Welcome to Thrissur

Thrissur is called the “Cultural capital of Kerala”.The Cultural capital of Kerala, Trichur, gained prominence under the reign of Raja Rama Varma in 1790. Trichur or Thrissur as it is called locally, is well known for Vadakkunathan Temple, the Thrissur Pooram an annual festival held in the city, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. The city and the area around it have a number of museums, art schools, and institutes, which are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Kerala. The city holds annual eight day festival called Thrissur Pooram during which brilliantly caparisoned elephants lead processions. Followers representing the Thiruvambadi temple on one hand and the Paramekkavu temple on the other hand celebrate the Pooram. Elaborate processions from both these temples start off amidst much fanfare through the streets of Thrissur. The elephants belonging to these temples lead the processions. Each elephant participating in this festival is richly caparisoned, adorned with ornaments and topped with an equally well-decorated parasol. There are 15 elephants from each group. Each side tries to outdo the other in the decoration of elephants, as the side putting up a better display than its rival is adjudged as the winner for that particular year. Though the breathtaking spectacle of the procession is over by dusk, the night sky over Thrissur is lit up with an equally breathtaking display of fireworks. In fact, the Thrissur Pooram festival is a culmination of similar smaller processions that originate in the towns near Thrissur and wind their way up to the main event being held at the Vadakkunathan Temple. While in Thrissur, you can experience the rich cultural heritage that the state of Kerala proudly upholds. The multi-hued past of this city comes alive at the Archaeological Museum and the Art Museum as also the art gallery located within the Town Hall. The Vadakkunathan Temple is the spiritual centre of the city and is famous all over India for its magnificent annual Pooram festival. The sight of brilliantly caparisoned elephants during the festival is one that must not be missed.

History
The history of Thrissur goes back to ancient times. The name Thrissur (Trichur) is derived from a combination of Malayalam words Tiru-Siva-Peroor, which collectively means the city bearing the holy name of Lord Shiva. The entire credit for the rise of the modern city of Thrissur goes to Raja Rama Varma, who ascended the throne of the state of Cochin in 1790.
Best season and climate
Like most of the places in Kerala, Thrissur has a tropical and humid climate. It experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to August therefore it is advisable not to visit Thrissur during the monsoon season. The best time to visit the city of Thrissur is from September to March.
Attractions in Thrissur
Vadakkumnathan Temple
A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, the legend creator of Kerala. It is a walled complex of fifteen shrines dating from the twelfth century or earlier. Here the deity is Shiva. The famous ‘Thrissur Pooram’, fathered by Shaktan Tampuran, is celebrated in the precincts of the temple. To facilitate the Pooram he cleared teak forests of 54 acres around the temple. The temple is enclosed by 15 ft massive walls. The Gopurams, four, in carved wood and stone positioned in four directions around the temple.Bali (sacrifice)stones in brass seen everywhere. The ground is dotted with stone reliefs of prostrating men. The deities of Ayyappa and Rama, as ancillaries, are in comradeship with giant old trees. The Adi Sankaracharya is also accommodated. The exquisitely carved wood beautifies the shrines and Koothambalam (temple threatre). The idols of Shiva positioned all around the main altar. The deity Shiva is in the form of a big ‘mahalingam’. Here the main offering is ghee. The devotees brought ghee pours on the ‘lingam’ The years’ offerings has concealed the lingam. At present the devotees can see only a mound of ghee. As a miracle, the ghee does not melt or emit any smell, though in summer the temperature rises upto 35 degree C. It is said, part of the ghee is more than 1000 years old. The ghee will not be removed. If and when any portion of the mount is collapsed, the same will be sold. If a collapse is taken place, it is believed as a sign of some evil about to happen in Thrissur. Seven years back there was a partial collapse of ghee prior to the Pooram and during the Pooram a fireworks accident snatched the life of three. The Kerala’s own art forms of Chakyarkoothu ans Kudiyattam are staged here very often. For this there is a specifically thatched roof structure of Kuttambalam with carved panels and lathe turned wooden pillars.
