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Located on the banks of River Nila, The Thiruvilwamala Temple of Vilwadrinatha is an architectural and spiritual marvel dedicated to Lord Rama. The main idol of the presiding deity of Lord Rama is over 5 feet high and made from a rare stone called Pathalanjana Sila. There are two unique platforms for the elephants in the temple that make the place unique. There is the sacred Punarjani cave, a 150 m long tunnel located near the temple that is opened only once a year.
Location
Photo: Kelly / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Vilwadrinatha Temple is located in the Thiruvilwamala town of Thrissur city in Kerala. It is situated at a height of around 100 ft from the sea level on a peaceful and scenic hillock.
How To Reach
Photo: Mads Thomsen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Train: The nearest railway station is Thrissur Railway Station, about 30 km from the temple.
By Road: Thiruvilwamala is well-connected by road. You can drive or take a bus from Thrissur. State-run buses and private taxis are available from Thrissur to Thiruvilwamala.
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thrissur.
Places To Visit Near Thiruvilwamala Temple
There are several tourist places located near Thiruvilwamala Temple that one can visit after visiting the Thiruvilwamala Temple.
1. Guruvayur Temple
Photo: RanjithSiji / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Guruvayur, this Hindu temple is dedicated to the four-armed Lord Vishnu form, Lord Guruvayurappan. This place is an important place of worship for the Hindus in Kerala and is also known as Bhuloka Vaikunta or the Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth. The main festivals celebrated in the temple are a 10-day festival of Kumbham month, Ekadasi in the Vrishchikam month and Krishna Janmashtami in the Chingam month of the Malayalam Calendar. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.
Distance: 44.7 km from Thiruvilwamala
2. Vadakkumnathan Temple Grounds
Photo: Aruna / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Thrissur, this ancient temple is a classic example of Kerala-type architecture temples. There is a monumental tower located on either of the four sides of the temple along with a Koothambalam. There are many mural paintings painted on the inner side of the temple depicting different scenes from Mahabharata. Local lore believes that this was the first temple that was built by Lord Parshurama.
Distance: 32.2 km from Thiruvilwamala
3. Malampuzha Garden And Dam
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Palakkad district, Malampuzha Garden is the only rock-cut garden located in South India that was built by the renowned artist Nek Chand. The entire garden is built from broken bangle pieces, used cans, tins, tiles and many other waste materials. There are several trekking trails located in the vicinity for those looking for some adventure.
Distance: 32.2 km from Thiruvilwamala
4. Athirapally Waterfalls
Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikimedia Commons
Considered to be the most famous and largest waterfalls of Kerala, Athirapally Waterfalls leaves you with a sense of wonder at the crashing water and magnificence of nature. It is a perennial picnic spot with beautiful greenery. This waterfall is a part of the Chalakudy River in the Western Ghats near the entrance of Sholayar Forest Reserve. The place is also a favourite of ornithologists due to the rare and vibrant bird species that reside in the area.
Distance: 51.7 km from Thiruvilwamala
Where To Eat
Photo: Anil Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are several small eateries and stalls in Thiruvilwamala that serve homely meals and local snacks. Some of the popular options for the same are Fried King, Caramel Bake House, Taste of Village, Kuruthikode tea stall, Jayashree Hotel, Hotel Raja, Krishna Bakery and Sree Krishna Hotel.
Where To Stay
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Several luxury as well as budget hotels, resorts and homestays are located near the Thiruvilwamala Temple. Some of the popular ones that one can choose from are Anamala Serenity, Collection O Hotel Oak Tree, Royal Residency Park, Hotel Aramana, Athreya Living, Raj Residency and Thachoos Residency.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
When planning your trip to Thiruvilwamala Temple, consider an average cost of around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per person. This estimate includes travel, accommodation, meals, and local transportation, depending on your preferences and duration of stay.
Tips For Traveller
- Carry water, especially if visiting during the warmer months, as it can get quite hot.
- Be mindful of the temple’s rules and regulations, including photography restrictions.
- Familiarise yourself with local transport options like auto-rickshaws and buses for easy navigation.
- Don’t miss out on local Kerala dishes at nearby eateries for an authentic experience.
- While digital payments are becoming common, having cash on hand is useful for small purchases and offerings.
Thiruvilwamala Vilwadrinatha temple is a prime tourist destination with one of the rare Lord Rama temples of Kerala. The place especially comes alive during the Parakkottukavu festival that falls in the Malayalam month of medam. Some spectacular fireworks are held to purify the atmosphere, especially at huge gatherings. Visit this temple and experience the wonders offered by this small town with TripXL and create memories of a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unspalsh / Wikimedia Commons
