Kodungallur is best known as the ancient “Gateway of India”. Even in the fifth century, this town was famous for its trade ties with the rest of the world. It was here that the first mosque was built in 629 AD in the shape of a temple. Kodungallur has references in important Indian epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana. Booker prize winner Ms. Arundhati Roy also has used the place’s ancient religious references in her book “The God Of Small Things”. Kodungallur is a historical place situated in the district of Thrissur in Kerala.
History:
Kodungallur has its importance not just in Kerala, but in India as well. It was the ancient Gateway to India. It was here that the first mosque in India was built. The Syrian Church was established here in 9th century. It was an important base for the trading activity through the sea. Kodungallur is mentioned in the stone writings of Asoka as well and mention is found in the travelogues of Ptolemy.
Kodungallur was also the capital of Cheraman Perumal, the last Chera ruler, in the 7th century AD.
The maximum temperature here is 32 Degrees C and the minimum drops down to 20 Degrees C. The best time to visit Kodungallur is anytime between September and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
Kodungallur is in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Cochin International Airport [80 kms] is the closest to reach Thrissur. Another option is Thiruvanthapuram [300 kms].
Domestic Flights Cochin is the nearest airport. One can fly to Cochin [80 kms] to get to Thrissur, and from there Kodungallur is an easy drive of 40 kms.
International Flight:
Kodungallur is in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Cochin International Airport [80 kms] is the closest to reach Thrissur. Another option is Thiruvanthapuram [300 kms].
Road Travel The distance between Kodungallur and Thrissur is 40 kms. It falls on NH 17. Reaching Thrissur by road is a good option. It is very well connected by National Highways and State Highways. State Highway Number 22 connects to Thrissur from south via Koorkenchery and National Highway Number 17 reaches Thrissur via Sai Nagar from the west. One can also drive to Kodungallur from Coimbatore or Cochin. A lot of buses and road transportation operates from Cochin to Thrissur.
Train Travel There is no direct train to Kodungallur but, Kozikhode has a railway station that is well connected to the rail network. One can also travel by train upto Thiruvanthapuram which, being the state capital has an excellent network and connectivity of trains.
· Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva temple – This is one of the oldest Lord Siva temples in the South India. The ancient architecture is a marvelous example of the splendor of the by gone era. A grand festival by the name of "Anayottam" is celebrated in this temple.
· Edavilangu Sivakrishnapuram temple- One of the oldest temples in Kodungallur. The temple is under the Cochin Devaswam Board but now looked after by the devotees of Edavilangu. Here, Lord Siva and Krishna are the main idols of worship.
· St. Mar Thomas Church – Christ’s apostle St Thomas landed in Kodungallur in 52 AD. The St.Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics and is believed to be the first Christian church in India. It is a famous church and has great significance among the Christians.
· Cheraman Jama Masjid - built around 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar in the typical local style of architecture. Some of the original followers are said to have been buried here. This is said to be the first mosque constructed in India.
· Kodungallur Bagavathy temple - believed to have been constructed during the reign of Chera King, Cheran Senkuttuvan, is famous for its Bharani and Thalappoli festival. The temple requires the pilgrim to carry pepper and turmeric powder as one of the offerings to the deity.
Kodungallur is a slam town and accommodation facilities are limited. A better option would be to stay at Thrissur which is 40 kms away. There are a lot of hotels and resorts in Thrissur as it is one a popular tourist destination in Kerala.
The festivals of significance at Kodungallur are Makara Sankaranti and the Bharani Festival. Makara Sankaranti coinciding with Pongal in Tamilnadu is one of the important festivals at Kodungallur. The Kodungalloor Bharani festival is held in the month of March-April. People from all over the state come to Kodungallur to be a part of the festival.