Thrissur Pooram:
Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful temple festival of Kerala, south India. Thrissur Pooram attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the State and even outside. Celebrated in Medom (April-May) it consists of processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighbouring temples to the Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur. The most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu which is quite a significant event for its devotees. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of the erstwhile Cochin State in the late eighteenth century. Perhaps, there is no other festival in Kerala that draws such an unbelievable number of people to a single event. However Vadakkunnathan is a mere spectator at this festival, lending its premises and grounds for the great event. The pooram festival is also well known for the magnificent display of fireworks. Fire works start in the early hours and the dazzling display last three to four hours. The Pooram Festival is celebrated by two rival groups representing the two divisions of Thrissur Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi vying with each other in making the display of fireworks grander and more colourful. Each group is allowed to display a maximum of fifteen elephants and all efforts are made by each party to secure the best elephants in South India and the most artistic parasols, several kinds of which are raised on the elephants during the display. Commencing in the early hours of the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day. The procession of the Thiruvambadi Pooram to the grounds of Vadakkumnatha Temple and back is not only important, but also quite enlivening. The marvellous as well as magical effect of the Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed. Among the varieties of festivals celebrated in Kerala, Thrissur Pooram is the most thunderous, spectacular and dazzling. There are three temples participating in the event. It is an expression of popular fascination for sound and colour, and because of the pageantry, it appeals to all people. The images of the deities from all temples of the village are taken on elephants to the main temple. The climax of the festival is the exhibition of thirty elephants and the famous fireworks at 2.30 am local time.
Pulikkali:
Once a year in September, the small town of Thrissur in Kerala (a state just west of Tamil Nadu) comes alive with swarms of "tigers." The display, called Pulikkali, meaning tiger play or tiger dance, has been taking place annually for over a century. It is part of the larger festival of Onam, which is especially popular in Kerala. Hundreds of men, and a few young boys, spend hours getting their body painted from head to toe to resemble a tiger. Some don tiger face masks or attach tiger masks to their bellies. They then prance through the town in a choreographed, exuberant display, sometimes mimicking a tiger moving on its hind legs, at other times doing a frenzied dance to the beat of indigenous drummers. This spectacular display is crowded and rowdy (more on that later!), but great fun. Below, a selection of scenes from tiger-play.
Shakthan Tampuran Palace:
Actual name of Sakthan Thampuran was Raja Rama Varma (1751-1805). He was a king of Cochin and his palace was in Thrissur, central Kerala, south India. Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala and Sakthan Thampuran is the very architect of Thrissur. Thrissur Pooram was introduced by him. His palace is located in the heart of Thrissur town and has several well-preserved materials and galleries. The palace is usually known as Vadakkekara Palace, it was reconstructed in Kerala-Dutch style in 1795. He punished criminals and wrong doers mercilessly. He meted out justice without any mercy. So people called him Sakthan Thampuran which means Powerful king in Malayalam language. He was responsible for the crushing of feudal lords and hence increasing royal power. Historians state that he never encouraged Portuguese Missioners but offered land and other grants to Syrian Christians. His Grants to Syrian Christians paved way for the flourish of Syrian Christians in Trichur District. Sakthan Thampuran punished thieves and family rivals severely.

Archeological Museum Thrissur
The Thrissur Archaeological Museum is an architectural wonder and is located at the Town Hall road. The Trichur Archaeological Museum, Kerala is famous for its collection of murals and relics from almost entire Kerala. The museum also has big life-size statues of famous and eminent personalities of the past. The museum also has models of ancient temples, monuments, etc. An interesting collection amongst the many artifacts is the "olagrandhangal", which are basically manuscripts written on dry palm leaves. These fragile manuscripts have been preserved till date with much care and worth a see. Most of the artifacts of this museum were recovered from the dense forests of Thrissur and Wayanad district of Kerala.
