HISTORY OF Thrissur

HISTORY OF Thrissur

Thrissur with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth 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 Sultan of Mysore and Europeans including 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. 

The word ‘TRICHUR’ is the anglicised version of Thrissur which again is the abbreviated form of ‘Thrissivaperur’ meaning the abode of Lord  Siva. The district got its name from the headquarters town. It has recently shed its anglicised name and is now known as ‘Thrissur’.

Thrissur District has played a significant role in  the history of South India from the prehistoric period to the modern times. Scholars assign the age of the megalithic monuments found in various parts of the district to a period ranging from the third century B.C to the first century A.D or even earlier.

The district played a very important role in fostering trade relations between Kerala and outside world in the ancient and medieval periods. The district also helped to pave the foundation for a composite culture in this part of the country. The sea port of Muziris of the Sangam age is the modern Kodungallur of Thrissur district. It had the unique distinction of being ‘Primum Emporium India’. It played host to the three communities of Christains, Jews and the Muslims who contributed to the prosperity of “Malabar”. It attracted traders from  all over the world viz. Assyrians, Babylonians, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Arabs.

During the Sangam age (the first four or five centuries of the Christian era) the whole of the present Thrissur district came under the early Chera Empire. After the Sangam age till the beginning of the 9^th century A.D hardly anything is known about the history of Kerala or that of the district. The history of the district from the 9th to the 12^th centuries is the history of Kulasekhara of Mahodayapuram and the history since the 12th century is synonymous with the history of the rise and growth of Perumpadappu Swarupam.

The Cheras had established their capital at Mahodayapuram which was later moved to Kollam (Quilon) by Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, the last ruler of the second Chera Empire. But Mahodayapuram continued to enjoy its importance as the seat of Perumpadappu Swarupam for three more centuries from the 13^th to the 15 th century. Though the early history of the  Perumpadappu Swarupam prior to 1500 A.D is not available, the view is that the Perumpadappu Moopil or the ruler of Cochin was the son of a sister of the last Kulasekhara and was hence considered as the direct heir under matrilineal system. This linkage of the Perumpadappu Swaraupam with the 2 Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram had won it the respect and allegiance of the chieftains and of the people, though it was not a major political power till the advent of the Portuguese. As result of the heavy floods of 1341 A.D the harbour at Kodungallur got completely silted and the port became unfit for trade. In the very same flood the narrow sand banks which separated Cochin from the backwaters were washed off and the present Cochin harbour emerged. And in course of time the traders at Kodungallur migrated to Cochin and the importance of Kodungallur started dwindling.

One of the landmarks in the history of Perumpadappu Swarupam is the commencement of a  new era called Pudu Vaipu Era, which commemorates the formation of Vaipin islands consequent on

the great deluge. The 14th and the 15

th centuries constituted periods of aggressive wars. During this period the Zamorin of Calicut (belonging to Nediyiruppa Swarupam) was aiming at the political suzerainty of the region, which led to war between the Perumpadappu and the Nediyiruppa Swarupams. In the wars

fought in the 14th and the 15

thcenturies, the Zamorin occupied large parts of the present Thrissur

district. Taking advantage of the dissensions in the Perumpadappu Swarupam, the Zamorin defeated

the then ruler of Cochin and took possession of the palace at Thrissur and had a ruler of his choice was

installed on the throne of Cochin.

When Pedro Alvarez Cabral, the Portuguese Captain came to Cochin on the 24th December, 1500, the ruler of Cochin who had enmity with Zamorin, welcomed him warmly and gave him all

trading facilities. This distressed the Zamorin who demanded the expulsion of the Portuguese from

Cochin territory. When this was not conceded to, war broke out between the forces of Zamorin and the

forces of Cochin assisted by the Portuguese. But in 1513 and again in 1540 the Portuguese entered into

treaties with the Zamorins against the wishes of the ruler of Cochin.

The Portuguese continued to dominate the scene till the beginning of the 17th century when its power in Kerala started declining. Internal dissension in the Perumpadappu Swarupam around this

period helped the Dutch in getting a footing on the Kerala coast. Kerala Chieftains had aware of the

impending doom of the Portuguese and so they looked upon the Dutch as the rising power and welcome them whole heartedly.

