Trichur is the cultural capital of Kerala. . Trichur (Thrissur), the name derived from 'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) The town is built on an elevated ground on the apex of the oldest and largest temple complex in Kerala, the Vadakunnatha Temple complex since 8th Century AD. Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Trichur town.

Trichur is famous for its pooram festival. Thrissur and Pooram, (the festival of festivals with an unmatched pageantry of a hundred drums, dozens of caparisoned elephants and brilliant fireworks) are so inseparably integrated that the variety of Pooram, excites you in the same breath when you hear the name of Trichur.

Thrissur (Trichur), with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth, is rich in cultural activities. Cultural centeres like the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Nataka Academy are located here.

Festivals:-

Thrissur Pooram

Trichur (Thrissur) is best known for its massive Pooram Festival, which is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. It is held in the Malayalam month of Medam (April- May). Devotees and spectators from all parts of the world, throng the 'Pooram' This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of the erst while Kochi State. 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 wonderful display of fire works. Fire works start in the early hours and the dazzling display last three to four hours.

According to legend, Trichur Pooram was the enthusiastic venture of two goddesses. It is said that a mighty goddess called Paramekkavu Devi resided under a tree in what now is the compound of the Vaddakunatha temple. Lord Shiva's devotees decided to enlarge his small shrine into a grand temple. Therefore, they moved the goddess, who was thought to be his daughter, to a temple of her own. Her elder sister, Thiruvambady Devi, resides in another temple. These sister goddesses are the main participants of the Trichur Pooram festival.

Arattupuzha Pooram

Famous Ayyappa temple at Aarattupuzha is just 14 kms from Trichur and celebrates its annual pooram festival known as Arattupuzha Pooram in the month of March.

Macchattu Vela

'Machattuvela' also known as 'Machattu Mamangam', is celebrated with great solemnity, pageantry and magnificence on the last day of the five-day annual festival at Machattu Thiruvanikavu Temple near Vadakkancherry, Thrissur.

Temples :

Vadkkunnatha Temple:

The Vadakkumnatha Temple is one of the oldest temples in the state built in the 8th century AD, is a classical example of the Kerala style of art and architecture. This is the venue of the world famous Thrissur Pooram festival held in the month of April-May, The temple has three sanctum and sanctorum, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vadakkunnathan, Sri Sankaranarayanan and Sri Rama, installed by Parasurama according to legendary. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, 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.

Guruvayoour Temple:

Guruvayoor, the most sacred Sri Krishna or Guruvayurappan Temple is 29 kms from Trichur. 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. The east nada is the main entrance of the shrine. In the chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m Gold plated Dwajasthambham (flag post) and also 7 m Deepasthambham (pillar of lamps), whose 13 circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit There are also images of Ganapathy, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathi.

Thriprayar Temple: is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama located south of Trichur on the banks of the Triprayar river. Its architecture is similar to that of the Vadakkumnatha Kshethram. . The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight .

Koodalmanikyam Temple:

Situated 21 km from Thrissur and 10 km from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, this ancient temple is perhaps the only one in India dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Sree Rama and devotees claim miraculous cures from disease and ill health. 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. It is open from 03:30 am - 11:30 am & 05:00 pm - 08:30 pm).

Ariyanoor Temple Kadaiserry:

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.
Places of interest:

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 Monday and national holidays

Art Museum, Trichur

The famous Art Museum is located in the Zoo compound and is a rich treat for all art lovers and connoisseurs of anything related to art. The museum has collections of ancient sculptures, metal statues, carvings and jewellery. Open 10.00 am - 05.00 pm on all days except Monday.

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 (7 km from Thrissur) 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. Within the 13.5 acres of the compound live a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, sloth bear, species of birds and deer. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Rat Snakes.

Kerala Kalamandalam (Cheruthuruthy)

The training school for Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous performing arts of Kerala, Kalamandalam was founded in 1927 AD by the revered poet Vallathol. is located on the banks of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathapuzha in Cheruthuruthy. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.

Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.

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. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

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, Kodungalloor

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.

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.

Athirapilly And Vazhachal Waterfalls

(65Km.)
This 80 foot high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river.

Nattika Beach : Situated 30 km from Thrissur, Nattika is a wide and virgin beach blessed with an endless stretch of golden sand and genially credible palm trees. This picturesque place is suited for beach holidays.

Best Season to Visit : Through out the year, except the monsoons.

• Climate

   Temperature: Max: 35 deg. C Min: 22.5 deg. C

• Rainfall: 254 cm.