The
town derives it's name from 'Tiru-shiva-perur' or the town with the name
of Lord Shiva. Appropriately enough, the town is built on a hillock atop
which is it's most prominent feature, the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram
or temple. It's rise in importance is attributed to Raja Rama Varma, popularly
known as 'Sakthan Thampuran'.The abundance of cultural Organizations like
the Kerala Sahitya Academy have lent it the status of the cultural capital.
Landmarks
The Vadakkumnathan Temple
is well known for it's murals depicting the Mahabharata as well as
exquisite paintings and carvings.However, non-hindus are not allowed entry.
The Art Museum has
a large collection of antique wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient
jewellery.The State Archaeological museum is on Town Hall Road.There
is a Zoo 2km away from the city centre and an aquarium near Nehru park.
Guruvayur, one of
India's major hindu pilgrimage centres lies 32 km from Thrissur. The Sree
Krishna Temple, dedicated to lord Krishna, is renowned for it's healing
powers. Several offerings are made from the simple 'archana' to the elaborate
'udayastamana' pooja or the 'thulabaram' where the devotee is weighed against
offerings of banana, jaggery, sugar or coconuts. It is also the site for
several weddings and 'annaprasanam' the first feeding ceremony of a child.
As in most Kerala temples, non-hindus are not allowed entry.
Near Guruvayur, 4km away,
is Punnathur Kotta, the place where the temple elephants (over 40)
are taken care of . Visitors are allowed.
Kodungalloor or Cranganore,
an important port in ancient times, lies 36 km away. St.Thomas the apostle
is said to have landed here in 52 AD. It was the capitla of Cheraman perumal,
the king of Kerala. The mosque here , is believed to be the first mosque
in india dating to around 643 AD.
East of Chalakudy, are the
beautiful water falls of Athirampally and Vazhchal, 5km apart.
Cheruthuruthy, 29km
north of Thrissur ,home to the renowned Kerala Kalamandalam. This institution
offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Kathakali,
Mohiniattam and Ottam Thullal.
Festivals
The most spectacular festival
here is 'Pooram' celebrated at the Vadakkumnathan temple every year
during April/May. Kerala's grandest temple paegentry, which includes colourful
processions of caparisoned elephants and a midnight fireworks display can
be witnessed from the crowded streets of Trichur.
During Onam, there is also
the annual 'Kandassamkadavu Boat Race'.
Details
Town Area - 25 sqkm
Temperature Mean Max -
Summer - 35deg C and Winter
2.3
Mean Min - 22.5 and 20 deg
C
Tourist Season - September
to March
Tourist Info
The nearest airport is 78
km away at Kochi. Trichur is an important railway station and is linked
to all major towns.
Distances
Coimbatore - 114km
kalady - 55km
Kanyakumari - 376 km
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