Shakthan Thampuran Palace
About: |
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The Shakthan Thampuran Palace is located near Thrissur town of the Thrissur district. The Palace is a landmark in the chronicles of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the erstwhile ruling dynasty of Kochi. The palace located in the heart of Thrissur town is a major attraction, especially for those with a special interest in the history of rulers and dynasties. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace highlights several interesting and outstanding aspects of the former rulers of Kochi.This palace is a blend of traditional Kerala and Dutch architectural style. Formerly this palace was known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam The palace spread over six acres, This palace is named after King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran, who is the founder of Thrissur town. There are three tombs including the tomb of Shakthan Thampuran.The palace has been constructed in a unique combination of Dutch and traditional Kerala style of architecture. Very few structures in Kerala have such a unique combination that has been skillfully blended together to make such a magnificent palace.Some of the highlights of the Sakthan Thampuran Palace are high roofs, extra thick walls, spacious rooms and floors paved with finely smoothened Italian marbles. The construction and interiors are done so tastefully and comfortably that it remains cozy irrespective of weather condition.The Shakthan Palace, which was recently renovated by the State Archaeology Department with financial assistance from Kerala tourism, also houses an elaborate museum. The museum houses some interesting galleries like the Bronze gallery, where one can find bronze statues belonging to the period between the 12th and the 18th centuries.The palace has mainly two stories and a traditional Kerala "Naalukettu". The Sakthan Thampuran palace in Thrissur has a very old Serpent Grove, where serpents are worshiped. The Heritage Garden is situated on the southern side of the Shakthan Palace. Recently the garden has been set up to display and preserve some of the local varieties of plants and trees found in Kerala.The palace also has a very ancient Sarpakaavu or Serpent Grove, which is a place for worshipping the serpents according to Hindu belief, and was once widely practiced in Kerala. A Sculpture gallery displaying granite statues from the 9th century to the 17th century; and the Epigraphy gallery showcasing the genesis and evolution of ancient writings.One of the major Established a Botanical Garden near the Sakthan Thampuran Palace. There is also a medicinal plants garden with an indigenous and exotic collection of plants. The interiors of the palace offer comfortable and pleasant staying conditions irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions.There is snake temple inside the complex. The museum has the largest collection of excavated megalithic material in Kerala. You will also find very good ancient coins. In addition, the galleries depict the treasury, royal bedroom, and the royal kitchen utensils, besides displays of bronzes, weapons, and stamps. Shaktharan Thampuran Palace is now conserved by Archaeological Department. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace reflects a number of exciting and exceptional aspects of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. |
Location info: |
| Address: Near Thrissur town, Thrissur district , Kerala, India |
| District: Thrissur district |
| Nearest City: Kochi, Sholayar, kaladi, Irinjalakuda , Kunnamkulam and Kodungallur. |
| Best time to visit: September to March |
Climate/Weather: |
| The weather Temaparture on Summer: (January - May) 300 to 360C and Monsoon: (June - October) 260 to 320C. |
History: |
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Historians consider the reign of King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran (AD 1790-1805) popularly known as Shakthan as the golden era of Kochi. At a very young age itself, Shakthan?Thampuran demonstrated extraordinary intelligence and bravery. During his reign, he maintained cordial relations with European powers including the English and also with rulers of neighbouring regions like Mysore and Travancore. Shakthan Thampuran was a farsighted ruler, whose outstanding administrative skills and diplomacy resulted in admirable achievements in key sectors. |
Interesting things to do: |
