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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Thrissur Toursit Places (തൃശൂര്‍ വിനോദ സഞ്ചാര കേന്ദ്രങ്ങള്‍ )

തൃശൂര്‍ വിനോദ സഞ്ചാര കേന്ദ്രങ്ങള്‍ 

Thrissur  pronunciation (Malayalam: തൃശൂര്‍), originally Thrisivaperoor and previously known by its anglicized form as Trichur, is the fourth largest city, the third largest urban agglomeration in Kerala (Pop. 1,854,783) and the 20th largest in India.[2][3] It is also the headquarters of the Thrissur District.[4] Thrissur city is built around a 65-acre (26 ha) hillock called the Thekkinkadu Maidan which seats the Vadakkumnathan temple. Thrissur was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. It is located 300 kilometres (186 mi) towards north-west of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

 

  Archeological Museum: The museum housed in Kollengode Palace, an architectural marvel built in the traditional and western fusion architecture style, has a spectacular display of priceless artifacts. The museum holds an impressive collection of Stone Age weapons, excavated artifacts from Indus valley and Harappa sites, megalithic burial Urns, excavated relics from the ancient port of Crangannore, stone and bronze sculptures from 10th to 18th century, temple models et cetera.  The gallery on traditional Kerala mural arts displays extensive copies of murals collected from palaces and temples all over the state. “Veerakallu” or hero stones gallery displays carved stone figurines of ancient tribal war heroes from Wayanad and Thrissur forest belts.  

Zoo & Art Museum: The zoo and art museum are located in a sprawling 13.5 acre wooded land with beautiful landscaping and rich flowerbeds. The zoo is home to a large number of endangered animals including lions, tigers, Indian sloth bear et cetera. The reptile park here is said to be one of the largest in India housing the mighty Indian king cobra, vipers, pythons et cetera. The art museum inside the zoo compound has a good collection of religious idols, sculptures, antique jewellery and traditional Kerala lamps. This museum is a real treat to art connoisseurs, offering a gateway into the artistic legacy of Kerala.  

 

Our lady of Doloures basilica:  This majestic gothic basilica dedicated to our Lady of Sorrows is acclaimed to be one of the tallest and biggest churches in Asia. The shrine has some exquisite frescoes and wall paintings on biblical themes. The huge dome on top of the main altar is adorned with paintings done in vibrant colors on the apostles, Mater Dolorosa and the seven dolours of the Blessed Virgin.  The church has vaulted ceiling and encloses the main altar of our Lady of Doloures and 15 beautiful side altars.

Vadakkumnathan Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a perfect example of Kerala temple architecture style. Legend has it that the temple was built by Lord Parasurama, who raised the land of Kerala from ocean depths. This temple has four majestic gopurams with intricate woodwork, and it also has some of the most beautiful 17th century murals from Indian epics done in natural colors. The temple has shrines dedicated to Lord Vadakkumnathan, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Ganesh, Lord Sankaranarayana and Lord Sri Rama inside the main sanctum sanctorum. The magnificent Koothambalam, a hall inside the temple dedicated for performing arts, is quite distinct from any other in Kerala in its sheer size and aesthetic grandeur.


 Cheraman Juma Masjid: This mosque located in Kodungallur in Thrissur district is considered to be the oldest mosque in India and the second oldest mosque in the world to offer Jumu’ah prayers. This magnificent mosque built in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar is constructed in the traditional Hindu temple architecture style of Kerala. The burning sanctuary lamp of this mosque is said to be more than a thousand years old. Legends link this historic mosque to the Chera King Cheraman Perumal who embraced Islam in the 7th century AD.  

Shakthan Thampuram Palace: This magnificent palace also known as Vadakkechira Palace was built in 1795 in the traditional Kerala and Dutch fusion architecture style. This architectural marvel gives new dimensions to the concept of aesthetic opulence. The palace was used by King Sakthan Thampuram during his reign as the Raja of Cochin. This era is acclaimed by historians as the “golden era” of Cochin with many farsighted projects envisaged and strategic relations improved. This palace, a witness to the historic milestones of Cochin, has now been converted into a museum. The museum has a good collection of priceless artifacts classified under the bronze gallery, sculpture gallery, utensils gallery, numismatics gallery, history gallery and megalithic gallery. The palace complex also has an ancient sacred serpent grove, where Hindu devotees offer prayers to the serpent gods. 

 

Peechi dam & Vazhani wildlife sanctuary: Nestled amidst verdant hills and emerald green forests, the majestic Peechi dam offers picture post card scenery in all its pristine glory. The dam constructed on Manali River is at a distance of 23 km from Thrissur. Peechi offers an ideal spot to enjoy Kerala’s emerald greenery with its vast catchment area, botanical gardens and lush green forests. Private boat services could be availed to best enjoy its sparkling blue waters, lush green forests and to catch a glimpse of its abundant wildlife. The adjoining Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary is set in the dense green forests near the catchment area. The sanctuary is a safe haven for Tigers, Elephants, Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs and a variety of deer. This sanctuary is also a treasure trove of rare plants of medicinal value and a variety of exotic orchids.

