Avanti Castello Explorings
Guruvayoor Temple
8 min/2 km from Avanti Castello
Guruvayur Temple, in Guruvayur, Kerala, is dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a form of Krishna. An important place of worship for Hindus in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it is often called Bhuloka Vaikuntha, meaning Vaikuntha on earth.
The central idol depicts a four-armed Vishnu holding the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana, the mace Kaumodaki and a lotus, adorned with a tulasi garland. In temple tradition, this represents the form revealed to Vasudeva and Devaki at the time of Krishna’s birth. Worship follows traditional rituals associated with Adi Shankara and Chennas Narayanan Nambudiri. The Chennas Nambudiris are the hereditary tantris, or high priests, of the temple.
Guruvayur Devaswom manages the temple under the Government of Kerala. Major celebrations include the 10-day festival in Kumbham, beginning with flag hoisting on the Pooyam star; Krishna Janmashtami in Chingam; Guruvayur Ekadasi on the 11th day of the bright fortnight in Vrischikam; and Vishu on the first day of Medam. Ganapati, Ayyappan and Bhagavati are also worshipped here, with shrines to Ganapati and Nagadevata nearby. Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, is one of the temples modelled on Guruvayur.
Punnathoor Kotta
7 min/1.5 km from Avanti Castello
Punnathur Fort, also known as Anakkotta, once belonged to the local ruler Punnathur Raja. The grounds contain a traditional home with a central courtyard and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy.
The former palace is now known as Anakotta, meaning “the place of the elephants”, and is used for elephant care and mahout training. Elephants cared for here participate in temple ceremonies and festivals. Elephant worship and feeding rituals take place here. The legendary Guruvayur Kesevan also lived here.
Marine World Aquarium
25 min/8 km from Avanti Castello
Marine World Aquarium is situated at Panchavadi Beach in Edakkazhiyur, Chavakkad. It showcases a variety of aquatic species in display tanks and an aerial aquarium.
Nalumanikkatu
25 min /8 km from Avanti Castello
Nalumanikkatu is situated on Blangad-Chettuva Road in Mattumal Kadappuram. It offers a setting for an evening outing with family and friends by the river and shore.
Enjoy a ride in a traditional boat, with snacks and tea to complete your outing. Check locally for current availability.
Chavakkad Beach & Sunset
18 min/6 km from Avanti Castello
Chavakkad Beach is a popular coastal destination in Kerala. Located on the Arabian Sea coast, it is known for the nearby estuary where the river meets the sea.
You can choose different types of traditional boats for a beautiful ride with the taste of tasty snacks and tea.
St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church, Palayur
18 min/6 km from Avanti Castello
According to Christian tradition, St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, established the church in 52 AD and performed the first baptism in India here. It is therefore known as an apostolic church.
Local tradition recounts that St. Thomas travelled from Muziris to Palayur by boat through the backwaters, met members of the Jewish community and established a place of Christian worship. The surrounding waterways later gave way to dry land.
Kudakallu Parambu
29 min /14 km from Avanti Castello
Kudakallu Parambu is a burial site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The site contains different forms of burial monuments, including topikkal, kudakkal, stone circles and hood stones.
The distinctive stone monuments offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient burial traditions and make the site an interesting stop for visitors exploring local history.
Snehatheeram Beach
50 min/24 km from Avanti Castello
Snehatheeram Beach, also known as Love Shore Beach, is a popular destination for coastal views and family outings. Enjoy the sea breeze and coastal scenery during your visit.
Visitor facilities listed for the beach include an aquarium, a garden and a restaurant called Nallukettu serving coastal seafood. Check current availability before visiting.
Thriprayar Sreerama Swamy Temple
52 min/26 km from Avanti Castello
Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple stands on the bank of the Theevra River in Triprayar, Thrissur. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, depicted with four arms holding a conch, a disc, a bow and a garland. The deity presides over Arattupuzha Pooram and is traditionally believed to have been worshipped by Lord Krishna in Dwarka. The temple also includes worship of Lord Shiva as Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Ganesha, Lord Sastha, Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman and Lord Chathan. It is the first of the four Nalambalam temples associated with the sons of King Dasharatha, followed by Koodalmanikyam, Thirumuzhikkulam and Payammal. Pilgrims traditionally visit all four in a single day during Karkadakam. Before its transfer to the Cochin Devaswom Board, the temple was administered by 3 Nambudiri families: Cheloor Mana, Janappilly Mana and Punnappilly Mana. Their heads continue to participate as Ooralans in temple rituals and festivals.
Vadakkumnathan Temple
59 min /29 km from Avanti Castello
According to tradition, Vadakkumnathan Temple was the first temple built by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is an important example of Kerala temple architecture.
The temple and its mural paintings are protected as a national monument under India’s ancient monuments and archaeological sites legislation.
Chimmini Dam
2hr 18min/68 km from Avanti Castello
Construction of Chimmini Dam in Thrissur district began in 1975, and it was commissioned in 1996. The reservoir is a visitor attraction, with coracle rides listed among the activities. Confirm current access and activity availability before visiting.
The Chimmini hydroelectric project generates electricity that is transferred to the substation at Pudukkad.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
2hr 18min/68 km from Avanti Castello
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary lies beside Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. It covers approximately 85.067 square kilometres.
