Thrissur

Introduction
The Cultural capital of Kerala, Trichur, gained prominence under the reign of Raja Rama Varma in 1790. Trichur or Thrissur as it is called locally, is well known for Vadakkunathan Temple, the Thrissur Pooram an annual festival held in the city, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India.

The city and the area around it have a number of museums, art schools, and institutes, which are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Kerala.

The city holds annual eight day festival called Thrissur Pooram during which brilliantly caparisoned elephants lead processions. Followers representing the Thiruvambadi temple on one hand and the Paramekkavu temple on the other hand celebrate the Pooram. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India. Elaborate processions from both these temples start off amidst much fanfare through the streets of Thrissur.

The elephants belonging to these temples lead the processions. Each elephant participating in this festival is richly caparisoned, adorned with ornaments and topped with an equally well-decorated parasol. There are 15 elephants from each group. Each side tries to outdo the other in the decoration of elephants, as the side putting up a better display than its rival is adjudged as the winner for that particular year. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India.

Though the breathtaking spectacle of the procession is over by dusk, the night sky over Thrissur is lit up with an equally breathtaking display of fireworks.

In fact, the Thrissur Pooram festival is a culmination of similar smaller processions that originate in the towns near Thrissur and wind their way up to the main event being held at the Vadakkunathan Temple.

While in Thrissur, you can experience the rich cultural heritage that the state of Kerala proudly upholds. The multi-hued past of this city comes alive at the Archaeological Museum and the Art Museum as also the art gallery located within the Town Hall. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India. The Vadakkunathan Temple is the spiritual centre of the city and is famous all over India for its magnificent annual Pooram festival. The sight of brilliantly caparisoned elephants during the festival is one that must not be missed.

History
The history of Thrissur goes back to ancient times. The name Thrissur (Trichur) is derived from a combination of Malayalam words Tiru-Siva-Peroor, which collectively means the city bearing the holy name of Lord Shiva.

The entire credit for the rise of the modern city of Thrissur goes to Raja Rama Varma, who ascended the throne of the state of Cochin in 1790.

Thrissur Attractions
Town Hall
For a sight of mural paintings from all over Kerala, visit the Town Hall, an imposing building with an art gallery or `Chitralayam`.
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Zoo
For the animal enthusiasts, Thrissur boasts a zoo, 2 km from the town centre. Within the 13.5 acres of the compound live a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, sloth bear, species of birds and deer. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Rat Snakes.

Art Museum
Within the zoo compound is the small Art Museum which has a good collection of wood carvings metal sculptures, Kathakali figures, and ancient jewellery. There is also a wonderful collection of traditional Kerala

lamps.
Vadakkunnathan Temple
This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India.

Anakkayam
Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.
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. Special Holidays with very attractive and discounted packages and hotel bookings.

Irinjalakuda
At Irinjalakuda, 21 km from Thrissur is a temple of Bharatha, probably the only temple in India dedicated to the brother of Lord Rama.

Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam, 23 km from Thrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. Special Holidays with very attractive and discounted packages and hotel bookings.

Triprayar
The Rama Temple at Triprayar, 25 km away, features architecture similar to the Vadakkumnathan Temple

Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalaman-dalam)
North of Thrissur, 29 km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala`s Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal. Special Holidays with very attractive and discounted packages and hotel bookings.

Guruvayur
Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32 km away. It is among India`s most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of me South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th century. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru-the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the lord of the Winds. Incredible India Tours with Indian Travel agent.

The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. Incredible India Tours with Indian Travel agent.It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem `Narayaneeyam`.