The Dutch conquered the port of Cranganore (Kodungallur) and installed Prince Vira Kerala Varma Mootha Thavazhy on the throne of Cochin and entered into a treaty with him. The treaties of

1673 to 1674 gave the Dutch more powers and this triggered off internal dissension in the royal house.

The Zamorin along with the Dutch fought against Portuguese and conquered them from places like Mapranam, Arattupuzha, Urakam, Korattikara, Kadavallur etc. These places were not, however,

initially handed over to the Raja of Cochin as the Zamorin insisted on the war expenses being met by

the former. But later when the Zamorin invaded Irinjalakuda, the Dutch was forced to drive him back 3

and Cochin territories occupied by the Zamorin were handed over to Cochin ruler in 1710. Some more territories of Cochin still remained with the Zamorin which the Dutch took over from him and handed

over to Raja Rama Varma after defeating the Zamorin in 1718 with the help of the Raja of Cochin. But

the Zamorin again attacked Cochin during 1755-57 and by 1758 the whole of present Thrissur district except a small portion of Thrissur taluk came under the possession of the Zamorin. But King Kerala

Varma (1760-75) entered into a treaty with Travancore and defeated Zamorin and took back from him the entire Cochin territory except Perumpadappu and a few other villages in Vanneri before 1763.

From 1769 to 1805 Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuram, was at the  helm of affairs of Cochin state, though he actually ascended the throne in 1790. He cut the chieftains

to size and revamped the administration. However, during his period, Haider Ali of Mysore invaded

Cochin and it became a vassalage of Mysore. After Haider Ali’s death Tippu Sultan ascended the

throne of Mysore. As the king of Cochin declined to co-operate with Mysore in attacking Travancore,

Tippu got sore with Cochin and attacked internally the state from Coimbatore side in 1789. The huge

Mysore army devastated areas of the present Thrissur district. Tippu made Thrissur as the headquarters

of the areas conquered by him in Kerala. But when Tippu had to make retreat on account of the

Srirangapattanam war, the Raja of Cochin entered into a treaty with the East Indian Company. In 1809,

the then ruler of Cochin who succeeded Sakthan Thampuran was forced to sign a new treaty with the East India Company, which obliged Cochin to be a subsidiary ally of the British. The period from 1812 in which year Munro was made the Devan of Cochin marked the beginning of a new era of administrative progress.

Thrissur district was in the forefront of the freedom struggle also. In 1919 a Committee of the

Indian National Congress had started functioning at Thrissur. In the Civil Disobedience Movement of

1921 several persons courted arrest in Thrissur town and elsewhere in the district.  The famous

Guruvayoor Satyagraha (1931-32) under the leadership of Sri. K. Kelappan and Sri. A.K. Gopalan

roused all round awareness against untouchability and helped the Temple Entry Movement gain

momentum in the district. In 1937 a political conference was held at Thrissur under the presidentship

of Pattabhi Seetharamayya.

The state experimented on a type of diarchal system of government in which the

administration of certain departments was entrusted with an elected member of the legislature to be

nominated by Maharaja. Accordingly, Ambat Sivarama  Menon of Cochin Congress party became

Minister in 1938. But the people were not satisfied with the system and there were agitations for full

responsible government based on adult franchise. On the 26

th

 January 1941 a new political

organisation called ‘Cochin State Praja Mandalam’ which subscribed to the aims and objects of Indian

National Congress, was formed under the leadership  of Sri. V. R. Krishnan Ezhuthassan. The first

session of Praja Mandalam was held at Irinjalakuda in January 1942 in the face of measures by the

government to prevent it from taking place. 4

The district was active in the Quit India Movement  also. On the 15

th

 August 1942 a public

meeting was held at Thrissur to protest against the arrest of Mahatma Gandhi.

Following the decision of the Maharaja of Cochin to transfer all departments of the state

government except Law and Order and Finance to the  control of Ministers responsible to the state

legislature the first popular government of Cochin, consisting of Panampally Govinda Menon,

C.R. Iyyunni, K. Ayyappan and T.K. Nair assumed office. Cochin achieved full responsible

government after Indian attained Independence in August 1947.

