl paintings of recognized indian masters, both contemporary and of the past.There is also a large collection of modern sculptures in marble, bronze, granite etc Timings: 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs
MALAYATOOR CHURCH
Malayatoor church situated a top of 609 m high Malayattor hill and is located 52 kms fromKochi.The church is dedicated to St,Thomas who is believed to prayed at this shrine. This is an imprtant Christian neighboring states.The church is situated at Kurismundi, a verdant hill in the western ghats girdled partially by river Periyar.The Church has a life- size stature of St.Thomas and the imprint of the feet of the Apostle on a rock. A grand feast taht is organized on this day as apart of the celebration is called the Perunnal this feast is suually organized in March or April .One can easily say that the name of the festival is a combination of the name of the place. where it is held and the word feast itself in the native language. CHERAI BEACH
Cherai bach is 35 kms form Cochin.Located 45 kms frm Ernakulam city the Cherai Beach borders Vypin Island.Thios beautiful beach is studded with seashlls of various hues and shapes.The nearby village gives ou glimpses of rural Kerala and Cherai 's main industry -prawn farming.This lovely beach is ideal for swiming .Dolphns are occasionallay seen here.A typical Kerala vilalge with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attractuon of this beach ,.A very quiet each, Cherai is well known for sea food and country wine.

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.

Tourist Destinations In Kerala

PALAKKAD

Palakkad, also known as Palghat (anglicized), is a small town and a municipality in the state of Kerala in southern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Palakkad District. Palakkad lies near the Palghat Gap, a pass or natural depression through the Western Ghats ranges that run parallel to the west coast of India, and connects Kerala to the plains of the state of Tamil Nadu to the east. The people in Palakkad generally speak Malayalam , though Tamil is also widely understood as it is close to the Tamil Nadu border.
Tourist spots

MALAMPUZHA

12 km from Palakkad. This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and a beautifully landscaped garden with a swimming pool, children's park etc is situated on the lower hills of the western ghats. There is an aerial rope way across the garden. There are frequent buses from Palakkad.

ACCOMMODATION

Garden House (KTDC), 300 meters away from Bus Stand and Govt. Guest House, near Hermit's end are the budget hotels.

DHONI

Dhoni, situated at a distance of 15 Km from Palakkad is a fairly long climb of a 3-hour trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills. This reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall has many tourists all through the year. It is a splendid and captivating waterfall. Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains. Its lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch. Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harboring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety. The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is a gala event. The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sree Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days. Getting ThereAirNearest airport is the Coimbatore Airport, 55 Km from Palakkad RailPalakkad railway station is a major railhead in South India. RoadPalakkad is connected by an excellent network of roads to all the major cities in India. AccommodationsThere are a number of moderately priced hotels and luxury hotels available in Pallakad. Apart from hotels, tourists can opt for Tourist Banglows, the Government owned hotels or guest houses.

Loknayak J.P. Smrithi vanam and Deer Park

J.P.Smrithi Vanam. Loknayak J.P.Smrithi Vanam and Deer Park is in an extent of 100 acres of reserve forest at Walayar in the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu on the side of N.H.47. Deers and other animals move freely in this park. Facilities for elephant ride is provided. The distance from Palakkad town is 22 kms. Mayilladumpara-Cholanoor Peacock Sanctuary

Kanhirapuzha

Kanjirapuzha. Kanjirapuzha Dam is situated about 38 kms. from Palakkad. The water spread of the dam lies in a single stretch. An evergreen forest, by name ‘Vettilachola’ is immediately beyond the reservoir which is surrounded by hills and during rainy season, the mountain will be covered with mist. All this makes the area extremely beautiful and picturesque. There are three islands in the reservoir with plenty of fish (including commercial varieties) grown by the Fisheries Department.

Mangalam Dam

Mangalam. Located 48 kms south of Palakkad town, Mangalam is mainly occupied by settlers from other parts of the State. Mangalam dam is located near the NH 47 about 14 kms. South of Vadakkencherry village. The dam is constructed across Cherukunnapuzha a tributary of Mangalam River. It is located in picturesque surroundings. The reservoir fringes on the forest area where there are deer, wild elephants and a variety of birds. There are beautiful parks and lawns adorned with statues

