Thrissur is an ideal destination for a holiday if it is not just senses that you are trying to indulge. Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of Kerala, it is an exotic location which will open your eyes to the world of beauty created through the craftmanship of both men and the Gods. Thrissur is short for Thrishivaperur and owes its name to the presiding Deity at the Vadakkumnathan Temple.
Chavakkad Beach
Chavakkad Beach will make you realise that a trip to the landscape of a coastal region would be incomplete without a visit to its fishing town. Nestled away on the National Highway, the town of Chavakkad runs parallel to the Western Ghats and is known primarily for its beaches. The Chavakkad beach is famed to be relatively untouched by the spell of modernization. Bordered by an array of palm trees, the beach provides the scenic beauty for a pleasant evening.
Sunset at the beach.
Photo Courtesy: Fameleaf
Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam is a center truly steeped in the promotion of art and culture of Kerala. An educational institute that caters to the fine arts, it is a residential campus aimed to allow its patron full commitment to their art. Founded in 1930 by the illustrious poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon, it has evolved into more than a center for learning. Features to note are the Vallathol museum, displaying the works of the great poet and pioneer and the portrait gallery, which holds a collection of many great artists who were instrumental in bringing about Kalamandalam.
View of the temple.
Photo Courtesy: Arayilpdas
Peechi Dam
The Peechi dam was built as a project for irrigation for the adjacent villages of Thrissur. While catering to the need of the paddy farmers, over a period of time, the surrounding area of the dam has taken up beautification projects to accommodate a man-made splendour of cascading water and colourful plants. Decorated with neatly manicured botanical gardens and fascinating fountains, this place is a visual delight to the beholder.
Water flowing from the dam.
Photo Courtesy: Dhruvaraj S
Vadukkumnathan Temple
Vadakkumnathan Temple, is yet another temple worthy of a visit. Also known as Tenkailasam and Vrshabhacalam, this temple houses Lord Shiva. According to legend, it is the first temple built by Parasurama, an avatara of Lord Vishnu. True to the legend, the temple radiates a serenity only the divine can bestow. The monumental towers on all four sides of the central sanctum are breath-taking and will give you a tangible feel to the architecture of Kerala. The temple is situated in the Tekkikadu grounds, where the Pooram festival is held.
The temple all lit up in the evening.
Photo Courtesy: Adarsh Padmanabhan
Charpa Falls
Charpa Falls, is a lesser known spot worth visiting amd falls on the highway connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala. At 25 mt, the falls don't inspire awe in the height they descend from, but the flow of the water surging over the huge rocks in a turbulent, exhilarating streak, is a sight to watch. It has been picturized in many movies such as Dil Se, Guru and Iruvar to name a few.
Picturesque view of the falls.
Photo Courtesy: Neon
How to Reach Thrissur
By Air: Thrissur doesn't have an airport. The closest airport is the Kochi airport which is 58 km away. Airlines connect Kochi to Middle East, Singapore, Europe, Sri Lanka directly. There are flights flying to all major cities in India from Kochi.
By Rail: Thrissur has a well connected by railways to most cities of India. Trains are available on a daily basis to major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and more.
By Road: You can reach Thrissur by bus from select locations such as Bangalore, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi. There are various private and Government buses that provide these services.
So when are you heading to Thrissur?
Photo Courtesy: Navaneeth KN