Thrissur which is the cultural capital of Kerala is the land of temple festivals. Its original name is "Thrishivaperur", meaning sacred city of Shiva. It is believed that Lord Parasurama, who was the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, created this city by building a large Shiva temple.

This temple is known as the "Vadakumnathan Temple" is the famous tourists and a pilgrimage center. Thrissur hosts the venue for the famous "Festival of Festivals" - the Thrissur Pooram. Hence, Thrissur is known as the "Land of Poorams". Thrissur Pooram is a spectacular and a worth seeing temple festival in Kerala. It is the largest temple festival in Kerala. Fireworks are an integral part of Thrissur Pooram. You will really get astonished by the colourful fireworks during the Pooram.

The grand arrangement of caparisoned elephants and the Kudamattom ceremony which is held afterward is a spectacular visual treat of Thrissur Pooram. Kudamattom is the main highlight of this festival. This involves highly trained men sitting on the top of the caparisoned elephants, shifting colourful decorated umbrellas with the changing rhythm of the drums.

Thrissur Pooram is mainly celebrated when the zodiac sign "Pooram" occurs in the Malayalam month of "Medam". It mainly occurs in April or May. Thousands of people from different parts of the world visit Thrissur during these month to witness this big grand temple festival.

The "Ilanjithara Melam" which involves the gathering of percussion artists performing the traditional Kerala music is really a wonder not to be missed. "Pulikali" is another main attraction of Thrissur which is held during the Onam celebrations. Pulikali literally means "Play of the Tigers". Pulikali is performed by trained artists who dressed up in costumes depicting themselves as tigers to entertain people.

Nearest Tourist places :

Vadakkunnathan Temple : This temple is recognized as one of the heritage sites by UNESCO. It is at a distance of 14.1 Km from Thrissur. This temple hosts the famous Thrissur Pooram

Shakthan Thampuran Palace : This palace is preserved as a museum that showcases the weapons and artefacts of Shakthan Thampuran. It is at a distance of 0.6 Km

Thrissur Zoo : It is one of the oldest zoos in India. It is at a distance of 1.6 Km. This zoo has the maximum varieties of animals, birds, and reptile species.

Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple : This temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathi and is the largest Bhagavathi temple in Kerala. It is at a distance of 0.6 Km.

Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours : Also known as Puthanpally is known for its Gothic style architecture. It is at a distance of 1.4 Km.

Thekkinkadu Maidan : This is an open ground on which the Vadakkunatham temple is located. It is at a distance of 1.1 Km.

Nehru Park : This park is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first Prime Minister of India. It is at a distance of 0.2 Km.

Archaeological Museum : It is at a distance of 1.6 Km. This museum has the maximum number of mural collections. Veerakallu, a rare treasure, Olagrandhangal (manuscripts written on dry palm leaves), and megaliths are the rare collection of this museum.

Mural Art Museum : It is the only museum in South India which is devoted to only mural paintings. It is at a distance of 1.9 Km.

Vilangan Hills : The beautiful panoramic view of the Thrissur city can be seen from the top of this hill. It is at a distance of 8.9 Km.

Elephant Sanctuary : This is the World's biggest elephant sanctuary. Elephants are protected and trained in this sanctuary. It is at a distance of 1.1 Km.

Way to Reach :

 By Air - Cochin International Airport is at a distance of 52.1 Km.

 By Rail - Thrissur Railway Station is at a distance of 2.5 Km.

 By Bus - Thrissur KSRTC Bus Stand is at a distance of 2.1 Km.