Thrissur

Where colours craft stories

Experience Camaraderie in Festivity
Kerala’s cultural capital Thrissur and sounds bring alive culture
is a marker of legends and a and history, on an annual basis.
bygone history. Synagogues, forts Thrissur, the ancient Tiru-Shiva-
and galleries take you through Peru, meaning the big town of
the annals of a past ruled by the Lord Shiva exists in its modern
Zamorins, the British and the form of architecture, courtesy
Portuguese over time. Sakthan Thampuran. The city is
believed to have been discovered
The Thrissur Pooram (Festival by Lord Parasurama. The city also
of Thrissur) is one of the most- remains one of the most tranquil
awaited events by tourists from circuits in Kerala thanks to its
far and wide. It is where colour backwaters and naturescapes.
 Tourist Circuits in Thrissur district
Puppet
Art Gallery
Kerala Bharathapuzha
Kalamandalam Thiruvilwamala
Cheruthuruthi

Vazhani Dam

Poomala Dam
Vilangankunnu National Highway
Guruvayoor State Highway
District Roads
Chavakkad Zoo Waterbody
Beach Sakthan Peechi
Thampuran
Chettuva Palace

Enamavu Chimmini
Ayurveda
Wildlife Sanctuary
Snehatheeram Museum
Nattika
Triprayar

Thumboormuzhi
Irinjalakuda
Sholayar
Muringur
Athirappilly Vazhachal

Charpa

Cheraman
Juma Masjid Kodungallur

Munakkal Kottappuram fort Paliam Palace

Dolphin Beach Paliam Nalukettu

Pattanam
Excavation
Centre Paravur Synagogue

Cochin International Airport,

Blue Circuit 04
about 50 km from Thrissur town

Karipur Airport, about 100 km

Brown Circuit 15

Green Circuit 26
Area Weather
3,032 sq. km Dec to Feb:
Pleasant Weather Orange Circuit 33
Mar to May:
Altitude Warm Weather
Sea Level Jun to Sep: Yellow Circuit 45
Heavy Rainfall
 Blue Circuit – Water Tourism
Thrissur

65
rs km
5h
/ 1.4

/ 1
.45
m

13
k
50

hrs
Vazhachal 05
Waterfall
Munakkal
Beach
47 km .30 hrs

min
/5
/1

km
Thumboormuzhi
07
2

11 Charpa
Waterfalls
5
09
1

km
in

/3
0m
0m

in
/1
km

Athirappilly Waterfalls

Blue is the Deepest Colour

Welcome the breathtaking majestic tumult of Athirappilly and
Charpa and flow along with the ceaseless frothing of peaceful
waters in Vazhachal and Thumboormuzhi. The Blue-circuit
covers four of the most exquisite sights of waterfalls from the
Chalakudy River to Munakkal Dolphin Beach.
Vazhachal
Waterfalls
Thirssur 6

Gushing waters from

the foothills of Sholayar
are a feast to the eyes
Vazhachal’s waters are equally
tempting and mesmerising. The
abundant sunshine and burbling
water add to nature’s healing
powers, just what the tourist
running away from the metro
cities is looking for. Vazhachal
is also a spot that is skipped
on many tourists’ itineraries. A
hidden gem among the caverns,
120 metres above the ground, it
can be the perfect place to make
your own at least for a little while.
Grab a book, sip some tea while
lying on a mat with the sound of
the waters and a view of the calm
sky above. This is the best part of
Vazhachal waterfalls, as it flows
Traverse nature’s hidden beauty down in its own ecstasy, one that
is hard to ignore.

Explore
Cochin International Airport,
about 58 km

Chalakudy Railway Station, A perfect place to

about 38 km
make your own, at
KSRTC Bus Station, Chalakudy, least for a little while
about 37 km

+91 85476 01915

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
 Charpa
Waterfalls
Thirssur 8

At 70 metres above the

ground, Charpa is an
all-time popular stopover
A perfect spot where the giant
waterfalls are a great chill-out
option during the monsoons.
Sandwiched between Athirappilly
and Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa
invites you to feel the mind-
blowing experience of soaking in
the cool waters and to immerse
in its sensual appeal.

