Home :: South India Travel Destinations :: Thrissur India

Location : Kerala
Languages : Malayalam, Hindi, English
Known As : Vadakkumnathan Temple
Main Attractions : September to March

Thrissur, meaning 'town with the name of Lord Siva', is regarded as the cultural capital of Kerala. An important religious and cultural centre for centuries, Thrissur was occupied by the kingdoms of Kochi from 16th to 18th century. It features one of the largest temple in Kerala, the Vadakkumnatha Kshethram and is the site for renowned Pooram Festival.

Tourist Attractions
Vadakkumnatha Kshethram: Vadakkumnatha Kshethram temple sits atop a hill in the centre of Thrissur. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathi, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathi, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. Thissur Pooram, the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April every year. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Churches: There are several significant churches including Lady of Lourdes Cathedral and Puhanpally Church.

State Museum: Archeological Museum, farther along Museum road , has temple models, stone reliefs, Gandharan pieces and reproductions of some of the Mattancherry murals.

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.

Guruvayoor Kshethram: The Hindu-only Sreekrishna Temple at Guruvayoor,33km. north of Trissur, is one of the most famous in Kerala. The temple's 40-plus elephants are kept at nearby Punathur Kota.

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.

Triprayar: This is famous for the temple of Sri Rama located on the banks of the Triprayar river. Its architecture is similar to that of the Vadakkumnatha Kshathram. 

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. 

St. Thomas Church: The original St. Thomas Church, a stone and wooden construction, was established in 1845 and dedicated to St. George Foraine. 

Peechi- Vazhani Wild life Sanctuary: This large dam in the Western Ghats, 20km east of Trissur, provides the ares's drinking water while the attached sanctuary offers protection for animals.

 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. 

Athirappally – Vazhachal: 62 Kms south of Trichur, east of chalakkudy and very near to the entrance of Sholayar forest ranges are the beautiful water falls namely Athirappally and Vazhachal, which are 5 kms apart