ayuryogashram

Places Of Interest

Thrissur, the land of Pooram, rich in cultural heritage, archeological wealth and history, is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sulthan of Mysore and the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Today Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival. The famous Kathakali centre Kerala Kalamandalm ,(which is located in Cheruthuruthy, 15 kms from this resort). Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sageetha Nataka Academy are all located in this district. One of the best Wild Life parks is also here.

Vadakumnathan Temple: This temple is one of the oldest temples and is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. ‘Thrissur Pooram’ the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April-May every year. The fireworks at the Pooram are a spectacular sight.

Visit to Ivor Madam (Situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha near Thriruvilwamala temple) The legends says that this is the place where Pandavas, after Kurukshetra war, got relief from their mental agony by doing prayers and Bali Tarpanas for their Guruji’s and cousins who were killed by them in the war. Bharathapuzha is believed to have cleansed them of all their sins and restored their mental strength. Even now, hundreds of people come to Iyver Madam and do the last rites and Bali Tarpanam to those departed souls dear to them

Archeologiacl Musuem: This museum on the town hall road is open on all days except Mondays and National days from 10 am to 5 pm.

Art Museum: Located in the zoo compound, displays a collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery.(open 10 00 – 17 00 hrs on all days except on Mondays)

Thrissur Pooram: Thrissur Pooram is celebrated at the Vadakumnathan temple every year during April – May. This Spectacular festival which includes colourful processions of caparisoned elephants is also well known for the magnificent display of fireworks.

Shakthan Thampuram Palace: Also known as the Palace Thoppu where you can see 3 tombs including that of Shakthan Thampuran, the greatest ruler of Cochin Dynasty.

Cheruthuruthy (15 kms from Resort): Home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. The institution also offers training in music, drama and other traditional art forms including Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom & Ottam Thullal.and other art forms are taught here.

Kalamandalam: A comprehensive tour of Kalamandalam, the seat of Kerala’s art and culture the only place on earth where the ancient Gurukula system of learning exists in its true sense… This is a journey into the very heart of kerala,Where life is art. Where time is tradition. Where the past, the present and the future coexist. Mixing memory with desire. pain with passion. Body with soul.

Vilangankunnu :The children’s park on this beautiful hillside is a good picnic spot near Thrissur.

Peechi Dam (20 kms from Thrissur) : Peechi Dam is an irrigation project site around 20 kms from the town, which offers boating facilities at the reservoir seasonally.

Athirapally and Vazhachall Falls (85 kms from Resort) : At the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful water falls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 kms apart.

Silver Storm Amusement park (65 kms from Resort):
India’s one of the most beautiful water theme park situates near the famous Athirapally water falls. Go Cart, Bumping Boat, aqua Dance, Turbo Twister, Wave Pool, Flying Dutchman, Jurassic Splash, Sky Jet, Swing Chair & Tea Cup, Super Splash, Hara Kiri, Master Blaster,Wild Raft Ride, Wild Body Ride, Super Slide, Kiddies Dry Games, Baby Train are some of the major attractions.

Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur ( around 65 kms from Resort):
This mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in 629 AD, this is the 1st mosque in India and the 2nd in the world where Juma prayers were started.

St. Thomas Memorial, Kodungallur:
St. Thomas the apostle is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor ( formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.

Guruvayoor (30 kms from resort):
Guruvayur, where the famous Sree Krishna temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. The temple also known as the Dwaraka of South which attracts millions of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th centuary. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru, The preceptor of the Devas and Vayu, the Lord of the winds.

Punnathur Kota (35 kms from resort): The Punnathur Kota is very unique in being the largest Elephant Park in India with over 60 elephants. All of them are donated by the ardent devotees of Lord Krishna.The main attraction of elephants are the Elephant Race & Elephant Feast.

The Palayur Church (40 kms from Resort): The ancient church at Palayur built by St. Thomas himself in 42 AD is considered to be the oldest church in India. It is one of the seven churches found by Apostle.

Chavakkad Beach (40 kms from Resort): A seashore of rare scenic beauty acknowledged as one of the best beaches along the west coast. Unaltered by modernization and laced on the borders by an array of coconut palms. Boating facilities are available (except when weather conditions are bad) at a place called Chettuva which is about 10 kms south of Chavakkad.

Poomala Lake (5kms from Resort):Closed to the resort there are 2 small lakes one at Pathayakundu at a distance of 5 kms and around 2 km further from that point is the other one at Poomala.In extreme summer season the water level in both the lakes decrease.

Besides these, Ayuryogashram can make arrangements for trekking from a point near the resort, visit to a typical village, to a Hand Weaving center & to an Earthenware making centers.

Tourist Spots within Kochi are as under:

Bolgatty Palace: This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty Island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland

Chinese Fishing nets: The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on Teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco Da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach. The Square is ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious sea food, tender coconut etc

Dutch Palace: The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi was held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched doors and sprawling rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.

Santa Cruz Basilica: This historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795, it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Kochi, and was demolished. About a hundred years later Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in 1887. The Church was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Hill Palace: Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.

Jew Town: The area around the Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops.

Museum of Kerala History: The museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala History.

Cherai Beach: This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.

St Francis Church: It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his third visit to Kerala, Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi.

Pallipuram Fort: It is the oldest European fort built in India.

Parikshit Thampuran Museum: The museum is situated near the famous Siva Temple, Ernakulam. It houses a treasure of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church

Cherai Beach: This lovely beach near Kochi, bordering Vypeen Island which is a major centre for commerce, is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam about 1 1/2 km from the Main boat jetty.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km

Munnar Hills one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Wayanad lies at an altitude varying from 700 - 2100 meters above the sea level. The district has the highest number of tribal settlements in Kerala. Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.

Pookat lake is a natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills. A fresh water aquarium with large variety of fish is an added attraction. Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, children's park, and a shopping centre for handicrafts and spices. Kuruvadweep a 950 acre, uninhabited island on the eastward bound Kabani River is an ideal picnic spot. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini River running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.

Pazhassi tomb The memorial of ' the lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organized the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.

The Glass Temple of Kottamunda is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

Edakkal Caves are two caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilization that existed in these regions in prehistoric times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1 km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit the caves. Entry is permitted only up to 1700 hrs.

Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode about 63 km.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 63 km
Road: Well connected by roads from Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty (175 km from Kalpetta) and Mysore (140 km from Kalpetta).

Nature has bountifully gifted this lush green land of Kerala with evergreen forests, chilling mountain ranges, beautiful valleys, heart throbbing backwaters and exotic beaches. In addition to all these, Kerala's own martial art, the breathtaking 'Kalary', performing arts like 'Mohinyattam' and 'Koodiyattom' leaves an ever-lasting image in the minds of people and makes Kerala an ultimate destination for tourists, art lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.