The proximity of the flowing

waters attracts thousands of
visitors to stop by and enjoy the
cascade to the fullest. Charpa
waterfalls can be located from
the roadside where you can pull
over and drive towards a magical
place. The sight during the
Immerse yourself in the monsoons where the falls drench
sparkling blue waters onlookers in its raging fury is a
sight to remember.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 57 km

Chalakudy Railway Station,

about 36 km The raging fury of the
KSRTC Bus Station, Chalakudy,
falls during monsoon
about 35 km is a sight to remember
+91 85476 01915

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Athirappilly Waterfalls
Thirssur 10

The massive rush of the

waters flowing down
from the hills is gorgeous
These magnificent waterfalls,
falling from an amazing 82m and
330m in width are the largest in
Kerala. Endearingly called the
Niagara falls of South India, it
mightily begins its journey at the
doorway to the Sholayar ranges
in the Western Ghats. It is a view
to behold as the waters run deep
from within the Anamalai Hills of
Tamil Nadu.

The sight of these waterfalls

will be your evergreen takeaway
from Thrissur. The locale buzzes
regularly with tourists and has
become a gorgeous choice
for significant shots in many
Many hit movies, including films. Hornbills perch beside
‘Baahubali’, were shot here these waterfalls while deer and
squirrels tread the pathways.

Explore
Cochin International Airport,
about 41 km

Chalakudy Railway Station, Endearingly called

about 32 km
the Niagara falls
KSRTC Bus Station, Chalakudy, of South India
about 31 km

+91 85476 01897

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Thumboormuzhi
Thirssur 12

Dam, hanging bridge

and butterfly park make
the spot worth visiting
Scattered around a vast area are
innumerable colours of its winged
inhabitants and the glow of deep
forests. This massive dam, built
across the Chalakudy river helps
the city meet its power demands.
Thumboormuzhi hosts Kerala’s
largest butterfly garden with
hundreds of varieties fluttering
around. Harbouring fresh flame
lilies and letting the butterflies
add colour to the lush greenery
around, Thumboormuzhi
lies wide open with sights
that are sure to leave nature
lovers amazed. The hanging
bridge is another attraction,
connecting the marshy lands of
Make that walk along the 210m Thumboormuzhi in Thrissur and
hanging bridge across the river
Ezhattumukham in Ernakulam
districts.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 27 km

Chalakudy Railway Station,

about 21 km Some rare species of
KSRTC Bus Station, Chalakudy,
butterflies find their
about 19 km habitat here
+91 480 2769888
+91 94970 69888

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Munakkal Beach
Thirssur 14

Kerala's largest beach

with 30 acres unravels
along Arabian coast
Stroll along the tantalising
shorelines of Munakkal Dolphin
Beach in Azhikode, as the
glittering sun above and coastal
sands at your feet bring magic to
your body and mind. The beach
rests at the confluence of the
Periyar river and the Arabian Sea.
The Cheena Vala, the Choola
trees (Australian Pine Trees) and
the Miyawaki forests adorning
the beach premises are those
that no other beach in Kerala will
offer you. The boat jetty towards
the Eastern side of the beach also
has remnants of the Muziris port.
The Munakkal Dolphin Beach is
also the first beach for differently-
If you are lucky, you can spot abled people with 30m wide
dolphins off the beach pathways and disabled-friendly
kiosks and washrooms.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 35 km

Chalakudy Railway Station,

about 29 km The beach has 30m
KSRTC Bus Station, Chalakudy,
wide pathways and
about 30 km disabled-friendly kiosks
+91 480 2320800

