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Thrissur

TRICHUR - KERALA CULTURAL CAPITAL

Thrissur (Trichur), with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth, is rich in cultural activities.

From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of south India. Trichur (Thrissur), the name derived from 'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is the cultural capital of Kerala.

Its most prominent feature is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple, which has Shiva as its presiding deity. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Trichur town.

Today, Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram Festival, which is one of the biggest festivals of Kerala. Built around a hillock top, Trichur (Thrissur) houses the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Nataka Academy.

Prime Attractions of Trichur (Thrissur)

Aarattupuzha Pooram The famous Ayyappa temple at Aarattupuzha is just 14 kms from Trichur (Thrissur), and celebrates its annual pooram festival during March. more..

Kerala Kalamandalam The state's flagship training school for Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous performing arts of Kerala, Kalamandalam was founded in 1927 AD by the revered poet Vallathol. more..

Macchattu Vela 'Machattuvela' also known as 'Machattu Mamangam', is celebrated with great pomp, pageantry and splendour on the last day of the five-day annual festival at Machattu Thiruvanikavu Temple near Vadakkancherry, Thrissur. more..

Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary The Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary comprising of the dense, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests is situated in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. more..

Soochipara Waterfalls Soochipara Waterfalls is located 22 kms from Hotel Green Gates. On alighting the vehicle, one can reach the waterfalls after a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad. more..

Thriprayar Temple Thriprayar Temple, located south of Trichur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight. more..

Thrissur Pooram Trichur (Thrissur) is best known for its mammoth Pooram Festival, which is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. Thrissur (Trichur) Pooram is held in the Malayalam month of Medam (April- May). Devotees and spectators from all parts of the state and even outside, throng the 'Pooram'. more..

Vadakkumnathan Temple One of the oldest temples in the state, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and works of art. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival, celebrated annually in April- May. The fireworks at the Pooram are a spectacular sight. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. more..

Aquarium Close to the Nehru Park. Open 03.00 - 08.00 pm

Archaeological Museum, Thrissur Located on the Town Hall Road, the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and national holidays

Art Museum, Trichur Located in the zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of woodcarvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. Open 10.00 am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.

Christian Divine Retreat Centres They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route.

Peechi Dam 20 km east of Trichur, this picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Trichur. Built across the Manali River, the dam is a vast catchment area of nearly 3200 acres with extensive botanical gardens and cascading fountains offer numerous inviting avenues for tourists.

Saint Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloorm St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here one can see three tombs (Shavakudeerams) including that of Shakthan Thampuran, the greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty.

Town Hall Houses the picture gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display.

Vilangankunnu The Children's Park on this beautiful hillside picnic spot offers amusement rides. It remains open from 07:00 am uptil 07:00 pm

Zoo Situated 2 kms from Trichur (Thrissur) town, it is open from 9.00am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.

Guruvayoor Temple

Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala.

The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.

In Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for infants).

It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a historic movement demanding temple entry rights for the 'so called' lower castes.
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The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine.

In the 'Chuttambalam' (outer enclosure) is a 33.5-m tall gold-plated 'Dwajastambham' (flagpost). There is also a 7 m high 'Deepastambham' (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brillant spectacle, when lit.

The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Punnathoorkotta, which is at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is home of 50 temple elephants, offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm.