|
The 'Cultural Capital' of Kerala is Trisuur. Thrissur, constituting the central region of Kerala, is rich in history, cultural and archaeological remains, is called the cultural capital of Kerala.
The region has played a significant role in the political history of South India since ancient times Tipu Sultan 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. Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival. A cultural centre, the Kerala Kala Madalam (Art), the Kerala Sahitya Academy (Literature) and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy (Music & Dance) are located here.
Pooram
Thrissur Pooram, which is eulogized as the "Pooram of all Poorams" or "Festival of all Festivals" is the most awaiting cultural extravaganza in North Kerala. Cutting across the barriers of caste ,class and religion , almost all residents of Thrissur have been making preparation for the success of the mega cultural event.
The most important component that makes Pooram a genuine mass festival is the enthusiastic voluntary participation of the people of all sections at almost every level of its conduct, in spite of the fact that this is essentially a temple festival.
The festival is celebrated every year during the month of May. The sprawling Thekkinkadu maidan located at the heart of the city and encircling the famous Vadakkumnathan Temple is the venue of almost all major events of the Pooram festivals.
Zoo & Art Museum
Located at the Public Gardens, the zoo is noted for its reptile house. The art Museum inside the zoo compound has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery.
Back
Archaeological Museum
Located on the Town Hall road, the museum's picture gallery has an interesting collection of mural paintings from all parts of the state .
Peechi dam
This picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi Dam.
Back
Peechi - Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
20 km east of Thrissur. Established in 1958, this 125sq km sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur, in the catchments 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.
The highest peak in the sanctuary which stands 45 to 900 m above sea level is the 923 m high Ponmudi. The average annual rainfall is about 3000 mm.
Back
Chimmoni Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1984, the Chimmoni Wildlife Sanctuary lies contiguous to the Peechi-Vazhani sanctuary, it is endowed with scenic beauty and a rich and varied wildlife. Elephant, sambar, gaur, Malabar squirrel, sloth bear etc. can be seen here.
Athirappally & Vazhachal Waterfalls
Athirapally 63 km from Thrissur. Vazhachal 68 km from Thrissur.
East of Chalakudy, near the entrance of the Sholayar forest ranges are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 kms apart. Athirappally and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart.
The Athirappally Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.
Back
Cheruthuruthy (Kathakali Centre)
North of Thrissur, 29 kms away, near the Shoranur Railway junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their training. The institution also offers training in music, drama and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.
Vadakkunathan Temple
One of the most ancient temples in the state, the Vadakkunathan temple contains many decorative wall paintings and historically important pieces of art. The temple itself, with its thick masonry walls and lofty gopurams is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. Exquisite wooden carvings can also be seen in the central shrines. The Pooram Festival here, is celebrated in April- May, on a grand scale. Back
Guruvayoor
It is one of the most sacred and imported pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple known as 'Guruvayoor Ambalam'. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu the Lord of Winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 mt. high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 mt. high Deepasthambham (pillar of lamps), whose 13 circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which houses the main deity. Within the temple there are also images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy. Back
Arattupuzha
It is famous for the Arattupuzha Pooram Festival held in March - April every year. During this festival, idols of deities from 46 neighboring villages are brought to the temple at night in procession on caparisoned elephants. This colourful festival attracts a large number of people from different parts of the state.
Cheruthuruthi
The Kerala Kalamandalam established by the Poet Sri. Vallathol Narayana Menon in 1930, to impart training in traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal and Folk Dances is located here. Special performances can also be arranged on request.
Irinjalakkuda Koodal Manikam Temple
This temple is situated 10 Km. away from Irinjalakkuda railway station. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Lord Sree Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity. The colourful annual festival with thirteen caparisoned elephants is held for eleven days in April-May every year. Festivals in this temple mark the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala. |