Zoo:
The 13 odd acres complex have variety of animals. The lion-tailed macaque, beer, hippos, tigers, pink flamingoes, camel, mithun of the North-Eastern hills are some of the inhabitants. The Snake Park has king cobras, kraits and vipers among others. A National History Museum is there within the zoo compound. It displays costumes of Kerala, Kathakil figures, a studded treasure chest of a Raja, swords, arms and chain mail armour. The zoo compound also accommodates an Art Museum. Collections include metal sculptures, ancient jewelleries, wood carvings, stone figurines, costumes of Kochi Rajas and Chinese and Japanese artefacts. A beaten silver Anantha (snake god) is a show-piece.
Marthoma Miriam Big Church:
This Chaldean Syrian Church is age-old and the headquarter of Chaldean Syrian Churches in India. Part of the Mass still conducted in Syniac. There is no idols or pictorial representation of Christ or anyone else inside the Chapel. The prayer hall has chandeliers and colour glass balls hung from the ceiling. The ornate carving on wooden beams, pulpit and chor gallery are amazimg.
Dolores Basilica:
Located 2-km away from the town, near Jubilee Mission Medical College. The 1875-built Roman Catholic Church is locally called Puthen Palli. The 140 ft long steeple is visible from anywhere in the town. The chapel has 15 altars. It boasts of neo Gothic spires and the largest interior of any church in South India. services Mon-sat 7-9am & sun 7.30 to 9.30 am).this chaldean church is dedicated to mary and is teh most ancient of all Kerala christian centres. However not much of the original structure remains as the church was extensivley renovated in the nineteenth century. There are two festivals here. One is on 1st Sunday of November and the second is on 15th September. Lourdes Cathedral: The 3rd big church in Thrissur. Its uniqueness lies in the underground prayer chamber. The 80 metre Bell Tower is also open to visitors ( Tue- Fri 10am -1pm & 2-6pm. Sat & Sun 10am -1pm and 2-7.30pm) You can climb the 350 steps or take the lift to the top from where views extend across the palms to the foothills of the distant ghats. There is also a permanent exhibition of artwork depicting the life of Jesus which lines the tower staircase, ranging from beautifully detailed stained glass windows to garish frescoes and wood carvings.
Kerala Sahitya Academy
Kerala Sahitya Academy or Academy for Malayalam literature is an autonomous body which was established to promote Malayalam language and literary heritage and situated in Thrissur. It was inaugurated on October 15th, 1956, by Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the former king of Travancore. Though the Kerala government provides the funding and support for the Academy, the administration of the Academy is designed to be autonomous by its constitution. The Academy recognizes superior literary works every year through its literary awards
Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy:
One of the most revered places for the traditional art forms of Kerala, the Kalamandalam is the cradle of Kathakali training in India. This temple of arts has preserved and propagated Kathakali - the classical dance-drama of Kerala - for the past 78 years. Many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala and India have been trained here. The Kalamandalam and its surroundings reflect the simple, pure and ethnic atmosphere in which these arts have survived for centuries. The Koothambalam - the traditional dance theatre - at Kalamandalam is the only one in the State which is built outside a temple complex. Constructed according to vikrushtra madhya, one of the three natya grihas (theatres) specified in sage Bharatha's Natyasasthra - a treatise on art compiled in the 2nd century B.C, the theatre is 14.62 m long and 7.31m wide and has four wooden pillars supporting it. It has three main parts - the aniyara (green room), the rangam (stage) - the space on front and side of it meant for the audience, and the mridanga-patha (where the drum is kept). The Kerala Kalamandalam was established by allathol Narayana Menon, the renowned Malayalam poet. It was at a time when the popularity of Kathakali was on the wane. English education had been introduced and only a few upper class families in the State held the key to the art form. Realising the need to keep the art alive, the poet along with a few royal Kathakali enthusiasts like M. Mukundaraja and Kunjikuttan Thampuran, took over the revival and popularisation programme. They arranged performances by eminent artistes across the State and even raised funds through lotteries. Over the years this unique institution has imparted training for Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Kootiyattam, Panchavadyam, Thullal etc - following the ancient gurukula system of education.
