Kodumgallur, a busy city in the district of Thrissur in Kerala, is renowned for its port and the temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. A historically important town, Kodungallur was a part of famous Muziris and was the capital of the Cheraman Kings during 7th AD. It was an established trade link in the Indian sea trading. It had regular trade links with Syria, Asia Minor, Egypt and many other Middle East countries during the pre-historic periods. The city was known for exports of many spices, the prime item was pepper, known as yavana priya. Kodungallur was the cultural and religious gateways for Christianity, Islam and also for the foreign rulers.
Muziris was refereed in many epics and ancient literature like Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Chilappathikaram and Akananuru. This had got valuable mentioning in the travelogues of Ptolemy and Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy. This had even recorded in the stone writings of Asoka.
It is believed that Thomas the Apostle of Jesus had landed in Cranganore (present Kodungallur) in AD 52 to spread Christianity in India. The first Christian church in India was built in this place. The first Muslim religious place in India, the Cheraman Juma Masjid was also built in Kodungallur in 629 AD.
Present Kodungallur is a destination for tourists looking for natural beauties, historically important locations and religious visits. The city engulfed by the Arabian Sea and Periyar River is a perfect place for nature tourism. Kodungallur Bharani is an important festival in the city drawing millions of devotees. There are many attractions in this holy city perfectly suitable for outings.
Air: The nearest airport to Kodungallur is at Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, at a distance 35 km away. Taxi services are available from Kochi to Kodungallur costing about Rs 500. Kochi airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Rail: The nearest railhead to Kodungallur is located at Iringalakuda, at a distance of 16 km away. Iringalakuda is well connected with other major railway stations. It is in the main route connecting Kochi and Palaghat. Taxi services are available from railway station to Kodungallur at a fare of about Rs 300.
Road: Kodungallur is well connected by KSRTC buses and private transport buses. The city is connected to Kochi (35 km), Thrissur (38 km) and Guruvayur (45 km). Tourist deluxe luxury buses are available from many cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum and Kozhikode to Kodungallur.