Ochira Temple

Ochira Temple

Also known as Dakshina Kashi, Ochira is a unique pilgrim centre, situated 34 km north of Kollam town on the way to Alappuzha. There are many versions about the origin of the name Ochira. One of them is that, 'Om' the representation of Parambrahmam, the god of all gods and the word 'Chira' (piece of land) combine together to form 'Om Chira' meaning the 'land of Parambrahmam'. During the course of time Om chira became Ochira.

Attracting thousands of devotees, Parabrahma temple in Ochira is uniquely different from other temples in Kerala. The peculiarity of the temple complex, spread across 36 acres of open land is that it does not contain a sanctum sanctorum nor is there an idol or deity for worship. This pilgrim center believes in the existence of universal consciousness or one supreme power known as Parabrahma. One can only find 'Aal thara's' (a peepal tree with a base foundation) where pujas are performed. There are no official pujaris.

The 50 feet high twin gopuram (tower) in front of the complex is carved with many ancient sculptures. These Gopurams, East Nada, West Nada, Theerthakkulam (sacred pond), Ondikkavu, Ayyappa Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple and Ganapathi temple are the points of worship at Ochira temple. Another interesting feature of the temple is connected with its offerings. Bulls are considered to be sacred in this temple and believed to be the vehicle of Parabrahmam. Hence offerings are made in the form of well decorated bulls named 'Ochirakkaala' (Sacred Bull). Devotees can also donate calves as an offering.

Ochira Kali (held in mid-June), Panthrandu Vilakku ('twelve lamps festival', held in November-December) and Irupathettam Onam are the famous festivals celebrated here. For the last 60 years, the temple administration manages a social organisation named 'Annadana Mandhiram' and this organisation serves daily free lunch for about 500 people

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple


This hidden gem is located in Kollam district. This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture. Kottukal is about 10 kilometers from Jatayupara.
Jatayupara: A huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.

Aryankavu Sastha Temple

Aryankavu Sastha Temple

Situated about 73 km east of Kollam and 31 km from Punalur is the beautiful place Aryankavu, one of the important pilgrim centers of the district. The main attraction of Aryankavu is the Ayyappa Temple alias Aryankavu Sastha Temple dedicated to Lord Sastha, one among the five ancient Ayyappa temples. The unique feature of the temple is that it is built about 35 ft below the road level and has some fine structure and mural paintings. The legend behind the the Ayyappa of Aryankavu is similar to that of Sree Dharma Sastha of Sabarimala .The only difference between the two are that Sastha was brought up by the Pandi Raja of Madhura and not the Raja of Pandalam.

The two main festivals of this temple, Mandala pooja and Thrikalyanam festival, celebrated in December draws thousands of pilgrims. It is believed that Swami Ayyappan married Shri Pushkaladevi of Sourashtra community in Aryankavu. The marriage festival is held every year in Aryankavu and the marriage rituals are according to the Sourashtra community .Even now Sourashtrans reach here in groups during the time of 'Mandalapooja'. All trains towards Shencottah have a stop at Aryankavu. The Palaruvi waterfall is only 4kms away from here.

Achankovil Dharmasastha Temple

Achankovil Dharmasastha Temple

Achencoil alias Achankovil is an important pilgrim centre in Kollam district located 42kms from Punalur. Believed to be consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the Dharmasastha temple here, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts pilgrims from Kerala and Tamilnadu through out the year specially during the Sabarimala season. This ancient temple is located amidst dense forests of Kandamala, where the God is said to have given 'Darshan' to a worshipper who entered into a long term penance. Here the idol of the main deity, Ayyappa is called Rudraksha Shila. The two important festivals of this temple are Mandala Pooja (December-January) and the festival held at 'Ravathi' (January-February). The temple is also famous for snake bite treatment. The sandal paste in the hands of the idol of Dharma Sasta is believed to have miraculous cure for snake toxin. Apart from applying this paste on the bitten area, the victims are offered the water from the temple well by the chief priest. The famous Achankovil river flows by this temple ..

Craft Festival

Craft Festival

The annual craft festival, organised by the Kollam District Tourism Promotion Council in association with the State and Central Governments, is held during the month of December-January. This festival features the work of craftsmen from all over the country. Apart from the display and sale of variety of arts and crafts items, there were folk and tribal art performances which enthralled visitors.

