Vadakkechira lake, well actually a pond instead of a lake, is one of the four largest ponds in Thrissur district constructed by Shaktan Thampuam, the Maharaja of Cochin Dynasty. It is one of the major landmarks of Thrissur tourism, which is currently owned by Cochin Devaswom Board. Maharaja built these ponds for water management and to satisfy the irrigation needs of the people in Thrissur.
The four ponds were called as Vadakkechira, Padinjarechira, Thekkechira and Kizhakkechira. The members of the royal family and priests of the temple usually took baths in the northern end of the pond and the common public used the other sides. Vadakkechira lake is surrounded by foundations, pools, seats, rock gardens and a gallery. M.M Vinod Kumar was the man behind this re-resigning of the pond surroundings with sculptural seats and others. Indian Institute of Architects has awarded a special jury to this architect. One can get a clear, pristine view of the pond from any of these neighbouring attractions and could make a trip of the whole package.
Besides being just a pond, Vadakkechira is an ecological unit spreading across 4 hectares with plants, birds, sacred groves and butterflies. An evening outing to Vadakkechira lake would be a bewildering experience among the natural vegetation along with the marvel of this large pond with historical and cultural significance.