Thrissur District fostered very close link with Aikya Kerala (United Kerala) Movement. The

concept of Aikya Kerala was conceived as early as 1928 at the State People’s Conference held at

Ernakulam. The Cochin Legislative Council which met on the 29

th

 July 1946 under Sri. Kerala Varma,

the Maharaja of Cochin, favoured the formation of Kerala State. A sub-committee under the

Presidentship of Sri. K.P. Kesava Menon constituted for the purpose met at Cheruthuruthy in late 1946

and resolved to convene an Aikya Kerala Conference. The conference was accordingly held at

Thrissur in April 1947. The then Maharaja of Cochin participated in the conference and declared

himself in favour of the formation of United Kerala comprising of three administrative units of

Malabar, Cochin and Travancore.

The amalgamation of Travancore and Cochin states was done on the 1

St July 1949 and the

formation of Aikya Kerala later on the 1

st November 1956. The present Thrissur district is a part of erstwhile Cochin state. Cochin state had formerly been

divided into ‘Nadus’. Each Nadu was under a chief.  This position continued till the regaining of

territories from Zamorin in 1763. These Nadus were  subsequently divided into

‘Kovilakathumvathukkals’ or Taluks. Each Taluk was  under the control of ‘Karyakkar’ exercising

both judicial and executive powers. The Taluks were further divided into ‘Pravarthis’. This lowest unit

of administration was managed by ‘Pravarthiars’ assisted by ‘Menons’ or Accountants and

‘Chandrakkars’ or cash-keepers. The taluks were grouped into two divisions – Vadakkemugham and

Thekkemugham. Each division was under the control of a ‘Sarvadhikaryakkar’. The Cochin areas in

the present Thrissur district formed part of the Vakakkemugham or the northern sub-division. Valiya

Sarvadhikaryakkar or Prime Minister was the head of the administration. The then Cochin state

comprised of 10 Kovilakathumvathukkals (or taluks)  viz. Cochin, Kanayannur, Cranganore

(Kodungallur), Mukundapuram, Kodasseri, Talappilly, Chelakkara, Enamakkal, Thrissur and Chittoor.

In 1860 the number of taluks was reduced. With effect from the 1

st

 July 1949 a new district named

Thrissur was formed with 6 taluks of the erstwhile Cochin State viz. Talappilly, Chittoor, Thrissur,

Mukundapuram, Cranganore and Cochin-Kanayannur and  taluks of erstwhile Travancore areas,

namely, Kunnathunad and Parur. 5

PLACES OF RELIGIOUS, HISTORICAl OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND

TOURIST IMPORTANCE

(i) Places of religious importance

Vadakkumnathan Temple

Vadakkumnathan temple is one of the oldest temples in the state. This temple is a classical

example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and works of art. The

temple contains the sacred shrines of Parama Shiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri

Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in

wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. This is the venue of the world

famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the Pooram is a

spectacular sight. Non-Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.

Guruvayoor

Guruvayoor, 32 km. north-west of Thrissur, is known for the famous Sree Krishna temple. It

is among India’s most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the south.

Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16

th

century. The history of the temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple was

created by Guru- the preceptor of the gods and Vayu- the god of winds. The idol of Gurvayoor

temple is unique because it is carved out of ‘Pathal anjana sila’ and is therefore considered extremely

sacred. The idol was once worshipped by Mahavishnu  in Vaikunda and later handed over to the

sacred hands of Brahma, Sutapas, Kasyapa and finally to Vasudeva, the father of Lord Krishna. It is

at this temple that Mepathur Naryana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem

‘Narayaneeyam’. The Melpathur Auditorium dedicated to the memory of the great poet Melpathur

Bhattathiri is now the venue for the annual Chembai Sangeethotsav. Only Hindus are allowed entry

inside the temple.

Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple

Irinjalakuda is located about 21 km. south of Thrissur. The town is famous for its Koodal

Manikyam temple which is dedicated to Bharathan. This ancient temple is perhaps the only one in

India dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Sree Rama. The temple has several inscriptions dating

back to the year of Emperor Sthanu Ravi of which the engraved granite slab in the inner ‘Prakara’ of

the temple to the north of ‘Sreekovil’ is important. The eleven day annual festival featuring a pageant

of thirteen caparisoned elephants (held in April–May) marks the end of the festival season in Kerala. 6

Arattupuzha

Arattupuzha situated 12 km. to the south of Thrissur town is widely known for the annual

pooram festival held in April-May every year. Arattupuzha pooram is one of the most colourful

temple festivals of Kerala drawing thousands of people from different parts of the district and the

state. This pooram festival features a ceremonial pageant of over 60 tuskers carrying the image of the

deities of 41 neighbouring temples.

