Thrissur Tourism And Travel Guide

Thrissur derived its name from the Malayalam phrase “Thiru-Shiva-Perur”, which means “The town that belongs to Lord Shiva”. Over the centuries, Thrissur has been baptized with various names, such as Ten Kailasam, Trichur, and Vrishabhadripuram. The economical hub of Kerala, Thrissur also mesmerizes with its architectural display, panoramic waterfalls, and spiritual and religious vibes. This holistic town is one of the most populous towns in Kerala.

It is rightly said that every stone that belongs to an ancient city has a different story to tell. Thrissur has rich historical remnants laid out all over its landscape. These remnants form proofs of the various dynasties that ruled over the city. Tourists can discover traces of the British regime, Zamorins of Calicut, Portuguese occupations, and Perumpadappu Swaroopam. This amplifies the experience of tourism in Thrissur, making it a great holiday destination. Let us walk through a travel guide and learn how to explore Thrissur.

By Air:

The Kochi airport lies at a distance of approximately 56 km from Thrissur. This is the first airport in India to operate entirely on solar energy. The Kozhikode airport is situated further away at a distance of about 101 km in the North. It provides an alternative airport for people visiting from North India. Flights from other significant centres of India throng these airports on a daily basis. Winters and summers are the best time to use airways, as rains could cause delay in flight travel.

By Rail:

One of the prime railway junctions in southern India, Thrissur Railway Station provides convenient connectivity to other parts of the country. Advanced facilities such as free Wi-Fi for the public prevail at this station. Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai fall among the several metropolitan hubs that are accessible through this station.

By Road:

Thrissur enjoys accessibility to other cities around the region, such as Coimbatore and Pollachi, through the NH17 and NH544 national highways. Frequent KSRTC government buses travel to Thrissur from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. In addition, private vehicles and local transport facilities provide visitors with apt travelling conditions. The auto rickshaw drivers of Thrissur won’t hesitate to show you around the town and provide their knowledge of the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

The tropical nature of Thrissur means that rain pours down regularly. However, the climate turns pleasant and welcoming in the season of winter, making December to February the best time to visit Thrissur. The temperatures in the city consistently range from 22°C to 30°C.

Summer (March-May):

Summer season provides humid climate, but the dawn of various festivals shall enthrall visitors of different religious faiths. The renowned Thrissur Pooram festival falls in this season.

Monsoon (June-September):

Monsoon is the best time to trek and witness the picture-perfect landscapes on display throughout the city. The greenery around provides magnificent flora and fauna for viewing. If you are not a mud and water person then this is not the season for you.

Winter (October-February):

Winters in Thrissur are pleasant, if not cold due to the prevalence of maritime climate. October is still warmer and cools by the onset of December, making the two months hereafter ideal for tourism.

Festivals:

Thrissur is incomplete without its carnival atmosphere. Festivals light up this town and this city is second to none when it comes to proclaiming its faith. Thrissur Pooram festival can send you into spiritual fulfillment with its wonderful declaration of worship. On the other hand, festivals like Onam can thrill visitors with local dance forms. One such ritual is the Pulli Kali art form, which translates to “Tiger Play”. Groups from different parts of Thrissur come together to showcase their skills.

Waterfalls:

Thrissur houses some breathtaking waterfalls that attract a truckload of tourists. The Athirapally Waterfalls is situated at the gateway of the Sholayar ranges in the Western Ghats. This replica of the Niagara Falls offers astonishing scenery and landscapes that can only be dreamt of. Another jewel in the waterfall crown of Thrissur is the Vazhachal Waterfalls. Towering trees and natural water bodies provide a refreshing experience for visitors.

Elephant Country:

This Land of Elephants acts as one of the biggest wildlife reserves in the country. Elephants are respected and revered, becoming a part of their spiritual and religious activities. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Thrissur houses the biggest elephant recreational park in the world, Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary. The grandeur with which these majestic creatures are ornamented during the festival of Thrissur Pooram is simply heartwarming. Visitors are sure to be treated with some blessings from these elephants when paying a visit to this town.

Backwaters:

Canal rafts and houseboats float into the sunset on backwaters and give you an idyllic experience. The Chettuva Backwaters is a famous retreat, one that also educates you about the ways of life in and aorund the locality. The quiet, tranquil state of waters and smell of salt and sea is sure to rejuvenate you.

A visit to Thrissur would be incomplete without tasting from some of the delicious local delicacies. Puttu is the favorite breakfast meal of Thrissur citizens. This dish involves a perfect combination of coconut and rice flour. This classic culinary jewel of Kerala is not only healthy but also comforting to the belly. Other delicacies to have on your tasting list include Meen Porichathu, Achappam, Malabar Mutton Biryani, and Vellayappam.