Pothundy Dam

Pothundy Pothundy is 38 kms south of Palakkad town. An irrigation project was commissioned here in 1968 with an estimated cost of Rs.234.25 lakhs, consisting of an earthen dam with a spillway section across the tributaries of Ayalure River. Its 10 kms right bank canal ad 8 kms left bank canal irrigate an area of 5465 hectares in Chittur and Alathur Taluks. The project also provides water supply to Nemmara and Ayalure Villages Meenkara Dam Meenkara. Meenkara Chulliar is a fascinating spot by virtue of the dam, garden, fish ponds and natural beauty. It is 32 kms.south east of Palakkad Town. This Dam is built in the river Gayathri which flows into Bharathapuzha

Parambikulam

Parambikulam. Parambikulam wild life sanctuary extends over an area of 280 sq.kms. It is 110 kms away from Palakkad via. Pollachi. The oldest and highest teak tree “Kannimari Teak” is situated here. Three Dams were constructed on the hill top. They are Paruvarippallom,Thunakadavu, and Parambikulam. for the irrigation of Pollachi Taluk of Tamilnadu and Chittur Taluk of Palakkad District. It is the place which is famous for teak plantations. Boat cruises is provided in the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thunakadavu, Thellikkal and Elanthode and a tree house in Thoonakkadavu offer lodging facilities. The Giant Kannimari Teak and the wild animals in the forest area are a sight to dream of.

Chulliar Dam

This project consists of two storage reservoirs; Meenkara dam across the Meenkara river and Chulliar dam across Chulliar river. Both these rivers are tributaries of Bharathapuzha. There is a net work of canal systems with a total ayacut of 10,930 hectares of land in Chittur taluk. The first stage of the projects, viz.,dam across Meemnkara river with canals,was sanctioned in 1956 and opened for irrigation in 1960. The total cost of the project is Rs.220 lakhs.

Attappady

Attappadi. Attappady is a tribal abode. Irular, Mudugar and Kurumbar are the main tribal groups. They live in forest in closely built huts called ‘Ooru’ (hamlets) Government have constructed some concrete programmes to uplift the tribals. The Intensive Tribal Development Project, Attappady implementing the tribal development schemes.

Nelliyampathy

Nelliampathy. Nelliampathy Hills are extremely fascinating and offer an easy escape from the soorching summer of Palakkad. About 75 kms from Palakkad is this cool hill resort. The height of the hills ranges from 467 metres to 1572 metres. It has immense trekking potential. Seethargundu, at Nelliampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below, a wide angled panoramic picture of about one third of Palakkad, beautiful and resembling the Green Valley of Kodaikanal. The total area is about 82 sq.kms. The highest peak in the range is Nellikotta, also called Padagiri. It is 1585.08 metres above sea level. The other major peaks are Vellachimudi, Valiyavana, Mayanmudi and Vela Vanchan, each about 1200 metres high. The annual average rainfall in the area is 4.244 mm. The temperature varies between 15’ C in December and 30C in April, the mean temperature being 22’C. The Pothundi reservoir glints in the distance like sapphire in a sea of emerald. The 1000 metre high waterfall is one of the major attractions. Seethargundu got its name from the legend that Sita Devi, during the vanavasa period with Sri Rama, took a bath here. During Deepavali, a large number of devotees gather here.

Palakkad Fort

Palakkad Fort. Palakkad Fort, situated in the Palakkad Town, is the most beautiful and best preserved forts in Karala. The sober silence of the granite wall reminds the old tales of valour and courage. It was constructed in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore and his son Tippu Sulthan. In 1790 the fort was taken over and re-modified by the British East India Company. The fort is protected by the Archeological Survey of India. Martyr’s Column, Open Air Auditorium called “Rappadi” and Tourism Information Centre of District Tourism Promotion Council are there in the spacious Fort Maidan. The Children’s Part and ‘VATIKA’ are just on the side of the Fort. The fort was situated in the middle of Palakkad Gap with an area of 15 acres.

Killikurrussi Mangalam

Kunchan Smarakom. Kalakkathu Kunchan Nambiar represents an age and its culture in the field of Malayalam literature. He was the native of Killikkurissimangalam in Palakkad. Now, the Kunchan Smarakom is a national monument and is being governed by a Committee appointed by the Government. A three year course on Ottan Thullal, Seethankan Thullal and Parayan Thullal was started with the help of artists attached to this monuments. Every year May 5th is celebrated as Thunchan Day. A library and an Auditorium are attached to this monuments. There are so many other tourist centres are also here. Important of them are Sree Rama Temple and the Spring at Thenari, the Kattilmadom Temple, Ruins of a mud fort near Chalissery etc..

