Thrissur is one of the 14 districts of Kerala state. Thrissur district was created in July 1949, with headquarters at Thrissur City.  Thrissur is famous as the cultural capital of Kerala, and the land of Poorams.  This area is well known for its historical temples, churches, and mosques.  Thrissur Pooram is the most colorful and impressive temple festival in Kerala. Thrissur is at the sea level and spreads an area of about 3032 km.  It is surrounded by Malappuram district on the North, by Palakkad district on the East and Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, by Ernakulam district on the South, and by the Arabian Sea on the West.  Downhill from the heights of the Western Ghats in the East, the land slopes towards the West creating three unique natural divisions - the highlands, the plains, and the sea board.

Thrissur History

From historic times, Thrissur district has been a part in the political history in south.  Early on political history of the district is linked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over huge portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi.  Thrissur District was in the early Chera Empire.  District has played a part in nurturing the trade relations between Kerala and the outer world in the early and medieval period.

Raja Rama Varma in 1790 commonly known as Saktan Tampuran ascended the throne of Cochin.  With the succession of this ruler, the modern period in the history of Cochin and of the District started.  Saktan Tampuran was largely accountable for the devastation of the power of the feudal Nair chieftains and augmentation of royal power.  Another force in the public life of Trichur and its suburbs was the Namboodithiri community and Menons of Royal ancestry.  A big part of the Trichur Taluk was for long time under the control of the Yogiatiripppads, the ecclesiastical heads of the Vadakkunnathan and Perumanam Devaswoms. The wave of nationalism and political awareness, which swept through the country since the early decades of this century, has its effect in the district as well.  Thrissur district has been in the front position of the nationwide group for temple entry and abolition of untouchable.  The Guruvayur Satyagraha is an unforgettable episode in the history of the Indian movement.

 Thrissur Climate

The district has a tropical climate with an cruel hot season and abundant and seasonal rainfall.  Yearly rainfall is around 3000 mm.  The hottest season is from March to May and followed by the Southwest monsoon from June to September.  The time from December to February is the Northeast monsoon season; however, the rain stops by the end of December and the rest of the period is usually dry.

Thrissur Culture

Thrissur with its affluent history, cultural legacy and archaeological wealth, is also known as cultural capital of Kerala.  The town is well known for its Pooram festival.  This district is also a absolute treasure trove of history.  The sylvan prettiness of Northern Kerala starts here, with tiny, tranquil hamlets by the sides of tediously flowing rivers.  An ancient cultural center, Thrissur houses the Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy, the Kerala Lalitakala Academy and the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy.

Thrissur Tourism

Tourist places in Thrissur
Sakthan Palace
Museum and Zoo
Vilangankunnu

 Athirapilly Water Falls (63 km from Thrissur City): This 80 feet high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. Two amusement parks - DreamWorld and SilverStorm - are located nearby.

Vazhachal  : Just a short drive from Athirapilly is close to dense forests and a part of the Chalakudy river.

Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary (23 km from city): It is the largest elephant park in the world, with over 60 elephants.

Peechi Dam: (20 km from city) It is a good picnic spot

Chavakad Beach (25 km): A sea shore for rare scenic beauty. Acknowledged as one of the best beaches along the west coast.

Vazhani Dam (24 km from city): It is a good picnic spot

Chimmony dam (35 km from city): It is a beautiful picnic spot with facilities for boating

Kerala Kalamandalam (30 km): It is in Cheruthuruthy and was discovered by the Poet Sri. Vallathol Narayana Menon, to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattom.
Koodalmanikyam Temple