Kerala is a state on the west coast of South India. There are 14 unique districts within the state. This post is one part of a series of posts sharing the 14 districts in Kerala, India. Today I am sharing my fairly long journey throughout Thrissur district, which is the cultural center and geographical center of the state of Kerala. Thrissur was also the capital of the old kingdom of Cochin. Thrissur town center also has the biggest single gathering of people in Kerala twice a year, for Thrissur Pooram usually during April or May, and also the Puli Kali festival towards September Onam festival. Any visitor who visits Kerala should plan around visiting Kerala should plan around visiting during these 2 main festivals and come to visit Thrissur. Google Maps location (https://goo.gl/maps/UJQE7Hg9RarQWYrS6 )
Thrissur town is geographically located almost in the center of Kerala state. The town center is well connected via railway and many buses, and there is even a low floor AC bus direct from the Nedumbassery Kochi International airport. When arriving at Thrissur, the main central area is the Thrissur Round, where in the middle lies the most important temple, the Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple (https://goo.gl/maps/QXryqSmbtEB4z5w97 ). This is the main temple and area where the biggest physical gathering of people happen for Thrissur Pooram.
(Picture above) I arrived in Thrissur at the KSRTC bus station (https://goo.gl/maps/g6wD5MonqCrbzoe69 ), which is located just walking distance to the main Thrissur railway station (https://goo.gl/maps/8EYe9H1EFnMGr2B28 ). Both are the main connection points to the city. From here, it’s an interesting walk to the Thrissur Round and the main Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple (https://goo.gl/maps/PdYGTborqjNFmj7y7 ). It’s amazing seeing so many businesses, hotels and shops all around. Traffic is heavy at most times, but usually fairly smooth flowing.
Around the main city, around the main round, some attractions are there for visitors which includes the Nehru Park (https://goo.gl/maps/1DTqRKfQgpFDmvJv6 ), Shaktan Thampuran Palace (https://goo.gl/maps/ibafJ9MKraz9XKqC9 ), Thrissur Zoo and Museum (https://goo.gl/maps/Z5bCQs98SVGYmCUv6 ), Our Lady of Dolours Basilica (https://goo.gl/maps/5TQFz17e7bEKPK6w9 ) and many more.
There are plenty of good eateries dotted all around center of town, and one of my favorite places includes Sapphire Hotel (https://goo.gl/maps/iML7fdkLrPbkDBtv9 ) which I feel has possibly best parotta and roasts which also is reasonably priced.
One should spend the evening just sitting outside in the temple grounds and let time pass by.
(Picture above) I had taken a very small short detour bus journey, where I took a bus from the north bus station Vadakke station (https://goo.gl/maps/jdobp3V5YTJF49GH7 ), passing through Wadakkanchery (https://goo.gl/maps/PVNPn5Ezj29oeK4P8 ) ending up to the small town of Chelakkara (https://goo.gl/maps/pim1Bf9i71uWZTQQ7 ). I had promised friends I met along the way to visit. And it is a small yet busy town, with greenery all around the entire journey. I had spent the evening chasing after goats in the fields and watch the sunset as we hung out, played cricket and enjoying the sounds of nature.
(Picture above) Another day, and another short detour bus journey from the Thrissur KSRTC bus station (https://goo.gl/maps/oAhe5j1dh4iqs1X39 ) to the small town of Kunnamkulam (https://goo.gl/maps/iP2vEb3T5eUc2ViaA ) to visit comrades there. Small and peaceful town, covered with greens. We took short visits to a hill top Kallayikunnu (https://goo.gl/maps/7xTfkvKK2t87G7YL8 ) and just hung out on trees.
(Picture above) I continued my journey through to the town of Chavakkad (https://goo.gl/maps/RokHjz2m2LhuFvGu8 ), a very beautiful, peaceful seaside town. Walked around Chavakkad beach and explored the area.
(Picture above) Headed back through to the town Guruvayoor (https://goo.gl/maps/bSqH6dnZzrWSLUiw8 ) and spent a bit of time visiting the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary (https://goo.gl/maps/RokHjz2m2LhuFvGu8 ). At least when I was there, I felt the elephants were well looked after, although I know some would prefer elephants to be free. I had the opportunity to see an elephant being given a bath, at least during that time the elephant seemed to be enjoying himself and relaxing whilst his keeper brushed the elephant. There was plenty of food around for them, so, at least for that I felt satisfied.
(Picture above) Guruvayoor is also a very religious location as the main temple the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple (https://goo.gl/maps/BtQjHhScnKiNz3dV6 ) is a very important pilgrimage site for Hindus all around the state, South India and people all around the world. I spent my evening just sitting in the temple grounds and feeling blessed that I am here.
(Picture above) Then a quick visit next day to Nattika (https://goo.gl/maps/apJMgxbgkyNMkwLc9 ) and Tripayar (https://goo.gl/maps/rD4g1z81MUfoWhZMA ) where many friends are from. This is an important place as one of the most important international companies from Kerala, the Lulu Hypermarket chain originated from here. And in the evening, I had taken time to visit many of the beaches around the vicinity including Snehatheeram Beach (https://goo.gl/maps/h8rT5ZYEmX2cowoR6 ) losely translated as the beach of love.
(Picture above) An sharing post about Thrissur would not be complete without mentioning the most important and largest gathering of people during the Thrissur Pooram festival, always usually during April to May during the month of Medam. Although it’s a Hindu-centered festival, many people from all other faiths will join in the crowd to celebrate with each other unitedly, which is also one of the reason why Kerala as a state is quite special when it comes to unity and love for one another. The same is for all other celebrations by all other faiths in the state. During Thrissur Pooram, processions of elephants, incredible music of traditional drums (chenda) and trumpets, and towards the evening the crowds may swell to over 500,000 in the small area of the Thrissur round and the main Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple (https://goo.gl/maps/PdYGTborqjNFmj7y7 ). And at night, the most awaited moment is the incredible fireworks (vedikettu).
(Picture above) I also had the opportunity to visit a smaller pooram in the town of Edamuttam (https://goo.gl/maps/T81XYjMNJrr5J6BP9 ). It was grand and amazing, and such an experience meeting and mingling with all the locals.
(Picture above) Another festival which draws a huge crowd is the annual Pulikali (translated as tiger/leopard play) during the annual Onam festival. During this time, people dress up as tiger and leopards and dance with music. Again celebrated around the Thrissur round and the main Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple (https://goo.gl/maps/PdYGTborqjNFmj7y7 ). Onam festival is the most important festival for Malayalis people of Kerala. And is usually in the month of September during the month of Chingam.
There is so much to see and do around the district and this post would not be sufficient cover all aspects of life around the district or the state.
Leaving this post with a short self captured video of the fireworks at the Edumuttam Pooram below. It was mightily scary for me, when the explosions were just feeling so near, and it was such a great experience.
*all photos are self captured.
Check out my other posts about other districts in Kerala (work in progress, going to cover all 14 districts)