No fixed timings
Brown Circuit – Dam Tourism
Thrissur
5 min
/2 40
m km
k
10

/1
Vilangankunnu

hr
Chimmony 16
24 Dam
in
m

in
18
5
/3

5m
km
15

/5
km
3

Poomala 0

22 Dam
Peechi Dam

20
20

hr
km

/1

35
/

m k
in 35

Vazhani Dam

Reservoirs of Power
Thrissur caters to Kerala’s largest number of power
sources. The presence of a range of flora and fauna, and the
development of adventure sports at these dams makes a visit
to these spots enjoyable. The sheer height and strength of the
dam structures are also a revelation about the potential of
humankind to turn natural resources into reservoirs of power
for the benefit of the people. The circuit starts from Thrissur,
leading to Chimmony Dam, Peechi dam, Vazhani Dam and
Poomala Dam before ending at Vilangankunnu.
Chimmony Dam
Thirssur 17

It is Thrissur's largest
reservoir without
a canal system
Located in the Echippara region,
Chimmony dam is a revelation of
the engineering marvel that power
dams are in Kerala. Traversing the
Chimmony river, the dam is the
largest in the district. It is one of a
kind in the absence of a ubiquitous
canal system.

The flow of the Chimmony river, a

tributary of the Karuvannur river,
has been streamlined towards
this massive reservoir, much
to the awe of its visitors. It is
also a thriving ecosystem to the
wildlife around. Animal tracking,
bamboo rafting, jungle rafting
and butterfly safari are just some
The Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary of the activities that are available
also forms a part of the dam at this spot. Coracle rides
across the dam offer a unique
experience.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 58 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 39 km Animal tracking &
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
bamboo rafting are some
about 39 km of the activities here
+91 85476 03454

08:30 am to 04:30 pm
Peechi Dam
Thirssur 19

Botanical gardens, other

recreational activities
make dam a must-visit
The lifeline of Thrissur, Peechi
Dam, built across Manali dam,
meets the drinking water
requirements of the city. Built
with a catchment area of 3200
acres, Peechi Dam is surrounded
by botanical gardens and
fountains born from the designs
of E. Ikkanda Warrier in 1958.
The dam is a part of irrigation
projects that nourish the
surrounding villages. A boat ride
across the waters of Peechi Dam
provides a breathtaking glimpse
of the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife
Sanctuary.

The pool beside the dam is

Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife sanctuary perfect for a swim, nestled as it
provides breathtaking views is within the scenic landscape.
Make a trip up the watchtower
for a bird’s eye view of the area.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 67 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 24 km A boat ride provides a
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
breathtaking glimpse
about 23 km of the sanctuary
+91 487 2698200

08:00 am to 06:00 pm
Vazhani Dam
Thirssur 21

A tranquil spot for an

evening of fresh air
and a refreshing stroll
A place that holds 60 years of
history within its sturdy walls,
Vazhani Dam is a delightful
place for a breath of fresh air.
This clay dam, built over the
Wadakkanchery River and
spread across four acres of
gardens, gives you a spectacular
evening to cherish forever. The
simple and elegant construction,
made through a vigorous process
of clay blanket, gravel and earth
embankment, remains a model
for sustainable development as
well. The nearby hanging bridge
is also an exciting prospect while
there. Those who are intrigued
by engineering feats will find
Vazhani Dam is built of mud and Vazhani Dam a place that is to be
resembles Banasura Sagar Dam visited at all costs.

Explore
Cochin International Airport,
about 70 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

The simple construction
about 25 km remains a model
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur, for sustainable
about 25 km development as well
+91 487 2332486

08:30 am to 05:00 pm
Poomala Dam
Thirssur 23

The eco-friendly
premises also include a
handrail walkway
and water-laden steps
Designed from mud and stone,
Poomala Dam is located around
a beautiful landscape that will fill
the onlooker’s heart with joy. Set
across a picturesque location,
a children’s park and boat ride
facility provides ample source of
entertainment for visitors who
look forward to having more to
do.

For those who want to simply

soak in the ambience, the sight
of the waters will be enough
for a calming experience to feel
refreshed. Poomala dam is a
popular spot among tourists to
The visit during the evening
rewards one with a splendid sight
the city of Thrissur. The sunset
from the dam is not to be missed.

