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::: Thrissur |
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Thrissur, or Thichur is a district in Kerala and has been a center of learning from early times.
With the decline of Buddhism and Jainism due to the growing supremacy of Brahminism during the revival of Hinduism, Thrissur became an important centre of Sanskrit learning.
This sacred land had been visited by other religious icons like Swami Vivekananda, St. Thomas and Sree Narayana Guru, who fought against the caste system in Hindu religion, founded his first temple in Koorkanchery.
Thrissur gained prominence under the reign of Raja Rama Varma, in 1790. It is famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala.Long ago, the vast open area around the Vadakkumnatha temple was a magnificent teak forest called Thekkinkaadu. Today, the forest has given way to one of the most important cultural, educational and commercial hub of Kerala. It has a large number of well-known temples, Thiruvambady temple, Vadakkumnatha temple and Paramekkavu temple, and two churches of note, the Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral and the Our Lady of Dolour's "New Church" Basilica (the biggest in South Asia). The Kerala Police Academy (Second largest in India) is situated in this city. |
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Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls, Thrissur- East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 km apart. These waterfalls are a place of scenic beauty , and is of 80 feet high. Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart.
The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.
The picturesque Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy River.
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Guruvayoor, Thrissur -
Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32km away. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th centrury. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the lord of the Winds.
The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. |
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Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam), Thrissur - North of Thrissur, 29km 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. |
Anakkayam, Thrissur - Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams. Anakkayam is famous for the splendid lakes and the shimmering rivers. This is actually a competition that is held every year during a particular time. The festive mood enhances the spirit of the competition. The hills and the superb valley location make it an ever charming place for the tourists. So, pack up for the next winter and get ready for Anakkayam. |
Peechi Dam, Thrissur - This dam project started as an irrigation project, offers boating facilities at the reservoir. Peechi is a fascinating picnic spot.
Built across the Manali River, the dam is a vast catchment area of nearly 3200 acres with extensive botanical gardens and cascading fountains offer numerous inviting avenues for tourists. One can see tuskers on the bank of this reservoir Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1958 has got 125Sq.Km area and Peechy is only 15 Km from Thrissur. The Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary has dense, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests is located in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. With more than 50 species of orchids and medicinal plants, the sanctuary is a veritable treasure trove of rare flora and fauna. The natural habitat at Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary is frequented by Tigers, Leopards and Wild Dogs, besides the Sambar and the Spotted and Barking deer. |
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Thrissur Pooram, Thrissur -
The most colourful temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the State and even outside.
Celebrated in Madom (April-May) it consists of processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighbouring temples to the Vadakumnathan temple.
The most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at Thiruvanbadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu which is quite a significant event for its devotees.
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