Arattupuzha Temple:

The famous Ayyappa temple at Aarattupuzha is just 14 kms south of Thrissur town, and celebrates its annual pooram festival in April/May. Arattupuzha Pooram is the oldest and the most spectacular of the pooram festivals of Kerala. It is believed that on this day a hundred and one gods and goddesses of the neighbouring villages visited Sree Ayyappan, the presiding deity of the Arattupuzha Temple. Evey today, 61 elephants feature in the pooram procession on the sixth day of the seven day festival. Panchavadyam, nadaswaram, pacharimelam and pandimelam add to the festive tempo. The arattu (holy bath of the idol of the diety) ritual is performed with great pomp and gaiety in the arattupuzha river on the following day. The final pooram is conducted with sixty one caparisoned elephants bearing bright coloured umbrellas and parasols, presenting an unparalleled spectacle. The temple ensemble lends a majestic tenor to the extravaganza.The elephant carries the images of the dieties of 41 neighbouring temples to this village. Arattupuzha temple is open 05:00 - 09:30 am & 05:00 - 07:00 pm
Oorakam:

Oorakam is located 12 km south of Thrissur town. Oorakam is the abode of two famous temples – Peruvanam temple and Ammathiruvady temple. Peruvanam has an important place in the religious map of Kerala. Here there many important Brahmin families who are Vedic exponents. Peruvanam is also the place of Kerala’s wellknown percussion music artists.

Kunnamkulam:

Kunnamkulam is a city and a municipality in Thrissur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is an old commercial town and is famous for its printing and book binding industry. Kunnamkulam is 22 km from Thrissur. Kunnamkulam is the major business center, north of Trichur in Kerala. The small town in Thrissur district have a business history of more than 300 years. The Arabians, Greeks, and Persians left their footprints on this land years ago. The ancient name of Kunnamkulam was Kunnamkulangara. In the order of Kochi Kings dated AD 1763, written that "in Kunnamkulangara previous year about 108 shops caught fire and this year again 11 shop rooms have caught fire. In order to prevent further fire mishaps all shop owners of Kunnamkulangara town are directed to replace their roof with tiles immediately."
Urakam Amma Thiuvadi Temple:
This temple is on the way to Aratupuzha. The distance is about 12-km from the town. This is the oldest temple in the area. It was constructed by a reputed Namboodiri family, mainly to avert disasters that overtook the region. The idol here is cleaned by feathers of peacock, a custom not prevailed anywhere else.
GURUVAYOOR
Home of Sri Krishna Temple. 32 km away. The temple is very famous and the devotees come here from far away. Some days hours warrant in queue to reach the sanctum due to bulging devotees. During night thousands of oil-lamps lit around the temple and a dance form of Kerala, Krishnattom, kick-starts. The devotees believe that the presence in the precincts of the temple wards off the evils. Here there is peculiar system of offering called ‘Thulabharam’. A devotee can offer anything from banana, jaggery, sugar, coconut, flower to gold or diamond equal to his body weight. The devotee sits in one side of the balance and in the other side the offering material fills till the balance equalizes. This is Thulabharam. The solemnization of wedding is an up-keep tradition here. In some days the solemnization crosses 150 marks. The architectural beauty of the temple is commentable. Unfortunately, in Kerala, only Hindus are allowed to enter the temples. The more enlightened and forward looking demand entry for all in all temples. Hope the things will change....Click here to see more
Punnathur Kota: 3 km away from Guruvayur temple. The elephants got as offering in Guruvayur temple are housed here. At present there are 65 elephants. The visitorts allowed. On the wayside of the south ring road of the temple a tall elephant stands stubornly. The passers-by moor here to grab its beauty. The alive-like portrait is of Guruvayur Kesavan, a beloved panchyderm of the temple. This elephant was gifted by the king of Nilambur (Malabar). He was so obedient and loving, the whole Kerala wept on the news of his death due to old-age. He is garlanded daily.The temple runs an institute of mural paintings. A museum in the office compound has showcased some of the offerings by devotees. Palayur Church: The oldest church in India and one of the seven founded by St Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD.The church is little away from Guruvayur. A silver statue of St Thomas on the roof and charming stone lamps are noteworthy. Each Tuesday a novena and mass held in hour of St Thomas. A boat is moored in a pond in commemoration of St Thomas’s arrival at Palayur. A multi-faceted museum in the name of St Thomas is coming up.