Kottayi

Kottayi. It is 15 kms away from Palakkad. Kottayi is the native place of the Late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Karnatic Music Jain Temple of Jainmedu Situated on the western suburbs of Palakkad town, not far from the railway station, this historic 32 feet long, 20 ft. wide granite temple displays images of the Jain Thirthankaras and Yakshinis. The region around the temple, known as Jainimedu, is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived. It is at a Jain house here that poet Kumaranasan wrote his monumental poem Veenapoovu (The fallen flower).

Thiruvalathoor

Thiruvalathoor (10 km from Palakkad) : The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures.

Chittur Gurumadam

Thunchan Gurumadom. Across the lush green fields, two kms. from Chittur Town on the banks of river Sokanasini an old building where Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of Malayalam Language, lived in the 16th Century. People call it Gurumadom and it is here that he translated the two great Sanskrit epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, for the common people. At the Gurumadom one Srichakra and a few idols worshipped by him the stylus the wooden slippers (Padukom) and a few old manuscripts are exhibited. It is on Vijayadasami day that the memorial gets the maximum number of visitors with hundreds of children brought here for a ritualistic initiation into learning.

Silent valley

There exists in India, a tropical evergreen rain forest with an unbroken evolutionary history of 50 million years. Steep escarpments and ridges on all sides ensured that this plateau remained unsullied by man, thereby preserving its rich bio-diversity. The multi-layered canopy harbours a variety of plant and animal species, many of them hitherto unheard of by Science. A new frog genus supposed to be of the Jurassic era was discovered in the year 2003. It is no wonder then that scientists have described Silent Valley as ‘the richest expression of life on Earth’. Silent Valley is a virgin, fragile forest, nestled in the mountain folds of the Nilgiris in Southern India. In God’s own country, Kerala, Silent Valley is surely God’s own abode. It has etymological connotations to the absence of noisy insect cicadas that are generally abundant in tropical rain forests, although now, cicadas form an integral part of the forest. The local names of the valley and the river that flows through it, resurrect the grand tale of the Mahabharata. In the local lingo, Silent Valley is called Sai-randhi-vanam or Sai-randhiri (synonymous with Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas) and the river is called Kunthipuzha (synonymous with Kunti, mother of the Pandavas). Nature’s Bounty Cut-off from civilization and commercialisation, Silent Valley is an ideal destination for nature lovers, researchers and gutsy trekkers. Undulating mountains and lush greenery greet the eye at Silent Valley. View from the watch tower at Sairandhiri is panoramic and the entire valley below appears to be a wavy green enormous carpet. A silver line that runs through is the Kunthipuzha.

The interpretation centre at Sairandhiri imparts information on various rare species of orchids, plants and animals. Kunthipuzha is a 2 km down hill trek over a suspension bridge. With fresh elephant dung strewn around on the path leading to Kunthipuzha, it is the nearest one can get to wild elephants. Lone male tuskers are a dangerous proposition as can be judged from the frenzied paths they pave through thick foliage. However, there is no danger from them unless of course, you bump into them. The most famous resident of the park is a medium sized species of monkey, called the lion tailed macaque. Other animals include tigers, leopards, snakes, Malabar squirrel, Nilgiri langur and the malabar laughing thrush. The only nest-building snake, the king cobra is a prized possession of the park. Vibrantly coloured butterflies, fluttering their enormous wings create an artistic mosaic, which is a sight to behold. Early mornings and evenings are the best time to spot animals. Silent valley was once a battlefield, when the proposed construction of a dam on the river Kunthipuzha by the Kerala government for its hydroelectric project, constituted headlines in almost every national daily in the late 1970’s. The dam was to submerge the verdant valley together with its prized fauna. The debate between environment and development attracted international attention and continued for over a decade. Scientists, researchers, ecologists and nature lovers the world over united to preserve Silent Valley and a ‘Save Silent Valley ‘ campaign was launched. Their efforts paid off, when in 1984, Silent Valley was declared a national park. Today, the park is well conserved and has been declared a biodiversity hotspot. Two of its prized animals, the lion tailed macaque and the Nilgiri langur are listed in the IUCN’s (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) red list of threatened animals. Do’s and Don’tsAs the park and adjoining areas are declared polythene free zones, polythene going in must find its way out. Animals, which are unfamiliar with polythene and plastic may choke on them and die. The forest abounds in leeches. These 1-inch long, dark-brown thread like creatures latch on to any open area of your skin and bloat on your blood. If possible, wear high ankle leech proof jungle boots. The experienced forest guards however, roll up their trousers till their knees to easily spot leeches clinging on to their skin. Procure all required permit slips from the forest department office at Mukkali, before entry into the park. Mukkali, 23 Km from Silent Valley, is the starting point. A forest guard accompanies each group as a guide and also ensures that no damage is done to the fragile flora and fauna. It is also safer to stick to your group. Silence pays, as chances of sighting animals are heightened. Do not be disappointed if you don’t see animals, as they are shy of humans. Be patient, observe keenly and you will find the forest teeming with various life forms. Information for Trekkers Only serious trekkers find their way to Silent Valley, as trekking in this undulating terrain with thick vegetation is no cakewalk. Trek to Poochipara (Cat’s rock, 7-Km steep climb from Sairandhiri) takes 3 hours. Trekker’s are allowed to stay in the five camps of the forest department set deep inside. Trek routes can be chosen based on the duration of stay (1-4 days). A 4-day trek route starts from Mukkali and goes through Sairandhiri-Poochipara-Walakkad-Sispara and Anginda. Trekkers must procure all requisite permits from the forest department office at Mukkali or from the Wildlife Warden at Mannarkkad. For treks starting from Mukkali, all permits and payments are made at the forest department office, Mukkali. A guide-cum-cook accompanies trekkers through the trek route for the entire duration.

