Thissur

Fast Facts :
Location : Thissur is located 80 kms north of Cochin
Area : 3032Sq.Kms.
Height : 54 Km(Coastal line )
Best time to visit : September to April

Introduction
The cultural power house of kerala Thrissur,is well acclaimed for its devotion to art, culture,music and tradition. The name Thrissur,derives of 'Tiru-Siva-Perur' which means Lord Siva, is appropriately titled. The central and the most significant attraction of this city is the Vadakkunath Kshetram (temple) where the reigning deity is Lord Siva .This cultural capital of Kerala can give any place run for the honour in terms of its natural beauty. This place is equally famous for Kerala's most impressive elephant and fire works festival, Thrissur pooram.

Attractions
Vadakkumnath Temple
Vadakkumnath temple, which is also known as the Rishabari which means the Kailash of the south, is a classic instance of the keralian style of the architecture. It is beautified with wall paintings or murals and many classic pieces of art. World famous “pooram” festival celebrated annually in April-may in this temple. Except pooram non hindu's are not permitted to enter inside the temple premises.

Peechi Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
This pictorial dam which is situated only 23rd Km away from Thrissur is an irrigation project. It is enclosed by tea garden and eucalyptus forest, which has intensified its natural beauty. This reservoir has boating facilities for the keen travellers. There are many times when elephants and other wild animals can be seen on its bank.

Vazhachal (68 km from Thrissur)
This picturesque waterfall is a part of the Chalakudy river. It is one of the most famous water falls of karela. Just a short drive from Athirapally, this place is a fevourite destination for the tourists.

Cheruthuruthy (kerala Kalamandalam)
It is placed 29th km north of Thrissur near Shoranur junction. It is the home of the Kerala's very own traditional dance form. In this academy the best of Kerala's Kathakali dancers take their training. This institution also offer training in music, drama & other forms of dance.

Thrissur Zoo
This Zoo is spread over 13.5 acres of land .It has a collection of wide range of flora and fauna. It is the abode of many endangered species of fauna like tailed macaque, sloth bear, lion. It's snake park is reputed to have one of the best snake collections in India. It also has a museum in its compound, which exhibits several sculpture, kathakali figures, religious idols.

How to reach there
Air : Thrissur is nearest to Cochin International Airport(60 km). It is just 80 km form Kozhikode Airport.

Rail : It is well linked by rail to all southern cities. Railway station is just 1 Km south way form city-centre. It has direct trains to Ernakulam which take around one and a half hours. Trains to Kozhikode take around three hours

Road : Tourist can travel by road to other major tourist destinations in Kerala. Buses carrying Ooty passengers to Coimbatore via Thrissur. In Thrissur there are three bus stands. In south Thrissur there can be found two stands named KSRTC and Sakthan Tampuran. The Priyadarshini stand is in the north.

KSRTC has regular buses bound for Thiruvananthapuram(7 ½ hours), Ernakulam(2 hours), Kozhikode ( 3 ½ hours) and Palakkad (1 ½ hours).

The Sakthan Tampuran stand buses goes to closer towns such as Kodungallor, Irinjalakuda and Guruvayur (one hour).