Kerala Tourist Destinations Guruvayur

Guruvayur
Guruvayur is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. The Centuries old Sree Krishna temple or the Guruvayoor temple lies here. This historic temple shrouded in mystery, is believed to be the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu. The notable features are the 33.5 mt high gold plated 'Dwajasthambam' (flag post) in the 'Chutambalam' or outer enclosure, and the 7mt high 'Dipastambham' (pillar of lamps) whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple which houses the main deity. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. An unusual feature of the temple at Guruvayoor is the timing of the rituals. The sanctum opens at 0300 am and closes at 1300 during which a continuous series of pujas and processions are held.


More Places in  Thrissur  District

Thrissur
Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans inluding the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Today Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival. A cultural centre, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here.



Vadakkunnathan Temple


This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. 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.



Shrine Basilica of Our lady of Dolours
Believed to be the biggest and tallest church in Asia, Shrine Basilica of Our lady of Dolours is of 25,000 square feet area. Built in Indo- Gothic style, the church also known as 'Puthan Pally' ( new church) is situated in the heart of the city at a distance of 1km. from the center. Consecrated in the year1940, the church was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica in 1992. The notable feature here is the 260 feet high Bible tower at the rear of the church.

Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalaman-dalam)
North of Thrissur, 29 km 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.




Zoo
For the animal enthusiasts, Thrissur boasts a zoo, 2 km 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.




Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Shakthan Thampuran palace, located in the heart of Thrissur city near the Vadakkunnatha temple, is only 2kms from Thrissur railway station. The palace, now preserved by the Archaeological Department, highlights several interesting and outstanding attributes of the former rulers of Cochin. The palace also known as 'Thoppu', covering an area of 6 acres of land, narrates the history of Thrissur which was the old capital of Kochi Kingdom. Earlier known as Vadakkekara palace, it is named after the great ruler Raja Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran who reconstructed the palace in a unique Kerala- Dutch style in the year 1795.

Cheraman Juma Masjid

Believed to be the first mosque in India, Cheraman Juma Masjid where the Juma prayers were started is situated in Methala Village of Kodungallur taluk, around 40 kms from Trichur town.



Palayur Church
Palayur Church one of the ancient churches in Kerala, is one among the seven churches established by the Apostle, St. Thomas. It is at Chavakkad, 25 km from Thrissur along the Thrissur-Guruvayoor route. This Catholic Syrian church has a unique architectural style and is noted for its portrayal of St. Thomas’ illustrious life. The entrance of the church is decorated with 14 granite life-size statues of various scenes from the life of St. Thomas, and there is also a silver statue of the saint on the roof. 'Palayur Mahatheerthadanam', is the main pilgrimage to this church when devotees would walk all the way from Thrissur to Palayur church carrying wooden crosses.




Pulikkali
The Swaraj Ground in front of the Vadakkunnanthan temple in Thrissur play host to the vibrant 'Pulikkali' or 'Tiger Dance' festival every year in the month of August- September. The main theme of the Tiger dance is tiger hunting and hundreds of males with huge bellies and children, dressed as tigers take part in the dance, that forms a key element of the popular harvest festival of Onam in Kerala. Pulikali also known as 'Kaduvaakali', is a folk art form of Kerala in which artists paint themselves with tiger stripes of yellow, red and black, and dance to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku and chenda.