Ramadan holidays are here. And as family and friends come together, it is ideal to pack up your picnic hamper and go on a two day trip. We give you a list of four places in and around Thrissur that you can drive off to enjoy a quick break. Just don't forget to pack your umbrellas.
1) Go for a ride on the Kochi Metro
Kochi now is a metro city. And don’t you want to experience a ride on this small solar powered metro train that runs between Aluva and Palarivattom? It is a unique experience. Each of the stations is tastefully done up. Here’s our quick guide to what you can do and not do while riding on the metro. And once you are done with a trip on the metro, you can explore Ernakulam or go on a trip to Athirappilly or to Kodungaloor.
Indepth coverage of Kochi Metro
2) A rainy day in Sholayar ranges
This is a complete family outing. Drive up to Athirappilly. While mothers and aunties can sit around and catch up on the latest family gossip, you can walk down to the base of the waterfall and be taken in by its sheer size. Charpa, which is nonexistent in the summer becomes a roaring cascade during the monsoons. DTPC will organize monsoon walks, keep a look out in the local newspaper for updates.
Also read: A rain-drenched day around Sholayar forest range
Additional activity:
#1) If you are up to it, drive from Athirappilly up through Vazhachal to Valparai. Stay in Valparai and return the next day. Click here to read about the road-trip through these beautiful ranges. Also read: A ride through Athirappilly to Valparai
#2) There are various theme parks around Athirappilly and Vazhachal, the kids will enjoy the fun rides.
3) Parambikulam
Get closer to nature. The wildlife sanctuary is about 126 km from Thrissur and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Even though it is a tiger reserve, you will see a variety of birds including the grey-headed fishing eagle, Nilgiri wood pigeon, great black woodpecker, and elephants. You can go for a trek in the woods and walk up to the Karimala Gopuram in the south, or east to Vengolimala to catch a glimpse of the Nilgiri tahr. The view from Thunukadavu is spectacular, to say the least. And now that it has started raining, the forests will be lush green.
There are tree houses at Parambikulam and it is still not too late to try your luck to get a room.
For further details, contact: The Wild Life Warden, Parambikulam Wildlife Division, Phone: +91 4253 277233
4) A bit of history in and around Kodungaloor
If you are a history buff, go on a trip across the ancient Muziris. The oldest mosque in Kerala, the Cheraman Juma Masjid is worth a visit this Ramadan. It will be crowded due to the festive season. Get on a hop- on - hop -off boat that passes through the various places of interest on the Muziris circuit. You can travel to Kochi and go for a ride on the Metro or if that does not catch your fancy, go spend an evening at Cherai beach.
