Thrissur was formerly known as Trichur. It is centrally located in Kerala and is well connected by road and rail. It is situated 75 km north of Kochi, 133 km west of Coimbatore and 144 km south of Kozhikode. It offers a fantasy escapade into rich and vibrant cultural heritage of Kerala. This city is located 75 km north of Kochi, 133 km west of Coimbatore and 144 km south of Kozhikode. It has a population of 317,474 spread over an area of 101.42 km2. It is also known as ‘Cultural Capital of Kerala’. Thrissur can be an important part of your Kerala Tour.
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Thrissur is built around a 65-acre hillock called the Thekkinkadu Maidan, which seats the Vadakkumnathan temple. It is the cultural and spiritual center of the city that offers religious experiences, festivals along with historical and natural sights. Thrissur is the place where Christianity and Islam entered in India, when Apostle St. Thomas set foot 2,000 years ago and the country’s first mosque opened in the 7th Century. Thrissur is well known for the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colorful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala. The festival is held annually in April / May. It has a number of famous temples including the Thiruvambady temple, Vadakkumnathan temple and Paramekkavu temple apart from churches, the Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours. It is the venue of Pulikali during Onam celebrations also that is held every year in August / September. It is an important business center and leading shopping centers. It is known for silk and gold jewelry. A sizable number of domestic tourists visit here. It is not only the cultural nerve center of Kerala but also a major academic hub.
Thrissur Pooram Festival: This festival is celebrated in the Vadakkumnathan temple annually in the months of April-May. The major cultural attraction is the Thrissur Pooram festival. Poorams are Hindu Temple-centered festivals popular among Keralites and tourists. The Elephant – Umbrella Display competition is spectacular, as richly caparisoned elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas take the deity around the main temple. The passionate drum concerts and the spectacular firework displays are all part of the Pooram celebration.
Another attraction of this city is the “Puli Kali” on the fourth day of Onam Festival celebrations. It is a procession of different clubs from all over the city. Participants with tiger-striped body paint captivate the onlookers with their energetic dances. This city is widely acclaimed as the land of elephant lovers. Thrissur is also the birthplace of Indian Coffee House movement. The laid-back business culture of Thrissur is well known amongst the rest of Kerala.
THRISSUR SIGHTSEEING
Thrissur offers a wide choice of natural, cultural and religious places to explore. The natural locations stand 80 ft high Athirapally Waterfalls that are 63 km from Thrissur, 3 km further along the Chalakudy River is the Vazhachal Falls. You can also visit the largest elephant park in the world at Punnathurkotta Elephant Sanctuary. If your interest is in history then there is the Kerala-Dutch style Sakthan Thampuran, Vadakkekara Palace, Kudakkallu and over 4000 year-old umbrella rocks of Chiramanangad. The Archeological Museum and the Art Museum is a repository of ancient woodcarvings, metal sculptures and jewellery etc. Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy is founded to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kathakali and Mohiniattom that is worth visiting. Moreover, you may also visit Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple at Chavkkad at 29 km and Mummiyur temple at one km away that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its wall paintings and exquisite sculptures along with Vadakkumnathan temple that is built in classical Kerala style of architecture.
The Vadakunnathan Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a perfect example of Kerala temple architecture style. Legend has it that the temple was built by sage Parasurama, who raised the land of Kerala from ocean depths. This temple also has some of the most beautiful 17th century murals from Indian epics done in natural colors. It was constructed in 8th century AD; a thick and lofty masonry wall defines the temple’s boundaries with massive pagoda shaped gateways on all the four sides that provide a marvelous backdrop of the pageantry of the famous Trichur Puram festival, held in April-May every year. This temple has three sanctum sanctorum, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vadakunathan, Sri Sankaranarayanan and Sri Rama.