Kodangallur:
A small town with enveloping backwaters and the sea is located 36-km from Thrisssur. Kodungallur had a glorious past,which vanished with the pass of time. In the past it had a reputation as gateway to India. The Jews first set their foot in Kodungallur. The port of Muziris (ancient name of present Kodangallur) was bustling with activities then. Muzris was described in the 1st century AD by the Roman traveller Pliny as the most important trading post in India. Several vessels to carry pepper, sandalwood, teak, silks and other hill produces were berthed in the port. Jews were followed by Portugese, Arabs, Chinese and British. Once considered as the Rome of East because of its Christianity and reckoning as a trade centre lost its prominency in 14th century. Following a devastating flood the port was chocked up and created a natural harbour at Kochi on the same time. St Thomas, the Appostle, landed here in 52 AD. St Thomas converted Brahmins to Christianity and built the first of his 7.5 churches at Palayur, near Chavakad (46-km north of Kodungallur) which claims to be the oldest church in India. Jews followed a decade after St Thomas arrived. India’s first mosque was built in Kodungallur during 629 AD by the king Cheraman Perumal after he converted himself to Islam. St Thomas, Cheraman Perumal and Kodungallur Bhagavathy (the diety of the temple here) have influenced the life and culture of the people here
Kodungallur Bhagwathi Temple:
The temple was built by Chera king, Chenguthuvan. The deity, Kannagi (also called Bhadrakali or Bhagavathi) possesses immense power, it is believed. The main festival called Bharani is celebrated in Meenam (March-April) to symbolize the killing of demon. The temple has an unusual system during its festival. During the seven-day long festivals obscenic songs are sung by the devotees to appease the deity. The intensity of the songs has come down considerably following vehement protests from various learned sections. The government is afraid of banning it, fearing backlash from some sections. Yet another unusual ritualistic custom also prevails here – butchering of chicken during the festival. There is a marked venue and Kozhikallue (chicken-stone) for this purpose. Believe it or not, thousands of pilgrims, mostly from Kasargode and Kannur districts (north end of Kerala – Thrissur is in the middle of Kerala) with swords in hands come during the festival. On 'Kavuthindal', the first day, the pilgrims run en masse around teh temple three times at break neck speed, beating its walls with sticks. An important section of devotees are the crimson-clad village oracles wielding scythe-like swords.They agitatingly dance before the temple or gash on their heads often drawing blood, to appease the goddess and earn her blessings for well-being.

Azhikode:
Azhikode is located near Kodungalloor. Azhikode shot into fame due to the Marthoma Pontifical Shrine here. This shrine is built on the model of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It was built to commemorate the landing of St Thomas the Apostle in India at Kodungalloor. The arrival of St Thomas is neatly depicted inside the shrine in painting. The bone of the right arm of St Thomas is preserved here as a relic. Azhikode has a fishing port. It is a busy port engaged in activities throughout. Dozens of fishing boats are seen always in the port.
Irinjalakuda:
Irinjalakuda town is located 18 km south of Thrissur town. This town is famous for bell-metal and brass wares. The town is the abode of famous Koodalmanikyam Kshetram (temple).