Cochin International Airport,

A children’s park and
about 65 km boat ride provide
Thrissur Railway Station,
ample source of
about 14 km entertainment for all
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
about 14 km

+91 487 2332486

No fixed timings
Vilangankunnu
Thirssur 25

The Oxygen Jar of

Thrissur brings the
brown circuit to a wrap
Amateur photographers are in
for a treat as Vilangankunnu,
the final destination on the
brown circuit, popularly known
as the Oxygen Jar of Thrissur,
provides plenty of picture perfect
frames. The Vilangankunnu hills
provide a series of breathtaking
shots. Standing at a height of 80
metres, the hills, once a military
base and camp site during World
War II, are today remnants of a
history embodied in a series of
sculptures here. The hills are
highly recommended for trekking
enthusiasts. There are about 500
mango trees and an amphitheatre
in the area apart from a medicinal
Standing atop the hills, we can garden or asokavanam. Top that
see the whole of Thrissur city off with a view of the sunset, and
it ought to leave you recharged
for life back in the city again.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 63 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 10 km The hills were once a
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
military base and camp
about 10 km during World War II
+91 487 2320800

09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Green Circuit – Backwater Tourism

Thrissur
30
k m

/5
s
0 hr

5m
.3
/1

in
m
k
47

31 Chimmony 16
Dam

Snehatheeram 60

km
15 k m

/1
Chettuva .45

29 27
/ 25

rs h
mi
n

10
km
/ 20
min Enamavu

Thrissur’s hinterlands beckon

The green circuit begins from the Chimmony waters where a
cruise through the houseboats from the Enamavu lake takes
one to Snehatheeram in the evening. The twilight hours are
magical to say the least as the sky changes from a dramatic
orange to an alluring red, finally giving way to an ink black sky.
Paddy fields, hamlets, the greenery around and the mushy
waters are an experience to behold while on a boat ride
or kayaking in the area. Look far out wide to see the waters
converge with the Arabian sea on the horizon.
Enamavu
Thirssur 28

Waters from Peechi,

Kurumali & Puzhakkal
form the backwaters
Enamavu Kettu or Enamavu
bund across the lake prevents
the mixing of freshwater and
saltwater, the bund catering to
the safe drinking water needs of
the Enamavu village.

Enamavu is replete with

historical references. Once a hub
which attracted foreign sailors,
the colonial edifices of the British
and the Portuguese here stand
as reminiscents of the history of
Kerala. The Portuguese Church
of Lady Mount of Caramel is one
symbol of the colonial era here.
Cross the Enamavu waters to
stop over at Coconut Island, a
Coconut island and the view cosy nest where one can relax
outlining its shores are spectacular over lunch, or write or read a
book.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 70 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 19 km Enamavu was once
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
a hub that attracted
about 19 km foreign sailors
+91 487 2320800

No fixed timing
Chettuva
Thirssur 30

Experience tranquility
amid picture-perfect
setting at Chettuva
Located about 10 kilometers
south of Guruvayoor, Chettuva in
Thrissur district is known for its
placid and scenic backwaters.
With its rich mangrove vegetation,
Chinese fishing nets, estuary,
fort, migratory birds and islets,
the destination is known for the
tranquility it offers.

The biggest mangrove forest in

Kerala is situated in the middle
of the Chettuva backwaters.
The backwaters stretch from
Enamakkal Lake all the way up
to an estuary where it empties
into the Arabian Sea. Going for
a boating here is the best way
The visuals from Chettuva are to relax and rejuvenate from the
common in regional feature films hectic schedules of life. Tourists
can hire shikaras or houseboats,
and go on a leisure trip.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 72 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 24 km The biggest mangrove
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
forest in Kerala is
about 25 km situated here
+91 487 2320800

No fixed timing
Snehatheeram
Thirssur 32

This beach is a reminder

that love makes the
world go round
Peaceful and clean,
Snehatheeram or Love Shore
draws people from all walks of
life to enjoy its relaxing beach. As
the name suggests, the beach in
Thalikulam is a love nest for the
young, a meeting spot for friends,
and a picnic spot for families.
Snehatheeram was selected as
one of the best beach tourism
destinations by the Department
of Tourism in 2010.

