Gavi – Thekkady- Idukki - Kerala

Gavi

Gavi is an eco-tourist spot in Kerala which has widely become poplar after ‘Alistair International’ the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centers and one of the must-see places in India.  Drawing on the wild and natural beauty of the place, the State-run Kerala Forest Development Corporation has developed an eco-tourism project to attract more Nature lovers and adventure tourists to the place. It takes a two-hour journey by jeep from Kumily to reach picturesque Gavi which is blanketed by the greenery of tea plantations.

As Gavi is adjacent to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, visitors will have to pass through a large area of the reserve forests.  The view of the amazing greenery and a glimpse into the wildlife are two of the major attractions of the journey. An important landmark en-route is the Pampa Reservoir. The Pullumedu peak is also on the way. 

In Gavi

Cooling off in the waters of bubbling brooks among thick greenery inhaling the fresh air scented with the aroma of cardamom is a magical experience that very few places other than Gavi can offer. The wild animals like the Nilgiri Langurs, the herds of elephants and the diverse avian fauna make the place all the more attractive. 

The picturesque beauty of the place attracts a steady stream of visitors including deep jungle trekkers, bird watchers, Nature lovers, research students, and those looking for a break from the daily grind.  If you are the bird watcher, Gavi is the place for you.  With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker and kingfishers.  Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers.

The eco-tourism project have come up with various activities for visitors including treks in deep jungles, night safaris, outdoor camping, elephant safaris, wildlife watching, bird-watching, stays a top tree huts, visits to Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli, boating in Gavi and Kochupampa lakes, stays at the eco-lodge overlooking Gavi Lake, leisurely walks through spice gardens, visits to cardamom factories and so on.  
Meenar offers tranquil and pristine natural beauty while the Chenthamara Kokka offers a scenic view of the dangerously alluring deep ravine with thick forests below.

A boat-ride across Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli is another magnificent experience. The cove has many exquisite wild flowers and one can also hear the musical chirping of birds in the backdrop.  

A splendid spot to be visited at least once for all those who love nature.

Thekkady - Idukki- Kerala

Thekkady - World famous holiday destination.

Thekkady in Kerala State, India’s largest wildlife sanctuary. The 120 years old 'Surki' dam built across Peryiar River, is a major tourist attraction (ie. Mullaperiyar Dam). This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms.

The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.

Periyar National Park

The Periyar National Park is spread over an area of about 777 km² and comprises a thick evergreen forest with exotic wild life. The sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve sometime in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, built in 1895 across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attraction of Periyar is the herds of wild elephants that come down to drink in the lake. Sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating or jeep safari.

Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural such as black Pepper, Cardamom, Coffee, Vanilla, Cinnamon and Clove.

Wealth of Periyar Forests
Flora:Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids. The only south Indian conifer, scientifically known as Podocarpus wallichianus, grows in the forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Mammals: Thirty five species which include the Asian elephant, Tiger, Indian bison, sambar deer, Indian wild dog, Leopard, Barking deer, Smooth-coated otter which can be sighted during a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The Nilgiri tahr is confined to the higher rocky areas whereas the endangered lion tailed macaque can be found in the interior evergreen forests. Both the bonnet macaques and Nilgiri langur can be seen foraging from the trees near the boat landing. Malabar giant squirrel is omnipresent.

Birds: 265 species including migrants. The Malabar grey hornbill, The Indian pied hornbill, Whitebellied Treepie, many species of drongos, woodpeckers, flycatchers, babblers, the spectacular Malabar trogon, etc can be seen near the boat landing.

Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the Indian monitor lizard.

Amphibians: Frogs like the colorful Malabar gliding frog, fungoid frog, bicolored frog, many species of toads, and limbless caecilians.

Pisces (fish): The Periyar Lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The Smooth-coated otter can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Plantations: Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations abound in the areas adjoining the Tiger Reserve.

Watch Towers: There are a few watch towers inside Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife. The Kerala Forest department arranging the trekking in the forest. 

Kodungallur Amma or Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple

Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple

Kurumba Bhagavati Temple (alternatively Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple) is a Hindu temple at Kodungallur, Thrissur district.   The idol of the goddess Bhadrakali (popularly known as "Kodungallur Amma") in the temple is unique as it has eight hands with various attributes. 

Kurumba Bhagavati Temple is where Kannaki, heroine of Ilango Adigal's Tamil classic Silappathikaram attained salvation.  During the reign of Later Cheras, Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) was the capital of the state and one of the most important parts of the region.