Kunnamkulam

Kunnamkulam the main centre of Jacobite Syrian Christians is situated 22 km. north of

Thrissur. One of the oldest Syrian Church at Arthat is 3 km. south of Kunnamkulam.

Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur

The Cheraman Juma Masjid constructed in 629 A.D is considered as the first mosque erected

in India and second in world where Juma prayers were started. All the Muslims of the locality

congregate in the mosque for celebration of Idul-Fitr (Ramzan) and Idul Azha (Bakrid) festivals.

Thriprayar

Thriprayar is located 23 km. west of Thrissur. It is famous for its Sree Rama temple. This

temple features architecture similar to the Vadakkumnathan temple. The annual festival, the

Thriprayar Ekadasi attracts a large number of pilgrims.

Ariyannoor Temple, Kandanisserry

This temple has a carved entrance gable which has been compared to the sculptures of

American artist Louise Nevelson. The Sree Krishna temple at Thirukulasekharapuram as well as the

Siva temple at Thiruvanchikulam are believed to be monuments from the 9

th

 century.

Thiruvilwamala

Thiruvilwamala is situated at a distance of about 51 km. north east of Thrissur. This place is

famous for the temple built on the top of an extensive rocky hill dedicated to Sri Rama and

Lakshmana. The Rakshappara near here is believed to be the place where Sree Rama and Lakshmana

slained the Rakshasas (demons) during their ‘vanavasa’.

Nelluvai

Nelluvai is situated north of Wadakkanchery. There is a temple dedicated to Dhanwanthiri

which is very famous. The Nelluvai Ekadasi in this temple is an important festival. 7

Pazhayannur

Pazhayannur situated 45 km. north east of Thrissur is famous for its Bhagavathy temple. The

Cheerakuzhy regulator across the Pulazipuzha is on the eastern boundary of Pazhayannur village.

Perumanam

Perumanam is situated about 10 km. south of Thrissur. There is a renowned temple in this

place dedicated to Lord Siva. The temple has some mural paintings on the Sreekovil belonged to the

17

th

 and the 18

th

 centuries. Till 1763 the temple was administered by Yagathirippad who was elected

by the Namboodiri Yogams of the area. Sakthan Thampuram put an end to this system and the temple

was taken over by the government. Though some dispute existed in the management after the

cessation of Parur in 1764 it was finally settled in 1882 and at last the temple came under the control

of Cochin.

Mathilakam

Mathilakam is situated 9 km. north of Kodungallur and 35 km. South-west of Thrissur.

Trippakkulam Siva Temple is situated here. This temple is believed to have been consecrated by Lord

Parasurama.

Trikkur

Trikkur is situated 16 km. south of Thrissur. It is famous for its rock cut temple dedicated to

Lord Sankaranarayana on a granite hill.

Saint Thomas Memorial, Kodungallur

St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ is believed to have landed in Kodungallur in 52 A.D.

The St. Thomas Church, the first church in the state established by him houses ancient relics.

 (ii) Places of Historical or archaeological importance

Chelakkara

Chelakkara, situated 35 km. north-east of Thrissur is a historical place where a fierce battle

was fought between Zamorin and combined force of Travancore and Cochin states in 1772. It was the

seat of powerful Pisharoti chief Tottasseri Thalachennavar, who was deprived of his estates in 1767

for submission to Zamorin.

Chalakudy

Chalakudy, located 30 km. south of the district headquarters is a place of historical

importance as it was the base of Tippu Sultan during the attack on the ‘Travancore lines’. This place 8

is the centre of communication with the eastern uplands. A few miles away from Chalakudy is the

Chalakudy Irrigation Project and 26 miles east of the town is the Peringalkutha Hydroelectric Project.

The Sholayur dam is constructed across the Chalakudy river and it is 65 km. east of

Chalakudy town.