| Watch the Beautifull three tombs including the tomb of Shakthan Thampuran,moothened Italian marbles, medicinal plants garden with an indigenous and exotic collection of plants and a Museum. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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Parthasarthy Temple Adoor: Seek the divine at Parthasarthy temple in Adoor Kerala, India and find yourself in the middle of a temple building brimming with enchanting architectural friezes and sculptural treasures.The Parthasarthy Temple in Adoor, Kerala India comes to life during the annual Gajamela, a traditional elephant festival that draws crowds from the near by areas. See caparisoned elephants march in rhythm with the cultural fiesta held at the Parthasarthy Temple every year. Kovalam holidays. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple: Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the largest Krishna temples in Kerala. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna temple is located in Thrissur in Kerala, South India and is considered to be over a 1000 years old. Thumpurmuzhi gardens: Tippu's Flag Staff: The flag staff of Tippusultan which was erected in 1789 is now protected in front of the Sakthanthampuran palace near the fort well. Old Fortification: The eastern and western gateway and old fortification around the Sakthan Thampuran Palace has been declared as protected monuments due to its stylistic importance.Two stone images of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi under the Saptaparna tree in Vadakkechira palace (Sakthan Thampuran Palace) compound are protected by the departement. Archaeological Museum: Located on the Town Hall Road in Trichur, the archaeological museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and National holidays. Vilangakunnu: 7 kms from Thrissur, Vilangakunnu is a beautiful little hill which is a wonderful picnic spot. This spot is a feast for ones eyes with its natural charm and serenity. Vadakkumnathan Temple: The famous Vadakkumnathan temple located in Thrissur, Kerala, South India.A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.In a land crowded with several better-than-the-last temples, The Vadakkumnathan temple stands out as one of the oldest temples in the state of Kerala. |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
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Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway station is the nearest station and Thrissur city is well connected and serviced by rail to all major cities in India. Daily over night trains run from Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore and Hyderabad. Long distance trains from Mumbai and Delhi also pass through Thrissur |
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Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport Nearest railway and from Kozhikode (Calicut) Airport is 80 km away from city. |
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Road Transport: Take the Cochin Thrisur Highway from Chalakudy Railway Station to reach Vazhachal Falls and You can also reach here by bus from cities like Kozhikode, Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai and Coimbatore. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Peechi Dam: Chowalloor Shiva Temple: Renowned as one of the 108 Shivalayas (Abode of Shiva) the Chowalloor Shiva Temple is in the neighborhood of Guruvayur. The temple location is scenic, calm and cool. The premier deity is Shiva with a special Shivalinga installed in the sanctum Sanctorum. Heritage Garden: Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable indigenous trees and flora of Kerala. Lourdes Cathedral: Thrissur district was under the control of Dutch and British invaders. During their period they had created several beautiful churches, an example is the Lourdes Cathedral. The exterior features an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986. The Zoo: 2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes. Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Shelter): Near Guruvayoor, 2 km away is Punnathur Kotta, the place where temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else one can find so many elephants at a time. Christian Divine Retreat Centres: They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route. Thriprayar Temple: This Temple is located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight. Mummiyur Temple: This is a small temple dedicated to Shiva, whose image is said to have been existing in Guruvayoor, even prior to the installation of the image of Krishna. It is located near the famous Krishna temple.A visit to this shrine is considered mandatory for all those worshipping at the Krishna temple. Chavakkad Beach: Lying on the coast of Arabian Sea and situated 5 km from Guruvayoor, Chavakkad beach is an important tourist spot. Chavakkad is famous for Haidross Kuttee, a lieutenant of Haider Ali of Mysore. St Thomas Church at Palayur and Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary are nearby tourist spots. Parthasarathy: This is a famous temple credited with an idol of Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna in the form of Guiding Arjuana (Partha) Anakkaya: Elephant Camp: Elephant Camp in the Punnathur Kotta is the largest elephant sanctuary in India. At present it has more than 60 elephants. All these elephants are offered to Guruvayur temple by the devotees of Guruvayurappan. This elephant sanctuary is a specimen example elephant love and preservation. The Vazhachal waterfalls: The Vazhachal waterfalls are located very close to the Athirapally falls and are a part of the Chalakudy river stream. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations (maintained by the forest department) apart from the scintillating waterfalls set in the backdrop of a lush green forest. This is an ideal picnic spot too. Sholayar Dam: Sholayar Dam is situated 20 km from Valparai, a hill station on the Anamalai range in Coimbatore District. It is the second deepest dam in Asia. With its scenic surroundings, the dam is a busy tourist spot in the hidden forest area. A part of the hydroelectric project of Tamil Nadu, special permission is required to visit the dam. Vachumaram: Vachumaram is a calm and beautiful lake surrounded by hills. If you are lucky, you can spot deer and wild elephants here. Thumpurmuzhi gardens: Malakapara Tea Gardens: Charpa Falls: To the east of athirappilly is the enchanting but lesser known Charpa falls which plunges on to the road during monsoon. It is a sight to watch and enjoy. Bhagawati Temple: The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is known throughout Kerala. The Bharani festival at the Bhagawati temple is one of the biggest in Kerala. St.Thomas Church: Jesus Christ's apostle, St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (earlier Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics. St. Thomas is portrayed in the gospels as a courageous and brave personality. Kottayil Kovilakom: Kottayil Kovilakom is a small village located at Chennamangalam, near Paravur. The place is located around 40 kilometers from Ernakulam town and is a symbol of religious harmony. The beautiful hillocks of Kottayil Kovilakom are unique as the site of a Hindu temple (Dedicated to Krishna) , a Christian church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all within 1 km of each other. Pallippuram Fort: Pallippuram Fort was built in 1507 AD, by the Portugese. It is considered to be the first fort built in India by the Europeans.It witnessed several battles between the Portugese and the Dutch. The hexagonal-shaped fort has three storeys and is now a protected monument. Shiva Temple: The Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located 3 kilometers from Kodungalloor on the Ernakulam road. The temple porch is very much attractive because it is decorated with carvings depicting people and incidents in the epic Ramayana. The Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of 'Shivalingam' and his faithful bull 'Nandi' also worshiped here. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
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Petrol Pump Petrol Pump Petrol Pump Petrol Pump Thaliyath Petrol Pump Prabhus Petrol Pump |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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Hotel Luciya Palace Hotel Trichur Towers Hotel Casino Hotel Das Continental Hotel Joys Palace Pearl Regency Hotel Hotel Elite International |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Police Station: Ayyanthole Police Station Viyyoor Police Station Peramangalam Police Station Wadakanchery police station Police station Police Station |
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Nearest Hospital: Modern Hospital Kodungallur Aswini Hospital Karthyayani Hospital Sree Chithra Panchakarma Research Centre and Speciality Ayurveda Hospital Ahalia Foundation Eye Hospital Vasan Eye Care Metropolitan Hospital Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College Hospital |
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Society/Community Phone Number: Contact Address: |
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Link: http://destinationthrissur.blogspot.com/2009/05/sakthan-thampuran-palace.html |
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| Dream World |
| The enchanting beauty of Athirappilly Water Falls, the scenic attraction of Vazhachal, Thumboormuzhy and Sholayar had fascinated the Tourist from time immemorial. Dream World, the most modern man made sophisticated Water Theme Park is situated on the lap of enchanting Athirapilly waterfalls just 8 km from Chalakkudy. All facilities for enjoyment to the tourists are arranged here. Water Filteration Dream World has given utmost importance to maintain the quality of pool water to international standards and specification. Working hours: On Public Holidays : 10.00 am to 7.30 pm. On other days : 10.00 am to 6.30 pm. Dream World does not have any holidays.....more |
| Silverstorm |
| Silver Storm is noted for an unmatching amusement park. Although there are amusement parks several in numbers in Kerala and elsewhere, this particular one stands out for its serenity, enchanting milieu and the rare blend of scenic ingredients. Children get enthused, elevated and educated here, while they communicate with nature through heart springs.“The entertainment facilities at Silver Storm Park are truly world class and they cater to all age groups. The park can be reached after a 19 Km drive through the Western Ghats listening to the whispers of waterfalls, the roars of wildlife and the invigorating fragrance of a thousand wild species of plants and trees.” Silver Storm’s thrills are a blend of natural wonders and man made marvels.....more |
| Kerala Kalamandalam |