It is said that sixth avatar of Vishnu, Sage Parasurama built this temple for the prosperity of the people. According to the old chronicles, this Bhagavathi temple was created in the heart of the town many centuries ago to serve a special purpose. 

Legend says that, after the creation of Kerala by Parasurama, he was harassed by a demon called Daruka. To kill this evil demon, Parasurama prayed to Lord Shiva for help. As advised by Shiva, Parasurama constructed the shrine and installed the Shakti Devi as Bhagavathi/Bhadrakali. The deity in the temple, it is believed, is Parashakthi herself. According to legends, it was Bhadrakali who killed the evil demon Daruka.

According to another belief, the Kannagi came to Kodungallur and prayed to Godess Bhadrakali of Kodungallur. She got absorbed to Bhagavathy idol. 

The temple is situated in the middle of a plot of land about ten acres, surrounded by banyan and peepal trees. The srikovil is facing north. The western chamber of the inner temple is the seat of Sapthamatrukas (Seven Mothers) who also face north. The idol of bhagawati is about seven feet high and made of wood, carved from a jackfruit tree. The idol has eight arms that carry weapons and symbols. About fifty metres away to the left is a sacred pond (Pushkarini), where devotees bathe before entering the main shrine. It is believed that this pond was created by the goddess by striking the ground with her sword. 

Bharani Festival

 The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Kumbham to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Meenam. It normally falls between the months of March and April. The festival usually starts with the ritual called 'Kozhikkallu moodal' which involves the sacrifice of cocks and shedding of their blood, which forms an important feature of this temple. The members of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple are allowed to participate in this ritual. It is to appease the goddess Kali and her demons who take delight in blood offerings.

'Kavu Theendal', another important event of the festival, overseen by the King of Kodungallur  where Vellichapads (oracles) make a run around the temple waving their sabres in the air while the members of their retinue offer reverence over the inner quadrangle. They make cry of abuse at the goddess in bawdy language. Their abuse is said to be accepted by the goddess followed by the purification ceremony the next day. Chandanapoti Charthal is yet another festival of smearing the image with sandal paste.

 Thalappoli Festival

The Thalappoli festival is in the month of Makaram (January–February). The four day Thalappoli commences from the evening of Makara Sankranthi with religious rituals. Big processions headed by richly caparisoned elephants are taken out to the accompaniment of Pancha Vadyam, Paancari, Paandi, etc.  

Bible Tower- Thrissur

Bible tower

The Bible Tower is the tallest church tower in Asia. It is situated in Thrissur. It can be seen from anywhere in the Thrissur Town. The height of the tower is about 260 feet.  It was inaugurated on 2007, January 07. His Excellency Most Reverend Dr Pedro Lopez Quintana dedicated the Bible Tower for the World peace.

Bible Tower is well known for its heights. The wooden door is in scripted with bible words which revels the whole life of Jesus and the life of the early church in different materials. The infancy of Jesus is represented in Wooden Carvings. The healing of the sick is depicted in Stain Glass.

 The miracles of Jesus is represented in Bras etching is shown. There is an oil painting which tells the passion of Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is depicted in bright canvas, and mural paintings on the Life of St. Thomas.

Thiruvanchikulam Temple

Thiruvanchikulam Temple

The Thiruvanchikulam Siva temple is located at Thiruvanchikulam 2 kilometers from Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Kerala. The presiding deity is Lord Siva in ‘Sada Siva’ (calm) form. The place Thiruvanchikulam itself have both religious and historical significances. It was the capital of Chera dyanasty ruled here till the 13th century. The ancient seaport town Musiris (the lost city) and the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy temple are the first things one notice in Kodungallur.

The temple is believed to be built by Cheraman Perumal, a legendary Chera king. It is also believed that Cheraman Perumal (also called as ‘Kulasekhara Perumal) and his minister and friend Sundaramoorthy Nayanar left their life in the temple. There are two idols in this temple, considering as two ‘upadevas’ (sub gods), of them. This is the temple having the largest number of Upadevas in Kerala.

The temple is located in a place namely ‘Cheraman Parambu, and is believed to be the ancient palace spot of the Cheras. The main event in the temple is ‘Dhambathi Pooja’ (couple offering), in which worships the Siva-Parvathy dual and lead them to the ‘Palliyara’ (symbolically their personal bed room). It is believed that the ‘Palliyara Darshanam’ give bliss for overcome hurdles in good marriage and child fertility. The temple is well stored with ancient murals, woodcarvings and ‘Salabhanjikas’ (sculptures), which are worth seeing.

