ABOUT KERALA

The small state of Kerala, which represents just 1% of the land mass,is considered to be one of India's most beautiful state.

It is a very rural state with most of the population living in villages but is culturally and scenically diverse. Kerala has two national parks, ten wildlife sanctuaries and two bird sanctuaries.

Kerala occupies a long (550km), narrow strip of land in the far south of India. Its coastline is on the Arabian Sea ( part of the Indian Ocean) and its eastern border with the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu is the top of the majestic Western Ghat mountains. The landscape varies from long golden beaches to cool hill stations and dense green jungle to bustling cities. Its unique feature is the 1,900km of palm fringed backwaters.

The people of Kerala are warm and friendly and interaction with them is often a highlight of a holiday to Kerala. Keralites have a strong culture and are fiercely proud of their state. Some of their art forms (eg Kathakali and Theyyam) and martial arts (kalaripayattu) are unique.

We prepare customized Kerala Tourism Packages by combining the attractive places and exotic Resorts in Kerala. Information about Kerala Tourism, Kerala Tourist Places, Kerala vacation, Kerala Visit and customized packages.
Kerala is a land of great natural beauty. From the majestic heights of the Western Ghats the country undulates westward presenting a vista of silent valleys clothed in the richest green. Among the many rivers that glide across the plains to merge their waters with the Arabian sea, the more important are the Periyar, the Pamba and the Bharatha puzha. The elegant waterfalls at Athirampally near Trichur is a popular tourist spot. Along the coast, sand dunes shelter a linked chain of lagoons and backwaters the still waters of which are studded with sea-gulls and country canoes plying at a snails pace. The silence of the clear skies is broken only by the coos of koels, a type of cuckoo, and the frequent flutter of cranes perched on the embankments. The highest peak of peninsular India Annai Mudi is located in this state. The scenic Thekkady Wild Life Sanctuary is a popular vacation destination for nature lovers.

The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The temperature normally ranges from 80 to 90 F in the plains but drops to about 70 F in the highlands. The state gets its due share of both the southwest as well as the northeast monsoons, and the rainfull is heavy, averaging around 118 inches annually.

ABOUT THRISSUR  

General Information
Area 3032 sq.km.
No. of Corporations 1
No. of Municipalities 5
Population
Total population 2737331
Sex ratio 1000/1085
Density 903 per sq.km
Literacy rate 90.18
Male 93.77
Female 86.94
No. of large and medium Industrial units 25
No. of small-scale ind.units 10,566


From
ancient times, Thrissur district has played a significant part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the district is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur district was included in the early Chera empire.

Thrissur, the name derived from 'Thiru-Shiva-Perur’, which literally translates to "The city of the SACRED SIVA", is the cultural capital of Kerala. Thrissur is built around a hillock, crowned by the famous Vadakkunathan (Siva) Temple, believed to have been founded by legendary Parasurama.
Thrissur Pooram - considered to be the mother of all poorams, is a cultural highlight par excellence, celebrated in the Malayalam month Medam (April/May).
The two century old festival of spectacular procession of caparisoned elephants and enthralling percussion performances in a never ending succession is an 36 hours marathon event of incredible beauty, a feast for the eye and the ear, unfolding between 6 am to 12 noon the other day.
Different from the usual temple festival, Thrissur Pooram is participated and conducted by people across all barriers of religion and caste.This is explained with the genesis of the festival.

St. Thomas, one of the twelve chosen disciples of Christ and the Apostle of India who sowed the seeds of Christianity in India, set foot at Cranganore (Kodungallur) in 52 AD. At that time Cranganore (Kodungallur) was a busy center of commerce and an important port. He traveled about various parts of Kerala by water and land, preaching the Gospel and forming Christian communities which began to grow and several of them sprang up in the vicinities of Thrissur Town too. The heart of the town, known for its spiritual and cultural heritage, was a dense forest in those days.

Sakthan Thampuran, the great Maharaja of Cochin, paved the way for Urban Development and Commercial Progress of Trichur. As he understood keenly that the presence of Christians was quite essential for the development of the town where there were only a few Hindu families inhabiting, he took measures, around the year of 1794, for bringing and rehabilitating 52 Syrian Christian families from the neighboring centers of Aranattukara, Ollur and Kottekkad. He rendered all necessary help to these Christians. The option of the number 52 was as if to perpetuate the great Apostle's arrival in Kerala. Since there was no Christian Church in the town, they had to go their parent churches to fulfill their spiritual needs. The Maharaja who perceived their difficulties, promptly permitted them to build a church.
 
