Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is called the cultural capital of kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of south india. 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 thrissur town.


Places To Visit In Thrissur

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 pieces 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 entry into the temple.

Guruvayoor : 29 kms west of thrissur, guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala. Its main attraction is the sree krishna temple. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of guru, the preceptor of the goods, and vayu, the god of winds.

The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 m high dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous 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, lord ayyappa.

Arattupuzha : This village is known for the annual Pooramfestival at the temple in April/May. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring temples to this village.

Town hall : Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display.


Tourist Attractions

Pooram Festival : The annual Pooram festival held in April/ May , is one of the biggest in the south. It include fireworks, colourful processions and brightly decorated elephants. This festval was first introdused by Sakthan Thamburan, the maharaja of the former state of Kochi.

Kerala Kalamandalam : This important academy of arts 32km north-east of Trissur at Cheruthuruthy was founded in 1930 by the late poet Vallathol Narayana Menon and his associate Manakkulam Mukunda Raja.

Koodal Manikyam Temple : This temple is dedicated to Bharata, the loyal and selfless hero and strong supporter of Rama. The diety at the temple is said to embody the joy rapture experienced by Bharata, when he learned of reunion of Rama and Sita. It's believed that this is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharata and devotees claim miraculous cures from disease and ill health. 

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.

Kerala Forest Research Institute : This institute, estsblished in 1975, undertake research on a range of issues including medical plants, entomology, clonal propagation of plants, disease control and methods for reforestation.

Peechi Dam : 20 km east of Thrissur, this picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur. 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.

Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple : Situated 10 km from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, this ancient temple is perhaps the only one in India dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Sree Rama. The eleven-day Annual Festival featuring a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants (held in April/May), marks the end of the festival season in Kerala.

Ariyannoor Temple : This temple has a carved entrance gable, which has been compared to the sculptures of American artist, Louise Nevelson. The Sree Krishna Temple at Thirukulashekharapuram as well as the Siva Temple at Thiruvanchikulam are believed to belong to the 9th century.

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.

Cheraman Juma Masjid : Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town, this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in 629 AD, this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchidulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese Fort.


How To Reach There

Nearest international airport is at Nedumbassery, 58 kms away.Thrissur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.The place is well connected with almost all the major towns and cities of India.