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Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual, and religious importance throughout history. The term Thrissur is an abbreviation of the Malayalam word ‘Thirssivaperur’ which means the town of the “Sacred Siva”. The town is built on an elevated ground, at the apex of which is the famous “Vadakkumnathan” Temple. A place of great antiquity, This Cultural Capital of Kerala was earlier also known as Ten Kailasam in ancient days.
Brief History
This town is the administrative capital of Thrissur District situated in the central part of Kerala state of India. On 1 July 1949, the Thrissur district was formed. It is an important cultural centre, and that’s why also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala. It is famous for the Pooram festival, one of the most colourful and spectacular temple festivals in Kerala.
From ancient times, Thrissur has played a significant part in the political, economical, and cultural history of the Indian subcontinent and southeast Asia. Thrissur opened the gates for Arabs, Romans, Portuguese, Dutch, and English. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism entered the Indian subcontinent through Thrissur are where. This all happened when Thomas the Apostle arrived in 52 CE.
State/District/Capital
Thrissur district was formed on 1 July 1949. It is the fourth largest city after Trivandrum, Kochi, and Kozhikode in Kerala. Thrissur is the administrative capital of Thrissur District situated in the central part of Kerala state of India.
How to Reach Thrissur?
By Road
The city is connected to the North-South Corridor National Highway via the four-lane National Highway 544. The highway traverses through the entire length and breadth of the city from different points and provides access to nearby cities such as Kochi, Palakkad, and Coimbatore. NH 544 provides two main exit points at Mannuthy and which is a bypass in Thrissur city and Thalore.
By Railway
The Southern Railway Zone of the Indian Railways operates the main rail transport system in Thrissur. There are four railway stations in this city. Thrissur Railway Station, one of the four A+ railway stations in Kerala provides trains in three directions and lies on the busy Shoranur-Cochin Harbour section. It has a satellite station, Punkunnam railway station, and two minor stations, Ollur Railway Station and Mulankunnathukavu Railway Station. Thrissur Railway Station also connects to the temple town of Guruvayur by the Thrissur-Guruvayur Section.
By Air
The city is served by Cochin International Airport, which is about 55 kilometers away. Direct domestic flights are available to major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Nagpur, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam (proposed). Availability of International flights to Middle East cities and to Southeast Asian cities are available here. It has a dedicated Heli-taxi service and Chartered flights. Calicut International Airport at Karipur is 80 kilometers from the city and Coimbatore Airport, which is 114 kilometers from the city also can be used by travelers.
When to visit Thrissur?
Climate-wise, the best time to visit Thrissur is winters, from October to March. However, you must try visiting during one of the festivals celebrated with great pomp and show here. In the month of April or May, the famous Thrissur Pooram festival takes place.
Official Language
The official speaking and writing language are Malayalam. In fact, the word Thrissur is itself a Malayalam word. Due to tourism, many people also understand and speak English also.
Weather
Under the Koppen climate classification, the City of Thrissur features a tropical monsoon climate (Am). Summer lasts from March to May which is the hottest time of the year. Summer months are uncomfortable due to higher levels of heat and humidity. Daytime temperatures can rise up to 36 to 38 °C (96.8 to 100.4 °F) coupled with excessive humidity. South-west monsoon from June to September comes after the summer. In October and November, the post-monsoon or retreating monsoon season comes. Winter from December through February is cooler, and windy, due to winds from the Western Ghats. Winter months are generally dry and less humid compared to other months of the year. In the morning, the weather is usually cool and daytime temperatures are around 30 °C or 86 °F.
Fairs & Festivals in Thrissur
- Thrissur Pooram
- Machadu Mamangam
- Arattupuzha Pooram
- Uthralikkavu Pooram
- Kodungallur Bharani
Transportation/Stay to prefer
As given in the above section, Thrissur is very well connected by all means of transportation. As per your convenience and budget, one can travel using anyone of it.
Much of the budget accommodation is on the southern streets coming away from the temple. Some from Rs 150 at not peak times. During peak times like the yearly Poorum festival, expect accommodation prices to skyrocket to above Rs 3,000 and many places to be booked out in advance. Just plan accordingly your time of visit to save money of stay.
Places to visit in Thrissur
Temples
The Vadakummnathan temple is the most important attraction of the city. The gigantic temple and historical structures have more than 1000 years of tales to tell. However the temple allows only Hindu devotees inside the complex and hence adherents of other religions can just have a glimpse from outside or take a photo in front of the massive gate tower, constructed in the true specimen of Kerala architecture.
Rural Sites
- Athirappilly Falls
- Vazhachal
- Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
- Peechi Dam
- Chavakad Beach
- Kerala Kalamandalam
- Kallayikkunnu
Architecture/ Others
- Shakthan Thampuran Palace
- Archeological & Art Museum
- Thrissur Zoo
- Appan Thampuran Smarakam
- Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores
- Vilangan Kunnu
- Anakotta – Guruvayoor Elephant Sanctuary
Cuisines to taste in Thrissur
- Puttu
- Vellayappam
- Meen Porichathu
- Mixed Vegetable Avial
- Achappam
- Banana Chips
Things to do in Thrissur
Wildlife Tours
The PeechiVazhani Wildlife Sanctuary of Thrissur is home to many wildlife species. Nature lovers can embark on wildlife safaris within this reserve forest and enjoy its fascinating beauty along with spotting some exotic wildlife species.
Pilgrimage
Thrissur is undoubtedly one of the most pious places to visit in Kerala. Whether a Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, this historic city offers a plenitude of options for pilgrimage to its visitors.
Cultural Tours
Steeped with history and an array of cultures, Thrissur is also an ideal destination to witness the colorful cultures and traditions of God’s Own Country. With these tours, visitors can discover and enjoy some of the indigenous cultures of Kerala.
Sightseeing Tours
Dotted with historical and cultural landmarks, Thrissur wears many hats! For the visitors on a Kerala trip, this gorgeous city offers ample sightseeing options to rediscover history and the opulent beauty of its past.
Souvenirs to buy in Thrissur
Local handicrafts are textiles, brass work, bell-metal curios, and fabulously crafted gold ornaments are some of the things to buy from here. A variety of materials in myriad hues are sure to attract tourists and visitors. Artifacts made of brass are also popular for their intricacy and use in common everyday life.
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