title: Chowannur
text: # Chowannur
  
  Chowannur is a place in Thrissur district, state of Kerala, India.
  
  ## Government
  
  Kunnamkulam Municipality
  
  Chowannur Grama Panchayat
  
  Porkulam Grama Panchayat
  
  Chowannur Block Panchayat - Villages in Chowannur Block Panchayat, Choondal, Chowannur, Kadangode, Kadavallur, Kandanassery, Kattakampal, Porkulam, and Velur
  
  ## Place to Visit
  
  Chowannur Burial Cave is a prehistoric Megalithic rock cut cave situated in Chowannur. It is entered through a recessed opening on the east. The other sides of its chamber are circular and its vault hemispherical. On its northern and southern sides are two benches and there are five circular blocks along the western side of the chamber, which appear to be intended as stands for vessels. Archaeological Survey of India has declared this cave as centrally protected monument.
  
  Kalasmala is also known as Kallazhi Kunnu, Narimada Kunnu. Located in Akathiyoor, Part of Chowannur in Porkulam Pachayat. Kalasamala is a heavenly abode and a biodiversity heritage site (One of the five in the State, other four are Iringole near Perumbavur in Ernakulam District, Paliyeri Mookambika Temple in Karivellur near Kannur, Connolly Teak Plantation in Nilambur, Malappuram District and Pathiramanal Island near Muhamma in Alappuzha District). The view from the hill-top is enchanting.
  
  Kalasamala is a temple grove where the deities are Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The grove spread over in 3.5 acres is jammed with 110 critically endangered tree species known as Kulavetti or Vathamkollin in local language and Syzygium travancoricum scientifically which is included in the IUCN Red list. According to the Red list only less than 200 trees are left in the world.
  
  There is a natural cave in the Kalasamala hill-top dating back to the Stone Age which is known as Narimada (the abode of Tiger). A temple surrounded by dense shola forest is an added attraction here.
  
  Kalasamala has now become a tourist destination and cinema shooting place as it offers nature in its totality. Famous movies listed Ponthan Mada, Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan
  
  ## Churches and Temples
  
  Kallazhy Temple
  
  Siva Temple
  
  Panthaloor Temple
  
  Kalasa Mala Chirayil Temple
  
  St. Thomas Catholic Church - The Tomb of Rev. Fr. Augustine John Ukken. Fr Augustine John Ukken was the parish priest here from 1928 till 1953, with a brief gap of 2 years. When he died in 1956, his body was buried inside the church.
  
  St.Gregorios Orthodox Syrian Church
  
  St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Ayyamparambu
  
  ## Transport
  
  There are two State Highways pass through Chowannur. SH50 is connect Chavakkad - Wadakkanchery in south and SH69 which is connecting Thrissur - Kuttippuram in north.
  
  ## Notable Persons
  
  * Rev. Fr. Augustine John Ukken
  * Antony Eastman
  
  ## Distance to Nearest Cities
  
  Thrissur - 23 km
  
  Guruvayur - 10 km
  
  Chavakkad - 12 km
  
  Wadakkanchery - 19 km
  
  Kuttippuram - 29 km
  
  