Thrissur – Cultural Capital of Kerala

The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is synonymous with the world famous and spectacular Pooram Festival. The abode of several prominent culture centres including the Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahitya Academy and Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Thrissur has an extraordinarily rich past as well as a vibrant present. Thrissur is one of the oldest cities in Kerala. The legend says, the city was the town created by Lord Parasurama (6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu) soon after formation of Kerala, by creating a large Shiva temple. The entire city is formed around the grand Shiva temple known as Vadakumnathan Temple.

Must see places in Thrissur

• Vadakkumnathan Temple

Nestled in the heart of Thrissur city, Vadakkunnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is a classic example of the architectural style of Kerala and has monumental towers on all four sides and also a kuttambalam. Mural paintings depicting various episodes from Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple.

• Shakthan Thampuran Palace 

Named as Vadakkechira Palace, this palace was reconstructed in Kerala-Dutch style in 1795 by Sri. Ramavarma Thampuran.

• Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple

Is a Hindu temple located in City of Thrissur in Kerala, India. The temple is one of the two rival groups participating in Thrissur Pooram, which is the biggest local festival in Kerala.Bhagavad Gita chanting makes the temple always alive.Every day the Devaswom is giving free lunch to people.

• Guruvayur Temple

 The temple is the fourth biggest temple in India in terms of the number of devotees per day. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus ofKerala and is often referred to as “Bhuloka Vaikunta which translates to the Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth.

• Poonkunnam Siva Temple

Poonkunnam Shiva Temple, located in Punkunnam in Thrissur of Kerala. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture.

• Thrissur Zoo or State Museum & Zoo

Thrissur Zoo or State Museum & Zoo, Thrissur (formerly the Trichur Zoo) is a 13.5-acre (5.5 ha) zoo that opened in 1885 in the heart of ThrissurCity, Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest zoos in the country, and is home to the wide variety of animals, reptiles, and birds. The zoo compound includes a natural history museum and an art museum that showcase the socio-cultural heritage of the region. The Thrissur Zoo is 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the Thrissur City center and is open from 10:00 AM till 6:30 PM, except Mondays. Still and video cameras are allowed in the park for a fee.

• Bible Tower

The Bible Tower, situated in Thrissur, Kerala is the tallest church tower in Asia. It can be seen from anywhere in the Thrissur town. The tower, which is about 260 feet tall, was inaugurated on January 7, 2007. A passenger lift is available up to 48.768 meters (160 feet), where a viewers’ platform has been made to accommodate up to 250 people. The viewers have to climb the steps from there to the top of the tower, has facilities for viewing the city over an area of 18 kilometers. The building has been certified as earthquake-proof by officials of the Geology Department of India.

• Vazhani Dam

Vazhani Dam is a clay dam built across the Wadakkancherry river near Wadakkancherry in Thrissur district. The water is used for irrigation and drinking purposes.

• Peechi Dam

The Peechi Dam is 23 km from Thrissur. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir. It is a beautiful spot for picnics. This picnic spot offers boating facilities.

• Chavakkad Beach

Chavakkad Beach, lying on the coast of Arabian Sea and situated 5 km from Guruvayoor, one of the best beaches along the West coast with coconut bordered sea-shore is a pleasing view of rare natural beauty entice and attract thousands of tourists. Fringed shadow of coconut lagoons and the mesmerizing atmosphere make Chavakkad Beach a tourist spot throughout the year. Chavakkad Beach  is the place where the sea confluences with a river. This meeting of the sea with the river is known as Azhimokam in Kerala.

• Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam, (30 km). It is in Cheruthuruthy and was founded by the Poet Sri. Vallathol Narayana Menon, to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattom. It is one of the most renowned places for the traditional art forms of Kerala.

• St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Palayur

It is located at Palayur (also spelt Palayoor), in Thrissur district in Kerala on the west coast of India. According to tradition, it was established in 52 AD by St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest church in India and is called an Apostolic Church credited to the Apostolate of St. Thomas who preached and also started conversion of people to Christianity here.

• Mammiyoor temple

Mammiyoor temple or Mammiyur Mahadeva Kshetram is a Shiva temple near Guruvayoor temple, Kerala, south India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the splendour and grandeur of the  Mummiyur is enhanced by the paintings on the walls and the exquisite sculptures. Every devotee who goes to Guruvayoor is supposed to go to Mammiyoor also, as the ritual goes.

• Vilangan Hills

This 50-acre (200,000 m²) beautiful green hillock is a popular picnic spot and recreation centre among the youngsters and old. The hill, which is covered in thick bush, gives a panoramic view of the whole Thrissur City from the top. From the top of the hill, one could have the marvellous sight of thousands of acres of green paddy fields intercepted by water-filled kole lands, streams and verdant villages below.

• Athirapally Waterfalls

It is located at the entrance of Sholayar ranges, the major host town is Chalakudy, this waterfall is one of the major picnic spots of Kerala. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirapally water Falls is 80 feet high and located exactly in the forest area. Combined with the natural greenery. Athirapally and Vazhachal are located just five km apart from each other.

• Vazhachal Falls

It is situated in Athirappilly Panchayath of Thrissur district in Kerala on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and at the edge of the Sholayar ranges, it is just 5 km from entrance of Athirappilly Falls. It is located 36 km from Chalakudy.