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Trissur (Thrissur)

The Cultural capital of Kerala, Trichur, gained prominence under the reign of Raja Rama Varma in 1790. Trichur or Thrissur as it is called locally, is well known for Vadakkunathan Temple, the Thrissur Pooram an annual festival held in the city, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.

The city and the area around it have a number of museums, art schools, and institutes, which are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Kerala.

The city holds annual eight day festival called Thrissur Pooram during which brilliantly caparisoned elephants lead processions. Followers representing the Thiruvambadi temple on one hand and the Paramekkavu temple on the other hand celebrate the Pooram. Elaborate processions from both these temples start off amidst much fanfare through the streets of Thrissur.

The elephants belonging to these temples lead the processions. Each elephant participating in this festival is richly caparisoned, adorned with ornaments and topped with an equally well-decorated parasol. There are 15 elephants from each group. Each side tries to outdo the other in the decoration of elephants, as the side putting up a better display than its rival is adjudged as the winner for that particular year.

Though the breathtaking spectacle of the procession is over by dusk, the night sky over Thrissur is lit up with an equally breathtaking display of fireworks.

In fact, the Thrissur Pooram festival is a culmination of similar smaller processions that originate in the towns near Thrissur and wind their way up to the main event being held at the Vadakkunathan Temple.

While in Thrissur, you can experience the rich cultural heritage that the state of Kerala proudly upholds. The multi-hued past of this city comes alive at the Archaeological Museum and the Art Museum as also the art gallery located within the Town Hall. The Vadakkunathan Temple is the spiritual centre of the city and is famous all over India for its magnificent annual Pooram festival. The sight of brilliantly caparisoned elephants during the festival is one that must not be missed.

Guruvayur

A thriving township in Trichur district of Kerala state in the South of India, its scenic beauty and serenity are breath taking. However, today Guruvayur is synonymous with the Sree Krishna or Guruvayurappan Temple located there so that when anybody says he is going to Guruvayur, it is understood that it may be to this famous temple. An insight into the temple and its presiding deity would be pertinent here for your benefit.

Adorned with the holy tulasi (Basil) garland, and pearl necklace the Lord here appears in all radiance - a mere glimpse, and your search for spirituality has found its meaning.

Vazhachal/ Art Museum

Vazhachal

Vazhachal is 68 km from Thrissur and 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.

Art Museum

The art museum is situated in the zoo compound. This small museum contains rare exhibits of sculpture, religious idols, Kathakali figures, traditional jewellery of Kerala and a delightful collection of traditional lamps. It will be open daily from 10am to 5pm and closed on Monday.

Athirampally Water Falls

It is near to the entrance of the Sholayar range is a place of great scenic beauty. Here, the water plunges from a height of nearly 80 feet before joining the Chalakudi river. Vazhachal is just a drive from Athirampally, this picturesque spot is adjacent to Jense green forest, and is a part of Chalakudi River

Olur/ Chawannur

Olur

The place is noted for title industry and packing case business. A large volume of trade in timber including plywood is also carried on. Synthetic stones are imported from Switzerland and they are polished here and exported to foreign countries.

Chawannur

It is said to have been a great centre of education. It has a Subja Mutt where young Namboodiris were given free education in Sanskrit. They were provided with free boarding and lodging. The Cochin Devaswom Board runs the Subja Mutt even today, though the number of pupils receiving instruction is small.

Anakkayam/Zoo

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.

Zoo

For the animal enthusiasts, Thrissur boasts a zoo, 2km from the town centre. 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.

Punnathur Kotta/ Peechi Dam

'Punnathur Kotta'

'Punnathur Kotta', is near Guruvayur, is the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at any one time.

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.

Vadakkumnathan Temple

This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. 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. ' Hisser Pooram ' the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April -May every year.

Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam)

North of Thrissur, 29km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.