Athirapally & Vazhachal waterfalls: These majestic waterfalls tucked inside the lush green forests of Sholayar are sure to hold you captivated with its astounding beauty. Athirapally & Vazhachal Waterfalls is located at a distance of 65 km from Thrissur inside the dense ever green forest ranges of Sholayar. Athirapally, the tallest amongst the two, cascades down from a height of 80 feet. Come and enjoy this breathtaking natural splendor, one of the best guarded secrets and miracles of nature.


Guruvayoor:  Known as the Dwaraka of south, this ancient pilgrim center is located at a distance of 32 km from Thrissur. The majestic Sree Krishna Swamy temple located here attracts hordes of pilgrims from all over India. The temple, shrouded in mystery and legends, is said to house the idol of Sri Krishna worshipped by Lord Brahma at Dwaraka. The temple is widely renowned for its healing powers and is a preferred site to hold Hindu weddings. The entry to the temple is restricted and only Hindus are allowed to enter the premises.


Punnathur Kotta: Located at a distance of 2 km from Guruvayoor, it is here the temple elephants of Guruvayoor are taken care of. In this sanctuary, elephants are prepared and trained for the various rituals and festivals linked with the temple. The Guruvayoor temple gets many elephants as offerings from pious devotees. In Punnathur Kotta elephant venerations including Gajapooja (elephant worship) and Anayoottu (Elephant feeding) are celebrated with much fervor and gaiety.

      Kerala Kala Mandalam, Cheruthuruthi:  Cheruthuruthi, a small picturesque town basking in pristine bucolic charms on the banks of the scenic river Bharatapuzha, offers an ideal setting for learning Kerala’s myriad performing art forms. Kerala Kala Mandalam in Cheruthuruthi is at a distance of 33 km from Thrissur. This center for learning was the vision of the eminent Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon for preserving and promoting Kerala’s exotic dance forms. The center established in 1930 is now a deemed university for art and culture offering training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal and Panchavadyam.

  Palayur Church:   Acclaimed as the oldest church in India, Palayur Church is the earliest of the 7 churches founded by Apostle St Thomas - the Apostle in 52AD. This church is at a small distance from Guruvayoor and has some exquisite stone lambs and a silver statue of St Thomas. Novena and mass is offered in the honor of St. Thomas every Tuesday drawing pilgrims from all over the state.

Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple:  Koodalmanikyam is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama. The temple is located in Irinjalakuda at a distance of 21 km from Thrissur and the specialty is that there is only one idol for worship. The temple has beautiful murals in natural colors and delicate wood works on the sanctum walls. The temple is an important center of pilgrimage for Hindus. 

This temple is dedicated to Bharata, the loyal and selfless hero and strong supporter of Rama. The diety at the temple is said to embody the joy rapture experienced by Bharata, when he learned of reunion of Rama and Sita. It's believed that this is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharata  and devotees claim miraculous cures from disease and ill health.


Vilangankunnu: This beautiful hill is located at a distance of 7 km from the city and is an ideal destination for holidaying and picnicking.

This is famous for the temple of Sri Rama located on the banks of the Triprayar river. Its architecture is similar to that of the Vadakkumnatha Kshathram. 


This institute, estsblished in 1975, undertake research on a range of issues including medical plants, entomology, clonal propagation of plants, disease control and methods for reforestation. 

 തിരുവില്വാമല പുനര്‍ജ്ജനി 

 തിരുവില്വാമല ക്ഷേത്രം 

 

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Pathanamthita Tourist Places വിനോദസഞ്ചാരകേന്ദ്രങ്ങള്‍



Pathanamthitta is a town and a municipality situated in the central Travancore region in the state of Kerala, south India, spread over an area of 23.50 km2. It is the administrative capital of Pathanamthitta district. The city has a population of 38,000. The Hindu pilgrim centre of Sabarimala is situated in the Pathanamthitta district; as the main transport hub to Sabarimala, the town is known as the 'Pilgrim Capital of Kerala'. Pathanamthitta is a fast-developing city and business center.

A well known pilgrim centre of Kerala, The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated 914metres above sea level surrounded with forests. Lord Ayyappa is looked upon as the guardian of mountains and there are several shrines dedicated to him  all along the Western Ghats. The festivals here are the Mandala Pooja, Makara Vilakku (December/January), and  Vishu Vilakku (april). The temple is also open for pooja on the every Malayalam month. The vehicle go only up to Pamba and the temple which is situated five kms away from Pamba can be reached only by trekking. During the festival period there are frequent buses to this place from Kochi (Cochin), Thiruvanathapuram and Kottayam. The nearest railway station is Thiruvalla.


പന്തളം കൊട്ടാരം 

Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala, in sanctity and significance. Lord Ayyappa, the presiding diety of Sabarimala had his human sojourn as the son of Raja of Pandalam. Pilgrims usually wiorship here before proceding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to Makaravilakku, the chest containing Thiruvabharanam (the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa kept here) is taken in a procession  from Pandalam to Sabarimala. The nearest railway station is Chengannur.