Ochirakkali

Ochirakkali

Ochirakkali, a festival of martial arts, is the annual festival of Ochira temple located 34 km north of Kollam town, dedicated to Parabrahmam. It is celebrated to commemorate the historical battle fought between the erstwhile rulers of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha. Celebrated on the first and second of the Malayalam month Mithunam (i.e in June), Ochirakkali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (battle field). During the festival, young and old men from the east and west parts of Ochira, form themselves into two groups and perform their martial art i.e Kalarippayattu standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. Cattle and agricultural fair is held on the following three days and it attracts a large throng.

Another festivals held in the Ochira temple are Vrischikotsavam and Irupethettam Onam. The 12 day carnival Vrischikotsavam also known as Panthrandu Vilakku (the festival of twelve lamps), starts from the 1st day of the Malayalam month Vrichikam (November-December). This festival draws thousands of pilgrims even from far away places. Huts called 'Kudil' is specially made in the Padanilam and during the festive days devotees can stay here irrespective of their social status. Various entertainments like circus, magic, miniature gambling etc and several cultural programs including spiritual talks by famous personalities are held during the festival.

Irupethettam Onam, usually falls in the month of September- October, is celebrated on the 28th day of annual Onam festival with a procession known as kalakettu. Kala is assumed to be the vehicle of Parabrahmam. During the festival, different groups of people from all the sides of Ochira will make dummies of Ochirakala. These are brought to the padanilam and a competition is arranged for the best model.

This is an annual festival celebrated at Ochchira, a village near Kayamkulam in Thiruvananthapuram district. This festival is celebrated in memory of a battle between the Rajas of Quilon (Kollam) and Kayamkulam. The fight is the final part of the festival of the Ochira Parabrahma temple here. Thousands of devotees, including residents and tourists, witness the festival.

The Dynasty of the king of Kayamkulam was spread over eight provinces. The battlefield is known as 'Ettukandam' or the eight fields. Ochira Kali is conducted on the first and second days of the Malayalam months Mithunam or Avany (June-July) annually during the monsoon season. For seven days beginning with the first, it is popularly believed that there will be incessant rain. 

The participants fight each other in a mock battle standing in knee-deep water, brandishing mock swords and shields while splashing water and mud. On the first day, the fight is conducted from 8 am to 11 a.m. and on the second from 12 pm to 3 pm. Only men, usually from the Nair community could take part in it. The appearance of a kite hovering in the air summons the players to arms. Each player is dressed colourfully in the native attire and armed with a sword and shield. The combatants do not fight in pairs but in sets. The parties advance towards each other, perform a number of movements forwards and backwards, with a single individual standing in front on each side. The movements are first slow, but as the fight progresses they become quicker and quicker. These resemble the movements of assault and retreat in regular warfare. The kite appears again and this time it is the signal for the tournament to stop. The same programme is repeated on the second day.  

The Ochira Parabrahma temple, is dedicated to universal consciousness. The uniqueness of the temple is that there are no idols.

Kollam Pooram

Kollam Pooram

One of the most colourful festivals of Kerala, Kollam Pooram is connection with the 10 day long annual festival of the Asramam Sri Krishnaswamy Maha Temple held in the month of April. The pooram which is organised on the tenth day of the festival at the Asramam maidanam attracts a large crowd. Started off as Arattu Utsavam in late 70’s, this festival shot to limelight and came to be in the present form in 1996 after the official inauguration of ceremony by the His Lordship, Sree Marthanda Varma.

The deities of the nearby temples partake in this festival and on the pooram day, in the morning, these deities come on caparisoned elephants to pay homage to the Sree Krishna deity at Ashramam. This is known as cherupooram. The grand spectacle of the festival, Kudamattam ceremony is carried out by late afternoon. It is a ritual in which 30 tuskers split into two groups of 15 each, representing Thamarakulam Sri Mahaganapathi Temple team and the Puthiyakavu Bhagavathy Temple. Kudamattam which is held to the beats of traditional melam is followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Several cultural programs like ganamela, kathakali etc are organised during the festive days.

