Thrissur City Map

Nomenclature:
Thrissur is derives its name from 'Thiru-Shiva-Perur'. This means the abode of Lord Siva. The city was probably so named because of the Vadakkunath Kshetram Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva. This city is also referred to as Then Kailasam (Kailasam of South India) and Vrishabhadripuram.

History:
For a short while, during the reign of the royal dynasties of Cochin, Thrissur was capital city. During his reign, Shaktan Thampuran constructed a magnificiant palace and rebuilt most of the city. Raja Rama Varma too invested a lot in promoting the city. The city also played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle.

Connectivity:
Thrissur is very well connected to the rest of the nation and to the entire world through excellent airways and rail and road services.

The closest international airport is at Kochi, 58 km from Thrissur. About 80 km from the city is the Kozhikode (Calicut) Airport. From these places there are frequent flights to the rest of the country and to international destinations such as the Middle East, Singapore, Maldives, Europe and Sri Lanka.

Thrissur city is well connected by rail links of the Southern Railways to most important Indian cities such as Kozhikode, Mangalore, Kochi, Thivandrum, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi.

A very smooth system of roadways connects the city with cities like Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Madurai, Mumbai and Coimbatore. Excellent bus services ply many tourists and small traders to and from these destinations everyday.

Places Of Interest In Thrissur City:

• The Shakthan Thampuran Palace, also known as Vadakkekara Palace was constructed by the great ruler of Cochin, Shakthan Thampuran and rebuilt in 1795 by Sri. Ramavarma Thampuran. The style of architecture bears considerable Dutch influences.
• The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, Thrissur is also known as the New Church and is the biggest church in South Asia.
• The Archeological & Art Museum at Thrissur is a depository of graceful stone sculptures, antique jewelry and intricately carved wooden handicrafts.
• Thrissur Zoo houses a number of wildlife animals and attracts locals and tourists alike.
• Kerala Sahitya Academy in collaboration with the Kendriya Sahitya Academy in New Delhi aims at encouraging Malayalam language and promoting its literature especially to the younger generations..
• Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy (1962) was established in an attempt to promote the performing and fine arts of the state which had fallen into a decline.
• Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy in Thrissur was established to promote dance, theater and music in Kerala. Thanks to its efforts Thrissur can now boast of a theatre with all modern amenities.
• Vilangan Kunnu in Thrissur is a recreational center and a picnic spot where various amusement devices for children have been constructed.

Attractions:
The main attraction of the city of Thrissur is its culture. Tourists flock from all over the globe to participate in its festivals. Thrissur Pooram is an eight day long event and a spectacular elephant procession is the highlight of this festival. The elephants are decked in golden caparisons and make their way through the city thoroughfare amidst drumbeats, festivities and cheer. Devotees from the Thiruvambadi and the Paramekkavu temples follow these grand creatures and the deities idols are mounted on them. A brilliant firework display brings these festivals to a breathtaking end. Visitors may thus be advised to visit Thrissur in April- May when the Pooram festival is held or in the winter months when the weather is pleasant.