      FESTIVALS                                               Thrissur Pooram
The most colorful temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the State and even outside. Celebrated in Madom (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 Thiruvanbadi 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 erst while Kochi State. 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 fire works. 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 colorful. 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 marvelous as well as magical effect of the Panchavadyam, a combination of five precussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed.

TOURIST CENTERS  
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.
Art Museum
Within the zoo compound is the small Art Museum which has a good collection of wood carvings metal sculptures, Kathakali figures, and ancient jewellery. There is also a wonderful collection of traditional Kerala lamps.
Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls
Swift and sometimes torrential, waterfalls are dramatic, inspiring poets, painters and writers and their breath taking beauty evokes many feelings. They are motivating and addictive. If you are looking forward to a respite from the maddening city life then let yourself loose in the lap of the nature and feel and enjoy the beauty of the cascading waterfalls.

A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal (Prounced as vaazhachaal).

The charm of the Athirampally and Vazhachal nature cannot be described by words, Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, these waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the "Picturesque"...not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.

Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. wild and beautiful, unspoilt by the passing of time.

A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places Both this waterfalls are a part of the Chalakudy river and 5 km apart on the road to hill station (valparai) which has excellent tea estate and is one of India's highest elephant density habitats and is a crucial corridor between Perambikulam and Malayattur.

How to get there ?
Athirapally & Vazhachal is just 90 km from Cochin. Bus services are available from Chalakudy on Cochin Trichur highway or you can catch a cab (Taxi) from Chalakudy Railway Station. This scintillating waterfall in thick green forest is a part of the Chalakudy river stream.

Guruvayur (Pilgrim Centre)
Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32km away. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th century. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the lord of the Winds.
The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'.
The temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity here from the simple 'Archana' (offering of flowers) to the expensive and elaborate 'Udayastamana' pooja or Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed against offering of bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts. Not surprisingly Guruvayur is the site for several weddings and 'Annaprasanam', the first feeding ceremony of child.
Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam)
North of Thrissur, 29km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.

From 1930 to 1971 Kalamandalam functioned in the beautiful campus in the village Cheruthuruthy beside the river Bhartappuzha. It was. indeed, an ideal location which the visionary poet chose to preserve and promote Kerala's rich heritage of arts. The growing number of students and teachers coupled with new courses compelled a shift from Cheruthuruthy to the thirty-two acre campus at Vallathol Nagar. Most activities of Kalamandalam now take place at Vallathol Nagar. The several many kalaris (training rooms), the Koothambalam (Temple-theatre), High School, College Library, Administrative Block, Art-gallery, Archive, Recording Studio, Hostels, Staff Quarters and the Employees' Co-operative Society are situated in the Vallathol Nagar Campus. Vallathol Samaadhi and the Portrait Gallery are at the Cheruthuruthy Campus known as the Old Kalamandalam and the Vallathol Museum is at Cheruthuruthy mid way between Old Kalamandalam and Vallathol Nagar.
Punnathur Kotta
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at any one time.
Vadakkumnathan Temple
This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. ' Thrissur Pooram ' the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April -May every year.
Zoo
Located in the zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of woodcarvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. Open 10.00 am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.

The State Museum and zoo are both enclosed within the same cool green, flower filled area of 13.5 acres which hosts a verity of endangered species and a famous snake park.The Art Museum housed in a separate building is a treat for the connoisseur of art. It has beautiful and rare exhibit including sculpture, religious idols,kathakali figures, traditional jewellery of Kerala and votive objects with a really delightful collection of traditional lamps.

For the animal enthusiasts, Thrissur boasts a zoo, 2km from the town centre. Within the 13.5 acres of the compound live a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, sloth bear, species of birds and deer. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Rat Snakes. ( Open from 0900-1700 hrs on all days except Mondays ) .
Thrissur Zoo is a major attraction for children and students with a variety of animals.
Entrance fee : Adults - Rs. 5/-, Children - Rs. 3/-(upto 14 yrs.)
Still Camera : Rs. 5/-, Video Camera - Rs. 500/-.

Open on all work days except Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 6:30p.m.

HOTELS

Hotel Casino
Access: From Cochin International Airport: 60 km; From Thrissur Bus Station: 0.5 km; and, From Thrissur Railway Station: 0.5 km.

The location, comfort, luxury and value for money services offered at Casino Hotel makes it one of the best hotels in Thrissur. Each of the air-conditioned rooms and suites are equipped with shower, bathtub, cable TV, and direct dialing phone service. In addition, the hotel has safe deposit boxes, a coffee shop, room service, a business center, a bar and a restaurant.