There is a freshwater fish pond

apart from miniature mandap
constructions built in traditional
architectural style without which
Thrissur would be incomplete.
Snehatheeram beach draws A children’s park completes the
people from all over the district setting with a stage for the music
performances that provide all the
music one needs.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 63 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 22 km The beach is a love
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
nest for the young, a
about 23 km meeting spot for friends
+91 487 2320800

No fixed timing
 Orange Circuit – Muziris Heritage
Thrissur
55

s
hr

km
0
1.3

/1
.30
55 k m /

h
rs
Pattanam Excavation
Centre &Museum
34
in

43
Paravur
0m
/1

Synagogue

in
5 km

10 k m / 20 m
41 Paliam
Nalukettu
36

38 Kottappuram
1 00

Fort
m/

in
1m

/ 10m
5 km
in

Paliam Kovilakam

Connect through ages

A glance through Kerala’s culture and heritage tells many a
story - of bravery and integrity, a glorious battlefield of trade
and power. The geographical, social and political dynamics
of this past have enormously altered and shaped the cultural
identity and architectural styles of Kerala, with Thrissur as a
witness to most of their inceptions.

The orange circuit is part of the Muziris heritage conservation

project, the largest such heritage conservation project in India
and the first green project under the Kerala Government.
 Paravur
Synagogue
Thirssur 35

The first-ever vast

place of Jewish
worship in Kerala
The Paravur Synagogue was a
place of worship built to fulfil the
spiritual needs of the immigrant
Jewish community in Kerala.
A blend of the Portuguese and
Kerala styles of architecture,
the colours and lights whisper
together to rekindle a past which
was not just of the natives of
Kerala, but also a space where
different lives from afar came to
make their livelihood.

It was in the large porch and yard

that members of the community
met to air their sorrows and
visualise their hope for a safe
life. Over the years most of them
The influence of Kerala’s social have returned to Israel with the
set-up is evident in the padippura
synagogue having few Jews who
could come and offer prayers.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 20 km

Aluva Railway Station,

about 18 km Signs of Jewish
KSRTC Bus Station, Aluva,
tradition are visible
about 18 km in the architecture
+91 480 2807717

Tuesday to Sunday:
10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Kottappuram
Fort
Thirssur 37

Has a great chapter

in socio-political
history of Kerala
The Kottappuram Fort in
Kodungalloor, also known as
Fortaleza da São Tomé and
Cranganore Fort, occupies a
great chapter in the socio-
political history of Kerala. Forts
are symbols of defence; they also
portray the struggle between
belonging and forceful evictions.

The ownership of Kottapuram

fort was always a contentious
issue - right from 1523, when it
was first built by the Portuguese
to the Dutch in 1663, to the
Mysore kings and the then King
of Travancore in 1789. Finally
it fell back into the hands of
The fort now has a memorial pillar the Travancore administration
to commemorate its legacy and finally became public
property. What remains now is a
dilapidated structure.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 27 km

Aluva Railway Station,

about 26 km The ownership of the
KSRTC Bus Station, Aluva,
fort was always a
about 25 km contentious issue
+91 480 2807717

Tuesday to Sunday:
10:00 am to 05:00 pm
 Paliam
Kovilakam
Thirssur 39

Where history and truth

remain locked in time
Paliam Kovilakam was once the
hub of all diplomatic relations of
the times. The Paliath Achans,
chief ministers to the maharajas
of Kochi, were bestowed with
the duty of protecting them.
The title was given to the chief
member of the Nair family. The
Achans bravely held fort against
internal and external attacks,
including that from the Zamorin
of Kozhikode, the Portuguese
and the British. One of the
Paliath Achans once shifted the
King to Chendamanagalam, the
ancestral land of the Achans,
and hid him in their family home
to fulfil his duty of protecting the
ruler from the Portuguese. Later,
the house attained the title of
Artefacts include letters sent by
the Paliath Achans to various kings
‘Kovilakom’, meaning palace,
reminding us that the king had
once stayed there.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 22 km

Aluva Railway Station,

about 19 km The ancestral house
KSRTC Bus Station, Aluva,
of the Achans in
about 19 km Chendamangalam
+91 480 2807717

Tuesday to Sunday:
10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Thirssur 40

Paliyam Palace
An Architectural Beauty
 Paliam
Nalukettu
Thirssur 42

The house speaks

volumes about Paliyath
family's lifestyle
Elegant yet simple, the Paliam
Nalukettu, the ancestral base of
the Paliyath family, is a remnant
of the matrilineal joint family
system that existed in the socio-
cultural purview of Kerala. Its
interiors bring back Kerala’s
feudal era. The quadrangle
structure helps unearth the
architectural and cultural
sensibilities of the times.

