Thrissur,
acclaimed as the cultural capital of Kerala is situated almost centrally in
Kerala State and is well connected by road and rail. It is accessible by air
from International Nedumbassery Airport Kochi (Cochin, Ernakulam) and by sea
from Kochi seaport. Thrissur is built on an elevated ground on the apex of
which is the oldest and largest temple complex in the state, the
Vadakunnathan temple complex, famous since the 8th century AD. Trichur with
its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is the cultural
capital of Kerala. Trichur is famed far and wide for its pooram festival.
This festival district has witnessed many rulers and dynasties starting with
the Zamorins, Tipu Sultan to the Dutch and the British. A cultural center,
the Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha
Nadaka Academy are located here.
Sightseeing at Thrissur -
The Vadakunnathan Temple : Built in 8th century AD, the temple's
boundaries are defined by a thick and lofty masonry wall with massive pagoda
shaped gateways on all the four sides that provide a marvelous backdrop of
the pageantry of the famous Trichur püram festival, held in April-May
every year. The temple has three sanctum sanctorum, dedicated to Lord Shiva
as Vadakunathan, Sri Sankaranarayanan and Sri Rama, installed by Parasurama
according to the legend. Exquisite adorn, paintings and sculptures adorn the
walls of the temple.
Guruvayoor : It is one of the most sacred and imported pilgrim
centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple known as
'Guruvayoor Ambalam'. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According
to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas,
and Vayu the Lord of Winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the
shrine. In the chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 mt. high gold
plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 mt. high Deepasthambham
(pillar of lamps), whose 13 circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous
spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of
the temple which houses the main deity. Within the temple there are also
images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy.
Arattupuzha : This village is known for the annual Pooram festival
at the temple in April/May. The uniqueness of this festival is the
ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring
temples to this village.
Anakkayam
: 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.
Punnathur Kotta : Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta',
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.
Athirampally Waterfalls : 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.
Thrissur Attractions
