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.
Best season and climate
Like most of the places in Kerala, Thrissur has a tropical and humid climate. It experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to August therefore it is advisable not to visit Thrissur during the monsoon season. The best time to visit the city of Thrissur is from September to March.
Trissur Pooram
Pooram is the most colourful of all the temple festivals of Kerala. It is celebrated in Thrissur at Vadakkumnathan temple in the month of Medam (April) where the regaining deity is Lord Shiva. Situated on a hillock right in the centre of the city, the spaciously laid out 'kshetram' or temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the land during the Pooram festival.
St.THOMAS CHURCH AT PALAYUR
This is the oldest church in India built by St Thomas, the Apostle in A.D.52. St. Thomas, the Apostle arrived in A.D.52 at Crangannur (now Kodungallur) with a band of Jewish merchants for the propagation of Christ’s message. Through the sea route, he reached Palayur in 52 A.D. and built the Church here. This famous Palayur pilgrim centre is at Chavakkad, near Thrissur.
ATHIRAPPALY AND VAZHACHAL WATER FALLS
These waterfalls 5 km apart near Chalakkudy are near the entrance to Sholayar Forest ranges.It is a popular picnic spot.
PEECHY DAM & THE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The 125 sq. km. PeechiVazhani Wildlife Sanctuary and The Peechy Dam are 23 km from Thrissur. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir. It is a beautiful spot for picnics
KERALA KALA MANDALAM AT CHERUTHURUTHY
It is 29km away from Thrissur and near to the Shornur Railway Junction. Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy was founded in 1930 by Mahakavi Vallathol. It's main objective is to revive, preserve and develop the ancient and traditional art form of Kerala, particularly Kathakali.
Now the Kerala Kalamandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar, with its new building complex at Natyagraha. The old Kerala Kalamandalam is still at Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River (Bharathapuzha). The Samadhi (Tomb) of Poet Vallathol, the founder of this famous institution,is in the premises of the old Kalamandalam.
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 Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom and Ottan Thullal.
SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE AT GURUVAYUR
One of the most famous religious centres in South India. 33 km. north -west of Thrissur. It is one of the most important pilgrim centres in India. It is also known as the Dwaraka of the south. The temple, which dates backe to the 16th century, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is here known as Guruvayurappan. Legend has it that the temple was created by Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu, the Lord of the winds. The idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Bramah himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well- known Sanskrit devotional song ‘Narayaneeyam’. Thousands of devotees flock here every day with offerings of different kinds to appease ‘Guruvayurappan’ for his blessings. Punnathur Kota, an old Zamorin Palace nearby where the temple's elephants kept, is an interesting place to visit.
