Trichur the 'Cultural Capital' of Kerala has been of great religious and cultural significance for many centuries. The district is endowed with rich history and culture and has played an important role in the political history of South India. Thrissur is well known all over the world for its Pooram festival.

Vadakkunnathan Temple:

The temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Kerala and a classical example of Kerala style of architecture with beautiful murals delineating graphically, various episodes from the Mahabharata and wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.. This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines. It preserves and respects an amazing Mahalingam concealed under a huge mound of ghee. Pouring of ghee on the idol is the main ritualistic offering in the sanctum sanctorum. Miraculously the ghee never melts even though it gets heat from the atmosphere and the burning wicks. Parts of ghee mound are said to be over thousand year old.

Pooram : Trichur pooram festival is the major attraction, celebrated during April-May, the Elephant umbrella competition is spectacular as beautifully decorated elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas, takes the deity on a chariot around the main temple. The nearby Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple and Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple are also participants in the festivals. Excellent fireworks are on display during the celebration.

Cheruthuruthi

It is famous for the Kerala Kalamandalam, established by poet Sri Vallathol Narayana Menon in 1930. The centre imparts training in various traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal and folk dances.

Zoo

It is situated 1km away from the town. A number of Indian and exotic animals are kept here. It includes a vast number of deer, monkeys, peacocks, leopards, snakes, hippopotamus, etc. Zoo opens for public at 10 am. and closes at 5 pm.

Museum : It is situated adjacent to the zoo. A collection of articles related to olden days are found here.

Peechy Dam

This place is 24 Km away from Thrissur. The dam and wild life sanctuary attract tourists. There is a beautiful garden also.

Chimmini wild life sanctuary

Nearly 35 Km from Thrissur. The dense tropical forests here is very famous. The dam across the chimmini river offers a breathtaking view.

Guruvayur:

Located 31 km. north-west of Thrissur. This is a major Hindu pilgrim centre. It is also known as the 'Dwaraka of south'. Main attraction is the famous Sree Krishna Swamy temple. The belief says that this temple was created by the teacher of Gods Brahaspathi (Deva Guru) and Vayu (God of winds). The Idol of the Lord Guruvayur is said it have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraks. Read more...

Elephant-race is an important event of the festival. The Elephant who comes in the first place in the race, gets the right of carrying the Lord's replica during the ritualistic procession.

Guruvayoor Ekadasi is another important festival celebrated at the temple in the month of November/December ('Vrichikom'). This is an auspecious day because it is believed that on the Guruvayur Ekadasi day, Lord Krishna imparted the Gita to Arjuna.

Athirappilly

Athirappilly waterfalls, the enchanting falls in Kerala, are often referred to as the Niagara Falls of India. This waterfall is in Trichur District. It is situated on the Chalakudy river, which originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats They come falling down from a height of 80 feet. Read more...