Marthoma Pontifical Shrine:
Located at Azhikode, near Kodungallur. The shrine is built with colonnades and modelled as St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The church was built to commemorate the landing of St Thomas in India (in Kozhikode) in 52 AD. St Thomas’ arrival is depicted in a painting inside. A relic (bone of the right arm of St Thomas) is preserved here and the same is deposited in a separate shrine. The church is of cosmopolitan nature. People from all castes come here for blessings.
Cheraman Juma Masjid:
Located at Methala, near Kodungallur. The oldest mosque in India, Cherman Juma Masjid, was built during 628 AD, that is, seven years after the prophet Mohamed settled in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The mosque wears Hindu architecture style as it was built by a Hindu convert to Islam, king Cheraman Perumal who emigrated Mecca. The present structuremosque is also considered as the second oldest in the world. The present structure has been partly rebuilt with only the original wooden interiors remaining intact.There is a large Kerala oil lamp in the centre and people from all communities bring oil on special occassions. In an anteroom, a small mausoleum is said to be teh burial place of Habib Bin Malik, an envoy sent from Mecca by Cheraman Perumal. Women are not allowed into the mosque at any time.The mosque had the rare honour of a visit by the President of India, A P J Abdul Kalam, recently.
Koratty Muthi Church:
Koratty is avbout 25-km away from Kodungallur and about 40-km from Thrissur on NH 47. If the Cheraman mosque was built in Hindu temple style, the shrine of Koratty Muthi (Mother Mary) is also on the same Hindu pattern. This shrine is very popular, attracting large number of pilgrims, mostly Hindus. Inside the shrine there are 12 Apostles carved in wood. The statue of Mother Mary is crowned by Holy Trinity and Mary’s life scenes are neatly painted on the walls. There is a Rosarya Village outside the church with 15 mini chapels. A statue of Christ is Padmasana pose, very rarely seen anywhere, atleast not seen in Kerala, is an exclusive speciality of this shrine.
Chavakkad:
Chavakkad, a small coastal town, is located near Guruvayur. Its beach lies unattended with no shacks or food stalls. A 100 ft Lighthouse in the south end of the beach is an ideal spot to have a panoramic view of the sea at west and thick coconut plantations at the east.
Vatanapilly:
This small coastal town is located 14 km south of Guruvayur on NH 17. This coconut palm lined town and its side-walks are ideal for leisure walk. A 20 minute walk is enough to reach Vatanapilly beach which is ideal for strolling.
Thalikulam:
3 km south of Vatanapilly is Thalikulam, a coastal mofussil centre on NH 17. Thalikulam beach, a silent beach, is 20 minute walk away from Thalikulam centre. For hay-walk and leisure the beach with no crowd is ideal.
Nattika:
2 km south of Thalikulam on NH 17 is Nattika. This too is a mofussil centre. A 25 minute walk lands one in Nattika beach, a silent beautiful beach, ideal for strolling and leisure.
Triprayar:
One kilometre south of Nattika is Triprayar, a small mofussil town on NH 17. This town is a commercial centre. The famous Sri Rama temple is located 500 metres east of the town in the banks of Canoli Canal. Ekadasi in the month of Vrischikam (November/December) is the main festival here. Hundreds of devotees daily visit this shrine. The deity of this temple, Sri Rama, occupies centre stage in the famous Arattupuzha Pooram which is in the month of Medam (April/May).
Shree Rama Temple:
Situated at Triprayar, in between Guruvayur and Kodungallur, with equal distance of 25-km to both the places. The deity here is Shree Rama in the form of Chaturbhuja - four arms with conch, disc, bow and garland (one item in one hand). The deity is considered as Trimurthi (three Gods) as there is a semblance of Shiva and Brahma to the idol of Rama. The leadership of the famous Arattupuzha Pooram is bestowed on this temple. Though 41 temples participate in Arattupuzha Pooram with dozens of elephants, only the deity of Shree Rama temple is given the right to carry the deity and Kolam on the elephant during Arattupuzha Pooram. The 7-day lasting Pooram in Shree Rama temple begins 5 days prior to Arattupuzha Pooram. During the 7 days the real show of festival is only on the 1st and last days. Rest of the 5 days, the deity on elephant goes out of the temple to visit his devotees in the neighbouring villages. This festival is in Meenam (March-April). Ekadashi in Vrischikam (November-December) is also celebrated here as a grand festival.
