When you picture going to Kochi, you usually think about fishing nets, serene shores and backwaters. However, if you actually visit the place, you will find much more in the small districts.The blocks have so much culture to offer; the wards provide a glimpse into the local lives of South Indians, and the smaller areas sparkle with rich heritage. One such popular spot worth visiting is Piravom. In this blog, we shall explore why and how Piravom can be an ideal place to visit if you are touring Kerala. We shall list down everything about this beautiful municipality blog in this blog:
About Piravom
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Piravom is a municipality in the Ernakulam district, Kochi, Kerala, India. The block is located 22 km south of the district collectorate near the Thrikkakara and 162 km north of the capital of the state, Thiruvananthapuram. According to the Census report, the block has a population of around 27,229 people. The population density is around 927/km2.
Piravom is popular, being an urban area, and is home to various temples and heritage places. Its strategic location makes it a hub for all commercial activities in the city of Kochi. The block is also reputed for good hotels and restaurants, and it is very popular with the Muvattupuzha River. The banks of the river make way for an ideal cluster of tourist places here, including various bridges and shorelines. Piravom is also home to famous educational institutes such as Holy Kings Public School, BPC College, Fatima Central School and Vivekananda Public School.
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Piravom History
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Before the Travancore Kingdom owned Piravom, it belonged to the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom. Today, it is a part of the Indian state of Kerala. After two years as a municipality, Piravom was downgraded to panchayat status in 1992 due to doubts that being classified as a municipality would result in increased tax rates and building regulations. However, the financial motivation for Piravom to continue as a panchayat has vanished because contemporary municipal councils now have the power to choose the tax rate and new building code provisions are now applicable to special-grade panchayats.
A unanimous vote was made by the Piravom local government to become a municipality. The Keralan government classed Piravom as a municipality in 2015. The GCDA and the Kerala state government intend to bring Cherthala in Alappuzha district, Mala and Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Thalayolaparambu and Vaikom in Kottayam district, and Perumbavoor, Piravom, and Kolenchery in Ernakulam district under the purview of Kochi city. The Kochi Metropolitan Regional Development Authority would be the new body in charge of the newly established metropolis.
Places To Visit In Piravom
There are many tourist places that one can enjoy exploring when in Piravom. Here is the list of these places:
1. Pazhoor Padippura
The first thing that springs to mind when discussing Kerala Astrology is PAZOOR PADIPPURA. In Kerala, the southernmost state of India, the word PADIPPURA refers to the building that is located at the main entrance of every traditional home. PAZHOOR is the name of a village in Piravom. Pazhoor Padippura is located 33 kilometres southeast of Kochi, in the Keralan town of Piravom. It is an astrological centre connected to the temple of Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil. It is estimated that the temple is around 1,800 years old. The Muvattupuzha River, which flows west from east, exhibits a singular phenomenon here: it alters its course as it approaches the temple. It retraces its course and flows east for a while before changing course once more and heading west and north. The temple would have been submerged underwater if the river had not altered its course.
There is a chamber at the PADIPPURA that is reserved for providing lodging to strangers who could stop here at night while travelling in the past. There is a tale around the PADIPPURA in PAZHOOR temple, which is regarded as the home of astrology. In actuality, there are two patippuras in the house that is now known as PAZHOOR PADIPPURA. One is located at the house’s east side entrance, while the other is on the west. The prophecies made while seated in these two patippuras are thought to come to pass.
2. Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil
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The Hindu Shiva temple Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil is situated in the town of Piravom in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. The complex is constructed in the style of Sandhara with four cardinal doorways. The granite stonework on the wall and plinth is complemented with a circular vimana made of sheet roofs and wood. The material of dwarapalakas is wood. Lord Shiva, the main deity, is facing east. The roof of Square Ardha Mandapa is adorned with exquisite wooden sculptures. At this temple, the Pranala has a standing Yaksha bearing at the tip, making it a typical elaborate Kerala form. It features some of the most noteworthy instances of ancient woodworking, depicting individuals from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavata Purana as well as a variety of situations from ancient stories. The temple was built around the year 1200 AD. The Kerala State Archaeology Department designated the temple as a protected monument in 1994 because of its structural and mural significance.
The temple was constructed using traditional Keralan architectural design. The temple’s magnificent architecture is highly renowned. The circular vimana’s remainder is made of sheet roof and wood, with the plinth and wall composed of granite stonework. The material of dwarapalakas is wood. Shivalinga, the main god of this temple, is facing east. The Ramayana, Mahabharata, and several other prominent Puranic stories are depicted on the temple walls. The temple was constructed in the year 1200 AD. Lord Shiva is the temple’s chief deity. Opening hours for the temple are 9 AM to 1 PM and 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM.
3. St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Piravom
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Known by many as Piravom Valiyapally, St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral is a well-known church that is a part of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Situated 35 kilometres east of Kochi at Piravom, on the eastern side of the Muvattupuzha River, is a hilltop where the church is situated. The early Syrian Christians erected the church in honour of Holy Mary. It is a Syrian Christian pilgrimage place located in Kerala. Situated 35 kilometres east of Kochi at Piravom, on the eastern side of the Muvattupuzha River, is a hilltop where the church is situated.