| Kerala Kalamandalam is located at Cheruthuruthy,32 km north of Thrissur district, Kerala.Its Founded in 1930 by renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon along the banks of the river Nila in the Cheruthuruthy. This temple of arts has preserved and propagated Kathakali - the classical dance-drama of Kerala - for the past 78 years. Many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala and India have been trained here.Kalamandalam is undoubtedly the best institution in India imparting training and conducting performance of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Panchavadyam and Thullal. Beside the regular courses, Kalamandalam also offers crash courses in different art disciplines.....more |
| Natana Kairali Research Centre |
| Natana Kairali Research Centre is located at Irinjalakuda, Thrissur District, Kerala.Natanakaisiki is a Research Centre for dance and theatre traditions of the women of Kerala as part of Natanakairali. Mohiniyattam, Nangiar Koothu and Thiruvathira Kali are the major art forms at present included in the study of Natanakaisiki which was founded by Nirmala Paniker in 1979.Natana Kairali Center, Kerala initiates a variety of creative and learning activities, both in the traditional and contemporary field.Various workshops, performances as well as festivals are also organized by in Natana Kairali Center, Kerala.Mohiniyattam is one of the classical dance forms of India which originated and developed in Kerala.....more |
| St Mary's Forane Church |
| Koratty Muthy’s (St Mary’s) Forane church is located at Koratty, Thrissur District, kerala.The most revered and renowned Marian Pilgrim Centre after Velankanni, is the Holy Shrine of Koratty Muthy otherwise known as Koratty Thampuratty. St. Mary's Forane Church in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly situates in the Southern boundary of Trichur District. NH 47, Railway and Cochin International Airport help the devotees to reach here easily.The annual feast falls on the Saturday and Sunday following the 10th of October, during which the statue of Koratty Muthy is taken out in a procession from the church. An important offering here is the poovankula (bunch of plantain).Koratty Muthy Matha Church was built in the year 1381.....more |
| Thrissur City |
| The Cultural capital of Kerala, Trichur, gained prominence under the reign of Raja Rama Varma in 1790.Thrissur is a culturally rich city. Bestowed with breathtaking scenic beauty and warm, generous inhabitants, Thrissur acts as a time warp to the average tourist. It seems one has walked into a settlement that refuses to out grow its quaint, sylvan beauty. The ancient palaces and mansions, the cobbled streets belie the cultural progress made by the people of this beautiful place.Trichur or Thrissur as it is called locally, is well known for Vadakkunathan Temple, the Thrissur Pooram an annual festival held in the city, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.....more |
| Chalakkudy Dam |
| The Chalakudy dam lies 65 km east of Chalakudy town and it is constructed across the Chalakudy River in the Thrissur district, within the state of Kerala. This is also known as the Sholayar Dam. Chalakudy is both a city and a municipality in India. Athirappilly lies thirty kilometres from Chalakudy, which falls on the way to waterfalls. This route is a well-known tourist spot, where two water theme parks are the prime attraction. The name "Chalakudy" is taken from the word "Shalakudy" depicting a place where sacrifices were made. The tourists often visit this spot to enjoy the beauty of Athirappilly Water fall and Sholayar Dam, while on the way to Sholayar city.....more |
| Peechi Dam |
| Peechi is well known for Peechi Dam and located 23km from Thrissur. This dam project started as an irrigation project, offers boating facilities at the reservoir. Peechi is a fascinating picnic spot.Boating is permitted in the reservoir and on lucky days one can see wild tuskers on the forested banks, part of which forms a wildlife sanctuary .The Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary has dense, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests is located in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams.It is indeed a lifetime experience to go for a boating spree in the river and exploring the surrounding locales.....more |
| Peringalkuthu reservoir |
| Peringalkuthu Dam is located across the Chalakkudy River in Thrissur District. The dam is situated deep in the forest on the way to Valparai.Peringalkuthu dam and the uncontrolled inflow from 26 sq.km. of free catchment down stream of Peringalkuthu LB dam.Peringalkuthu & Sholayar Dams, Deep in the forest on the way to Valpara are the two dams that generate hydroelectric power to the state.The 23 m high gravity dam has a length of 290.25 m. The dam discharges the tailrace water into Kannamkuzhithodu, a tributary of the Chalakudy River.....more |
| Vazhani Dam |
| This Dam located in Wadakanchery, Thrissur District, Kerala, India, This is one biggest dam made purely of clay. The water of this dam is mainly used for irrigation and drinking. The Vazhani dam is an integral source of water for the people of the Thrissur district. Many renovations are being made to the Vazhani dam, in order to make it a tourist center. This is an earthen dam with a length of 792.48 metres standing across the Wadakkanchery River. The Vazhani dam stands 10 km away from Wadakkanchery town.....more |