Chamayavilakku

Chamayavilakku


Chamayavilakku is a unique festival celebrated in Kottamkulangara Sri Devi Temple at Chavara (13 kms from Kollam) held annually in the month of March/ April. It is celebrated at night and the most remarkable feature of the festival is that hundreds of sturdy men dress themselves as women as part of the offerings made to the deity. These well dressed damsels come to the temple as a procession holding lighted lamps in their hands to propitiate the presiding deity.

Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar dam

Mullaperiyar dam

For Tamil Nadu, the Mullaperiyar dam and the diverted Periyar waters act as a lifeline for Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramnad districts, providing water for irrigation and drinking, and also for generation of power in Lower Periyar Power Station. Tamil Nadu has insisted on exercising its unfettered rights to control the dam and its waters, based on the 1866 lease agreement. Kerala has pointed out the unfairness in the 1886 lease agreement and has challenged its validity. However, safety concerns posed by the 116-year old dam to the safety of the people of Kerala in the event of a dam collapse, have been the focus of disputes from 2009 onwards. Kerala's proposal for decommissioning the dam and constructing a new one has been challenged by Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu has insisted on raising the water level in the dam to 142 feet, pointing out crop failures. One estimate states that "the crop losses to Tamil Nadu, because of the reduction in the height of the dam, between 1980 and 2005 is a whopping  40,000 crores. In the process the farmers of the erstwhile rain shadow areas in Tamil Nadu who had started a thrice yearly cropping pattern had to go back to the bi-annual cropping."^[33]

The Kerala Government maintains that this is not true. During the year 1979–80 the gross area cultivated in Periyar command area was 171,307 acres (693.25 km²). After the lowering of the level to 136 ft (41 m), the gross irrigated area increased and in 1994–95 it reached 229,718 acres (929.64 km²).^[34] The Tamil Nadu government had increased its withdrawal from the reservoir, with additional facilities to cater to the increased demand from newly irrigated areas.^{[citation needed]}

In 2006, the Supreme Court of India by its decision by a three member division bench, allowed for the storage level to be raised to 142 feet (43 m) pending completion of the proposed strengthening measures, provision of other additional vents and implementation of other suggestions.^[35]

However, the Kerala Government promulgated a new "Dam Safety Act" against increasing the storage level of the dam, which has been challenged by Tamil Nadu on various grounds. The Supreme Court issued notice to Kerala to respond, however did not stay the operation of the Act even as an interim measure. The Court then advised the States to settle the matter amicably, and adjourned hearing in order to enable them to do so. The Supreme Court of India termed the act as not unconstitutional.^[36] Meanwhile, the Supreme Court constituted a Constitution bench to hear the case considering its wide ramifications.^[11]

The Kerala Government states that it does not object to giving water to Tamil Nadu, their main cause of objection being the dam's safety as it is 116 years old. Increasing the level would add more pressure to be handled by already leaking dam.^[37] Tamil Nadu wants the 2006 order of Supreme court be implemented so as to increase the water level to 142 feet (43 m).

In 2000 Frontline one author stated thus: "For every argument raised by Tamil Nadu in support of its claims, there is counter-argument in Kerala that appears equally plausible. Yet, each time the controversy gets embroiled in extraneous issues, two things stand out: One is Kerala's refusal to acknowledge the genuine need of the farmers in the otherwise drought-prone regions of Tamil Nadu for the waters of the Mullaperiyar; the other is Tamil Nadu's refusal to see that it cannot rely on or continue to expect more and more from the resources of another State to satisfy its own requirements to the detriment of the other State. A solution perhaps lies in acknowledging the two truths, but neither government can afford the political repercussions of such a confession"

Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar Dam or Mullai Periyar Dam (Malayalam: മുല്ലപെരിയാര്‍ അണകെട്ട് ; Tamil: முல்லைப் பெரியாறு அணை) is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in the Kerala state of India.^[1][2][5] It is located 881 m (2,890 ft) above mean sea level on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki District of Kerala, South India. It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by the British Government to divert water eastwards to Madras Presidency area (the present-day Tamil Nadu). It has a height of 53.6 m (176 ft) from the foundation and length of 365.7 m (1,200 ft).^[1] ThePeriyar National Park in Thekkady is located around the dam's reservoir. The dam is located in Kerala on the river Periyar,^[1][6] but the dam is controlled and operated under a period lease by neighboring Tamil Nadu state.^[1] The control and safety of the dam and the validity and fairness of the lease agreement have been points of dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu states.^[7] Mullaperiyar dam has been declared an 'endangered' scheduled dam by the Kerala Government under the disputed Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2006.

