Pilgrim Circuit to push domestic tourist inflow

KANNUR: As part of the Thalassery Heritage Project, which is on a revival mode, there will be a pilgrim circuit connecting major historical pilgrim centres in Thalassery and nearby areas. The circuit is expected to boost the domestic tourist inflow to the place. The project will not only serve as one of the highlights of the larger Heritage project, but also help in creating awareness about the spiritual and cultural richness of the place which is already known for its glorious imperial past.

Some of the major centres connecting together as part of the proposed plan of  the circuit are Thiruvangad Sree Rama Temple- one of the four major Sree Rama Temples in Kerala, Sree Jagannath Temple erected by Sree Narayana Guru in 1908, Kathirur Suryanarayanan Temple- the only sun temple in Kerala with the deity blessing in the form of Lord Maha Vishnu, the 200 year-old Odathil Mosque which is one of the few surviving mosques resembling the temple architectural style and St John’s Anglican Church constructed in 1867.

“Apart from the major pilgrim centres in and around the City, the circuit can be further extended to places like Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple and the famed Muzhakkunnu Mridanga Saileswari Temple.  Using modern technological aids like mobile applications, tourists can digitally understand and appreciate these places and understand the history and importance without the help of a guide,” said Vivek P.P, who is heading the architects’ team in charge of the design for the Thalassery Heritage Project.

Thalassery Heritage Circuit Tourism Project, launched when Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was the tourism minister, was halted due to many reasons in the last five years. The project is getting a rebirth with the efforts of the Thalassery MLA A.N Shamseer and aid has been granted in the recently presented state budget.