Thrissur, formerly Trichur, is a city in the state of Kerala

 Thrissur

Thrissur is also known as the cultural capital of Kerala, as the city has exerted cultural, spiritual and religious influences throughout history. Thrissur, formerly Trichur, is a city in the central state of Kerala in southwest India and is home to some of the oldest mosques and churches in the country. Industries in the city include cotton weaving, rice and oilseed milling, soap making and sawmilling. The city is also a retail centre for the state of Kerala and is home to some of the largest jewellery and textile companies in the region.

Thrissur is one of the best-prepared cities in Kerala. Legend has it that the city was founded by Lord Parasurama shortly after the founding of Kerala by constructing a huge Shiva sanctuary. The entire city revolves around the incredible Shiva temple known as the Vadakumnathan temple. The shrine is located at the junction of a large roundabout, which is 64 acres in size. This roundabout is known as Swaraj Round

Charpa Falls

Charpa Falls is another natural wonder that shows the favour of Mother Nature. This waterfall, which cascades from a rocky outcrop, is a part of the river Chalakkudy and offers an amazing insight. Athirappilly Falls and Vachumaram Lake are not far from Charpa Falls.

The water here falls in seven stages, forming a pool at each arrival. The lush greenery surrounding the falls is also outstanding. One of the most sought after cooking spots is named after the seeker Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel, who discovered the falls. This is a unique place to visit.

Athirapally Falls

Athirapally Falls is a great run of foaming water that gushes out of the Anamudi Hills of the Western Ghats. As you arrive at Athirapally, you are greeted with the sight of the enchanting green Sholayar Peaks towering over the surging waterfall. Set against a backdrop of inspiring wilderness, the view is as beautiful as it gets. Lovers of winged animals should not miss this place as it is the most important spot in the Western Ghats where four endangered hornbill species can be seen.

Peechi Dam

The Peechi Dam is located 23 km from Thrissur. The dam is the most important water project of this town in Kerala. It is a very famous attraction and guests come here from time to time to visit the fabulous excursion spot it offers and to visit the floating offices offered at this warehouse.

Vilangan Kunnu

Vilangan Kunnu, also called Vilangan Hang, is a beautiful green hill located 5 km from the city. It is a popular destination and diversion for the youth. From the slope, there is a comprehensive view of the entire city. Guests should pay a fee at the Vilangan Kunnu check post. Above the slope is an open space where one can relax and enjoy the view.

Thrissur Zoo

The centrepiece of Thrissur is the famous zoo, whose heritage dates back to 1885. Its ubiquity has been cemented by the steady increase in unusual species. It is open every day except Mondays and quickly draws you in with its extraordinary exhibits.

From lion-tailed macaques, sloths, winged species and deer to giant king cobras, pythons and vipers, you'll never get your fill of this stunning region. Go at your leisure, as the animals love to interact with each and every visitor.

Chavakkad Beach

Chavakkad Beach in Thrissur is famous for the Azhimukam, the confluence of the river and the sea. Guests flock here to witness this delightful wonder. It is an incredible place to swim and relax in a serene environment. The adjacent beacon also attracts many visitors. On the opposite side of the shore is Ramachapadam, a huge cultivation area for the Ayurvedic herb Ramacham.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace

The Shakthan Thampuran Palace is located in the city of Thrissur. This palace, also known as Vadakkekara Palace, dates back to the time of the King of Cochin, Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran. The ruler was an exceptionally liberal ruler and the period of his rule was called the 'Shining Age of Kochi'. The beautiful palace, blending Kerela and Dutch architectural styles, is worth a look and should not be missed on a trip to Thrissur.

Vazhachal Waterfalls

The trees provide shade and the seating is a good place to relax with your loved ones. The rugged waterfalls are undoubtedly worth a visit. Vazhachal Falls is a popular destination. Here you can spend quality time with your family. The place is 60 km from the city of Thrissur and 5 km from Athirapilly Falls. Vazhachal Falls is surrounded by dense forests of the Sholayar Mountains.

Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam is located in the town of Cheruthuruthy in Chelakkara in Thrissur district. It is a remarkable place for restoration and inspiration of traditional art works, especially those originating in South India.

Guests can not only visit the place and admire its ethereal regular and man-made splendour, but also chat with the experts and students and get a preview of all the immaculate memories.

Vadakummnathan Temple

This huge 1000-year-old temple with a collection of beautiful murals, some of which are over 400 years old, is famous for the Nataraja mural near the main gate. The structure still displays its unique colours today without much protection. It is also home to the altar of Vadakkumnathan, which is apparently completely secured under ghee for a long time without any dissolution. The places of worship of Mahavishnu and Shankaranarayan are also located in this temple.

Archaeological & Art Museum

Among the more pleasant and generally significant destinations throughout Thrissur is the well-known Archaeological Museum. Originally housed in the Kollengode Palace building, it has now moved to the Shakthan Thampuran Palace. This charming building was once the seat of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the former decision-making tradition of Kochi, and now houses some of the finest wall paintings from all over God's Own Country.

As you enter the building, your attention is immediately drawn to the unique treasures that this place holds, including Veerakallu, shrine models, Olagrandhangal original copies on dry palm leaves and stone monuments.

Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple

Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple is one of the famous temples of Thrissur city. The engineering of the temple is exceptionally remarkable. Thiruvambadi is one of the two groups that participate in the Thrissur Pooram. Master Krishna is worshipped in this temple along with Devi Vishnumaya.

Although the first temple was built in the sixteenth century, the present structure was commissioned by Raja Rama Varma, also called Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of Kochi in the eighteenth century.

Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores

The Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores, also known as Puthanpally, is a minor basilica of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Thrissur City. It is the third tallest church in Asia and is known for its Gothic-style design. With an area of 25,000 square metres, it is built in a fine Indo-Gothic style. It has removable steeples at the passageway, two-storey walkways leading up and down the nave and transepts, and eleven offering tables, five on each side of the nave.

It is the largest church in India and its rich interior decoration includes fine examples of wall paintings, images of holy people and scenes from the sacred scriptures. Built in 1875, the Roman Catholic Minor Basilica is the largest church in South India with its paintings on the partitions and roofs. It features a 140-foot steeple that can be seen from anywhere in the city.

Arattupuzha Temple

Arattupuzha is a socially large town in the Thrissur region of Kerala. Located about 15 km from Thrissur city, this place is famous for the Arattupuzha Pooram festival held annually in April/May. The Sree Sastha temple, dedicated to sage Vasishta and believed to be over 3000 years old, and its premises are the venue for the celebrations.

Chalakkudy River

The Chalakudy River, the starting point of the infamous Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls, is the fourth longest waterway in Kerala. After passing through the well-known regions like Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam, it flows on towards Tamil Nadu.

The Chalakudy River is best known for its biodiversity as it is home to 98 species of freshwater fish, of which 35 are endemic to the Western Ghats and 31 are either vulnerable or fundamentally threatened.