Silver Storm Water Theme Park

Silver Storm Water Theme Park

Silver Storm water Theme park, located at Vettilapara near Athirapally Water Falls, is around 63kms from Thrissur. This water theme park is one of the favourite tourist picnic spot in the area. Major water rides include Turbo Twister, Wave Pool, Wild Raft Ride, Super Splash, Hara Kiri, Jurassic Splash, Master Blaster, Bumping Boat etc. Coaster Striking Cars, Sky Jet, Dragon, Columbus, Flying Dutch Man, Fun Slide, Go-Karting, Swing Chair and Tea Cup are some of the dry ride fantasies. Children can have fun in the Kids pool, Kids Turbo Slide, baby train etc. The park has restaurants providing both vegetarian and non vegetarian food besides duty paid gift shops, ice cream parlour, handicapped and old age rest room, lockers etc. The park is 19 km away from Chalakkudi junction and 20 km from the Chalakkudi railway station.

Timings : During season, the park will open from 10.00 am to 7.30 pm, and at off-season from 11 am to 6.30 pm.
The park offers special packages for school and college students.
Entry fees : Adults : Rs. 270/-; Kids : 210/-(Below 137 cm Height); Senior citizen: 120/-.

Contact Address:
Silver Storm Amusement Parks (P) Ltd.
Athirappally, Vettilapara PO, Chalakkudi
Phone : 0480 2769116, 2769150, 2769496, 2769700
Mobile: 9447603344, 9447775444

Dream World Water Park

Dream World Water Park

Unique water rides and its location near the beautiful waterfalls of Athirappally and Vazhachal make Dream world one of the favorite destination of visitors. Known for its thrilling amusement rides, the park is designed to cater to the needs of tourists of all age group. Of the total 42 rides, 24 are water rides, each having its unique element of fun and adventure. Stormy River, Amazon River, Lazy River,  Mat Racer, Dream Splash, Crazy Cruise, Mermaid Pool, Aqua Shuttle are some of the enthralling water rides here. Separate filtration plants for each pool assure the quality of water in rides. Mermaid Pool, specially meant for ladies and kids, is divided into three segments- of 1.5 ft depth for small kids up to three years, 3ft depth for children up to 12 years and for ladies with 4ft depth. The dry Amusement rides in the park include Striking Car, Go Kart, Sky Train, Flying Colombus, Baby Car, Caterpillar, Dragon Train etc.

The park has amenities like fast food centers, Rest rooms, Restaurants, Conference and Meeting halls and a Clinic. Food and beverages are not permitted inside the park. The park offers special packages including free accommodation for school students and staff. It is located 5km from Vazhachal and 24km from Athirappilly falls. Entry fees : Adults: 280/-, Child (Up to 4.5 feet): 200/-, Senior citizen (above 65 yrs): 150/-.

Contact Address:
Dream World Water Park
Athirappilly Road, Chalakudy, Thrissur, Kerala.
Tel/Fax: 0480-2746935, 2746955, 2747665
Mobile: 94470 66866

Peechi Dam

Peechi Dam


The beautiful picnic spot, Peechi dam is located in Peechi village, 23 km away from Thrissur. The dam is built across the Manali river and the area comprises of nearly 3200 acres of land with botanical gardens and fountains. The prime purpose of the reservoir is to provide irrigation and drinking water supply to Thrissur city. There is a facility for boating in the reservoir amidst picturesque surroundings and the area is surrounded by tea and eucalyptus.

Vazhachal

Vazhachal

Located a few kms away from Athirapally, is another picturesque waterfall named Vazhachal. This waterfall is close to dense green forests and is also part of the Chalakkudi river. The medicinal herb garden near the waterfall may also attract the visitors. Vazhachal is around 68 km away from Thrissur and approximately 3 km from Athirapally.  