Kodungallur

Kodungallur is situated 50 km. south-west of Thrissur. Kodungallur was a great emporium of

trade even before the dawn of Christian era. It was the centre of trade and commerce with foreigners

like Jews, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs. From here ivory, sandalwood, peacock feathers

and cinnamon were exported to foreign countries. The Roman colonists are said to have founded here

a temple in honour of Augustus. Early Tamil poets called it as ‘Muchiri’. Jews, Christians and

Muhammedans all claim it was the place of their first settlement in India. The port and its suburbs

figure prominently in early Chera history. According to some scholars Thiruvanchikulam was the

capital of the Chera kings of the Sangam age.

There are temples, churches and mosques in Kodungallur which are of historical importance.

The temples of Thiruvanchikulam and Kurumba Bhagavathi are noted for their antiquity. Kurumba

Bhagavathi temple is believed to have been founded by the mythical Chera emperor Senguttuvan, the

hero of the ‘Chilappathikaram’. The first church in the state founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle, and

the first mosque in India are situated here.

Porkulam

Porkulam is situated 3 km. of Kunnamkulam. This place is historically important, as it has

figured in the wars between the Zamorin of Calicut and the rulers of Cochin. It has great cultural

importance also. Porkulam is also called ‘Vedakkad’ (meaning the forest of vedas) because here

many dialogues were held by famous poets like Uddanda Sastri and Kakkasseri Bhattathiri. An image

of a seated Buddha, kept and worshipped over a heap of burial stones in a corner of the temple, also

testifies to the antiquity of the place.

Mala

Mala was a colony of Jews in early times. Ambalakad Convent, one of the largest

Monasteries in the district is situated near Mala.  Near to the Monastery the remains of the once

famous seminary of Chombalur (St. Pauls William) founded by Jesuit priests in the sixteenth century

are seen. One of the first printing presses in the country was established in this seminary and the first

Malayalam book was printed here. The ‘Pambummekkattu mana’, a serpent grove under the control

of Pambummekkattu Namboodiri is situated a mile away from Mala. 9

Adur

This place is famous for Annamanada temple. Annamanada was the venue of two historic

meetings between the rulers of Travancore and Cochin in the latter part of the 18

th

 century. The

famous Nedumkotta or Travancore lines built by Dharma Raja of Travancore to meet the menace of

the Mysore invasion passes through Adur.

Chettuvai

Chettuvai or Manappuram is located 11 km. north-west of Thrissur. In 1714 the Dutch took

possession of the territory and thereafter its control changed several times between the Zamorin and

the Dutch. The Dutch erected a fort of Chettuvai and named it ‘Fort William’. The island and the fort

were the scene of several fierce encounters between the Dutch and the Mysore rulers (Haider Ali and

Tippu Sultan) for about 50 years till Colonel Martley finally cleared Chettuvai of the Mysorians in

1790.

Chavakkad

Chavakkad is situated about 31 km. north-west of Thrissur. The mausoleum of Hydros

Kutee, Haider Ali’s Lieutenant is situated at the Manathala desam near Chavakkad. Disgusted with

his master’s oppression Hydro Kutee is said to have revolted and died in the battle. Another site near

the mosque was the scene of his death and both places are regarded as sacred centres by the local

Muslim population. Because of its association with  Hydros Kutee, Chavakkad is also sometimes

called Kuttungal.

Mullurkkara

Mullurkkara was the seat of Manakot Nair, the chief of Ayirinad who was dispossessed of his

estates around 1740 for accepting the Zamorin’s suzerainty. The estate then came into the possession

of Paliath Achan. Trace of a fort built by the Achan to protect the religion from the Zamorin’s forces

can be seen here.

(iii) Places of tourist importance

Cheruthuruthy (Vallathole Nagar)

Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its

Kathakali training centre, founded by the poet Vallathole Narayana Menon. It is in this academy that

the best of Kerala’s Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers

training in music, drama and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and

Ottamthullal. Cultural programmes are also arranged. The Kerala Kalamandalam is functioning at

Vallathole Nagar. The Samadhi (tomb) of the poet Vallathole, the founder of this famous institution

is at the premises of old Kalamandalam. 10

The Indian Institute of Panchakarma under the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and

Sidha is situated at Vallathole Nagar.

Athirappally

This place is famous for a beautiful 80 feet high waterfall at the entrance to the Sholayar

ranges. This waterfalls joins the Chalakudy river.  This is about 32 km. east of Chalakudy which

attracts a large number of tourists. As a part of tourism promotion a wayside Amenity Unit

(Vazhiyora Vishram Kendra) has been constructed here.

