Thrissur Tour Packages

Thrissur Kerala is known as the cultural capital of the state and the land of Sakthan Thampuran, the foresighted ruler who contributed much to the development pf the place. Home to several prominent artistic institutions such as Kalamandalam, Sahitya Academy and Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Thrissur Kerala has a rich cultural past as well as vibrant present. It is here that Kerala’s most extravagant and passionate festival, the Pooram, takes place. Also located here is the Vadakkumnathan Temple, said to have been consecrated by Parasurama, the founder of Kerala. For those who want to explore the cultural heritage of the state, a visit to Thrissur is inevitable.

Best time to visit

Summers are rather hot. The south west monsoon is from June to August. September to March is the best time a tour to Thrissur

Getting There

By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport that is 58 kms away.

By Rail
Thrissur is an important railhead of southern railways and is connected to all major cities in Kerala, India.

By Road
Well connected by highways with Thiruvananthapuram and Coimbatore. The KRTC bus stations near the railway station and the Sakthan Thampuran bus stand, on TB road, have buses to Irinjalakuda, Kodungallur and Guruvayur.

Sights and Attractions

Sakthan Thampuran Palace

Of historic, architectural sand cultural importance, this palace of the erstwhile Maharaja of Cochin has been converted into a heritage museum. Sprawled over 6 acres, there are three tombs or Shavakudeerams here, one of which is that of the ruler Sakthan Thampuran himself. A flagpole- dating to 1827 and the royal insignia (two elephants, a conch and a lamp) in the porch herald a welcome. Named after King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the palace has several well preserved materials and galleries relating to the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Formerly known as Vadakkachira Kovilakam, the refurbished palace is a blend of the traditional Kerala and Dutch styles of architecture. The sprawling garden has, besides the tombs of Sakthan Thampuran and other noblemen, a snake shrine, a tank, a temple and a heritage garden with an indigenous collection of plants and tree.

When on a tour to Thrissur to Sakthan Thampuran Palace, you will also find a very good collection of ancient coin. In addition, the galleries depict the treasury, royal bedrooms and the royal kitchen utensils, besides displays of bronzes, weapons and stamps.

Vadakkumnathan Temple

Among the most reserved temple of Kerala, a lofty stone wall and four imposing gopurams enfold the Vadakkumnathan Temple and its cover of scared, medicinal trees. A classical example of Keralite architecture, this temple has low, tiled roofs and a profusion of woodwork. You can see decorative murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. A striking feature of the temple is the koothambalam, on the left as you enter the temple.

One of the unique aspects is the ghee that is poured over the Shiva linga for abhishekam every day. The ghee becomes solid and remains there for about a year during which time it does not melt. It is taken out manually and distributed as prasadam. Near Vadakkumnathan temple of Kerala is the Paramekkavu Temple, one of the main participants for the Thrissur Pooram. Though renovated in 1998, the shrine is ancient and the idol, often clad in gold, has a rare beauty. Also worth seeing is the wooden latticework that holds oil lamps offered by devotees.

Basilica of our Lady of Dolours

With its three storied façade and even higher steeples that tower above the town’s skyline, this is claimed to be the biggest and tallest Church in Asia. An architectural marvel, the church has triple towers built in Gothic style, an array of 15 altars and musical church bells imported from Germany is a must visit place when on a tour to Kerala.

The ceiling is adorned with beautiful mural paintings of the Holy Trinity. Look for the pulpit and the throne used by Pope John Paul II during his visit in 1986. Other highlights are the wall paintings, the crypts and the perpetual adoration center.

Sree Krishna Temple

An air of piety pervades the atmosphere around Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur where thousands of devotees wait in long queues to have a fleeting glimpse of Guruvayurappan. It is Kerala’s biggest shrine and South India’s second largest revenue earner. One must see the temple when on a guided tour to Thrissur Kerala.

In front of the temple, there is the 33.5 meters high gold plated dwajasthanbha, or flag staff. The deity here is renowned for its healing powers and several offerings are made by devotees, ranging from the simple archana to the expensive Udayastamana puja.