There is an entry ticket for visitors who wish to get a closer view of this waterfall.
Visiting Time: 7.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

A visual treat of nature.. Athirappilly - Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls in Kerala. Located east of Chalakudy in Thrissur district near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges (Kerala's famed rain forests), Athirappilly is 63 km, and Vazhachal, 68 km away from Thrissur. The falls are a part of the Chalakudy river stream which flows through the Vazhachal Forest Division. The forest division has 5 territorial ranges viz., Athirappilly, Charpa, Vazhachal, Kollathirumedu and Sholayar. Vazhachal, the marvelous wonder in thick forests just a drive away from Athirampilly, is a part of theChalakudy river stream. The area is surrounded by protected forests and provides a breath taking view. The river originates from the Aanamudi mountain and flows through the Vazhachal Forest Division. The river which initially flows smoothly through the forest ranges changes its form and surprisingly narrows itself to a mere 10 m width when it reaches the Ittyani mountain range and continues the same way for about half a kilometre till it reaches the end of the Ittyani rock. Then the river turns furious, widens to about 400 mts and charges forward and till it reaches Athirapilly. Here, after its long winding course, the water is separated by big rocks, which is usually covered up during very heavy rainy season, and cascades down through three paths. This leap of about 150 feet over the sand-stone cliff gives the viewers a mind blowing and fantastic experience. The water falling from above charges again furiously about 1km till it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms down and flows smoothly and is blocked by the dam at Imburmuzhi. The dam under the Chalakudy irrigation project irrigates about 35,000 acres of agricultural land. There is a beautiful garden adjacent to the dam.

Anakkayam

Anakkayam


Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar- Peringalkuthu route. The place is famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. It is said that a group of elephants drowned in the deep lake and hence the place derived the name 'Aanakkayam' (Elephant crevice). The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams. October to March is the best time to visit the place.

Vatanappally Beach

Vatanappally Beach

The beautiful and natural Vatanapally beach fringed with swaying coconut palms is located about 20 km from Thrissur town. This calm and pleasant beach on the coastal belt of Thrissur district is a dreamy destination for tourists.

Athirappilly

Athirappilly

Athirapally is a popular picnic spot located at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges 1000 feet above sea level, at a distance of 63kms from Thrissur and 33 km from Chalakkudi railway station. The water falls from a fairly good height of approximately 80 mts (150 feet) and joins the Chalakudy river below. The spectacular view of the crashing waterfall surrounded by protected forests has made it one of the favorite places for moviemakers. June to September is the best time to visit this place. Though one can have a view of the waterfall from the roadside itself, Visitors can go near the top of the fall for an entrance fee.

Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entry Fee - Rs.15 per person. Parking charges Rs. 15 for vans and Rs.10 for cars.

A visual treat of nature.. Athirappilly - Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls in Kerala. Located east of Chalakudy in Thrissur district near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges (Kerala's famed rain forests), Athirappilly is 63 km, and Vazhachal, 68 km away from Thrissur. The falls are a part of the Chalakudy river stream which flows through the Vazhachal Forest Division. The forest division has 5 territorial ranges viz., Athirappilly, Charpa, Vazhachal, Kollathirumedu and Sholayar. Athirapally, falls from a fairly good height of approximately 80 mts (150 feet) and joins the Chalakudy river below. The water fall can be viewed from several points. On the way from the road itself you can have a view of the waterfall. There is another view from the top of the water fall. For this view, you have to go through the main entrance. There is an entry ticket for this. The100 meter rock pathway inside the entrance is surrounded by thick bamboo clusters and monkeys can be seen playing around. There are benches, small coffee shops and restaurants for tourists to relax. From the river view, you need to take a decline to the right to get to the falls. It is a paved road suitably sloped The third view, from the bottom of the water fall requires some mountaineering skills since the path is very narrow and sloped. But this is the most beautiful of all the three views of the waterfall. Half way through this slope, one can get glimpses of the beautiful falls and it feels great when the water droplets fall on your face. It is  an ideal place for an evening picnic  preferred only for youngsters.  The view around and below from the flat rocky surface above the waterfall is breathtaking. Thousands of visitors from within and outside Kerala visit the spot, especially on weekends.The best period to view and enjoy the falls is during the monsoon (June - September). With its picturesque beauty Athirapilly has become one of the favourite location for movie makers. Though beautiful  the river is also very dangerous especially during monsoon due to the slippery condition of the rocks, and the rocky bed has deep trenches hidden in between. Moreover the current may change suddenly and could lead to fatal accidents. The beauty of the water fall have lured people into it and many people have lost their lives in this waterfall. But there are certain spots that are comparatively safer and people could enjoy themselves in the water.  Proper provisions are done on the spot to prevent mishaps while swimming  and a police camp is always positioned there. But one should not take it easy though he or she may be a good swimmer and at the risk of their life. Down the road, about 1.5 km away from Athirapilly is the Chapra Falls. About 5 km further lies the Vazhachal Falls. Further east, there is the Akkayam Falls. Visiting Time - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry Fees - Rs.15 per person. Parking charges of Rs. 15 for vans and Rs.10 for cars)

