Poyya

Understand

Thrissur is one of the oldest cities in Kerala. The legend says that the city was the town created by Lord Parasurama (6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu) soon after formation of Kerala, by creating a large Shiva temple. The entire city is formed around the grand Shiva temple known as Vadakumnathan Temple. The temple is in the center of a mega roundabout that is 64 acres (26 hectares) in area. This roundabout is known as Swaraj Round. All roads connect to this. Perhaps when Indians think of Thrissur, the first image would be the famous Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. This is also known as largest festival in Kerala. The festival is at the Vadakkumnathan temple grounds, in April or May. The city is equally famous for the final celebrations of the Onam festival, which is the national festival of Kerala. It hosts the famous Pulikali during Onam celebrations in August or September (depends on Malayalam calendar). Apart from festivals and culture, Thrissur is also well known as one of the best shopping centers in Kerala for silks and gold ornaments. The city is also known as Entrepreneurial City, due to presence of large number of entrepreneurs working in various trades.

History The word Trichur is the anglicized form of the Malayalam name of the town Thrissur which in turn a shortened form for Thiru-Siva-Peru-Uur, meaning 'Place named with Lord Siva'. The name is appropriate, for Thrissur derives its main glory from Vadakunnathan Temple, (Vadakum Nathan, Lord of the North) that dominates the topography of the town. Trichur is of hoary fame, and the origin of Vadakkunnathan Temple is ascribed to Parasurama, the legendary hero who is said to have reclaimed Kerala from the sea by throwing an axe across the sea from the north. In historical times it was a suburb of Musiris port of Chera Kings mentioned in Silapathikaram of Sangam Tamil Period. From very early times Thrissur has been a centre of learning and, with the de

Getting there

By plane Cochin International Airport (COK IATA) of Kochi is 51 km south of Thrissur City with direct flights from the Middle East, Singapore, Maldives, Europe and Sri Lanka. Calicut International Airport of Kozhikode is 80 km north of Thrissur City. Alternatively reach Chennai (Madras), Bangalore, Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, or other Indian cities and then by train.

By train Thrissur City is well connected and serviced by rail to all major cities in India. 1 Thrissur Railway Station is a major railway head in South India and is the busiest railway station in Kerala in terms of train halts. Daily trains are available to Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore and Hyderabad. Google is providing free wifi facility in association with Railway in Thrissur Station.

By bus You can also get in to Thrissur City by bus from cities like Kozhikode, Kannur Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai and Coimbatore.

By road Thrissur is well connected by NH 544 and NH 17 to other cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai and Pollachi by road.

Getting around

Bus: Private bus service system and Government-run KSRTC is a good choice for travelling. Autorickshaw: Auto rickshaws are the main form of local transport, if you don't have your own means of transportation. Autorickshaws running in the city limits are to use fare meters, while the ones from the adjacent areas need not use them. However it is a rule that such autorickshaws without metres should not pick up passengers within city limits. There is a pre-paid auto rickshaw counter at Thrissur Railway Station. Taxi: Local taxis are also available at cheap rates. Please note that there are no local taxis (yellow cabs or the one's having yellow roof and black body). The taxis known as 'Tourist taxis' are meant for long travel or one day trips.Uber taxi services are available in Thrissur with basic fare ₹40 Car: There are many car rental companies offering cars with drivers or self-drive. Bike: Bikes are available for rental in Thrissur City. This is available for a week or more than that. Walk: Many places of attractions are near by each in the city limit other so you could walk between them.

See

City 1 Appan Thampuran Smarakam, Outpost Rd, Kalyan Nagar, Ayyanthole. Established in 1976 at Ayyanthole where Sri. Ramavarma Appanthampuran who lived the Kumarapuram Palace. This is also a cultural museum. 2 Archeological & Art Museum, Kollengode Palace, Chembukavu, Co Operative Rd, Chembukkav, toll-free: 1800 425 4747. Open 24 hours. It has the best collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers of the Cochin dynasty. (updated Feb 2024) 3 Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica), Erinjery Angady, Pallikkulam, ☏ +91 75106 69905, [email protected]. The Roman Catholic Minor Basilica built in 1875 is locally called Puthen Palli. The 140 ft (43 m) long steeple is visible from anywhere in the town. The chapel has 15 altars. It boasts neo-Gothic spires and the largest interior of any church in South India with a lot of mural paintings on the walls and ceilings. The church houses the tallest church tower in Asia at 79 metre (260 ft) height called the Bible tower. 4 Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Stadium Rd, Chembukkav, toll-free: 1800 425 4747. 10AM to 4PM. Named as Vadakkekara Palace, was reconstructed in Kerala-Dutch style in 1795 by Sri. Ramavarma Thampuran of the erstwhile Princely State of Cochin, well as Sakthan Thampuran(Greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty) is preserved by Archaeological Department. No entrance fee. 5 Thrissur Zoo (Thrissur Zoo and Museum), Town Hall Rd, Udaya Nagar, Chembukkav, ☏ +91 487- 2333056, [email protected]. Tu Th-Su 9:30AM-5:15PM, W 1-4:30PM. It is a major attraction for children and students with a variety of animals. There is a special building which houses snakes. Two beautiful niches with majestic seating are arranged for senior citizens to take rest while their children enjoy the sprawling zoo campus. Person above 12 years ₹20, person below 12 years & above 5 years ₹5, family ticket (father, mother & 2 children below 12 years) ₹40, still camera ₹25,

Do

Annual festivals or events Aanayoottu (Feeding of elephants): It's a festival held in the precincts of the Vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur C, The festival falls on the first day of the month of Karkkidakam (timed against the Malayalam calendar), which coincides with the month of July. Feast of Saint Raphael, Ollur: This is an annual festival held in Ollur, near Thrissur City, since 1839. It draws thousands of pilgrims. Puli Kali:Puli Kali literally means 'tiger play'. This event happens on the fourth day of Onam, where Puli Kali troupes from all over the Thrissur City assemble to display their skills. Thrissur Pooram: The Pooram of all Poorams, is the most spectacular festival of this cultural capital celebrated at Vadakkumnathan Temple every year during April