Vazhachal

Vazhachal waterfall lies east of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges.

This picturesque waterfall is close to dense green  forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river.

Athirappally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala which attract tourists in plenty.

These two waterfalls are 5 km. apart.

Zoo

Zoo is at a distance of about 2 km. from Thrissur town. Within 13.5 acres of the compound

live a variety of fauna like lion railed macaque, sloth bear, species of birds and deer. The snake park

has a reptilian collection of King Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Rat Snakes.

Art Museum

Art Museum is located in the Zoo compound. This small Art Museum has a good collection

of wood carvings, metal sculptures, kathakali figures and ancient jewellery. There is also a wonderful

collection of traditional Kerala caps.

Peechi Dam

Situated 20 km. east of Thrissur, Peechi is known for the irrigation dam constructed across

the Manali river. It has developed into one of the main tourist centres of the district. This picnic spot

offers boating facilities. The extensive botanical  garden and park with attractive fountains and the

swimming pool are the main attractions of this dam.

Punnathoor Kotta

‘Punnathoor Kotta’ the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care

of, is situated 2 km. away from Guruvayoor temple. This unique elephant sanctuary is the only one of

its kind in the world.

Anakkayam

Anakkayam is roughly 20 km. from Chalakudy on the Sholayur-Peringalkuthu route, famous

for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used

to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants 11

had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rusting waters, chiselled

rocks and silent streams.

Town Hall

An imposing building with an art gallery or ‘Chitralayam’ where mural painting from all

parts of Kerala are displayed.

Thrissur

Thrissur, the headquarters of district is built around Vadakkumnathan temple. The Swaraj

Round which is a ring road around the temple shooting of 15 roads in different direction gives the

town a unique look.

There are a number of institutions and locations in and around Thrissur worth mentioning.

The Aquatic Complex, the Indoor Stadium, the Zoo, the Archaeological Museum, the All India Radio

Station, the Doordarshan Relay Station at Ayyanthole, the Accountant General’s Office, the

Paramekkavu and Thrivambadi temples, the Lourde Church etc. are some of them.

Shakthan Thampuram Palace

Also known as the Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here one can see

three tombs including the tomb of Shakthan Thampuran, the greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty.

Christian Divine Retreat Centres

They are located at Muringur and Potta near Chalakudy on the Kochi-Thrissur route. It is

also accessible by rail from Divine Nagar Railway Station, specially constructed for the tourists, to

the Divine Centres.

Vilangankunnu

Vilangankunnu is about 7 km. from Thrissur. The Children’s park on this beautiful hillside

picnic spot offers amusement rides

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary lies in the western valley of Nelliyampathy in the Mukundapuram taluk of

Thrissur district. Part of it is adjacent to the Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary and the rest to the

Parambikulam Sanctuary. An artificial lake has been formed here by the dam across the Chimmini

River. The Sanctuary, which was established in 1984, occupies the watershed areas of the Kunumali

and the Mupliyam rivers and is encircled by hills.

Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1958, this sanctuary is about 20 km. east of Thrissur, in the catchment area of

the Peechi and Vazhani dams with headquarters at Peechi, 15 km. away. The Sanctuary is part of the

Palappilli-Nelliyampathy forests and forms the northern boundary of the Chimmini Sanctuary. 12

DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

General Features

Date of Formation                               1

st

 July 1949

District Head Quarters                         Thrissur

Administrative set-up

Thrissur State

1.  Number of Revenue Divisions 1 21

2.  Number of Taluks  5 63

3.  Number of Revenue Villages 138 1452

4.  Number of Corporations 1 5

5.  Number of Corporation Wards 52 316

6.  Number of Municipalities 6 53

7.  Number of Municipality Wards 170 1756

8.  Number of Block Panchayat 17 152

9.  Number of Block Panchayat Wards 209 2004

10.  Number of Grama Panchayat 92 999

11.  Number of Grama Panchayat Wards 1481 16139

12.  Number of District Panchayat Wards 30 339

13. Number of Assembly Constituencies 14 140

14.  Number of Parliament constituencies 2  20             

Geographical particulars

Total Area (Sq.Km)  3032 38863

Wet Area    (hectors)  69570 462797

Dry Area    (hectors)  127350 2273603...