A spectacular courtyard, a
large portico and four blocks -
Southern, Northern, Western
and Eastern along with the
Vadakkini and the thekkini
which accommodates the dining
At inner courtyard, family members hall, an adjacent room and guest
came together to catch up everyday rooms are spaces which once
accommodated family members
by the hundreds.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 22 km

Aluva Railway Station,

about 19 km This is a reminder to one
KSRTC Bus Station, Aluva,
of the most powerful
about 19 km families in Kochi
+91 480 2807717

Tuesday to Sunday:
10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pattanam Excavation
Centre & Museum
Thirssur 44

Dug and dive into

the ancient lives
and stories
While pattanam means ‘city’, the
centre and museum get their
names from a village located
8km south of Kodungalloor
which is a part of the Muziris
Heritage Project. It was where
the first such multi-disciplinary
excavation project was held in
Kerala from 2007-2015. The
site, dated from circa 500 BC,
has revealed much about the
Iron Age, be it early historic,
medieval or modern.

Regional and foreign artefacts,

from the Indo-Mediterranean
and South-East Asian regions,
having been unearthed through
Storage jars and Chera coins are the process. The project showed
some of the objects unearthed the existence of a vast urban
settlement, the objects found
defining the status of its owners.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 23 km

Aluva Railway Station,

about 20 km The excavation was led
KSRTC Bus Station, Aluva,
by Kerala Council for
about 20 km Historical Research
+91 484 2991220

Monday to Friday:
09:30 am to 05:30 pm
Yellow Circuit – Culture Tourism

22 m i n
m/
1 0k Thrissur
Ayurveda 30
Museum

km
/5
56

0m
10 km / 25 min

in
Kerala
Kalamandalam 46
State Museum
& Zoo
54 10
km
/

20
mi
1 km / 5 min

Puppet Art n
Gallery

51 48
Shakthan Thampuran
Museum 4 0 k m / 1 hr

Yellow is the Colour of Enchantment

Sliced out from the rhythms of God’s own country, a
more significant portion of Kerala’s cultural multitudes lie
miscellaneously entangled here. In Kerala’s cultural history,
influences overlap, as religious harmony goes back a long way
in the state, much before it became the Kerala that we know
today. From artistes honing their passion in the arts at Kerala
Kalamandalam to the museum of Sakthan Thampuran, this
circuit offers excitement at varying degrees.
 Kerala
Kalamandalam
Thirssur 47

Music and dance meet

passion at this institute
that has shaped legends
Founded by the great Malayalam
Romantic poet Vallathol
Narayana Menon in 1930, Kerala
Kalamandalam is a revered
institute which provides training
in art forms such as Kathakali,
Mohiniyattam, Kutiyattam,
Panchavadyam, Thullal,
Mridangam and Carnatic Music.

The institution has stood the

test of time, vigorously training
artistes who have gone on to make
their mark on global platforms. A
small traditional temple called
Koothambalam is also a part
of this place. Visitors can see
students attending classes, in
their traditional uniforms, guided
Training is in art forms such as by senior artistes. The courses
Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
are conducted with utmost
seriousness and discipline.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 83 km

Shoranur Junction,
about 4 km Kalamandalam artistes
have gone on to make a
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
about 30 km mark on global platforms
+91 4884 262418

Monday to Friday:
09:30 am to 12:30 pm
Puppetry Art
Gallery
Thirssur 49

In this world of
shadows, silhouettes
narrate mythical tales
The Indian tradition of puppetry
brings with it the influences
of each state. Kerala’s style of
Tholpavakoothu is unique. Thol
means skin/hide and refers to
the leather used to cut out the
shapes which bring the puppets
to life. Dedicated to Bhagavati or
goddess,it tells the stories of the
goddess during temple festivals
from January to March.

