THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF KERALA
The cultural capital of Kerala : Thrissur
Thrissur is called the "cultural capital of Kerala" because of its cultural, spiritual and religious standings over the years for centuries. Thrissur is the main centre of Kerala Sahitya academy. One of its most important cultural events is the Thrissur Pooram., which attracts quite a number of tourists and travellers from all over the world. Thrissur is a place that is very well connected to other important places of India through all ways of transportation by land. Nedumbacherry airport is the closest airport. The Thrissur Pooram mentioned earlier is one of the biggest festival of Kerala celebrated more colourfully and in the most tradition way with all rituals and customs. The herd of elephants that stand majestic decorated with the orange gold Nettipattam called the Pooram head add a visual treat for this festival. Thrissur has many diverse scenic beauties around the district. Thrissur has so much of food culture .The most preferable time to visit Thrissur is between October to March .
Thrissur is one of the most safest district in
the Kerala as local law enforcement keep on providing security to all well wishers. Thrissur roundabout is the Asia’s biggest roundabout and located a temple at the middle of this round. Thrissur also know as the Gold merchants area. Guruvayur, chalakkudi, athirappilly, kunnamkulam and more are the main cities in thrissur district.
Come… join me to know more what all I have visited in this cultural capital.
Guruvayur
Known as the Dwaraka of south India , this ancient pilgrim center is located at a distance of 32 km from Thrissur. The majestic Sree Krishna temple located here attracts lots of pilgrims from all over India. The temple, shrouded in mystery and legends, is said to house the original idol of Sri Krishna worshipped by Lord Brahma at Dwaraka. The temple is renowned for its healing powers and is a preferred site to hold Hindu weddings. The entry to the temple is very much restricted and only Hindus are allowed to enter the premises. Men are not allowed to wear shirts and are allowed only in traditional attire in dhoti called Mundu regionally.
Vadakkumnathan Temple:
This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a perfect example of Kerala temple architecture and style. Legend says that the temple was built by Lord Parasurama, who raised the Kerala land surface from ocean depth. This temple has four majestic Gopurams erected with intricate woodwork, and it also has some of the most beautiful 17th century murals from Indian epics done in natural colors. The temple has shrines dedicated to Lord Vadakkumnathan, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Ganesh, Lord Sankaranarayana and Lord Sri Rama inside the main sanctum sanctorum called Garbhagraham. The magnificent Koothambalam, a hall inside the temple dedicated for performing arts, is quite distinct from any other in Kerala in its sheer size and aesthetic grandeur majestic work.
Archeological Museum:
The museum housed in Kollengode Palace, an architectural marvel built in the traditional and western fusion architecture style, has a spectacular display of priceless and unimaginable artifacts. The museum holds many exclusive impressive collection of Stone Age weapons, excavated artifacts from the Indus valley and Harappa sites, megalithic burial Urns, excavated relics from the ancient port of Crangannore, stone and bronze sculptures from 10th to 18th century, temple models etc. The gallery on the traditional Kerala mural arts displays extensive copies of murals collected from palaces and temples all over the state. Called Veerakallu regionally the hero stones gallery displays the carved stone figurines of ancient tribal war heroes from Wayanad and Thrissur forest belts.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace:
This magnificent palace also known as the majestic Vadakkechira Palace was built in 1795 in the traditional Kerala and Dutch fusion architectural style. This architectural marvel gives some new dimensions to the concept of aesthetic opulence. The palace was used by King Sakthan Thampuran during his reign as the Raja the so called Majesty of Cochin. This era is acclaimed by historians as the “golden era” of Cochin with many farsighted projects envisaged and strategic relations being improved. This palace is a historical witness to the historic milestones of Cochin, has now been converted into a museum. The museum has a lot of good collections of priceless artifacts classified under the bronze gallery, sculpture gallery, utensils gallery, numismatics gallery, history gallery and megalithic gallery. The palace complex also has very ancient sacred serpent grove, where Hindu devotees offer prayers to the serpent gods.
Our lady of Doloures basilica:
This majestic gothic basilica dedicated to our Lady of Sorrows is acclaimed to be one of the tallest and biggest churches in Asia. The shrine has exquisite frescoes and wall paintings on biblical themes. The huge dome on top of the main altar is adorned with paintings done with vibrant colors on the apostles, Mater Dolorosa and the seven colours of the Blessed Virgin. The church has vaulted ceiling and encloses the main altar of our Lady of Doloures and 15 beautiful side altars within.
Athirapally & Vazhachal waterfalls:
These majestic waterfalls tucked inside the lush green forests of Sholayar are captivated with its astounding natural beauty. Athirapally & Vazhachal Waterfalls is located at a distance of 65 km from Thrissur inside the dense ever green forest ranges of Sholayar forest. . Athirapally, the tallest between the two, cascades down from a great height of 80 feet. One day is not enough to enjoy this breathtaking natural splendor, one of the best guarded secrets and miracles of nature.
