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KERALA CITIES -   Trichur

Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode,Tipu Sulthan of Mysore and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Today Thrissur is the world famous for its Pooram Festival.

Vadakkumnathan Temple: One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is a classic 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 Pooram 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. Koder House: This magnificent building constructed by Samuel S. Koder of The Cochin Electric Company in 1808 is a supreme example of the transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture. Features like verandah seats at the entrance, floor tiles set in a chess board pattern, red coloured brick like facade, carved wood furniture and a wooden bridge connecting to a separate structure across the street are all unique to this bungalow. St. Francis Church:  Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is India’s oldest European church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the Church of South India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains. 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. Town Hall: Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display. Aquarium: This is near Nehru Park Vilangankunnu (7m km from Thrissur): This is a beautiful hill which is a good picnic spot. Arattupuzha: This village is known for the annual Pooram at the temple in Apr/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 Retreate Centres. They are located at the Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route. Guruvayoor (29 km west of Thrissur): Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna Temple. This historic Temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (Outer venclsure) is the tall 33.5 m high Dipastambham (Pillar of Lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovili is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Accessing Guruvayoor Air: The nearest international airport: Nedumbassery (87 km) Road: Guruvayoor is connected by road with several important cities of India. Rail: Guruvayoor is connected by rail with several important cities. Punnathoorkotta (2 km from Guruvayoor): This home of 50 temple elephants offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm. Irinjakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple (21 km from Thrissur): situated 10 km away from Irinjalakuda railway station, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Sri. Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity. The colorful eleven day annual festival with a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants in held in Apr/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu Temple festival season in Kerala.lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit. Cheruthuruthy (32 km north of Thrissur): Cheruthuruthy is the seat of Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its Kathakai training centre. The music and dance academy was founded by the famous poet, Vallathole Narayana Menon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here. Cultural programmes are also arranged. Ariyannoor Temple, Kandanisserry: This temple has a carved entrance gable which has been compared to the wooden sculptures of American artist Louise Nevelson. The Siva temple at Thiruvanchikulam as well as the Sri Krishna temple at Thirukulashekharapuram area believed to be monuments from the 9th century. Athirappally (63 km from Thrissur): At the entrance to the sholayar ranges, this 80 foot high waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Vazhachal (68 k from Thrissur): Just a short drive from Athirappally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy River. Athirappally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala which attracts tourists in plenty. Shakthan Thampuran Palace: Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here you can see three shavakudeerams (tombs) including that of Shakthan thampuran, the greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty. Saint Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor: St. Thomas believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by him house ancient relics. Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungalloor: Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town, this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in 629 AD, this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparanbu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathy Temple and the Portuguese Fort. The Zoo: 2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes. Peechi –Vazhani Wildlife: Established in 1958, this 125sq km sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur, in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli – Nelliampathy forests and forms the northern boundary of the Chimmini Sanctuary. Having an abundance of enchanting flora and fauna and a lake where you can go boating, this place is a treat for the nature lover. There are more than 50 different kinds of orchids, innumerable rare medicinal plants, teak, rosewood, and so on. The wildlife population includes over 25 types of mammals including carnivores like the leopard, the tiger and the fox and herbivores like the elk, deer, barking deer, spotted deer, the bison and the elephant. More than 60 types of birds and 10 types of snakes are also found.