The primary festival in the church is Denaha, which is held on January 6 in honour of the holy baptism of Christ. The procession is the festival’s greatest feature. One of the main festivals celebrated here at the church on Easter Day is the “Paithel Nercha,”. Twelve newborns are the major attraction of the offering; they will sit with the priest who sanctifies it and get meals.
Other major festivals are the St. Mary celebration on August 15 and the celebration of St. George on May 7. This is one of the oldest and most well-known churches in Kerala. The church is decorated with all the majesty and beauty of nature. It is believed that the church existed before Christianity. It is the epicentre of hope and safety for the underprivileged, ill, desperate, penniless, and oppressed. The Church, which bears St. Mary’s name, is globally recognized as the Church of the Kings, or The Rajakkalude Pally. People come to this pilgrimage site from all across the nation, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, to find solace and peace.
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4. Areekal Waterfalls
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For those who wish to bask in the natural wonders of Piravom, the Areekal waterfalls are an ideal spot. This majestic waterfall is situated on the Thodupuzha-Ernakulam route in Pampakuda, approximately 35 kilometres from the centre of Ernakulam. Until recently, few tourists were aware of the Areekkal Waterfalls, which are situated in the Pampakuda Panchayat of the Ernakulam district. Following the Kerala government’s 2014 launch of the Areekkal tourism development project, it attracted the attention of the entire of southern India. Situated on the Piramadam-Vettimudu route, it rises to a height of around 100 feet, with the backdrop consisting of rubber plantations and forests.
Areekal Waterfalls is one of Pampakuda’s most popular domestic tourism destinations. The Mannathur Hills in Tirumaradi Panchayat is where the waterfall begins its journey. It descends over the rocks from a height of more than seventy feet. It is situated on all three levels, and beneath the third level is a gated area that is accessible to passing people. The Kochareekkal Caves, Mandalam Mount, Mayeeladam Para, Shoolam Waterfall, Pazhur Padipura, Pazhur Perumthrikovil Temple, and Piravam Valiya Palli are a few other noteworthy locations and popular tourist spots close to Areekkal Falls.
5. Chottanikkara Temple
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Chottanikkara Temple is a major site for worshipping Hindu Goddess Bhagavati Lakshmi in Piravom. She and her husband Maha Vishnu are believed to be living in Chottanikkara (Mahalakshmi). The temple legend regards the main deity as Lakshmi Narayana as well. The temple is categorised as one of the Vaishnavate tradition’s 108 Abhimana Kshethrams. The temple is renowned for its spiritual ambience and holy vibes. Chottanikkara and Sabarimala temples are the best examples of old vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculptures). These are dedicated to the greatest mother goddess of Hinduism and one of the most well-liked goddesses in Kerala, Sree Mahamaya Bhagavati. At Chottanikkara Devi (Melekavu Bhagavathi) temple, she is worshipped in three different forms: in the morning, as Mahasaraswati, dressed in white; in the noon, as Mahalakshmi, dressed in crimson; and in the evening, as Mahakali, dressed in blue.
In this temple, devotees recite the mantra “Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana, Lakshmi Narayana, Bhadre Narayana”. Goddess ‘Keezhkkaavu Bhagavathi’ is thought to be Bhadrakali in her Ugra or furious form. People with mental health issues frequently go to the temple since it is believed that Chottanikkara Devi heals her devotees. An evening ceremony known as guruthi pooja is performed to invite the goddess Mahakali. ‘Guruthi Pooja’ was once limited to Fridays. However, it’s a daily occurrence these days.
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Piravom is a gateway to a cultural land that offers amazing experiences. The block caters to all, be it a large family, a group of friends or couples. Be there and experience the magic of South Indian culture yourself. Plan your trip to Kochi and do not miss visiting the rich lands of Piravom.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Piravom
What makes Piravom So famous?
Piravom is famous for its central location in Kochi. It is the hub of tourism, travel and commercial activities in the area. Brimming with the natural landscape, the municipality block offers clean air, lush surroundings and serene views. Visitors often like the local food here that is served amidst a cultural vibe, hard to find anywhere else. The views of the majestic Muvattupuzha River make this place worth visiting. During sunset, the twilight embracing the water beds is worth appreciating.
How far is Piravom from the nearest beach?
There are no peaches in Piravom. However, it is somewhat close to the beach area of Kochi. By travelling around 45 to 50 km, you can reach the coastline by road from Piravom. You can then choose to spend time at beaches like Arthunkkal, Vaikom Beach, or Perinjanam Beach.
How is the weather in Piravom?
The weather in Piravom reflects the usual overall weather style of Kochi. Piravom’s climate is mild to slightly humid all year round because it is surrounded by immaculate green jewels. Summers are still very hot, but winters are mildly chilly and enjoyable.
How is the weather in Piravom?
Piravom is a developed area. Hence, there are plenty of lodging and accommodation options in this area. You can choose to stay at luxury or 3-star hotels or simply save money by choosing local hotels. Finding hotels is also easy as there is enough good road connectivity in this particular block of Ernakulam district.
How far is Piravom from Munnar?
Munnar is around 104 km far from Piravom. While the road distance is short, it takes around 3 hours to reach Munnar from Piravom due to the mountain roads of Munnar.
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