THRISSUR

THRISSUR

Thrissur, with its history cultural heritage and archaelogical wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district had played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode.

Tipu Sultan of Mysore, and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Ram Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. He ascended the throne in 1790.

Cochin state was captured by the Zamorians of Calicut in the 15th Century and the later by Tipu Sultan in the 18th Century.Kerala has no dearth of occasions to celebrate. The fairs and festival form an integral part of the rich cultural heritage.

Thrissur is famous for its 'Pooram Festival' which is celebrated at the Vadakkunatha Temple annually in April-May every year. This is a mammoth spectacle with arrays of thirty carparisned elephants bedecked with gold ornaments. Each elephant is ridden by three matouts holding objects symbolizing Royalty - the 'Alavattom, Venchamaram and Muthukkuda'.

The beats of drums and cymbals -Chenda Melam adds spice to the festival.A cultural center, The Kerala Kalamandalam, The Kerala Sahithya Acdemy and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here. The Kerala Kalamandalam Kathakali Training Center at Cheruthuruthy is of wide reputed. The other dance forms like. Mohiniyattom, Thullal etc. are also taught here.

Vadakkumnathan Temple

One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan temple is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the Poaram are a spectacular sight.

Non Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.

• Archaeological Museum - Town Hall Road.
• Open from 1000 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays and national holidays.
• Zoo - 2 km from Thrissur town.
• Open from 0900 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays.
• Art Museum Located in the Zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery.
• (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays)
• Town Hall Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from parts of Kerala are on display.
• Aquarium This is near Nehru Park (open 15:00 - 20:00 hrs).
• Vilangankunnu (7km from Thrissur): This is a beautiful hill which is a good picnic spot.
• 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.
• Peechi dam - 20 km east of Thrissur. This picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi dam Christian Divine Retreat Centres They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Cochin - Thrissur route.