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Introduction
Kodungalloor is a small country town located 35 kilometers to the south of Thrissur District in Kerala. Surrounded by enchanting backwaters and the vast sea, this coastal town is a prominent tourist location and a tour to Kodungalloor is well worth including in your Kerla holiday itinerary. In ancient times, Kodungalloor was an important port of the Chera rulers of South India and it enjoyed extensive trade relations with numerous countries in the West and the Middle East. It came to be considered as the first "Trade Emporium in India".
Kodungalloor's popularity among tourists is largely attributed to its famous temples and churches. Prominent among these are the Bhagavathy and Thiruvanachikulam temples and the Cheraman Juma Masjid (mosque) - believed to be the first mosque built in India. The followers of Hazrat Mohammad - the pioneer of Islamic religion, possibly landed here when came to India for the first time. Kodungalloor is also home to an ancient Portuguese fort. St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ had also supposedly landed here and later established the St. Thomas Church.
The Bharani festival is a popular festival celebrated at Bhagavati Temple in the month of Meenam (March/April) every year. A large number of devotees embark on a tour to Kodungalloor during this festival as it is considered to be a very auspicious one. Bharani festival marks the largest congregation of oracles seen anywhere in Kerala.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest aiport is Cochin International Airport, about 30 km.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is at Irinjalakuda, about 20 km.
By Road: Kodungalloor is accessible by bus from Thrissur's Shakthan Thampuran bus stand.
Tourist Attractions
Bhagavathy Temple - This historic temple is an important destination on your tour to Kodungalloor. It is believed to have been built by Chera ruler Senguttuvan. The idol of Devi Bhagavati is in the guise which she had assumed when she defeated the demon Darika. The Bharani Festival held here during March/April is one of the grandest in Kerala. Thousands of devotees from all parts of the state gather to celebrate Bharani with great devotion and festivities.
Cheraman Juma Masjid - This mosque resembles a Hindu Temple and is located 2 km from Kodungalloor town. It was built in 629 AD and is considered the first mosque in India where Juma prayers started being carried out. The wooden interiors of the masjid bear a Kerala oil lamp right in the center which is considered very holy.
St.Thomas Church - St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ established the first Christian church in India - St. Thomas Church. A religious monument of great significance, this church contains many ancient relics.
Tourtoindia.com offers online information for your tour to Kodungalloor and to other regions in Kerala India. For further information or for booking a Tour to any place in India, please enter your queries in the form below.
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