thrissur

THRISSUR CITY

Hailed as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is the cradle of culture. The spectacular Thrissur Pooram festival is world famous for its colourful spectacle. The famous Shiva Temple of ‘Vadakkunathan’ is right in the centre of the town. The temple is situated on a hillock called “Thekkinkadu Maidan’ a landmark from where the entire town developed taking centuries. The hillock is the conducting place of the Thrissur pooram.

Guruvayoor Temple, considered to be one of the most secret temples is also situated in Thrissur. It has long been a centre of Hindu Scholarship. But it has always maintained a secular as Christianity, Islam and Judaism found its way to India through Thrissur District. St. Thomas the disciple of Jesus Christ has first set his foot in India in Muzaris near Thrissur.

SAKTHAN THAMPURAN PALACE

The palace is the epitome of traditional Kerala-Dutch Architecture. Constructed as the traditional Nalukettu style the building is a sight in itself. The palace is marked by thick walls, tall roofs, Italian Marble paved roofs. The palace is constructed to keep the cool always irrespective of the weather conditions.

The palace was earlier known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam. Saktan Tampuran renovated the Palace to its current form. Presently the Palace is converted into a museum. The museum is divided into various galleries for coins, bronze statues, granite sculptures, an epigraphy gallery depicting the evolution of ancient scripts.

The palace houses an ancient Sarpakkavu a serpent grove. Recently The southern side of the palace a Heritage Garden is preserved to preserve some of the indigenous plants and trees of Kerala. On the northeastern part is an archaeological garden with relics from Stone Age.

ARTS MUSUEM

The museum is dedicated to Mural arts and the first and only one of its kind. Other artefacts featured here are a very rare chest of megalith tools, burial urns, and russet-coated wares, excavated material from Indus Valley from Kodungallur, earthen pots and palm leaf manuscripts.

ATHIRAPILLY AND VAZHACHAL WATERFALLS

Spectacularly beautiful, the Athirampally waterfall is the largest in Kerala. One of its kind riparian ecosystems. Peculating down from a height of 80 feet and encompassed by the breathtaking landscape of forests, rivulets, streams etc. Upstream, touching the horizon is the Sholayar Mountains of the Western Ghats. It is home to a variety of endemic and endangered species of Flora and Fauna. The most famous sightings are Hornbill Species, which is supposed to be present only here.

KUTHAMPULLY HANDLOOM VILLAGE

World Famous for the woven ‘Kasavu’ Garments, Kuthampally is a big family of master craftsmen. They started as the royal weavers for the rulers of Cochin. Settled from Kerala and Mysore, they had a peaceful settlement for the on the Bans of Bharathapuzha. The royal family patronised the weavers for decades which helped them to flourish

Kasavu is usually used for auspicious moments. Women wear the Kasavu Saris and men dhoti, veshti and set mundu.

GURUVAYUR TEMPLE

Lord Vishnu in the form of Krishan is the deity. This is the most famous Vaishnava temple in the southern part of India. The temple is visited by people from all across India including celebrities, rich and famous. The deity is seen holding a conch, the discus (chakra0, mace and lotus.

KERALA KALA MANDALAM

Situated on the banks of river Nila near Cheruthuruthy, Kerala Kala Mandalam is considered as the epic centre of traditional Kerala arts. The Kala Mandalam came into existence in 1930. Kerala has a rich lineage in performing art forms like Kathakali, Kudiyattam, Panchavaadyam. All these are taught here. The learning system is Guru Kula System. Under this system, the teacher and student reside in the same place and continuous learning is imparted.