Thrissur district is one of the oldest settled parts of Kerala, and its temple towns hold some of the state’s most storied shrines — from the ancient Chera capital at Kodungallur to the four-temple Rama circuit known as the Nalambalam. They make a rewarding heritage day for anyone interested in Kerala’s religious history.
Kodungallur: the old Chera capital
Kodungallur, in the south-west of the district, was Muziris — the ancient port and Chera capital of Mahodayapuram. Today it holds the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Shiva temple, linked to the Chera kings, and the Cheraman Juma Masjid, held by tradition to be the oldest mosque in the Indian subcontinent, with a small museum on site. It is also home to the powerful Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple. The town packs an unusual concentration of Kerala’s early Hindu, Muslim and Christian history into a small area.
The Nalambalam: four temples, one day
The Nalambalam is a pilgrimage circuit of four temples dedicated to Rama and his brothers, traditionally visited in a single day, especially in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. Two of the four are in Thrissur district: the Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakuda, unusually dedicated to Bharata, and the Thriprayar Sree Rama temple on the Theevra river near the coast. The other two lie just across the district border.
Cheruthuruthy and the arts
North of the city at Cheruthuruthy is Kerala Kalamandalam, the state academy that keeps Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Kerala’s temple-arts traditions alive. Its “A Day with the Masters” programme lets visitors watch training in the classical theatre — a fitting complement to a district so defined by its temples and festivals.
- Kodungallur’s temples, mosque and Bhagavathy shrine are close together — an easy half-day by car.
- Temples have dress codes and some restrict non-Hindus to the outer areas; the Cheraman mosque welcomes respectful visitors.
- The Nalambalam circuit is traditionally done in Karkidakam (roughly mid-July to mid-August).
- Kerala Kalamandalam is best visited on its guided “Day with the Masters” programme.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nalambalam temple circuit?
A pilgrimage of four temples dedicated to Rama and his brothers, traditionally visited in one day (especially in Karkidakam). Two are in Thrissur district — Koodalmanikyam at Irinjalakuda (dedicated to Bharata) and Thriprayar Sree Rama temple.
What is special about Kodungallur?
It was Muziris, the ancient Chera capital, and holds the Thiruvanchikulam Shiva temple, the Cheraman Juma Masjid (held to be the subcontinent’s oldest mosque) and the Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple — a rare concentration of early Kerala history.
Can you watch Kathakali training at Kerala Kalamandalam?
Yes — the academy at Cheruthuruthy runs a guided “A Day with the Masters” programme where visitors can watch students train in Kathakali and other classical arts.