THRISSUR
Vadakkumnathan
Temple: One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan temple
is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative
murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival
celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the Pooram are a spectacular
sight. Non Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.
Archaeological Museum (Town Hall Road): Open from 1000 - 1700 hrs on
all days except Mondays and national holidays. Zoo (2 km from Thrissur town):
Open from 0900 - 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays. Art Museum: Located in
the Zoo compound, the art museum displays collections of wood carvings, metal
sculptures and ancient jewellery. (Open 1000 - 17 00 hrs on all days except
Mondays)
Town Hall: Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from all
parts of Kerala are on display. Aquarium: This is near Nehru
Park
(open 15:00 - 20:00 hrs).
Vilangankunnu (7 km from Thrissur): This is a beautiful hill which is
a good picnic spot.
Arattupuzha: This village is known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple
in April/May. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions
carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring temples to this village.
Peechi dam (20 km east of Thrissur): This picnic spot offers boating
facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi dam.
Christian Divine Retreat Centres: They are located at Muringoor and Potta
near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route.
Guruvayoor
(29 km west of Thrissur): Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important
pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. This
historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the
creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods , and Vayu, the God of winds. The
eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer
enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There
is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles
provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred
sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple there
are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy.
Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
Accessing Thrissur:
Air:The nearest international airport: Nedumbassery (87 km)
Rail: Railway enquiry: Ph: 554300 556820
Festivals:
Arratupuzha Festival (March)
Pooram Festival (April/May)
Kandassamkadavu Boat Races (August/September)
