Athirapilly Waterfalls

Taking your breath away for its picturesque view Athirapilly is aptly nicked named as the Indian Niagra Falls. It’s situated in Athirapilly Panchayat part of Chalakudy municipality of Thrissur district. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy Rivers, making its way through the dense and wild Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, these 24-metre (80 ft) waterfalls are one of the prime tourist destinations in Kerala. Another attraction of this place is Vazhachal Falls, Charppa Falls and Tumburmuzhi gardens. The stream initially runs mildly however becomes more turbulent as it reaches nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around huge rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Forest life within the space includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. All the 4 species of hornbills ie the Great Hornbill (the State Bird of Kerala), Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Indian Grey Hornbill are found living together in these dense forests. Visitors can reach the highest peak of the falls via a sealed path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. A steep slender path also goes down to the bottom of the falls too. The falls attract guests from across Republic of India, particularly throughout the monsoon months (June–September). About seven million tourists visit the area during this period every year.

Kerala Kalamandalam

The Deemed University of Art and Culture Kalamandalam, is a major learning institution in India for performing arts. It's placed in the village of Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur District on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. Kerala Kalamandalam is the premiere public institution in South India providing coaching and conducting performances of the classical arts of Kerala like Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyaattam, Thullal and Panchavaadyam. It was established in the year1930 by celebrated author Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon on the banks of the bharatapuzha in the Cheruthuruthy village of Thrissur District. Kalamandalam is a renowned name in the cultural map of the world. Coaching in art-disciplines at Kalamandalam basically adheres to the traditional Gurukula sambradaaya or the residential coaching .Kerala Kalamandalam has been functioning as a grant-in-aid establishment below the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala. In the recent times it’s also a famous name in Kerala tourism too. Tourists are provided with facility to spend a day here along with the reputed masters of these art forms and they can also watch the performances here. Various other attractions are Koothambalam or the Natya shastra temple which is an architectural significance and the art gallery which has all the elegant statues, costumes and accessories used for various Art forms.

Cheraman Palli

Cheraman Juma masjid in Kodungallur Taluk of Thrissur district in Kerala is believed to be the oldest Muslim mosque in India. It was built in 629 AD by Malik lbn Dinar. It's believed that this mosque was initially restored and reconstructed in the eleventh century AD. Arabs were doing trade in the ancient times in these regions. With the arrival of Islam, the Arab merchants became carriers of the new faith and that they propagated it where they went. Indians living within the coastal areas of Kerala accepted the principles of the new faith and accepted Islam. The Brahmin King Cheraman Perumal was the primary Indian to be converted to Islam, according to the historical evidences. It’s also believed to be the second oldest masjid in world for offering the Juma’h prayers. In contrast to the other masjid in Kerala that face westward this mosque faces eastward. Cheraman Juma masjid shows the influence of ancient Hindu architectural design in its construction. The masjid is associated with an ancient lamp that invariably burns and that is believed to be quite thousand years old. Individuals of all religions bring oil for the lamp as there offering. Unlike the other mosques Cheraman masjid allows the entry of people from other religion to visit the place. Several non-Muslims conduct initiation ceremonies to the world of letters of their kids here.

Koodalmanikyam Temple

Koodalmanikyam Sree Bharatha Temple is 25 kms from Thrissur town in Irinjalakuda. Its particularly famous for its single Prathista. The 'Mukkudi Nivedyam' and 'Brinjal Nivedyam' offered at the day of 'Avittom' star within the South Dravidian month of 'Thulam' is legendary in Koodalmanikyam. This ancient temple is probably the sole one in India dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Sree Rama. The popularly referred to as Koodalmanikam of Sangameswara is supposed to be the Para Brahma moorthy. There's only one place of worship, even Ganapathy is not found in the temple. The lord at Koodalmanikyam is Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamaala. Its also believed to be the place of origin of Jainism in Kerala.Koodalmanikyam Temple is a marvel in architectural beauty. The deity is offered the garlands of Lotus, Thulasi and Chetti. The Temple has four ponds surrounding it. The spectacular gateways, the spherically formed Sanctum Sanctorum, the majestic Koothambalam and also the Carvings in wood and stone on the walls all attract students of Art and design to this place. The murals on the walls on either side of the eastern entry to Chuttambalam are another art marvel that requires special mentioning.