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Thrissur (Trichur), with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth, is rich in cultural activities.
From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of south India. Trichur (Thrissur), the name derived from 'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is the cultural capital of Kerala.
Its most prominent feature is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple, which has Shiva as its presiding deity. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans including 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 Trichur town. |
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Aarattupuzha Pooram
The famous Ayyappa temple at Aarattupuzha is just 14 kms from Trichur (Thrissur), and celebrates its annual pooram festival during March.
Kerala Kalamandalam
The state's flagship training school for Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous performing arts of Kerala, Kalamandalam was founded in 1927 AD by the revered poet
Vallathol.
Macchattu Vela
'Machattuvela' also known as 'Machattu Mamangam', is celebrated with great pomp, pageantry and splendour on the last day of the five-day annual festival at Machattu Thiruvanikavu Temple near
Vadakkancherry, Thrissur.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
The Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary comprising of the dense, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests is situated in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams.
Soochipara Waterfalls
Soochipara Waterfalls is located 22 kms from Hotel Green Gates. On alighting the vehicle, one can reach the waterfalls after a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of
Wayanad.
Thriprayar Temple
Thriprayar Temple, located south of Trichur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight.
Thrissur Pooram
Trichur (Thrissur) is best known for its mammoth Pooram Festival, which is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. Thrissur (Trichur) Pooram is held in the Malayalam month of Medam (April- May). Devotees and spectators from all parts of the state and even outside, throng the
'Pooram'.
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 works 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 inside the temple.
Aquarium
Close to the Nehru Park. Open 03.00 - 08.00 pm
Archaeological Museum, Thrissur
Located on the Town Hall Road, the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and national holidays
Art Museum, Trichur
Located in the zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of woodcarvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. Open 10.00 am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.
Aquarium
Close to the Nehru Park. Open 03.00 - 08.00 pm
Archaeological Museum, Thrissur
Located on the Town Hall Road, the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and national holidays
Art Museum, Trichur
Located in the zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of woodcarvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. Open 10.00 am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.
Christian Divine Retreat Centres
They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route.
Peechi Dam
20 km east of Trichur, this picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Trichur. Built across the Manali River, the dam is a vast catchment area of nearly 3200 acres with extensive botanical gardens and cascading fountains offer numerous inviting avenues for tourists.
Saint Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloorm
St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here one can see three tombs (Shavakudeerams) including that of Shakthan Thampuran, the greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty.
Town Hall
Houses the picture gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display.
Vilangankunnu
The Children's Park on this beautiful hillside picnic spot offers amusement rides. It remains open from 07:00 am uptil 07:00 pm
Zoo
Situated 2 kms from Trichur (Thrissur) town, it is open from 9.00am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.
Excursions from Thrissur (Trichur)
Guruvayoor Temple (29Km.)
29 km northwest of Trichur (Thrissur), Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishan Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple was created by 'Guru'- the preceptor of the gods and 'Vayu'- the God of winds. more..
Athirapilly And Vazhachal Waterfalls (65Km.)
This 80 foot high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. more..
Koodalmanikyam Temple (21Km.)
Situated 10 km from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, this ancient temple is perhaps the only one in India dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Sree Rama. The eleven-day Annual Festival featuring a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants (held in April/May), marks the end of the festival season in Kerala. more..
Ariyannoor Temple, Kandanisserry
This temple has a carved entrance gable, which has been compared to the sculptures of American artist, Louise Nevelson. The Sree Krishna Temple at Thirukulashekharapuram as well as the Siva Temple at Thiruvanchikulam are believed to belong to the 9th century.
Cheruthuruthy (32Km.)
Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its Kathakali Training Centre. This music and dance academy was founded by the famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other traditional art forms is imparted here. Cultural programmes are also arranged.
Punnathoorkotta (1Km.)
This home of 50 temple elephants offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm. Brought as ritual offerings to the temple, these elephants are groomed at this fort. Visitors are allowed into this elephant hostel.
Vazhachal Waterfalls (68Km.)
Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river. |
