Tourism
in Kerala
Thrissur
Tour Guide
The
term Thrissur is the abbreviated anglicized form of the Malayalam word "THRISSIVAPERUR"
which means the town of the "SACRED SIVA". The town is built on an
elevated ground, at the apex of which is the famous "VADAKKUMNATHAN"
Temple. A place of great antiquity, Thrissur was also known as "VRISHABHADRIPURAM"
and "TEN KAILASAM" in ancient days.
From ancient times,
Thrissur District has played a significant part in the political history of
south India. The early political history of the District is interlinked with
that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala
with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur District was
included in the early Chera Empire.
The District can claim to have
played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala
and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period. It can also claim
to have played an important part in fostering cultural relations and in
laying the foundation of a cosmopolitan and compose culture in this part of
the country. Kodungalloor which had the unique distinction of being the "Primum
Emporium India", also belongs to the signal honour of having first
given shelter to all the three communities which have contributed to the
prosperity of Malabar'. These three communities are the Christians, the Jews
and the Muslims. The history of Thrissur District from the 9th to the 12th
centuries is the history of Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram and the history
since 12th century is the history of the rise and growth of Perumpadappu
Swarupam. In the course of its long and chequered history, the Perumpadappu
Swarupam had its capital at different places.
We learn from the
literary works of the period that the Perumpadappu Swarupam had its
headquarters at Mahodayapuram and that a number of Naduvazhies in Southern
and Central Kerala recognized the supremacy of the Perumpadappu Moopil. The
Perumpadappu Moopil is even referred to as the "Kerala Chakravarthi"
in the "Sivavilasam" and some other works.
One of the
landmarks in the history of the Perumpadapu Swarupam is the foundation of a
new era called Pudu Vaipu Era. The Pudu Vaipu Era is traditionally believed
to have commenced from the date of which the island of Vypeen was thrown
from the sea.
The 14th and 15 centuries constituted a period of
aggressive wars in the course of which the Samorins of Calicut acquired a
large part of the present Thrissur District.
In the subsequent
centuries the Portugese dominated the scene. By the beginning of the 17th
century the Portugese power in Kerala was on the verge of collapse.
About
this time other European powers like the Dutch and the English appeared on
the scene and challenged the Portugese. Internal dissension in the
Perumpadappu Swarupam helped the Dutch in getting a footing on the Kerala
Coast. As the Kerala Chiefs were conscious of the impending doom of the
Portugese, they looked upon the Dutch as the rising power and extended a
hearty welcome to them.
The decadence and consequential want of
solidarity opened the flood gates of aggression. Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan
figured very prominently during the period.
PLACES
OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND THRISSUR 
Athirapilly
Water Falls This 80" high waterfall at the threshold of the
Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. DreamWorld and SilverStorm -
Amusement parks - are located nearby. DTPC has a unit to cater the needs of
tourists.
VazhachalJust
a short drive from Athirapilly is close to dense forests and a part of the
Chalakudy river.
Punnathur
Kotta Elephant SanctuaryPunathurkotta is very unique in being the
largest elephant park in the world with over 60 elephants. All of them are
donated by the devotees of Guruvayurappan.
The elephant race and
the feast for elephants are a few of the unique features. There are
elephants of all ages including very small elephant to old ones.
Sakthan
Thampuran PalaceNamed as Vadakkekara Palace, was reconstructed in
Kerala-Dutch style in 1795 by Sri.Ramavarma Thampuran of the erstwhile
Princely State of Cochin, well as Sakthan Thampuran(Greatest ruler of the
Cochin dynasty) is preserved by Archaeological Department.
KudakkalluThese
umbrella rocks of Chiramanangad have a history of over four thousand years,
here people of aristocratic were cremated earthen ums and umbrella rocks
were placed on top as land marks.
Vilangankunnu
This hillock has been converted by the tourism department as an
amusement park. While grown ups relish the scenic splendor from the hill
top. Children can relax and play to their hearts.
Peechi
DamIs a good picnic spot and located 20 kms. from Thrissur Town.
Chavakkad
BeachA sea shore for rare scenic beauty. Acknowledged as one of the
best beaches along the west coast. Unaltered by modernisation and laced on
the borders by an array of coconut palms.
