Thrissur: My Getaway & Gateway
“You get educated by travelling.”- Solange Knowles
Here I am, excited with my new travel chapter. This time the scenic ‘Thrissur’, a vibrant district located in ‘Gods own country-Kerala’.
It was January 5, Hyderabad. This time we were travelling to Thrissur (Kerala) to attend a family function, which had already left us high with joy and anticipation. I had booked tickets in the 2AC class of the Kacheguda-Mangaluru express (Train №12789), scheduled for 6:05 AM departure. Just like I always do, I insisted that we reach the railway station early because I hate last-minute madness and hops. Hence, we were successfully on platform no. 3.
At 545 AM, our train pulled in silently. The silence on the platform was suddenly broken by the chatter and energy of the travellers. We made our way to the compartment, settled in. Soon, we left Hyderabad behind, at a good speed. The seats were extremely comfortable. My father and mother got cozy on their lower berths and side-lower berths respectively. The vibes in this train were positive, happy people, playful children. As we crossed the cities of Kurnool, Gooty, Cuddapah, the landscape presented us with enthralling, lush green covered with windmill farms on huge acres. I jokingly asked mom if we could get down at Renigunta Junction, to which she replied- “ Next time, for sure”. Lol!
I always feel special whenever I get to travel by train, because I like travelling by train with no complaints. I have a lot of patience, and I grew up with trains around. Diesel and electric engines shunting, the guard’s green flag, announcements, LHB coaches waiting to welcome passengers… I just can’t get enough!
Soon, the cold night blanketed the landscape around us, pitch dark, with train racing at the max speed after crossing Coimbatore Junction and I was awake the entire day-night. Finally! the aha moment. We reached Shoranur Junction at 345AM, a cute little station. By 530AM we reached our hotel at Thrissur, changed and crashed. Soon after bath at 830AM we headed straight to an authentic local hotel and satisfied ourselves with coffee, dosa and vada.
Even as we walking past calm and traditional streets, there was this enticing fragrance in the air, elephants decorated with plaque and fabric, and devotees chanting the name of the lord. Bliss!
That evening was well spent at our brother-in-laws relatives house. Oh! it was not a house, it was rather a mark of beauty embalmed in traditions. People here are in no rush. Here they talk to each other every now and then by addressing them as Chechhi (sister), Chetta (bro). Trust me, this vibe is absent in our cities. The evening further unfolded into a fabulous night, a whole new world, a world with celestial wonders.
The following places were covered by us, as we had a tight schedule:
- Triparyar: Sri Ramaswami Temple
2. Kodungallur: Sri Bagavati Temple
3. Kalady: Sri Adi Shankaracharya's birth place + the crocodile ghat
4. Vadakumnathan temple
5. Guruvayur: Sri Krishna’s Temple
6. Parthasarathy Temple
7. Ariyannur megalith burials (stone umbrellas)
8. Ariyannur mohini Temple
9. Chavakad beach
Soon, it was time to head back to Hyderabad. I was reluctant, but had no other option. We started for Cochin International Airport around 1030 AM from Guruvayur and reached airport around 1245 PM. I was awestruck by the exterior of the terminal building, which carried the traditional architecture and pattern specific to Kerala. We checked-in our bags and headed straight to the gates, and had some time to kill.
You know you have to leave, but there is that hope that you will come back.
What I really appreciated during my trip?
- It’s not easy to judge or declare any particular place as a winner. Kerala, especially Thrissur, has a lot to offer travellers who are eager to get connected with nature and tradition and explore the unexplored.
2. Coconut tress, as far as the eyes go. Spices and serene vegetation.
3. Clean roads and streets, organized traffic pattern, and last but not the least those cute TATA ace zip passenger auto definitely get a good score.
4. All temples in Kerala still follow the tradition when it comes to dressing. Male pilgrims and tourists must only wear a ‘Mundu’ which is similar to lungi (just for reference), and not trousers or jeans. Females must adhere to the laid dress code — the saree, only.
5. Photography is not permitted inside the temple premises. But yeah, I wish I had a memory of their brilliant architecture.
6. The Kerala state lottery tickets, and they are everywhere in the city :D
I would suggest travellers have at least 7 days in hand only for Thrissur. This was my first time in Kerala, and I am lucky enough to have come a step closer to the charisma. I mean, what more could you ask for? I forgot to ask — my banana chips!