Peechi dam & Vazhani wildlife sanctuary:
Nestled amidst verdant hills and emerald green forests, the majestic Peechi dam offers picture post card scenery in its pristine glory. The dam constructed on Manali River is at a distance of 23 km from the main Thrissur. Peechi offers an ideal spot to enjoy Kerala’s emerald greenery with its vast catchment and area, botanical gardens and lush green forests. Private boat services could also be availed to best enjoy its sparkling blue waters, lush green forests and to catch a glimpse of its abundant wildlife. The adjoining Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary is set in the dense green forests close to the catchment area. The sanctuary is a safe haven for Tigers, Elephants, Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs and a variety of deer. This sanctuary is also a treasure trove of rare plants of medicinal value and a variety of exotic orchids.
Punnathur Kotta:
Located at a distance of 2 km from Guruvayur, it is here the temple elephants of Guruvayoor are taken care of. In this sanctuary, elephants are prepared and trained for the various rituals and festivals linked with temple. The Guruvayoor temple gets many elephants as offerings from many pious devotees. In Punnathur Kotta elephant venerations including Gajapooja (elephant worship) and Anayoottu (Elephant feeding) are celebrated with much Josh and fervor and gaiety.
Kerala Kala Mandalam in Cheruthuruthi :
It is at a distance of 33 km from Thrissur. This center is for learning the vision of the eminent Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon for preserving and promoting Kerala’s exotic dance forms. The center established in 1930 is now a deemed university for art and culture offering training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, and Panchavadyam.
Zoo & Art Museum:
The zoo and art museum are located in a s 13.5 acre wooded land with beautiful landscaping and rich flowerbeds. The zoo is home to a large number of endangered animals including lions, tigers, Indian sloth bear and many more. The reptile park here is said to be the largest in India housing the mighty Indian king cobra, vipers, pythons et cetera. The art museum inside the zoo compound has a good collection of religious idols, sculptures, antique jewellery and traditional Kerala lamps and paintings. This museum is a real treat to art connoisseurs, offering a gateway into the artistic legacy of Kerala.
Shopping at Thrissur
Sobha City Mall is the most famous place for shopping in Thrissur district.
Some of the street markets in Thrissur include M G Road Market, Farmer’s Market, Pachhakari Market, and Thrissur Central station. There are no night markets for shopping in Thrissur but there is a night shopping festival held each year in Thrissur from mid-December to mid-January.
Thrissur is called the "cultural capital of Kerala" because of its cultural, spiritual and religious standings over the years for centuries. Thrissur is the main centre of Kerala Sahitya academy. One of its most important cultural events is the Thrissur Pooram., which attracts quite a number of tourists and travellers from all over the world. Thrissur is a place that is very well connected to other important places of India through all ways of transportation by land. Nedumbacherry airport is the closest airport. The Thrissur Pooram mentioned earlier is one of the biggest festival of Kerala celebrated more colourfully and in the most tradition way with all rituals and customs. The herd of elephants that stand majestic decorated with the orange gold Nettipattam called the Pooram head add a visual treat for this festival. Thrissur has many diverse scenic beauties around the district. Thrissur has so much of food culture .The most preferable time to visit Thrissur is between October to March .
Thrissur is one of the most safest district in
the Kerala as local law enforcement keep on providing security to all well wishers. Thrissur roundabout is the Asia’s biggest roundabout and located a temple at the middle of this round. Thrissur also know as the Gold merchants area. Guruvayur, chalakkudi, athirappilly, kunnamkulam and more are the main cities in thrissur district.
Come… join me to know more what all I have visited in this cultural capital.
Guruvayur
Known as the Dwaraka of south India , this ancient pilgrim center is located at a distance of 32 km from Thrissur. The majestic Sree Krishna temple located here attracts lots of pilgrims from all over India. The temple, shrouded in mystery and legends, is said to house the original idol of Sri Krishna worshipped by Lord Brahma at Dwaraka. The temple is renowned for its healing powers and is a preferred site to hold Hindu weddings. The entry to the temple is very much restricted and only Hindus are allowed to enter the premises. Men are not allowed to wear shirts and are allowed only in traditional attire in dhoti called Mundu regionally.
Vadakkumnathan Temple:
This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a perfect example of Kerala temple architecture and style. Legend says that the temple was built by Lord Parasurama, who raised the Kerala land surface from ocean depth. This temple has four majestic Gopurams erected with intricate woodwork, and it also has some of the most beautiful 17th century murals from Indian epics done in natural colors. The temple has shrines dedicated to Lord Vadakkumnathan, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Ganesh, Lord Sankaranarayana and Lord Sri Rama inside the main sanctum sanctorum called Garbhagraham. The magnificent Koothambalam, a hall inside the temple dedicated for performing arts, is quite distinct from any other in Kerala in its sheer size and aesthetic grandeur majestic work.