Activities listed for visitors include jungle craft, animal tracking, bamboo rafting, bird trails and butterfly safaris. Check with the sanctuary for current programmes and permissions.
Peechi Dam
1 hr 31min /50 km from Avanti Castello
Peechi Dam supplies drinking water to Thrissur and irrigation water to surrounding villages. Built across the Manali River, it was commissioned in 1958.
Vazhani Dam
1hr/37km from Avanti Castello
Vazhani Dam is an earthen dam built across the Wadakkanchery River. It was commissioned in 1962 for irrigation and drinking-water supply.
Asurankundu Dam
1hr 9min /38km from Avanti Castello
Asurankundu Dam is a check dam on the Chelakkara River. It collects water from the surrounding forests and hills for irrigation and drinking-water supply.
The dam is managed by the Irrigation Department. The two-kilometre approach road through the forest is under the Forest Department.
Athirappilly Waterfalls
2hr 19min /82 km from Avanti Castello
Athirappilly Waterfalls is Kerala’s largest waterfall. It originates in the Western Ghats and drops approximately 80 feet.
The journey to Athirappilly passes winding roads, small villages and green surroundings. The waterfall attracts visitors from across India and abroad.
Vazhachal waterfalls
2hr 43min /93 km from Avanti Castello
Vazhachal Waterfalls lies on the west-flowing Chalakudy River in Athirappilly Panchayath, near the Vazhachal forest area. Water spreads over a broad rocky stretch as the river continues towards Athirappilly.
Charpa waterfall
59 min /29 km from Avanti Castello
Charpa Waterfall is situated between Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls, close to the road. Water descending from the upper Ghats creates a striking sight during the monsoon, when spray can reach the roadside.
Malakkapara
4hr 15min/137 km from Avanti Castello
Malakkapara is a hill destination surrounded by forest. Its natural scenery and mist-covered roads make the journey part of the experience.
Valparai
59 min/29 km from Avanti Castello
The route to Valparai passes more than 40 hairpin bends, with changing views along the way. Situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet above sea level, this hill station offers tea gardens, forests, dams and hills to explore. It is also a destination for walks and trekking.
Kerala Kalamandalam
1 hr/26 km from Avanti Castello
Kerala Kalamandalam was established in 1930 by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon and Manakulam Mukundaraja, with support from Kakkad Karanavappad. This residential institution offers training in performing arts including Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Panchavadyam and Carnatic music.
The institution is internationally recognised for its contribution to the teaching and preservation of Kerala’s performing arts.
Sakthan Thampuran Palace
1 hr/28 km from Avanti Castello
Sakthan Thampuran, a ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin, lived at Vadakkechira Palace and died there in 1805. Now known as Sakthan Thampuran Palace, the building was reconstructed in a blend of Kerala and Dutch architectural styles in 1795.
The palace now houses a museum associated with Rama Varma Thampuran. The ruler is also known for establishing the Thrissur Pooram festival.
Thrissur Zoo and Museum
1 hr/28 km from Avanti Castello
The historic Thrissur Zoo and Museum site covers 13.5 acres and opened in 1885. Its museum collections include exhibits on natural history and the art, social life and cultural heritage of Kerala. Confirm the current location of animal exhibits and visitor access before travelling.
Sobha City
54 min/25 km from Avanti Castello
Sobha City offers shopping and leisure options in Thrissur. The complex includes stores, a supermarket, an international food court and a 6-screen multiplex, with space to spend time with family and friends.
Vilangan Hills
53 min/23 km from Avanti Castello
Vilangan Hills offers panoramic views of Thrissur and is often described as the city’s green lung. This picnic destination includes an open-air theatre, a children’s park and canteen facilities.
Pullu Padam
1hr 13min/32 km from Avanti Castello
Pullu Padam is an area of paddy fields and Kole wetlands associated with rice cultivation in Kerala. Its wetland landscape attracts birdwatchers.
Koodalmanikyam Temple
1hr 18min/41 km from Avanti Castello
Koodalmanikyam Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Bharatha, a brother of Rama. Ponds within and around the temple grounds form an important part of its setting.
Aarattupuzha Temple
1hr 34min/43 km from Avanti Castello
Aarattupuzha Temple is associated with Guru Vashista, the teacher of Rama. It hosts the annual Devasangamam festival, traditionally understood as a gathering of deities from participating temples.
Cheraman Juma Masjid
59 min/29 km from Avanti Castello
Cheraman Juma Masjid is situated in Methala, Kodungallur. Tradition dates its foundation to 629 CE, during the period of the successor of Chera king Cheraman Perumal. It is an important place of worship associated with the history of Islam in Kerala.
A local tradition connects Cheraman Perumal with the splitting of the moon described in the Quran. It recounts his journey to Arabia, his gift of ginger pickles to Prophet Mohammed and his companions, and his conversion to Islam.
Kodungalloor Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy
2hr /60 km from Avanti Castello
Kodungalloor Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, also known as Sree Kurumba. It is regarded as the head of 64 Bhadrakali temples in Kerala. The north-facing deity is depicted in a fierce form with eight hands. Worship follows traditional Sakteyam customs.