The temple has very good mural paintings and is a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple has the oldest reference in history in old Tamil Sangam literature, references to Sundara Murti Nayanar, and Ilango Adikal, the Chera prince who was the brother of Cheran Chenkuttavan can also be seen in the temple premises. The temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India where Lord Shiva is said to live along with his whole family.

This temple has got a healthy relation with Chidambaram temple in Tamil Nadu. Capital city of Kulasekharas, Mahodayapuram was built around the temple and was protected by high fortress on all sides and had extensive pathways and palaces. This temple was attacked and damaged during Tipu Sultan's invasion of Kerala, the copper roofing and gold and jewels were looted. Tipu's Muslim soldiers fled the temple complex only after the arrival of Travancore Army of Dalawa Keshavadas Pillai. This temple was rebuilt by Paliath Achan of Kochi/Perumpadappu Swaroopam.

Lourdes Cathedral - Thrissur

Lourdes Cathedral

Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral is situated in the heart of Thrissur town. The exterior of this church features an Indo- European façade with pink spires. The main attraction is an underground shrine which is a masterpiece of architectural designing.  Fr. John Maliekal is said to have planned and constructed this church. 

The centenary of this church was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986. The Cathedral church attracts thousands of pilgrims every month.

Thrissur district was under the control of Dutch and British invaders. During their period they had created several beautiful churches.  The Lourdes Cathedral is one of in it.  This is one of the largest Churches in Kerala.

Azhikode or munakkal beach

Azhikode or munakkal beach

Azhikode has a beach known as the munakkal beach. It has got the vast shore stretch around 3 km along the main beach side.  It is the main attraction of this village.Azhikode Old harbour situated on the shores Periyar (Kottapuram) river joins Arabian Sea, in Kodungallur Taluk.

 Azhikode was repeatedly eroded by tsunamis. The port that was situated in the old harbour was an important source of trade and commerce prior to British invasion.

 Azhikode is well connected by a series of canals. The famous Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple and Cheraman Juma Masjid is around 10 KM away from this place.

Fishing and tourism are the main sources of revenue in this region. Traditional boats are still used for fishing in this area. Chinese fishing nets are still deployed for fishing. This region also has abundant cultivation of coconut. Shrimp cultivation is another major industry that contributes to the economy in this region

Sakthan Thampuran Palace - Thrissur

Sakthan Thamupuran Palace

The Thrissur Sakthan Thampuran Palace is an important land mark in the Town and also has much historical significance.  This is a major tourist attraction and all history lovers will definitely want to go through this magnificent piece of historical significance.  This is the one of the cultural and architectural important palace of the erstwhile Maharaja of Cochin has been converted into a heritage museum. 

The great ruler Raja Rama Varma built Thrissur Shakthan Thampuran Palace. This place is a blend of traditional Kerala and Dutch architectural style. The palace has maily two stories and a traditional Kerala Naalukettu. The palace is marked by high roofs, thick walls, large rooms and Italian marble floorings.

The construction and interiors are done so tastefully and comfortably that it remains cozy irrespective of weather conditions. There is a snake temple inside the complex. This museum has the largest collection of excavated megalithic material in Kerala.

We can also find very good ancient Coins; the galleries depict the treasury, royal bedroom, the royal kitchen utensils, displays of bronzes, weapons and stamps.  A botanical garden situated near the Sakthan Thampuran Palace. There is also medicinal plants garden with an indigenous and exotic collection of plants.

Arattupuzha Pooram - Thrissur

Arattupuzha Pooram

Arattupuzha Pooram is take place in front of the famous Sree Sastha Temple. The Temple has more than 3000 years old. This temple hosts the most ancient and the world’s second oldest festival Devamela. Devamela is a festival when all the gods and goddesses assembly. 

Arattupuzha temple is located on the bank of the Karuvannur River. The Arattupuzha pooram is popular, even though it is much less famous than the Thrissur Pooram.

The Arattuppuzha Pooram is commonly refers to as the “grand-father of all Poorams”. On the sixth day of the seven day festival at Arattupuzha temple, 61 daily caparisoned elephants gather in the temple grounds, accompanied by the temple music of Panchavadhyam, Nadswaram, Pancharimelam and Pandimelam.

The famous Sree Sastha temple is situated at Arattuppuzha, a beautiful, quiet village located 15 km away from Thrissur Town.