Thrissur, A Cultural Capital of Kerala

Thrissur

Kerala

India

Malayalam, English and Hindi

September To March

+91-487

3032

Tamil Nadu bound 54 km long coastal area, South East corner of the District. The Periyar, The Chalakudy, The Karuvannur and The Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the District.

Thrissur lies on the west end of Palakkad gap through the low pass between the Nilgiris and the Palani hills. It is the beautiful cultural capital of Kerala and a land of colourful festivals. Thrissur, an abbreviation of 'Tiru-Siva-Perur' or the town with the name of Lord Siva, is appropriately named. The central and the most important feature of this city is the Vadakkunath Kshetram (temple) where the reigning deity is Lord Siva. It is particularly famous for its annual Pooram festival (April-May).
The Cultural and Historical Background
Trichur occupies a prominent place in the history and culture of Kerala and is said to be the Cultural Capital of the State. It is also one of the main trade centers in the state. The present Trichur District was carved out of a bigger District of the same name on 1st April 1958. It derives its name from the location of its headquarters at Trichur.
The name Trichur derives from 'Thrishivaperur' or the place with 'Lord Shiva's name'. The town is thus built around a hillock atop which is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple, which has Shiva as the presiding deity. Aadi Sankara is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple; a shrine dedicated to him lends credence to this belief.
Trichur rose in importance due, it is believed, to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuran' who ascended the throne of Kochi in 1790. The Zamorins of Kozhikode captured large areas of Trichur in the 14th and 15th centuries. Later, in the latter half of the 18th centuries, Tipu Sultan held sway over Trichur until the European domination began under the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English.
Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls
East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 km apart. These waterfalls are a place of scenic beauty, and are of 80 feet high.