Being a tourist in own hometown is a bit different than visiting other places. I was on such an exploration in my hometown, Thrissur. Known as the cultural capital of Kerala, this place has a lot to offer a wanderer like me. On that mission, I chose the easiest way of visiting all the places in the Thrissur town area in one day and made it a bit difficult by vlogging on the go. So, the places I could visit is on this video with the raw look of those places and in this blog post I am going to list down all the places that you can visit in one day in Thrissur town.
1. Kollengode Palace/ Archeological museum/ Mural art museum
Kollengode Palace in Thrissur is a summer residence gifted to princess by Raja Vasu deva. This palace is now opened to public as an archaeological museum after renovations in 2018. The palace is famous as Mural art museum. There are replicas of mural art works that were once very common in old temples, churches and palaces. The original works were copied on canvas by talented artists on request of the king. Many of these art works have perished over time and this palace displays replicas of those paintings. There are different sections that exhibits a wide range of historic pieces from megalithic age utensils to folk art forms. The set up of an old kitchen will surely make you feel nostalgic and bring a feeling of actually being in an household of our great grandparents.
Apart from the mural paintings, the palace itself has a lot of interesting elements that makes it a great place to visit. From the exported tiles on the floor to the wooden stairs and triangle shaped traditional style roof, this place is a architectural marvel. The palace is a fusion of traditional Kerala and European architecture. Photography is not allowed inside the palace. There is a garden and children's park around the palace where you can hang out and click pictures. The walls around the garden is decorated with murals of historic and regional specialties.
The tickets to this palace cost Rs. 10 per adult and there are extra charges if you want to use camera. This ticket price is for the citizens of India.
2. State Zoological museum
The state museum and zoo is a few meters away from Kollengode palace museum, its a minute walk from the palace. This museum is established in 1885 and accommodates different categories of animals from reptiles to lion. I used to love going here during my childhood and if you are travelling with children then this is a place where they can explore. There is also a museum inside the zoo that exhibits swords, stuffed butterflies and other historic items. And when you're here, try one of these pickles that is sold right outside the gate of the zoo.
3. Town hall road
Continuing on the road to Thrissur round you will come across a town hall which is also a public library. Apart from the hall available for different programs, this place also has a huge library. A small part of the library us accessible to everyone. You can see many people seated there reading newspapers and other books. However, to go through the rest of the library you need membership.
Other than the library, lush green surroundings with benches around this building is a perfect escape from the heat and humidity on a sunny day. There is enough space to park the vehicle too. The road in front of this hall is called Town hall road. Continuing on this road you have different options to spend your time depending on your interest.
District Tourism promotion council
If you love shopping then there are many shops and jewelries in this route. If you love to literature then "Kerala sahithya academy" is also situated on this road. You can also find used books on sale on the road. The tourism council office is also placed in this road where you can find tour packages to different destinations and other information. This road enters into "Thrissur round" at the famous temple "Paramekkavu". Opposite to that is "Vadakkumnathan" temple. But assuming you are starting the day in the morning, I would suggest visiting these places in the evening.
3. Basilica of our Lady of Dolours
Basilica of our lady of dolorous is locally known as "Puthan palli". This church is an old church built in Gothic architecture. You can spot the church from the Swaraj round itself with its tall white colour towers.
Interior of this church is an amazing art work. From arc shaped hallways that are perfectly symmetrical to the colorful paintings on the alter, stained glass windows are special features of this old church.
Take a walk around outside this church and you will find picture perfect locations for your Instagram ;) Also, make sure you don't disturb the prayers and services by making noise.
4. Bible tower
Standing at a height of 260 ft, this is the tallest church tower in India. Bible tower is a part of the basilica church. There is an entry gate from the church also. Before entering the tower itself you can see paintings of There are 10 floors to this tower and two types of entry tickets available. Type one ticket costs Rs. 10 with which you have to climb up all the stairs to reach the top floor.Type 2 is a ticket which costs Rs. 20 which takes you to the 5th floor of the tower by lift.
From the top floor there are windows through which you can get an aerial view of Thrissur. Looking from the top of this building, the city looks beautiful with its colourful roofs and old mud tiled houses.
The rest of the tower is a collection of different paintings and art works that depicts bible stories and incidents. These art works are by very talented artists from all around the world. The categories include mural, glass painting, metal refined and many other. There is one section which shows how Christianity came to Kerala and when you reach there be sure to look up to the ceiling too. There are these cute clouds painted which are so colorful. The entire tower is a heaven for art lovers.