Getting There

Silent Valley is situated in the northeastern part of Palakkad district, Kerala. The nearest town is Mannarkkad (66Km). Bus transport is available to Mukkali(23 Km). You can hire a private jeep from Mukkali to Sairandhiri or trek right up. Jeep takes 1 hour while a trek uphill takes between 4-5 hours. Visitors are few as the place is totally non-commercialised. Forest officials are helpful and dedicated. Entry fee per visitor is Rs 20/-. Private jeeps from Mukkali to Silent valley and back cost Rs 450/-. You can also take your own vehicle with permission from forest officials (Vehicle entrance fee-Rs 100/-). On the way uphill you see the Karivara farm inhabited by the Mudukar tribes of the Attapadi forest reserve. The forest guest house at Mukkali has dormitories and 3 rooms. The inspection Bungalow at Sairandhiri has 4 rooms with solar powered electricity. Room rent for a couple at both places is Rs 400/- and rooms are quite basic. There is no other private lodging facility available anywhere nearby. Hence it is best to book your accommodation in advance.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Nearest town: Mannarkkad-66 Km Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (68 Km) Nearest Railhead: Coimbatore (68 Km), Palakkad(106 Km) Best time to visit: September to March

Meenvallam Siruvani

Siruvani. The Siruvani Project is in Sholayur Panchayath. The dam constructed across the River Siruvani, is for supplying drinking water to Coimbatore Corporation of Tamilnadu. The dam is surrounded by reserve forests. The distance from Edakkurissi to Siruvani Dam is 22 kms. The scenic beauty of Siruvani is simply enchanting. Muthikulam hill is situated on the eastern side of the dam. There is a natural water fall in the hill

Famous festivalsKalpathi RatholsavamAnnual chariot festival at Viswanatha Temple (November) Vela at Manappulli Kavu: Annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple (March) Nenmara Vallengi Vela Annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple at Nellikkulangara near Nenmara, on the Pooram day of the Malayalam month of Meenam (February/March). Highlight: Fireworks displays.

Konganpada of Chittur:Annual festival of ritual drama at the Chittur Kavu Bhagavathy Temple (February/March)

Pattambi Nercha: The festival is conducted in memory of Aloor Valia Pookkunjikoya Thangal, noted Muslim saint of South Malabar (January - February) Pooram at Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple:Highlights: Elephant procession, Panchavadyam, Velattu, Thira / Theyyam, Pootham, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Aandi Vedan, Karivela, Tholpavakoothu, Kumbhamkali (February)

Pooram at Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple:Highlights: Tholpavakoothu, Kalamezhuthupattu, Pootham, Thira, Karivela, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu, Elephant procession (February)

Kaalapoottu:This exciting ox race is an agrarian sport held in the Malayalam month of Makaram (January) Art Forms

Kanniyarkali: An art form exclusive to the Nair community of the district of Palakkad. Kanniyarkali is performed in temples as well as Nair centres (March/April).

Pavakkoothu: This shadow play is performed at the Bhagavathy temples of Palakkad (March/April)