Kadappuram Beach Resorts :
Nattika beach is virgin: The wide and long golden sand beach is only two hundred meters from the cottages in the same compound. The beach is clean and long. You can walk any long to left or right. The beach is provided with beach umbrellas & snack bar. Deep sea fishing, beach Volleyball or badminton are the added attractions of beach life. Enjoy the beach service, taste the cuisine when you taste the nature. The concept of this resort is to enjoy the village life and beach life of Kerala.

Hotel Luciya Palace Thrissur :Hotel Lucia Palace Thrissur is an intimate hotel in Thrissur. Hotel Lucia Palace serves an ideal place to tour various places in and around Thrissur. The Lucia Palace hotel is located on the Marar Road and is about 70 kilometers from Cochin International Airport. Lucia Palace is about 2 km from Thrissur railway station and 1 km from Thrissur bus stand.

Some of the facilities at the Hotel Lucia Palace, Thrissur include safe deposit, book shop, moneychanger and travel desk. The hotel is also equipped to host conferences and business meetings. The Lucia Palace Hotel has a conference hall and senate hall for business activities. The Hotel Lucia Palace offers Continental, Indian and Chinese cuisine at its restaurant.

Tour operators in Thrissur

These links may be helpful to you for packages in & around Thrissur.
1. Kollannur Travels
    Main Rd, Athani, Mulankunnathukavu, Thrissur
2. Shama Transport and Indira Travels
    Alukkas Complex R. S Rd, Thrissur

Tourist Information Center
Tourist Information Centers(Govt)
Govt. Guest House,
Palace Road,
Trichur. Tel:20300.

Tourist Information Office,
Opp. Town Hall,
Trissur (D.T.P.C)
Attractions In & Around
Arattupuzha This village is known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple in April/May. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of about 41 neighbouring temples to this village. It attracts a large number of people from different parts of the state.

Archaeological MuseumAlso known as the Kollengodu House, situated on the Town Hall road, this majestic hall houses a picture gallery with mural paintings from all over Kerala.
Timings: Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m. on all days except Mondays and national holidays

Athirampally WaterfallsAbout 63 kms. from Thichur at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges is a place of great scenic beauty. This 80 foot high waterfall is a popular picnic spot.

Cheruthuruthi About 32 kms. north of Trichur is home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. The famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon, founded the music and dance academy. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here.

Chimmoni Wildlife Sanctuary Established in 1984, the Chimmoni Wildlife Sanctuary is endowed with scenic beauty and a rich and varied wildlife. Elephant, sambar, gaur, Malabar squirrel, sloth bear etc. can be seen here.

Guruvayoor About 32 kms. away from the city is Guruvayoor, one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the country. It is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan.

Irinjalakkuda Koodal Manikam TempleAbout 21 kms. from Trichur is a temple of Bharatha, dedicated to the brother of Lord Rama. The waters of this temple tank are said to have curative powers.

Peechi Dam About 23 kms away from Trichur is an irrigation project site offering boating facilities at the reservoir. It is an enchanting picnic spot and several buses connect Trichur to Peechy with good motorable roads.

Vadakkumnathan Temple This temple is a classic example of Kerala's style of architecture containing the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Paravathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. Legend goes that Parasurama founded this temple. This temple is especially known for its spectacular celebration of the Pooram festival.

Zoo & Art Museum For the animal enthusiasts, Trichur boasts of a zoo, about 2 kms. from the town centre. Within the zoo compound is a small Art Museum that has a good collection of woodcarvings, metal sculptures, Kathakali figures and ancient jewellery.
HOW TO REACH THRISSUR
Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala. Glorious history and cultural richness has endowed the region with a rare charm. In its elaborate traditional music and dances, spectacular festivals, the land embodies the very soul of Kerala.

How to Reach Thrissur by Air: The nearest airport is Nedumbassery, which is only 58kms away from the town. Another major airport near Thrissur is Kochi.Several public and private airlines connect the place from important cities in Kerala and India.

How to Reach Thrissur by Road: An extensive road network links the city to many significant places in southern India.

How to Reach Thrissur by Rail: It is an important railhead in southern India. Several important trains connect Thrissur with other places in Kerala and neighboring south Indian cities.

Best Time To Visit:
September to March TEMPERATURE
Summer - Max: 35 Min: 22.5

Winter - Max: 32.3 Min: 20

Climate:
It experiences tropical humid climate. But is cool and pleasant in the High Ranges and the Cardamom Hills.