Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological 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 inluding 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. Today Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival. A cultural centre, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here.

A trip to Kerala is not complete without getting to Thrissur, a pavan pilgrimage town. Set amidst paddy fields, coconut and pineapple plantations. If you visit Kerala during the period of April and early May do not miss the spectacle of pooram procession - Kerala's most famous temple festival. Also there is the famous temple of Lord Krishna known as Guruvayoor.

Prime Attractions of Thrissur

» Archaeological Museum
(Town Hall Road): Open from 1000 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays and national holidays.

» Art Gallery
(2 km from Thrissur town): Open from 0900 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays.

» Art Museum
Located in the Zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. (Open 1000 - 17 00 hrs on all days except Mondays).

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

» Aquarium
This is near Nehru Park (open 15:00 - 20:00 hrs).

» Vilangankunnu (7 km from Thrissur)
This is a beautiful hill which is a good picnic spot.

» Arattupuzha
This village is known for the annual Pooram festival 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.

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

» Peechi dam
(20 km east of Thrissur): This picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi dam.

» 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.

» Kozhikode Beach
(29 km 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 Gods , 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 and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

» Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple
(21 km from Thrissur): Situated 10 km away from Irinjalakuda railway station, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Sri Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity. The colourful eleven day annual festival with a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants is held in April/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala.

» Cheruthuruthy
(32 km north of Thrissur): Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its Kathakali training centre. The music and dance academy was founded by the famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here.

» Ariyannoor temple, Kandanisserry
This temple has a carved entrance gable which has been compared to the wooden sculptures of American artist Louise Nevelson. The Siva temple at Thiruvanchikulam as well as the Sri Krishna temple at Thirukulashekharapuram are believed to be monuments from the 9th century.

» Athirapally
(63 km from Thrissur): At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, this 80 foot high waterfall is a popular picnic spot.

» Vazhachal
(68 km from Thrissur): Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river. Athirapally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala and favourite destinations of tourists.

» Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here you can see 3 shavakudeerams (tombs) including that of the renowned Shakthan Thampuran.

» Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungalloor
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 Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort.

» Saint Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor
St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the apostle houses holy relics from the olden days.

Shopping in Thrissur

Local handicrafts are textiles, brass work, bell-metal curios and fabulously crafted gold ornaments. Thrissur also produces beautiful silks. The shopping areas are at the bottom of the temple hill, in the Round where you can easily pick some great Keralan craft pieces.

How to get there

» Air
The nearest airport is at Cochin, 78 km away.

» Rail
Alleppey Railway Station. Connected by rail with Cochin.

» Road
Motorable roads connect Thrissur to several important centres.