Thrissur, the renowned cultural capital of the state of Kerala, offers a fantasy escapade into Kerala’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage. This exotic hub of artistic delights offers the perfect setting to experience the enchanting cultural extravaganza of Kerala. The city of Thrissur built in 1790 A.D by Sakthan Thampuran was once the political capital of the kingdom of Cochin. The city built around the pivot of Vadakkumnathan Temple will stupefy you with its exotic festivals, imposing temples, magnificent palaces, historic monuments, and abounding natural splendor.

The town is built an a rising 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. Its 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. Outside the wall is an open ground which was once a dense teak forest and hence it is known as Tekkinkadu (teak forest). The temple and the surrounding open area measuring about 3.6 hectares are encircled by a wide circular road called the Swaraj Round. Highways radiate from this focal point in all directions.

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.

Thrissur Pooram
The most colourful temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the State and even outside. Celebrated in Madom (April-May) it consists of processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighbouring temples to the Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur. The most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at Thiruvanbadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu which is quite a significant event for its devotees.

ATHIRAPILLY, VAZHACHAL
The scenic beauty of Athirapilly waterfalls presents a spectacular visual extravagance to visitors. A very popular picnic spot, Athirapilly is located close to Chalakudy in Kerala. The falls are located amidst dense forests and the entire region looks ‘picture-perfect’ in every way. Athirapilly-Vazhachal waterfalls are situated on the edge Sholayar forest ranges, just 5 kms apart.This sparkling cascade of silvery water, falls from a height of approximately 80 mts to join the Chalakudy river below.

BIBLE TOWER
The Bible Tower, situated in Thrissur, Kerala is the tallest church tower in Asia. It can be seen from anywhere in the Thrissur town. The tower, which is about 260 feet tall, was inaugurated on January 7, 2007. His Excellency Most Reverend Dr Pedro Lopez Quintana dedicated the Bible tower for World Peace.

CHAVAKKAD BEACH
Chavakkad Beach, lying on the coast of Arabian Sea and situated 5 km from Guruvayoor, one of the best beaches along the West coast with coconut bordered sea-shore is a pleasing view of rare natural beauty entice and attract thousands of tourists. Fringed shadow of coconut lagoons and the mesmerizing atmosphere make Chavakkad Beach a tourist spot throughout the year. Chavakkad Beach is the place where the sea confluences with a river. This meeting of the sea with the river is known as Azhimokam in Kerela. The beaches at Chavakkad and Nattika are simply wonderful. The famous mural paintings are another fascination of the place.

KOODALMANIKYAM SREE BHARATHA TEMPLE
Koodalmanikyam Sree Bharatha Temple is situated 25 km away from Thrissur in the Kodungallur route. A distinctive feature of Koodalmanikyam temple is that there is only one single Prathista.The 'Mukkudi Nivedyam' and 'Brinjal Nivedyam' offered at the day of 'Avittom' star in the Malayalam month of 'Thulam' is famous. This ancient temple is perhaps the only one in India dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Sree Rama. The popularly known as Koodalmanikam of Sangameswara is supposed to be the Para Brahma moorthy.

VADAKKUMNATHAN TEMPLE
Vadakkunnathan Temple, also known as Thenkailasam and Vrishabhachalam, is one of the largest and ancient Shiva temples in Kerala and India. It is located in the heart of Thrissur city, is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. Vadakunnathan temple is surrounded by a massive stone wall enclosing an area of nearly 9 acres (36,000 m2). Inside this fortification, there are four gopurams each facing north, The temple theatre, known as koothambalam, has no parallel to cite anywhere else in the world.

How to reach Thrissur

• By Air - The nearest airport is at Cochin, 78 km away.
  
  
• By Rail - Thrissur is linked to most major towns inside and outside Kerala.
  
  
• By Road - Motorable roads connect Thrissur to several important centres.