You can spend 30 minutes inside the tower and visitors are under the surveillance of the camera which means you will be caught touching or destroying any works displayed.
Outside Bible tower, there is a place called Shanthi Dhara which is a interfaith meditation place. This is aimed at providing a peaceful place for anyone to meditate irrespective of the religion. There are few art works displayed here with the quotes thanking God for different elements of nature.
5. Hotel Bharat
Assuming you might be hungry by now let me introduce you to hotel "Bharat", a pure vegetarian restaurant. This restaurant provides the best vegetarian meals in Thrissur.
Everything I have ever tasted from here is awesome and I really recommend this place to have a wholesome meal as lunch. The traditional "thali" is serrved with around 10 side dishes and a sweet. However, they don't have take away facility unless you provide them with that many boxes. I think they do not promote packing the food in plastic.
6. Kerala Handloom and Khadi Shop
Assuming you continue exploring the "Sawarj round", then you will reach "Naduvilal". A place with a banyan tree and a small temple in the middle of the road. On the footpath, you'll find two shops adjacent to each other with statues of people in costume playing a local drums like instrument called "Chenda". These shops sell locally produced items that range from food items to dress materials and gift items. These shops aim at contributing to the local and rural economy. These are two good places where you can buy souvenirs and other unique products that belong to this place.
7. Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Situated near the north bus stand, this palace is one of the archaeological museums that display a lot of historic items. The palace is built in Kerala-Dutch style of architecture. As usual, photography is not allowed inside the palace building. There is one more building outside the palace with the collection of utensils an more.
The megalithic stones are preserved at the backyard of this palace. These stones have interesting shapes and were used for different purposes. This area is surrounded by bamboo trees.
The reason why you should visit this place even if you are not a history enthusiast is the Heritage garden within the palace compound. This garden has sacred groves and butterfly garden inside it.
There are several seating arrangements inside this garden and it such a cool place to hangout or to spend some lone time. The rhythmic humming of crickets and other insects that rise and fall makes a perfect background music for some peaceful time.
9. Vadakkunnathan Temple and Paramekkavu Temple
Temples are ideal to visit in the morning. With the mild cold weather and the birds singing makes a great ambiance that gives a fresh start to the day. But, I would recommend going to Vadakkunnathan and Paramekkavu temple in the evening to enjoy the added beauty of lighting around the temple walls. The shrines inside this temple compound has a unique and very old architecture that is truly worth visiting. Surrounded by many trees and small shrines the energy this place provides is very positive and inspiring. Paramekkavu is another temple that is situated opposite to Vadakkunnathan temple and has completely different architecture.
Let me tell you these prayer centers has their own rules to make an entry such as you should take bath before entering and few dress codes too. As far as I know, non hindus are not allowed inside the temple too. But, I have seen everyone entering during Thrissur pooram, so please consult with the office of the temple before entering the temple.
10. Teak Garden/ Thekkinkkadu maidan
Thekkinkkadu maidan is the area that encircles Vadakkunnathan temple. This is the perfect place to take a walk in the evening. Though known as the teak garden/maidan, there are few teak trees to notice here now. If your're taking a walk around this place, you will catch many sights from bird swarms to small groups of people playing chess, cards and so on. However, gambling is not allowed and will be punished if caught. This area is also under the patrol of police. There is Pink police service which is aimed at helping women in terms of safety in this area. Depending on the season and time you're visiting, you will get to see many programs from festivals to cultural events to protests. All in all, you can say that Thekkinkadu maidan is the "Central park" of Thrissur.
11. Jawaharlal Nehru Park
On the other side of the temple is the Jawaharlal Nehru children's park. But this park also has lawns and stone benches which makes an ideal spot to sit and relax. If you are travelling with children then they will definitely enjoy this park. Entry to the park is free however there is a fee for videography and photography.
12. Gagan's Naruneendi Sarbath Shop
Naruneedi syrup is available in may parts of the town. But, if you want to taste the best Naruneendi milk sarbath then you must visit this shop in MG road. The drink is for Rs. 20 and you will never forget the taste of it. You can also buy the mix of this syrup from the shop in different quantities. Here is the link to the shop.
https://goo.gl/maps/UDoRRssY6o92
With that my list is coming to an end for now but I'll keep updating this list if and when I find an interesting place around Thrissur Town.
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