Archeological Museum:
The museum housed in Kollengode Palace, an architectural marvel built in the traditional and western fusion architecture style, has a spectacular display of priceless and unimaginable artifacts. The museum holds many exclusive impressive collection of Stone Age weapons, excavated artifacts from the Indus valley and Harappa sites, megalithic burial Urns, excavated relics from the ancient port of Crangannore, stone and bronze sculptures from 10th to 18th century, temple models etc. The gallery on the traditional Kerala mural arts displays extensive copies of murals collected from palaces and temples all over the state. Called Veerakallu regionally the hero stones gallery displays the carved stone figurines of ancient tribal war heroes from Wayanad and Thrissur forest belts.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace:
This magnificent palace also known as the majestic Vadakkechira Palace was built in 1795 in the traditional Kerala and Dutch fusion architectural style. This architectural marvel gives some new dimensions to the concept of aesthetic opulence. The palace was used by King Sakthan Thampuran during his reign as the Raja the so called Majesty of Cochin. This era is acclaimed by historians as the “golden era” of Cochin with many farsighted projects envisaged and strategic relations being improved. This palace is a historical witness to the historic milestones of Cochin, has now been converted into a museum. The museum has a lot of good collections of priceless artifacts classified under the bronze gallery, sculpture gallery, utensils gallery, numismatics gallery, history gallery and megalithic gallery. The palace complex also has very ancient sacred serpent grove, where Hindu devotees offer prayers to the serpent gods.
Our lady of Doloures basilica:
This majestic gothic basilica dedicated to our Lady of Sorrows is acclaimed to be one of the tallest and biggest churches in Asia. The shrine has exquisite frescoes and wall paintings on biblical themes. The huge dome on top of the main altar is adorned with paintings done with vibrant colors on the apostles, Mater Dolorosa and the seven colours of the Blessed Virgin. The church has vaulted ceiling and encloses the main altar of our Lady of Doloures and 15 beautiful side altars within.
Athirapally & Vazhachal waterfalls:
These majestic waterfalls tucked inside the lush green forests of Sholayar are captivated with its astounding natural beauty. Athirapally & Vazhachal Waterfalls is located at a distance of 65 km from Thrissur inside the dense ever green forest ranges of Sholayar forest. . Athirapally, the tallest between the two, cascades down from a great height of 80 feet. One day is not enough to enjoy this breathtaking natural splendor, one of the best guarded secrets and miracles of nature.
Peechi dam & Vazhani wildlife sanctuary:
Nestled amidst verdant hills and emerald green forests, the majestic Peechi dam offers picture post card scenery in its pristine glory. The dam constructed on Manali River is at a distance of 23 km from the main Thrissur. Peechi offers an ideal spot to enjoy Kerala’s emerald greenery with its vast catchment and area, botanical gardens and lush green forests. Private boat services could also be availed to best enjoy its sparkling blue waters, lush green forests and to catch a glimpse of its abundant wildlife. The adjoining Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary is set in the dense green forests close to the catchment area. The sanctuary is a safe haven for Tigers, Elephants, Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs and a variety of deer. This sanctuary is also a treasure trove of rare plants of medicinal value and a variety of exotic orchids.
Punnathur Kotta:
Located at a distance of 2 km from Guruvayur, it is here the temple elephants of Guruvayoor are taken care of. In this sanctuary, elephants are prepared and trained for the various rituals and festivals linked with temple. The Guruvayoor temple gets many elephants as offerings from many pious devotees. In Punnathur Kotta elephant venerations including Gajapooja (elephant worship) and Anayoottu (Elephant feeding) are celebrated with much Josh and fervor and gaiety.
Kerala Kala Mandalam in Cheruthuruthi :
It is at a distance of 33 km from Thrissur. This center is for learning the vision of the eminent Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon for preserving and promoting Kerala’s exotic dance forms. The center established in 1930 is now a deemed university for art and culture offering training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, and Panchavadyam.
Zoo & Art Museum:
The zoo and art museum are located in a s 13.5 acre wooded land with beautiful landscaping and rich flowerbeds. The zoo is home to a large number of endangered animals including lions, tigers, Indian sloth bear and many more. The reptile park here is said to be the largest in India housing the mighty Indian king cobra, vipers, pythons et cetera. The art museum inside the zoo compound has a good collection of religious idols, sculptures, antique jewellery and traditional Kerala lamps and paintings. This museum is a real treat to art connoisseurs, offering a gateway into the artistic legacy of Kerala.
Shopping at Thrissur
Sobha City Mall is the most famous place for shopping in Thrissur district.
Some of the street markets in Thrissur include M G Road Market, Farmer’s Market, Pachhakari Market, and Thrissur Central station. There are no night markets for shopping in Thrissur but there is a night shopping festival held each year in Thrissur from mid-December to mid-January.
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