Vadakkechira, Thrissur

Vadakkechira in Thrissur district is one of the oldest ponds in Thrissur city. It was built by Shakthan Thampuran (1751-1805) and is one of Thrissur’s famous landmarks.[1] Members of the Cochin royal family and priests of the Ashokeswaram temple used to have bath at the ghats on the northern side of the pond, and the public at those on other sides. Elephants used to be bathed at ghats on the eastern side. The “kulapparas” and ghats for elephants are reminiscent of 18th and 19th century architecture.

The chira is a 4-hectare ecosystem complete with plants, birds, sacred groves and butterfly gardens. A walkway is on the southern side of the pond. The re-designed chira has sculptural seats, gateways (padippuras), pools, fountains, a gallery and a rock garden. Vadakkechira is home to many avian species, including small green barbet (Megalaima viridis), white-breasted water hen (Amaurornis phoenicurus), blue rock pigeon (Columba livia), bronze-winged jacana (Metopidius indicus), pond heron (Ardeola grayii), white-browed wagtail(Motacilla madaraspatensis), common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), common myna (Acridotheres tristis), little cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger), lesser whistling teal (Dendrocygna javanica) and little grebe (Podiceps ruficollis).

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