Nattika Beach

Located near the ancient port of Muziris, one of the earliest gateways and trade centers of Kerala, this picturesque beach is one of the newest finds in beach tourism in Kerala. The beach is equi-distance from Thrissur city, Guruvayur, Kodungallur and Irinjalakuda. It is 3 kms from the temple town of Thriprayar. Tourism in Kerala, near this beach has just begun to make inroads into this relatively virgin beach with its long stretch of golden sands and picturesque surroundings. Nattika’s endless coconut groves are a must see. There are also facilities for deep sea fishing which is an attractive option for adventure seekers.

Palayur Church

This is said to be the oldest among the churches established by St. Thomas, Christ’s apostle who is believed to have come to Kerala in 52 AD. The jubilee door in front of the entrance to the main hall of the church portrays various Biblical events, carved in Burmese teak. Other highlights include Thaliyakulam, a pond where St. Thomas baptised the local people and a replica of Little Mount in Chennai where he died. The Thaliyakulam is said to have miraculous powers of healing and a community baptism is held once a month here. On a guided tour to Thrissur Kerala you will also see a historical museum which houses exhibits of copper plates, ivory statues, wooden bells, ceremonial chairs, candle stands, crowns, wooden tabernacle etc. As you come out of the museum, you will see a solitary boat anchored in a pond, symbolic of the apostle’s landing in Palayur.

Sanctuary

Chimmini Wildlife sanctuary

With its dense forests, a variety of birds and butterflies and innumerable trekking trails, this is a sanctuary that provides a heady experience for nature enthusiasts. Located in the Mukundapuram taluk of Thrissur Kerala, Chimmini is only two-hour drive from Kochi. The dense forests, punctuated by streams and rivers, make an ideal habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna.

With more than 160 species, the bird life here is astonishing. If you are lucky, you will sight the Southern Birdwing, India’s largest buttefly. A paradise for bird and butterfly watchers, you can explore the wilderness of Chimmini by trekking and camping. The Forest Department organizes trekking and bamboo rafting programs in and around the sanctuary. The highlight of all the excursions is the moonlight Sonata, which involves rafting on full moon nights. On a tour to Thrissur Kerala this place should not be missed for all the adventure seekers.

Peechi- Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1958, this 125 sq km area of Kerala’s oldest wildlife reserves. Located 20 kms east of Thrissur, the sanctuary is contiguous with the forest areas of Nelliyampathy and Palappilly reserves and, on one side has a common boundary with Chimminiy sanctuary. Formed around the twin reservoirs of Peechi and Vazhani, the sanctuary is rich in bird life with 176 species of birds and 11 species which are endemic to the area. Besides, these, 31 species of reptiles and 17 species of amphibians have been recorded here. Although the sanctuary harbors all the major mammals found in India, only 17 species of larger mammals are found in abundance.

The Forest Department has derived a unique program for outdoor enthusiast at Vallikayam camp where an International Center and library will soon come up. The package includes overnight stay in tents, bamboo rafting, bird watching, butterfly safari and trekking. Other interesting programs are daylong rafting, woodpecker trail.

Activities

What to buy

The cultural capital of Kerala also has the largest number of jewellery shops. You will find shops crammed with lamps, household appliances and images of Ganesha, Nataraja and host of other deities. The mural paintings at the Guruvayur Devaswom Mural Institute are worth buying when on a tour to Kerala. At Nadavaramba Metal Emporia, you can pick up the best bell metal products, especially oil lamps, which are made in villages of Nadavarambu, near Irinjalakuda. For typical Kerala handicrafts, walk into Surabhi the Kerala State Handicrafts Apex Society also on Round West. At the Mangalore Music Stores, you’ll find an array of musical instruments including the five that make up the Panchavadyam ensemble. Most of the shops are located near the Round and close buy 8 pm.

Where to eat

In Thrissur Kerala, you have a choice of eating in the big hotels, which offers Indian, Western, and Chinese food or the cluster of several good quality yet inexpensive places near the corner of Round South and Round East. Hotel Bharat is reputedly the best vegetarian restaurant and the loyal customers continue to patronize the place because of quality of food that has been maintained for the last 40 years.

Pathan’s restaurant is also known for its impeccable services and good vegetarian food. At China Gate, try the Paneer Butter Masala, Crispy fried Chicken and the special fried rice with silky noodles. India gate, a vegetarian restaurant, serves special thali meals, both South Indian and North Indian. The 60 varieties of dosas and uttappams are the restaurants specialties. The Food Center is also known for its dosas, thali lunches and Malabar cuisines.