Nattika beach

Nattika beach


Nattika beach, situated 30km from Thrissur, is an ideal place to spend your leisure time. Though the destination is not much explored, it is a very charming place fringed with an endless stretch of golden sand and graciously swaying palm trees. There are resorts in the beach that offer modern facilities amidst the rural atmosphere. deep-sea fishing, backwater cruise on country boats, elephant rides, are some of the attractions here. It was at the Nattika beach, that the super hit Malayalam film 'Chemmeen' (1960) which won the Presidential Award was shot.

Vilangan Kunnu

Vilangan Kunnu

Vilangan Kunnu alias Vilangan hill is a beautiful green hillock located 5 kms from the city premises. It is a popular picnic spot and recreation center among the youngsters. The hill gives a panoramic view of the whole city from the top. The visitors should pay an entry fee at the check post of the Vilangan Kunnu. On top of the hill there is an open space where one can relax and enjoy the view. The whole hill is covered with thick bushes. There is a park here with amusement rides, which is specially designed for children.

Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam

The famous art school, Kerala Kalamandalam is located at Cheruthuruthy on the banks of Bharathapuzha at a distance of 29 km north of Thrissur. It was founded in 1930 by the Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon in order to promote Kerala arts likes Mohiniyattom and Kathakali. The school follows the gurukulam system of training and is a center for teaching traditional music, drama, Ottam thullal, Koodiyattam and Panchavadhyam. Besides regular courses the school also offers crash courses. Visitors are allowed to watch training sections from 4.30 am to 6.30 am, 8.30 am to 12 noon and 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. The school is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It remains closed in the months of April and May.

The two main attractions of Kalamandalam are the 'Koothambalam' ( the traditional temple theater) and the art gallery. Koothambalam, also known as 'natyagriha' is built according to the principles of Natyasaastra. The art gallery exhibits statues of Kathakali and other art forms. Here is a museum named Vallathol Museum, which exhibits the poetic works and contributions of the great poet Vallathol Narayana Menon. There is also a portrait gallery that exhibits the portraits of great artists, mementos and honors received by the institution.

From the year 2005, a half day tour programme named 'A day with the Masters' was introduced to help visitors get a feel of the traditions and understand the history and atmosphere of Kalamandalam. This programme is conducted on all working days from 9am to 1pm and the expense would be around 1000 per person.
Contact Address: Kerala Kalamandalam
Deemed University for Art and Culture
Cheruthuruthy – 679 531 via Thrissur, Kerala, India
Phone : 0488-4262418, 4263440
Fax : 0488-4262019

Thangasseri

Thangasseri


Thangasseri, situated 5kms from Kollam town was once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. Literally meaning 'gold village', this seaside village sprawling over an area of 99 acres, has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches belonging to the 18th century. The Portuguese fort is believed to be built in 1517 and only one wall of this fort remains now. The major attraction of Thangasseri is the lighthouse, built in the year 1902. The 144 ft. lighthouse stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. Tourist are permitted to visit the lighthouse between 3.30pm and 5.30pm and one could have a picturesque view of the sea from there. February to November is the best time to visit Thangasseri. Kollam railway station is the nearest station to Thangasseri village and it is well connected to town by road also.