Also known as Trichur is the cultural capital of Kerala. Thrissur has a rich history, cultural heritage and archealogical wealth. Vadakkumnathan Temple – One of the oldest temples in the state, 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. 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. 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. It has a large number of well known temples around, including Guruvayur, Thriprayar, Kodungaloor and Irinjalakkuda. 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.
Aptly called the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is home to not just the museum and archeological museum, Thrissur but also to ‘Kerala Kalamandalam’- the illustrious school that teaches and practices all the brilliant traditional art forms of Kerala. Thrissur is also famous for the breathtaking waterfalls at Athirapally & Vazhachal, and the variety rides at the water park there. The Peechy dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Vazhani dams are also famous picnic spots.
The State Museum
is of great archeological significance. The Museum displays among other amazing artifacts, temple models, stone sculptures, old coins and reproductions of some of the murals at renowned churches.
The Museum is open from 10am to 5pm IST and closed on Monday.
Vadakkumnadha Ksheethram
This temple is a celebrated landmark of the district, the hill on which it has been built forms the reference point for directions to get anywhere in Thrissur. The temple complex that accommodates many shrines, has many figurines and sculptures that talk volumes of the artistic abilities of the Malayalee craftsmen. The building, the stone carvings and woodwork are all done in typical Kerala style. It is at the courtyards of this Kshetram (temple) that all the processions congregate on the day of the very famous Thrissur Pooram celebrations. This festival that is celebrated once every April- May is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears and an event that attracts people from far and wide. The celebrations are grand with fireworks, colourful processions and brightly decorated elephants and panchavaadyam.
ST. Thomas Church
This is a beautiful house of worship that dates back to the 17 th century. The brilliant work in stone and wood is definitely worth seeing.
Kerala Forest Research Institute
It was in Thrissur that the state government chose to set up its forest research institute in the 70s. Scientists and researchers here work on medical plants, entomology, colonel propagation of plants, disease control and methods for reforestation etc
Kodungalloor
is a well known pilgrim center. There is a magnificent church here which also preserves holy relics from the days that St. Thomas landed here (52 AD).
There is also a famous Juma Masjid (mosque )here. The mosque is also of particular importance as this building constructed in 629 AD remains the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were offered.
Kodungalloor is also home to a few very well known temples. Thus the place is a symbol of the religious harmony.
Punnathur Kotta
-2 kms away from the Guruvayoor temple
This location near Guruvayoor, is one of its kind. Visitors to the place have the exquisite opportunity to see many elephants and observe them closely. Elephants of the SriKrishna temple and also the nearby temples are kept here at times when there are no ceremonies at the temples.
Kerala Kalamandalam
at Cheruthuruthy – 32kms north-east of Thrissur
This is one of the most unique schools of Kerala. The institute offers rigorous training in Kerala’s very own performance arts and also in other literature courses. This important academy of arts was found by a late poet and it does a lions share in preserving and promoting Kerala’s unique art forms. Many foreigners also enroll as students here to be taught many lively arts by veteran performers.
Koodal Manikyam Temple
This temple and its deity Bharata, a half brother of Lord Rama, has been known to have tremendous powers that has given many worshippers miraculous results and relief in times of agony and ill health. This is the only temple in India that is dedicated to Bharata.
Peechi Dam
is well known for the marvelously constructed Peechi Dam and reservoir. The dam that provides most of the water for irrigation also has boating facilities for tourists. There is also the famous Peechi- Vazhani Wild life Sanctuary situated near this beautiful picnic spot. One can often spot herds of elephants roaming about carelessly in the vast area under the sanctuary.
The Athirapally Falls
is situated 1000 ft above sea level on the Chalakudy river, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats, Athirappalli is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 80 feet, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. This area is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered Hornbill species are seen. The Western Ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hot spot in the world.
Guruvayoor
-29 kms from Thrissur city
This famous pilgrim centre is where the world famous centuries old Shree Krishna Temple is located. The temple complex accommodates a few shrines. But there are long queues to offer prayers to the main deity Guruvayoorappan. There is more than one entrance to the complex. In the outer enclosure, one can see gold plated flag post and several pillars of lamps, each of which has the sculpture of various mythological characters erected upon it. Processions led by the many decorated elephants that are owned by the temple at the time of festivals is indeed a splendid sight.