Koodalmanikyam Temple:
Located at Irinjalakuda, 16-km away from Kudungallur and 25-km from Thrissur. The deity is Bharat, the brother of Rama. The temple is of 9th century old. The temple has many structures which were repaired by during the rule of Shaktan Tampuran. There is a 10-day long festival during Medam (April-May). The staging of Kerala’s own art froms in each day forms the essential part of Pooram. During Karkidakam (July-August) Anguliangamkoothu, Ramayanamkoothu and Koodiyattam (all the three are Kerala’s own performing arts) staged here. The lord at Koodalmanikyam is Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamaala. The general belief, however, is that the Lord is Bharatha the brother of Sree Rama. He anxiously and devotedly awaited the return of Rama from exile for fourteen years and then learnt from Hanuman that Rama has reached the outskirts of Ayodhya. He was much relieved and happy. Baratha in that mood is worshipped here. Naturally Hanuman is also present at Thidappilly. A distinctive feature of Koodalmanikyam temple is that there is only one single Prathista. Even Vigneswara, usually found in all temples dose not find place here. Usually when Thulasi leaves are offered to the diety, its seeds invariably sprouts in the premises. How this has not at any time happened in this temple is a mystery. One explanation is that Thulasi plant being sacred; it is worshipped wherever it is found. Probably it is to forbid even such an object of secondary worship in the temple precincts that Thulasi is not allowed to grow by some

Chimmony Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary:
Chimmony Wildlife sanctuary is in Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur District. Established in 1984, the sanctuary with an area of about 100 sq. kms is on the Western slopes of the Nelliyampathi hills. The forests here are Tropical Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen and the Moist deciduous forests. These forests which were once extensive and extremely thick, have been over the years been denuded by continuous over exploitation. The sanctuary makes for a wide variety of flora still. All major species of fauna of peninsular India are well represented in the sanctuary. However, due to years of human interference, the fauna is sparse. Some minor wildlife and some elephants and Gaur are also seen occasionally. The sanctuary also offers trekking paths for the adventure traveller.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located in Thrissur, Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary attracts wildlife lovers and nature observers from anywhere in the world to soak themselves completely in tranquility and beauty of its dense forests. The moist deciduous forests of the Trichur Peechi Vazhani national park are a haven for a variety of wildlife that consists of many rare species of animals, birds and plants as well. The sanctuary is situated in the basin of the Peechi and Vazhni dams of Trichur. This sanctuary was established in the year 1958 in Kerala. There is a rich variety of flora and fauna in this sanctuary. One can find more than 60 varieties of plants that include rosewood, teakwood and orchids along with plants of medicinal value. Among the wildlife, one can find animals like leopards, sambar deer, wild dogs, barking deer, spotted deer, bison and elephants. You can also find many types of snakes and other reptiles here. There is a hill near the sanctuary known as the Ponmudi peak, which goes upto a height of 923 meters. Take a trek on this peak and look at the breath-taking view of the sanctuary from the top of the peak. It is truly a magical experience and one that you shall never forget.
Chalakudy:
Chalakudy town is located 30 km south of Thrissur town on NH 47. It is a commercial and trading centre. Chalakudy is the base station for the famed Athirappally waterfalls, Malakkapara and Sholayar hydro project. It is a market place for spices and rubber. It is on the banks of the Chalakudy River, which is originated from Anamalai Hills(Western Ghats).
Athirapilly:
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.