Archeological Museum: The museum housed in Kollengode Palace, an architectural marvel built in the traditional and western fusion architecture style, has a spectacular display of priceless artifacts. It consists an impressive collection of Stone Age weapons, excavated artifacts from Indus valley and Harappa sites, megalithic burial Urns, excavated relics from the ancient port of Crangannore, stone and bronze sculptures from 10th to 18th century, temple models etc. The gallery on traditional Kerala mural arts displays extensive copies of murals collected from palaces and temples all over the state. “Veerakallu” or hero stones gallery displays carved stone figurines of ancient tribal war heroes from Wayanad and Thrissur forest belts.
Guruvayoor: It is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala that is also known as Dwaraka of south. It is located at a distance of 32 km from Thrissur. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple known as ‘Guruvayoor Ambalam’. In the outer enclosure there is a 33.5-meter high gold-plated flag post and 7 meter high pillar of lamp. The temple, shrouded in mystery and legends, is said to house the idol of Sri Krishna worshipped by Lord Brahma at Dwaraka. According to another belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu the Lord of Winds. The temple is widely renowned for its healing powers and is a preferred site to hold Hindu weddings. The entry to the temple is restricted and only Hindus are allowed to enter the premises.
Zoo & Art Museum: The zoo and art museum are located in a sprawling 13.5-acre wooded land with beautiful landscape and rich flowerbeds. The zoo is home to a large number of endangered animals including lions, tigers, Indian sloth bear etc. The reptile park is said to be one of the largest in India housing the mighty Indian king cobra, vipers, pythons etc. The art museum inside the zoo compound has a good collection of religious idols, sculptures, antique jewellery and traditional Kerala lamps. This museum is a real treat to art connoisseurs, offering a gateway into the artistic legacy of Kerala.
Shakthan Thampuram Palace: This palace is also known as Vadakkechira Palace that was built in 1795 in Kerala and Dutch fusion architecture style. The palace was inhabited by Sakthan Thampuram during his reign as the king of Cochin. This era is acclaimed by historians as the “golden era” of Cochin. This palace, which has witnessed to the historic milestones of Cochin, has now been converted into a museum. The museum has rich collection of invaluable artifacts classified as bronze gallery, sculpture gallery, utensils gallery, numismatics gallery, history gallery and megalithic gallery. The palace complex also has an ancient sacred serpent grove, where Hindu devotees offer prayers to the serpent gods.
Our lady of Doloures Basilica: This majestic gothic basilica dedicated to our Lady of Sorrows is acclaimed to be one of the tallest and biggest churches in Asia. The shrine has some exquisite frescoes and wall paintings on biblical themes. The huge dome on top of the main altar is adorned with paintings done in vibrant colors on the apostles, Mater Dolorosa and the seven dolours of the Blessed Virgin. The church has vaulted ceiling and encloses the main altar of our Lady of Doloures and 15 beautiful side altars.
Peechi dam & Vazhani wildlife sanctuary: It is nestled amidst verdant hills and green forests; Peechi dam offers mesmerizing beauty in its pristine glory. This dam is built on Manali River that is located at a distance of 23 km from Thrissur. There are botanical gardens and lush green forests. You may also avail boat services to enjoy lush green forests along with the glimpse of abundant wildlife. Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary is a safe haven for Tigers, Elephants, Leopards and Indian Wild Dogs etc. This sanctuary is also a treasure trove of rare plants of medicinal value and variety of exotic orchids.
Athirapally & Vazhachal waterfalls: These majestic waterfalls tucked inside the lush green forests of Sholayar consist immense natural beauty. These are located at a distance of 65 km from Thrissur inside the dense evergreen forest ranges of Sholayar. Athirapally, the tallest amongst the two, cascades down from a height of 80 feet. You may enjoy the breathtaking natural splendor.
Arattupuzha: This village is known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple in April/May. The temple festival is a rich spectacle of 61 caparisoned tuskers bearing bright colored traditional umbrellas and parasols. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighboring temples to this village.
Anakkayam: It is a beautiful lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants, which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.
Nattika Beach: It is situated 30 km from Thrissur. It is a wide and virgin beach blessed with endless stretch of golden sand and graciously swaying palm trees. This picturesque place is suited for beach holidays.
