Kerala Tourist Destination

If you want to visit the future, go to Kochi; if you want to visit the past, go to Thrissur! Despite the intrusion of modernity, parts of Thrissur still lies steeped in the past, owing to its numerous age-old temples, churches and other monuments. The name ‘Thrissur’ is derived from the words-Thri-Shiva Perur, the town with the name of the Lord Shiva. The city is intrinsically connected with the Vadakkumnathan temple, which towers over the city in much the same way as it did 2000 years ago. There are quite a few other temples within Thrissur city, the most prominent of which are the Paramekkavu and the Thiruvambadi.

Thrissur gained prominence under the rule of King Raja Rama Varma later known as Sakthan Thampuran. It owes its status as the only planned city in Kerala to him. The city slopes down from the central apex, the Vadukkumnathan temple. Surrounding the temple is the vast circular Thekkinkad (Teak Forest) ground, within which there is no buildings, shops or other structures. The circular road around the Maidanam is called the ‘round’ where all major shops, theatres all other hang out spots in Thrissur are situated. All other roads diverge from this central round. 

Now a city, Thrissur is situated right at the midpoint of Kerala, and is the centre of Kerala in more ways than one. It is the land of elephants and elephant lovers and also the intellectual and cultural hub of Kerala. Thrissur is home to quite a few of the poets, artists and literati of Kerala. The Sahitya Akademi, The Sangeetha Nataka Academi, The Lalitha Kala Akademi and the Kerala Kalamandalam are rooted here in Thrissur.

Trivia

• Thrissur is also the gold capital of Kerala.  70% of Kerala’s gold jewellery is manufactured here and every single major jewellery manufacturer has their branch here.
• The Thrissur round is the second largest ring road after New Delhi’s Connaught Place.
• The Puthenpally church is reputed to be the tallest church in South Asia.