Trichur (Thrissur)

Thrissur, the name derived from 'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is often referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala. The town is built around a hillock. Its most prominent feature is the Vadakkunathan temple which has Shiva as its presiding deity. Sankaracharya is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple.

South East corner of the district is bounded by Tamil Nadu. The Periyar, The Chalakudy, The Karuvannur and Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the district. Trichur's rise as a town of importance is attributed to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuran', who ascended the throne of the State of Cochin in 1790.

This former capital of Cochin State was captured by Zamorin of Calicut in the 14 and 15 centuries. Later, in the latter half of the 18th century, Tipu Sultan held sway over Trichur until the European domination began under the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. The wave of nationalism and political consciousness which swept through the country since the early decades of this century had its repercussions in the district as well.

Access
Air : Nearest international airport is at Nedumbassery, 58 km. away.
Rail : Thrissur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.
Road : The place is well connected with almost all the major towns and cities of India.

Places of interest - Trichur
Vadakkumnathan Temple : This is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala's most acient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.

The Trichur 'Pooram' festival, falling in April/ May, attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world. It is a spectacular event, with majestic elephant pageantry and the frenzied playing of drums and cymbals and to top it all it has fireworks extravaganza.

Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Swamy Temple : Trichur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayoor, 32 km away. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South.

Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru-the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the Lord of the Winds.

The temple dates back to the 16th century is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayoor, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple that Melpatur Narayan Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. The temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity here from the simple 'Archana' offering of flowers to the expensive and elaborate 'Udayastamana' pooja or 'Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed against offering of bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts. Guruvayoor is the site for several weddings and 'Annaprasanam', the first feeding ceremony of child.

Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary : The Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary has dense, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests is located in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. With more than 50 species of orchids and medicinal plants, the sanctuary is a veritable treasure trove of rare flora and fauna. The place is congenial for boating and trekking. The natural habitat at Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary is frequented by Tigers, Leopards and Wild Dogs, besides the Sambar and the Spotted and Barking deer.

Arattupuzha : This village is known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple in April/May. The Trichur Pooram Festival features a ceremonial pageant of over 60 tuskers carrying the images of the deities of 23 neighbouring temples.

Art Museum : Located in the zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of woodcarvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. Open 10.00 am - 05.00 pm on all days except Mondays.

Vilangankunnu : The Children's Park on this beautiful hillside picnic spot offers amusement rides. It is situated at a distance of 7 km from Thrissur. It remains open from 07:00 am uptil 07:00 pm.

Punnathoorkotta : This home of 50 temple elephants offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm. Brought as ritual offerings to the temple, these elephants are groomed at this fort. Visitors are allowed into this elephant hostel.

Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam temple : The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Sri Rama, is situated 21 km from Trichur. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity. The colourful eleven day annual festival with a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants is held in April/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala.

Cheruthuruthy : 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 here. Cheruthuruthy is 32 km north of Thrissur.

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