| Cheraman Jama Masjid |
| Cheraman Juma Masjid is situated in the Methala village of Kodungalloor Taluk,Thrissur, Kerala around 20 kilometres from the Irinjalakuda railway station. It was Founded in the seventh century, this is the first Juma masjid in India. This was Built in AD 629 , this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort.This mosque bears a resemblance to Hindu temples as it was constructed using traditional architectural styles of the Hindus.....more |
| Chalakudy River |
| Chalakudy River or Chalakudy Puzha runs through Chalakudy town which is in the Thrissur District of Kerala state, south India.The river though has its origin in the Anamalai region of Tamilnadu, is actually a collection of some major tributaries originated from Parambikulam, Kuriyarkutti, Sholayar, Karapara and Anakayam. It is the 4th longest river in Kerala and its basin is between 10° 05’ to 10° 35’ North latitude and 76° 15’to 76° 55’ East longitude. This area is located in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Palakkad districts of Kerala.....more |
| Karuvanoor River |
| Karuvannur river is situated 48km from the city,Thrissur disrict, Kerala,It has a has a basin area of 1,050 km2 and a current population of 1.119 million. 42 km of Trichur Corporation falls within Karuvannur river basin and the balance 63 km 2 falls outside it. The water resources appraisal that has been made now is a significant improvement over earlier studies on the river basin. Surface water and groundwater have been considered in an integrated manner unlike in earlier studies where the two are considered separately.....more |
| Kurumali River |
| Kurumali River is situated 48km from the city,Thrissur disrict, Kerala, The Kurumali River's the main tributary of the Karuvannur river. It originates as the Chimmony Aar from Poomalai which is 1116 m from Sea Level in the Western Ghats and flows through the Thrissur district.The Kurumali River is the main tributary of the Karuvannur river.The rivers of manali and Kurumali are the key sources of this river. It originates about 365 mtr height from the Sea Level.The Mupli River Joins the Chimmony river, forming the Kurumali River in Elikode near Karikulam. The River joins with Manali River at Palakkadavu and forms Karuvannur Puzha which flows through famous Kole lands of Thrissur.Nandhipulam is a daughter of Kurumali river.....more |
| Guruvayoor Temple |
| Guruvayoor Temple is located in Guruvayoor which is 33kms away from Thrissur district. Guruvayur also known as the Dwaraka of the South is the one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage spots in Kerala, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the country. The structure of this historic temple is typically Kerala style with gopurams (gateways), repeated mandapas, sreekovil, subsidiary shrines around a courtyard circumbulatory.The idol of the Sri Krishna Temple is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka and gifted to Vishnu in his Krishnavataram.....more |
| Koodalmanikyam Temple |
| Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharat, the brother of Lord Ram. It is located Irinjalakuda from Thrissur district, Kerala. The sanctum is believed to have the presence of all godly powers and hence the name Koodalmanikyam - Koodal means 'joining together'. The temple is surrounded by four vast ponds called 'Kulipini Teertham'. A story about this temple is that the idols of Ram and his three brothers where brought from the sea coast by one Vakkayil kaimal.....more |
| Siva Temple at Avittathur |
| Avittathur Shiva Temple, a 1000-year-old shrine, is located 4 km from Irinjalakuda, in Thrissur District, Kerala. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. Its outer walls are graced with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from the epics.A ten-day-festival is held here annually. The major attractionis Thidampu Ezhunnallathu, which is conducted on the ninth day of the festival. The festival concludes with the Aarattu. The outer wall of the temple shrine has beautiful paintings depicting scenesfrom the epics.....more |
| Vadakkumnathan Temple |
| The famous Vadakkumnathan temple is located in Thrissur, Kerala, South India. A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.In a land crowded with several better-than-the-last temples, The Vadakkumnathan temple stands out as one of the oldest temples in the state of Kerala.....more |
| Athirappilly Waterfall |
| Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80 feet high and located in the forest area. Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet.A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life.....more |
| Vazhachal Waterfall |
| Vazhachal Falls is a rushing waterbody joining Chalakkudy River in the Thrissur district of Kerala,just are just 3 kms from Athirappilly. Vazchachal Falls are the most beautiful falls in India. With Huge trees and forest on one side of the falls, the beauty of the Vazachal Falls increases ten fold. Near the Falls, there is the Forest called the Vazhachal Forest. Vazhachal as a place is a natures landscape. The nearness of the Falls to this beauty, makes them look more beautifuland attractive.....more |