Thrissur Travel Guide
Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala is centrally located in the State of Kerala. The most prominent feature of Thrissur is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple, which has Shiva as its presiding deity. The city is world famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival

Thrissur is an important city in Kerala. The city owes its name to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. In the political history of south India, Thrissur has played a key role many times. A number of dynasties, which had ruled sizeable portions of Kerala and south India, had their capital here. Like many cities in southern India, Thrissur too has a fair share of temples (link to Tourist Attractions in Thrissur page) where myths and legends still linger. Travel to Thrissur at the time of Thrissur Pooram (link to Tourist Attractions in Thrissur page) festival when numerous elephants from neighboring temple lead processions to Vadakkumnathan temple complex. Nightlong display of fireworks would leave you mesmerized.

A rich past has endowed with a glorious cultural heritage to the city. If you have a penchant for exotic culture and tradition of Malabar Coast, travel to Thrissur.

A travel to Thrissur would take you to the cultural capital of Kerala where you would find the age-old culture and tradition comes alive in its numerous colleges and institutes of paintings, dances and literature.

Do not to pay a visit to Kerala Kalamandalam (link to Tourist Attractions in Thrissur page) in your travel to Thrissur. The center works for revival and preservation of ancient dance forms of Kerala like: Kathakali and Mohiniattam

Accessing Thrissur :
Air : The nearest international airport: Nedumbassery (87 km)
Rail : Railway enquiry: Ph: 554300 556820

Festivals :
Arratupuzha Festival (March)
Pooram Festival (April/May)
Kandassamkadavu Boat Races (August/September)

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 pieces 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 entry into the temple.

Archaeological Museum (Town Hall Road): Open from 1000 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays and national holidays. Zoo (2 km from Thrissur town): Open from 0900 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays. Art Museum: Located in the Zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. (Open 1000 - 17 00 hrs on all days except Mondays)

Town Hall:
Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display. Aquarium: This is near Nehru Park (open 15:00 - 20:00 hrs).

Vilangankunnu (7 km from Thrissur): This is a beautiful hill which is a good picnic spot.

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.

Peechi dam (20 km east of Thrissur):
This picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi dam.

Christian Divine Retreat Centres:
They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route.

Guruvayoor (29 km 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. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods , and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.