About Thrissur
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. From ancient times, this district with its cultural heritage and archaeological wealth 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. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran is the architect of the present Thrissur town.
Telephone Access Code: +91 487
Altitude: Sea level
Area: 3032 sq. km
Population: 2,974,232 (2011 census)
major tourism attractions
Athirappalli and Vazhachal Waterfalls
The most famous waterfalls of Kerala, Athirappalli and Vazhachal are situated on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges is the largest waterfall in Kerala, Athirapally, which stands tall at 80 feet. Just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna.
Kerala Kalamandalam
Cheruthuruthy is the seat of Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its Kathakali training centre. Besides a major centre for Kathakali training, Kalamandalam also imparts training in other performing art forms like Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal and Nangiarkoothu. Training in vocal and percussion instruments are also conducted here. Many of the internationally renowned artistes have been trained here.
Punnathoor Kotta
Over forty elephants are groomed at the Punnathoor Kotta ( kotta means fort). Many elephants are brought as ritual offering to the temple. You can spend a whole day with these huge mammals here. Watching the naughty baby elephants' playful antics is an entertaining experience. The place provides you an opportunity to watch how the sick elephants are medically treated in the traditional manner also watch the training given to the elephants for various ritualistic performances.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district is a good spot for nature lovers. Established in 1958, this 125 sq km sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur, in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli-Nelliampathy and the Northern boundary of the Chimmini Sanctuary.The highest peak in the sanctuary is the 923 m high Ponmudi. The average annual rainfall is about 3000 mm.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace
The Palace of Shakthan Thampuran located in the district of Thrissur is a landmark in the annals of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the former ruling dynasty of Kochi. The palace located in the heart of Thrissur town is a major attraction, especially for those with a special interest on rulers and dynasties.
Kuthampully Handloom Village
A traditional cotton weaver�s village with around 600 Brahmin families, Kuthampully is well known for kasavu handloom weaving. Kuthampully saris are a favourite among womenfolk not only in Kerala, but also in other parts of the country.Kuthampally is situated about 50 km northeast of Thrissur town.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum was until recently accommodated in the Kollengode Palace building. Now it has been shifted to the Shakthan Thampuran Palace, a landmark in the annals of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the former ruling dynasty of Kochi. The majestic building houses a gallery of murals from all over Kerala
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academi, situated at Chembukkavu, is a centre established to train, preserve and patronise music and dance in Kerala. The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy sees regular expositions of theatre, dance, drama and folk art. A huge library holds exhaustive tomes on all these subjects.
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary which was established in 1984, lies contiguous with the Peechi - Vazhani sanctuary. The sanctuary is endowed with scenic beauty. Living here in joyful abandon are elephants, sambars, gaurs, Malabar squirrels, sloth bears etc.
Art Museum, Thrissur
The art museum, situated at Thirssur, displays collections of wood carvings, metal sculptures, ancient jewellery, stone figurines and some Chinese and Japanese artefacts. A sample of kodakallu (umbrella stone), or prehistoric dolmen spotted around many places in Thirssur,
Kerala Sahitya Academi
Kerala Sahitya Academi, located in a sprawling bungalow in Thrissur, the academy was established in 1956 to promote Malayalam literature and the language. The Sahitya Academy recognizes superior literary works every year through its prestigious literary awards.
Kodungalloor
Once a maritime port of international repute because of its strategic location at the confluence of the Periyar River and the Arabian Sea, Kondugalloor was considered the gateway to ancient India its status as a centre for trade. It was also the entry point of three major religions to India
Nattika Beach
A traditional fisherman�s village, Nattika beach shot to fame after becoming the location for one of the most famous Malayalam films, Chemmeen. Attractions include backwater cruises, country boat rides, elephant rides, cultural performances etc.
Guruvayoor
Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna Temple, considered the Dwaraka of the South. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. The temple is the creation of Guru,
Thrissur Pooram
A resplendent festival celebrated with a grand display of caparisoned elephants, dazzling parasols, and percussion music, the Thrissur Pooram is a magnificent spectacle merging the spiritual in the Malayalam month of medam (April-May),
Chavakkad Beach
Easy to access, the Chavakkad beach is famous for the Azhimukam, the confluence of river and sea. On the other side of the beach is the Ramachapadam, a vast farmland of the Ayurvedic herb, Ramacham.