Thrissur is Kerala's third-largest city and the state's cultural and commercial epicentre. It is one of Kerala's oldest cities, containing prehistoric monuments and relics dating back thousands of years. It is often referred to as Kerala's cultural capital because it is a melting pot of numerous religions. Thrissur is roughly 86 kilometres north of Kochi and 300 kilometres north of Thiruvananthapuram.

Hindus, Christians, and Muslims all have important holy sites in this city. The Vadakkumnathan temple, regarded one of India's most famous Shaivism temples, is a popular tourist destination in Thrissur. The temple is placed on the Thekkinkadu Maidan, an empty mound around which city of Thrissur was developed. The name Thrissur comes from the temple itself, which approximately translates to "Lord Shiva's Big Town." The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is cherished by Syrian Christians in India, is also located there. The Guruvayur temple in this city is a sacred and important destination for Vaishnavas as well.

Let's take a look at the earlier days of Thrissur

There has been a lot of indication of human habitation in and around Thrissur going back to the early stone ages. This location has also yielded a number of monolithic constructions. The earliest written documentation of this region may be found in Sangam era literature from approximately the 4th century BC, when the Chera Dynasty governed much of what is now Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Following the Cheras' defeat, the Kingdom of Cochin and, subsequently, the Zamorins of Calicut ruled over Thrissur and the surrounding districts. Their control lasted until the Portuguese arrived on the scene in the 15th and 16th century. The Portuguese, on the other hand, were deposed by the Dutch, who assisted the Cochin Royal Family in recapturing Thrissur. In the year 1710, Sakthan Thampuran, one of the kings of this dynasty, was responsible for Thrissur's rise to prominence as a temple city. In the late 18th century, nevertheless, the Sultans of Mysore besieged Thrissur several times. The succeeding rulers of Cochin became British Empire dependents, which they remained until the state of Kerala was created.

Culture of Thrissur

Thrissur's historical and artistic history is rich, as it has been impacted and enhanced by both Indian and European and Arab sources throughout mediaeval and colonial periods. The body painting art style known as Puli Kali, also referred as Kaduvakali, is popular in this region and is frequently seen during festivals such as Onam. The Indian coffee shop, which opened in 1958, is another cultural centre in Thrissur.

The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy and the Kerala Sahitya Academy are two well-known art colleges in Thrissur. The Thrissur International Film Festival, as well as other other cultural events, are held in this city over the year. The Thrissur Pooram, in which adorned elephants parade through the town to the Vadakkunnathan Temple, is one of the city's most popular annual events.

What to eat and where to eat?

Fresh Vellayappams, as well as other Kerala specialties, are the most popular items in Thrissur, and can be obtained at the several shacks that line the short alley near Dolors Basillica. Aside from that, snacks such as Achappam, Idiyappams, and Kuzhalappam are widely available in the neighbourhood.

All of this stands out in the city, despite the fact that basic foods like dosa, idli, uppama, poori, and others are readily accessible. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are offered in the town and can be enjoyed at any of the many restaurants. At some establishments, you may also be able to experience a unique blend of North Indian food.