At Koonathara in Shoranur
there are mainly three puppet
galleries where tourists can
witness the performance. They
are Krishnan Kutty Pulavar
Memorial Tholpavakoothu
The silhouettes of the puppets Puppet Center, Tholpavakoothu
enact stories from behind a curtain Kalakendram (Harisree Kannan
Tholpavakoothu Kalakendram)
and Tholpavakoothu Sangam.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 92 km

Shoranur Junction,
about 7 km Tholpavakoothu tells
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
the stories of goddess
about 40 km during temple festivals
+91 94953 97457
+91 98465 34998
+91 98473 58668

No fixed timings
Thirssur 50

Puppetry Art
Gallery
A popular storyteller
Shakthan Thampuran
Museum
Thirssur 52

Where history sleeps

with the memories,
nothing completely is lost
It is no surprise that King Rama
Varma Shakthan Thampuran, a
visionary ruler whose reign was
called the golden era of Kochi,
has a museum dedicated to him.
Formerly known as Vadakkechira
Kovilakam, the palace which is
now a museum owes its current
form to Shakthan Thampuran.

A confluence of Dutch and

Kerala styles of architecture, the
two-storeyed palace has been
constructed by taking Kerala’s
seasons into consideration. The
interiors are cool and airy for the
same reason. The palace is also
a tomb for a Zamorin, a Kochi
There are Kudakkallu or Umbrella king and Shakthan Thampuram
stones on the palace premises himself. The museum houses a
bronze gallery, a sculpture gallery
and an epigraphy gallery.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 55 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 3 km It is a confluence of
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
Dutch and Kerala
about 3 km styles of architecture
+91 487 2323631

Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 am to

01:00 pm & 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm
Thirssur 53

Sakthan Thampuran
Palace
A landmark in the annals of history
State Museum
& Zoo
Thirssur 55

The Thrissur Zoo

has plenty to leave
animal lovers in awe
At two kilometres from Thrissur
city, Thrissur Zoo or the State
Museum & Zoo draws large
crowds. One of only two
zoological parks in the state, the
State Museum & Zoo which began
in 1885, houses a natural history
museum, botanical garden and
an art museum.

Set aside a day to make your way

through this 13.5-acre zoo, be it
to teach your young ones about
lions and tigers, to spotting more
exotic animals such as lion-tailed
macaque & sloth. Zoos have
always been a place of wonder
and excitement among children,
The place is a wonder and making it a great weekend option.
excitement for children A new zoo is in development,
expanding to 306 acres, at Puthur,
closer to Peechi Dam.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 54 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 4 km A natural history
museum and a garden
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
about 3 km are on the premises
+91 487 2333056

Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 am to

01:00 pm & 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm
 Vaidyaratnam
Ayurveda Museum
Thirssur 57

Tour down to the sceptre

of Ayurveda and its
ancient knowledge of life
Mention Thaikkattussery and it
is immediately recollected for
a particular name in Ayurveda
which has made it world famous -
Ashtavaidyan Thaikkattu Mooss,
founder of the Vaidyaratnam
Group of institutions.

The museum, set in a two-

storeyed traditional house of
over 100 years, is dedicated to
Ayurveda with galleries that take
visitors through the mythological
and Vedic aspects of the ancient
science. An audio-visual theatre,
a 3D gallery, a library of ancient
scripts and texts, a multimedia
touch screen digital library,
Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum palm-leaf manuscripts, this is
is a storehouse of knowledge a storehouse of knowledge for
those who are interested in this
alternative system of medicine.

Cochin International Airport, Explore

about 44 km

Thrissur Railway Station,

about 10 km The museum is set
KSRTC Bus Station, Thrissur,
in a two-storeyed
about 9 km traditional house
+91 487 2350230
+91 94953 54805

Tuesday to Sunday:
09:30 am to 05:00 pm
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