  മാരാമണ്‍ കണ്‍വന്‍ഷനില്‍ പങ്കെടുക്കാന്‍ പോകുന്ന ഭക്തജനങ്ങള്‍  


The religious convention known as the Maramon convention   is held annually in February/ March on the river bed at Maramon near Kozhencherry

 പരുമലപ്പള്ളി വര്‍ഷങ്ങള്‍ക്കു മുന്‍പ്

Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, a Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church is burried here. This is also a famous Christian pilgrim centre . The orma perunnal (Remembrance Day) is celebrated during November every year. The nearest railway station is  Thiruvalla.

മലയാപ്പുഴ ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം  

The Bhagavathi temple here is believed to help people realize their dreams. People bring offering in different forms during the festival. There are also beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone works. It is situated 8kms away from Pathanamthitta.




മഞ്ഞനിക്കരപ്പള്ളി  

 Manjinikkara:

The mortal remains of  Mar Ignatius Elias 111, the Patriarch of Antioch who died during a visit to India is buried here. the tomb of the patriarch has become a popular pilgrim centre for Christians. It is located 6kms away from Pathanamthitta.

ചിലന്തിയമ്പലം 


Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam or the Spider Temple is an unusual pilgrimage centre in Kerala. The water in the temple well ‘ചിലന്തിക്കിണര്‍’ (Spider well) is said to have amazing properties which can cure spider poisoning and skin diseases. The main deity is Mahalakshmi. The temple is located about 15 km from Pathanamthitta.

The chief attraction of this place is Spider temple. It is believed that spider poison is cured by praying at this temple. It is also the birth place of Sree Sakthi Bhadra, author of well known Sanskrit play, Ascharya Chudamani.

പാലിയേക്കര പള്ളി 

Situated in Thiruvalla town, this famous Christian Church has a collection of beautiful mural paintings.

 പത്തനംതിട്ട മോസ്ക്

the feast of this mosque is known as Chandanakudam is celebrated every year on the 2nd week of  February. A colourful procession with comparisoned elephants lends colour and festivity to the occation.

 കവിയൂര്‍ ഗുഹാ ക്ഷേത്രം 


The temple here dedicated to Sree Hanuman Stands on a small hill and has been built in the gable style  of architecture peculiar to Kerala. There is another rock-cut temple 2kms away from the kaviyoor temple, which is great archeological importance. The temple has been assigned to the 8th century.A.D. , due to its close resemblances to the Pallava style. It is about 20 feet broad and thwe central shrine is a squire cell with a rock cut Sivalinga. The stone figures engraved in this temple are among the earliest specimens of stone culture. This temple is now preserved as a historical monument by the Archeology department. The nearest railway station is  Thiruvalla.

  കവിയൂര്‍ മഹാദേവക്ഷേത്രം 

 വേലുത്തമ്പി ദളവ ജീവത്യാഗം ചെയ്ത സ്ഥലം

Veluthambi Dalawa, the gallant freedom fighter of Travancore spent his last days here. There is an ancient Bhagavathi temple  here with some stone sculptures. The most important festival of this temple is Ushabali, which falls in February/ March. Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folkarts functions here.

This sleepy little village is famous for the ritual folk art called Padayani which is performed annually in the latter part of April in the Devi temple at Kadammanitta. It is situated 8kms away from Pathanamthitta.



Perumthenaruvi ,  the famous water fall is situated 36kms away from Pathanamthitta. The water flows down a rocky bed into a ravine sixty to one hundred feet deep. It is accessible by trekking or jeep.
Konni is the gateway to the forest bordering the district. In the past , wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as Anakoodu to be tamed and trained for work. Plans are a foot to develop a safari park here. It is situated 11kma away from Pathanamthitta.

ഗവിയില്‍ നിന്നും ഒരു ദൃശ്യം 



Gavi
Gavi Eco-Tourism is a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation that has recently caught the attention of nature lovers and adventure tourists. Located in Pathanamthitta district it offers its visitors activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping and night safaris. Besides the accommodation at the forest eco lodge, visitors can also try out the tree houses here and can even pitch tents amidst the wilderness.
A highlight of the Gavi eco project is the active involvement of the local populace in its activities as guides, gardeners and cooks, which makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country.

Spread across the beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve, the forests of Gavi are abundant with wildlife including the tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking & Mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, other varieties of monkeys, Nilgiri Marten and a lot more.


 
Aranmula is situated on the banks of the rinver Pamba, 10kms away from Chengannoor on the Thiruvananthapuram -Kottayam route. The Krishna temple here attracts a number of devotees and is an important pilgrim centre. The annual commemmoration of the the installation of the diety, Parthasarathy falls on the last day of the weak long celebrations to the Onam festival. A Snake Boat Race is held here as part of the festival during Augest/ September. 


ആറന്‍മുള പാര്‍ത്ഥസാരഥിക്ഷേത്രം 

The stretch of river Pamba at aranmula is the venue of the famous snake boat race. It is more a pageantry than a race. The snake boat is of an exrtra ordinary shape with a length of  about 100ft. The rear portion towering to a height of about 20ft. and the front portion tapering gradually. The boat resembles a snake with its hood raised. the race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival to commemorate  the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna. The participants cheerfully row up and down the river to the tune of songs known as Vanchippattu. 

















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