Thrissur

Places to Visit

Vadakkunnathan Temple

This is not just another place for worship. It has been the repository of culture and heritage unparalelled in Kerala history. Vadakku does not represent North and it is the corruption of the word 'Edvam' or 'Sacred Bull'. Kunnu is the Malayalam word for a hillock, Edvakkunnathan thus became Vadakkunnathan. The deity is Lord Siva represented by 'Mahalingam' which now cannot be seen due to the mount formed by the traditional offerings or abhisheka with ghee. The exquisite murals on this shrine narrate the story of the epic Mahabharatha. The decorative wall paintings and carvings alone are worth a visit. On the left of the entrance one can see the famous Kuthambalam a beautiful structure with an elegant sloping roof of metal plates. Ancient dramatic form of Chakkiar Koothu is staged here.

Archaeological Museum

This is situated beside the Town Hall road. Several relics and heirlooms of archaeological importance are kept here.

Art Museum

The art museum in a separate building in the Zoo compound, is a treat for the connoisseur of art. Good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelry are preserved here.

Puthan Palli

This is one of the tallest churches in Asia and is known for its Gothic architecture.

Vilangankunnu

Eight km journey from the town on the Kunnamkulam road leads to this picturesque hillock known for its scenic splendour overlooking the sprawling town and country side.

Academies

Kerala Sahithya Akademy, Sangeetha Nataka Akademy and Kerala Lalithakala Academy are head quartered at Thrissur making the epithet 'cultural capital of Kerala' more meaningful.

Arattupuzha

Arattupuzha temple, situated 16 km away from the town on the Thrissur-Kodungallor road, is known for its annual pooram festival held in April-May every year which is one of the most colourful carnivals of Kerala.

Peechi Dam

This enchanting picnic spot situated 20 km east of Thrissur offers boating facilities in the reservoir. One can see tuskers on the bank of this reservoir.

Cheraman Juma Masjid

Kodungallur constructed in AD 629 is famous as the first mosque erected in India and also the second in the world where the Juma prayers were started. People from far and near irrespective of caste and creed visit this holy place and pay their homage. Idul Fitar (Ramzan) and Idul-Asha (Bakrid) are celebrated here on a grand scale.

Athirappally and Vazhachal waterfalls

A shimmering expanse of tranquil beauty this waterfall, of 80 feet height 30 km east of Chalakkudy. Athirappally attracts a large number of eco tourists. Vazhachal another waterfall is 5 km away from Athirapally.

Guruvayoor Temple

Guruvayoor, one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala, is 29 km north west of Thrissur. The main attraction is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known as Guruvayoorappan. People throng here in large numbers for worship the year round.

Kerala Kalamandalam

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 Kala Mandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar with its new building complex at Natyagraha. The old Kerala Kala Mandalam is still at Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River (Bharathapuzha). The Samadhi (tomb) of the poet Vallathol the founder of this famous institution is in the premises of old Kala Mandalam.

Palayur Church

The Catholic Syrian church of Palayur is one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas. The feast falls on July 15 and pilgrims from different parts of India visit the church.

Koodalmanickam temple

The Koodalmanickam temple is an ancient and historic one situated in Manavalassery village about 10 km from Irinjalakuda Railway station. Lord Bharatha is the deity of the temple. The festival is held annually for 11 days in Medom (April-May).

Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine, Kodungallur (Azhikode)

Nineteen hundred years ago the first missionary of Christianity to India, St. Thomas, the Apostle set his foot at Kodungallur. The Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine a monument to him is situated here. It is a historic pilgrim centre of the Indian Christians. The main feast of the church is celebrated on November 21 every year.