Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

A Land of Sundry Shades, Sounds and Smells

Be it cultural, historical or geographical, the district of Thrissur weaves a unique tapestry in the cultural fabric of Kerala. Fine-tuned to the rhythm of the vibrant crescendo of drums, illuminated by the dazzling fireworks and enlivened by the enticing aromas, the  multi hued festivals blanket Thrissur with a charm unparalleled.

Popularly known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thirssur has an amazingly rich past as well as a pulsating present. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans, including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran is the architect of the present Thrissur town.

Thrissur is synonymous for its world renowed and spectacular pooram Festival. Thousands of people throng from near and far to savour the pomp and pageantry of  caparisoned elephants and kudamattom, a competition involving the swift rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequined parasols by people mounted on top of the elephants.

The harmonious coexistence of diverse religion infuses life into the rich cultural  legacy of Thrissur. Famous temples like Thiruvambadi, Guruvayur, Thripparayar, Koodal Manikyam and Kodungalloor are important centres of worship and can boast of unique cultural and architectural legacies. Cheraman Masjid in Thrissur, the first Mosque in India is yet another legacy as part of Thrissur. It is the land where St. Thomas the Apostle arrived and it houses two churches established by him: Palayur and Marthomalayam. Churches of Arnos Padre in Velur and Pazhuvil, Puthanpally, Martha Mariyam Church, Lourde Matha Church are the other prominent churches here.

Now let us move on to nature’s own drawings. It is divergent: the cascading waters at Athirappily and Vaazhachal, the magical canal cruise offered by Conolly, the splendid vista of the Peechi dam, the soothing serenity at Vazhani dam, the Chimmini dam surrounded by resplendent greenery; Punnathoor Kotta where the elephants reign in a kingdom of their own; Marottichal and Pattathippara where the waters crown the verdant green are but to name a few. The region also holds a handful of scenic beaches.

The abode of several prominent cultural centers, Thrissur is home to the Kerala Kalamandalam, Kerala Lalithakala Academy, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy and Kerala Sahithya Academy. These days, Thrissur is fast emerging as the largest hub of medical tourism. The Vydyaratnam Ayurveda museum here at Ollur is the first Ayurvedic museum in the world. And the village of Kuthampully adorns you with its magnificent golden thread of Kasavu clothings. Thrissur also has many parts of  Muziris, the legendary sea port of the bygone era, the heritage value of which is currently being restored. The palace of Shakthan Thampuran is a classic example of the mixture of traditional and western architecture.

Come, let us explore Thrissur with its rich cultural heritage, archaeological wealth and  vibrant festivals, which invites many into its lap.