Thrissur Thrissur is regarded as the cultural capital of Kerala, a beautiful coastal region of southwest India with a history deeply rooted in the spice trade. Thrissur, the name derived from ‘Tiru-Shiva-Perur’ (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is the cultural capital of Kerala. The town is built around a hillock top. Its most prominent feature is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple which has Shiva as it presiding deity. Physiography 54 km long coastal area. South East corner of the District is bounded by Tamil Nadu. Mountains-Machad, Paravattani, Palapalli, Kodeswary & Athirapalli. The Periyar, The Chalakudy, The Karuvannur and The Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the District. Temples The Vadakummnathan temple is the most important attraction of the city. The giantic temple and historical structures have more than 1000 years of tales to tell. However the temple allows only Hindu devotees inside the complex and hence adherents of other religions can just have a glimpse from outside or take a photo in front of the massive gate tower, constructed in true specimen of Kerala architecture. Shakthan Thampuran Palace Named as Vadakkechira Palace, was reconstructed in Kerala-Dutch style in 1795 by Sri. Ramavarma Thampuran of the erstwhile Princely State of Cochin, well as Sakthan Thampuran(Greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty) is preserved by Archaeological Department. Archeological & Art Museum It has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers. Thrissur Zoo It is a major attraction for children and students with a variety of animals. There is a special building which houses snakes. Appan Thampuran Smarakam Established in 1976 at Ayyanthole where Sri. Ramavarma Appanthampuran who lived the Kumarapuram Palace. This is also a cultural museum. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores The 1875-built Roman Catholic Minor Basilica is locally called Puthen Palli. The 140 ft long steeple is visible from anywhere in the town. The chapel has 15 altars. It boasts of neo Gothic spires and the largest interior of any church in South India with a lot of mural paintings on the walls and ceilings. Vilangan Kunnu This hillock has been converted by the tourism department as an amusement park. While grown ups relish the scenic splendor from the hill top. Children can relax and play to their hearts. Lot of people use this place for their morning walk. Early in the morning walking to the top of hillock is a good exercise. View from top of the hill is really good especially at the time of sun rise and sun set. Now this place is under control of Thrissur District Tourism promotion Council and they charge nominal fee for admission to amusement park and parking the vehicle. Guruvayur Temple Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the town of Guruvayur in Thrisur . Anakotta – Guruvayoor Elephant Sanctuary Anakotta (aka anathavalam) is a unique place – a world of elephants of different sizes and natures. Some are gentle and friendly, some are indifferent while a few are aggressive enough to be severely restricted by chains. Thrissur Pooram The most colourful temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the State and even outside. Celebrated in Madom (April-May) it consists of processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighbouring temples to the Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur. The most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at Thiruvanbadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu which is quite a significant event for its devotees. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of the erst while Kochi State. Perhaps, there is no other festival in Kerala that draws such an unbelievable number of people to a single event. However Vadakkunnathan is a mere spectator at this festival, lending its premises and grounds for the great event. The pooram festival is also well known for the magnificient display of fire works. Fire works start in the early hours and the dazzling display last three to four hours. The Pooram Festival is celebrated by two rival groups representing the two divisions of Thrissur Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi vying with each other in making the display of fireworks grander and more colourful. Each group is allowed to display a maximum of fifteen elephants and all efforts are made by each party to secure the best elephants in South India and the most artistic parasols, several kinds of which are raised on the elephants during the display. Commencing in the early hours of the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day. The procession of the Thiruvambadi Pooram to the grounds of Vadakkumnatha Temple and back is not only important, but also quite enlivening. The marvellous as well as magical effect of the Panchavadyam, a combination of five precussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed. Tourist places in Thrissur Athirappilly Falls, (63 km from Thrissur) This 80 feet high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. Two amusement parks, DreamWorld and SilverStorm, are located nearby Vazhachal, (a short drive from Athirapilly). Close to dense forests and a part of the Chalakudy river. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary 23 km from city. It is very unique in being the largest elephant park in the world with over 60 elephants. Peechi Dam, (20 km from city). It is a good picnic spot. Chavakad Beach 25 km. A sea shore for rare scenic beauty. Acknowledged as one of the best beaches along the west coast. Kerala Kalamandalam, (30 km). It is in Cheruthuruthy and was founded by the Poet Sri. Vallathol Narayana Menon, to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattom. edit Kallayikkunnu (30 km away, near to Kunnamkulam, exactly 2.5 km from Kunnamkulam on Kozhikode road). This hill station is also known as narimadakkunnu. This is a beautiful place. Many newly married couples prefer this place for still and moving photography, while many film makers also prefer this place for song scenes. Its a place of natural beauty.and it is very attractive. a chola provided in the narimadakkunnu. Snehatheeram Beach (Around 25kms away, in Thalikulam of Thrissur District in Kerala State of India. It lies on the coast of Arabian Sea and attracts domestic tourists in every season.