Punnathur Kotta: It is located close to Guruvayoor where temple elephants of Guruvayoor are taken care of. In this sanctuary, elephants are prepared and trained for the various rituals and festivals linked with the temple. The Guruvayoor temple gets many elephants as offerings from pious devotees. In Punnathur Kotta elephant venerations including elephant worship and Elephant feeding are celebrated with fervor and gaiety. This is the home of 50 temple elephants that offers unusual spectacles.
Kerala Kala Mandalam: Kerala Kala Mandalam in Cheruthuruthi is located at a distance of 33 km from Thrissur. This center for learning was the vision of the eminent Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon for preserving and promoting Kerala’s exotic dance forms. This center was established in 1930 is now a deemed university for art and culture offering training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal and Panchavadyam.
Palayur Church: Acclaimed as the oldest church in India> It is one of the earliest of seven churches founded by Apostle St Thomas in 52 AD. This church is located at a small distance from Guruvayoor and has some exquisite stone lambs and a silver statue of St Thomas. Novena and mass is offered in the honor of St. Thomas every Tuesday drawing pilgrims from all over the state.
Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple: This is the only temple in India dedicated to legendry Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama. The temple is located in Irinjalakuda at a distance of 21 km from Thrissur with only one idol for worship that is the specialty of this temple. It has beautiful murals in natural colors and exquisite wood works on the sanctum walls.
Cheraman Juma Mosque: This mosque located in Kodungallur in Thrissur district is considered to be the oldest mosque in India and the second oldest mosque in the world. This magnificent mosque built in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar is constructed in the traditional Hindu temple architecture style. The burning sanctuary lamp of this mosque is said to be more than a thousand years old. Legends link this historic mosque to the Chera King Cheraman Perumal who embraced Islam in the 7th century AD.
THINGS TO DO IN THRISSUR
Kerala Kala Mandapam: “A Day with the Masters” is a unique Cultural Tourism initiative promoted jointly by Kala Mandalam and the Kerala Tourism Department. Under this a visitor can spend a whole day inside Kala Mandalam – a repository of Kerala’s rich tradition, learning about various indigenous art forms.
Ayurvedic Spas: A visit to Thrissur is never complete without a visit to one of those rejuvenating Ayurvedic spas. There are different sorts of treatments available to rejuvenate your body and soul. Treat yourself and indulge in this amazingly refreshing Ayurveda spa experience.
Boating: It is a popular way to explore the mesmerizing greenery and picture perfect beauty of Peechi dam and Vazhani wildlife sanctuary. Private boats could be hired on hourly basis to explore this beautiful area and to spot some wildlife.
Trekking: It is a popular sport around the Athirapally- Vazhachal waterfalls area. The unique ecosystem of the region can be best experienced with a trekking expedition through the evergreen forests. Trekking through this fascinating jungle crisscrossed with narrow silver streams and small waterfalls is a real treat to the nature lovers. It also brings to life some of the most amazing spectacles of nature.
Kathakali: The dance-drama of Kathakali is a temple art form re-enacting stories from the Hindu epics. The characters are attired in elaborate costumes with brightly painted faces. You may catch a glimpse of this exotic dance-drama in one of the various centers located in and around Thrissur.
THRISSUR ACCESS
By Air: The nearest airport is at Cochin, 78 km away.
By Rail: Thrissur is linked to most major towns inside and outside Kerala.
By Road: Motorable roads connect Thrissur to several important centers.
THRISSUR CLIMATE
Thrissur city enjoys a tropical climate with minor differences in temperatures throughout the year. Summer lasts from March to May, and is followed by the southwest monsoon season from June to September. October and November form the retreating monsoon season. Winter from December through February is slightly cooler and windy.
Best Season to Visit: Throughout the year, except the monsoons. The city is drained in the monsoon season by heavy showers. The average annual rainfall is 2900 mm. On an average, there are 124 rainy days in a year. The maximum average temperature of the city in the summer season is 35 degree Celsius while the minimum temperature recorded is 22.5 degrees Celsius. The winter season records a maximum average of 32.3 degree Celsius and a minimum average of 20 degree Celsius.
