Thrissur

A trip to Kerala is not complete without getting to Thrissur, a pavan pilgrimage town. Set amidst paddy fields, coconut and pineapple plantations. Thrissur, the name derived from 'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is dubbed the cultural capital of Kerala. The town is built around a hillock. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of South India. 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 Periyar, Chalakudy, Karuvannur and Bharatha Puzha are the major rivers in the district. The district has a forest area of 103619 hector Thrissur's emergence to town and cultural centre is attributed to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuran', who was the king of Cochin in 1790. Thrissur is also known for Pooram, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala. Thrissur Pooram, the pooram of all Poorams, falls in April every year. It is different from other national festivals like the Kumbha Mela of Uttar Pradesh, the Vijayadashami pageantry of Mysore or the Rath Yatra of Orissa. It is intrinsically a people’s festival in all respects It is conducted by the active participation of people cutting across all barriers of caste and religion.

Accessibility
Air -The nearest airport is at Cochin, 78 km away.
Rail - Thrissur is linked to most major towns inside and outside Kerala.
Road - Motorable roads connect Thrissur to several important centre


Place of Interest
Anakkayam
Anakkayam is roughly 20 km 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 stream Cheruthuruthy (32 km from Thrissur)
Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its Kathakali training centre. The music and dance academy was founded by the famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted her.

Guruvayur
Thirussur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32km away. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th centrury. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the lord of the Winds.

Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam, 23km from Thrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. 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.

Archaeological Museum
Also known as the Kollengodu House,this majestic hall houses a picture gallery with mural paintings from all over Kerala. This museum is situated on the Town Hall road. The entry time is from 10 am. to 5 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and other National holiday.

Vazhachal (68 km from Thrissur)
Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river. Athirapally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala and favourite destinations of tourists.
Accommodation in Thrissur :
» Hotel Luciya Palace
» The River Retreat
» Casino Hotels