Things to do at Thrissur

• Allow Yourself To Be Lost In The View of Athirappilly Waterfalls: It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the nation, not only in Thrissur. The waterfalls are located at the sholayar ranges' base. The melody of the waves and the waterfalls is repetitive. The waterfall is enveloped by lush woodland and rocky outcroppings, and it is possible to go for a short hike there. One of the best things to do in Thrissur is to explore this waterfall.
• Look for Blessings at Vadakkunnathan Temple: It is one of the most prominent things to do in Thrissur, Kerala, and it is one of the shrines in Kerala that is known for its great craftsmanship. This temple's classic style draws visitors from all around the world. The gopurams are four beautiful gateways. They overlook the four directions of north, south, east, and west, respectively. It is also claimed to be one of Lord Shiva's ancient temples.
• Beachy Activities at Snehatheeram Beach: The beach is well-kept, and there is even a theme park there. You can participate in a variety of activities. The beach is immaculate, which is a rare sight to see in India. Around the beach, there are numerous little restaurants. The beach should be at the top of your list of inexpensive things to do in Thrissur.
• Interact with the natural world at Thrissur Zoo and Museum: It consists of a zoological garden, an organic history museum, a botanical garden, and a museum of art and is expanded over 13.5 acres of land. Attending it is one of the most important things to do in Thrissur. It has something for everyone, regardless of their particular interests. It is home to a great number of reptiles, birds, and other animals.
• Bathe with the Giant Elephants: This is a well-known elephant sanctuary about 3 kilometres from the Guruvayoor Temple. From seeing elephants in their natural habitat to watching them do chores, there's plenty to keep you entertained here. After visiting the temple, come here for a lovely ending to your evening. Among the many activities to do in Thrissur, this is one of the most important.
• Pilgrimage Tour: If you are visiting Thrissur, you must pay a tour to the Guruvayoor temple, which is regarded as one of Kerala's most important Krishna temples. It is said to have been constructed by Guru (God's preceptor) and Vayu (God of Winds), hence the pseudonym. Another temple in Trichur worth visiting is the Thriprayar temple, which is devoted to Lord Rama. It is known for its elaborate engravings on the walls and pillars, as well as its superb structure. The Ayyappa Temple, noted for its Arattupuzha Pooram celebration, is the last but not least.

Places to visit 

• Shakthan Thampuran Palace: The Shakthan Thampuran Palace is an absolute must-see on any list of the greatest sites to visit in Thrissur. The palace's Dutch-style building, constructed by Raja Rama Varma IC in 1791, is a stunning site to witness, particularly for art lovers. The features within it, such as a tiny museum displaying antiquities and old artefacts, are what set it apart.
• Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours: The Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, set amidst beautiful green valleys, sparkles like a white pearl in the city and is one of the greatest Thrissur tourist attractions. The tales of trust and love that surround this shrine set it apart from other churches in Thrissur, and it also serves as a shelter for serenity searchers visiting the city.
• Chettuva Backwater: Chettuva Backwater is one of the best spots to visit in Thrissur. The breathtaking scenery and enticing landscapes will captivate your sensibilities. The backwaters start at Enamakkal Lake and flow through an estuary before reaching the Arabian Sea. It is a world-famous location for mangrove plants and migrating birds. Aside from it, there are other islets and a fort to be seen.
• Paramekkavu Bhagvathy Temple: Paramekkavu Bhagvathy Temple, Trichur's biggest temple devoted to Goddess Vaishnavi, is one of the city's most sacred sites. The Thrissur Pooram Festival, during which a huge march of 15 elephants is paraded, is the temple's most popular feature. It is a 1000-year-old temple that draws a large number of visitors to the city.
• Charpa Falls: The state of Kerala is famed for its many waterfalls, and Charpa Falls is one among them. It is another treasure in Thrissur's kitty, situated amid Athriapally and Vazhachal Falls. The white waterfalls are a popular tourist destination for nature enthusiasts throughout the year.
• Peruvanam Temple: If you want to visit the nicest places in Thrissur, you should go to the famed Peruvanam Temple, which is also devoted to Lord Shiva. It covers a total area of 7 acres and is designed in the traditional Kerala style. You will be stunned by the magnificence of the building when you visit this temple on your Thrissur trip.

How to reach?

• By Road: Thrissur is accessible from almost all of Kerala's big cities. With its neighbouring cities, the city has a well-developed bus network. Travelers from neighbouring states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu can also travel to Thrissur by bus.
• By Train: The closest railway stations to Thrissur are Thrissur Central, Thrissur Punkunnam, and Divine Nagar. Every one of these stations have frequent trains that connect them to the rest of the country.
• By Air: The closest airport to Thrissur is Thrissur Airport, which is around 56 kilometres from the city centre. At a distance of 95 kilometres, Kochi International Airport is also an excellent choice for air passengers flying to Thrissur.