Thrissur District

Thrissur is also called as cultural capital of Kerala India. It is one of the 14 districts of Kerala State. The term Thrissur is the abbreviated anglicized form of the Malayalam word "Thrissivaperur" which means the town of the "Sacred Shiva ". The town is built on an elevated ground, at the apex of which is the famous "Vadakkumnathan Temple".A place of great antiquity, Thrissur was also known as "Vrishabhadipuram" in ancient days. The district is famous for its ancient temples, churches, and mosques.

Thrissur District Map

Thrissur District Facts

Brief History of Thrissur

The early political history of the District is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur District was included in the early Chera Empire.The 14th and 15th centuries constituted a period of aggressive wars in the course of which the Zamorins of Calicut acquired a large part of the present Thrissur district.The first step towards the achievement of the goal of ‘Aikyakerala’ was taken with the integration of ‘Travancore Cochin’ States in July 1949. With the linguistic re organisation of States in India, in November 1956 the Kerala State came into existence.

Thrissur Geography and Climate

Thrissur District is the central part of Kerala State of India.It is bounded on the north by Malappuram district, on the east by Palakkad district and Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, on the south by Ernakulam district, and on the west by the Arabian Sea.The Periyar, the Chalakudy, the Karuvannur, the Kurumali River (main tributary of the Karuvannur river) and the Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the district.

The district has a tropical humid climate with an oppressive hot season and plentiful and seasonal rainfall. Annual rainfall is about 3000 mm. The hot season from March to May is followed by the South West Monsoon season from June to September. The period from December to February is the North East Monsoon season. However the rain stops by the end of December and the rest of the period is generally dry.

Art and Culture

Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth, is called as cultural capital of Kerala.The cultural tradition of the district goes back to very early days. There were great centers of learning and culture in the district in the ancient and early medieval periods. In the early centuries of the Christian era, Mathilakam was a great centre of learning and culture. Buddhist and Jain scholars of repute are said to have lived here and engaged themselves in teaching. Under the Kulasekhara of the second Chera Empire, Mahodayapuram became famous as a great seat of learning and culture. The greatest literary figure in the district was Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon.

Landmarks and Places to visit in Thrissur

Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala, and the land of Poorams. The district is famous for its ancient temples, churches, and mosques. Thrissur Pooram is the most colorful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala. Some of the famous places to visit in the district are-

• Athirappilly and Vazhachal Water Falls
• Punnathur Kotta
• Sakthan Palace
• Museum and Zoo
• Chavakkad Beach
• Vilangan Kunnu
• Peechi Dam
• Vazhani Dam
• Chimmony dam
• Kerala Kalamandalam
• Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
• Koodalmanikyam Temple
• Muthuvara Shiva Temple.
• Vadakumnathan Temple
• Guruvayur Temple
• Trikkur Mahadeva Temple, Oorakam
• Kuttumuck Shiva Temple, Kuttumuck
• Mammiyoor Temple
• Thottipal Bhagavati Temple, Thottipal
• Thanikkudam Bhagavathi Temple, Thanikkudam
• Bible Tower
• Cheppra
• Cheraman Juma Masjid
• Lourdes Cathedral
• Palayur Church

Transportation in Thrissur

Road-The district is traversed lengthwise and breadthwise by NH17 and NH 47. Besides there is a well-connected road network system maintained by PWD and local bodies. Private bus service is all pervasive. KSRTC also has a strong presence in the district. It has seven operating units in the district Viz, Chalakudy, Guruvayoor, Iringalakuda, Kodungalloor, Mala, Puthukkadu and Thrissur.

Railways– Thrissur Railway station is the busiest station of Kerala State. It has three satellite station, Poonkunnam Railway Station and two minor stations, Ollur Railway Station and Mulankunnathukavu Railway Station.

Airways– Thrissur has no Airport in the district.Cochin International Airport is the nearest to the city center about 50 km away. Calicut International Airport is located about 85 km from Thrissur.