Thrissur originally Thiru Siva Peroor and previously known by its anglicised form as Trichur, is the fourth largest city, the third largest urban agglomeration in Kerala and and the 20th largest in India, population 1,854,783.Thrissur is known as the “Cultural capital of Kerala” and has been the scene of numerous events of historic and cultural importance. Thrissur is built around a hillock on which the famous Vadakkunathan Temple is situated.
The history of modern Thrissur started with the swearing ceremony of Raja Rama Varma in 1790, who is popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran (1790-1805). The mighty ruler Sakthan Thampuran is legendary as the architect of Thrissur town.
With murals on its walls and ceilings, this 1875-built Roman Catholic Minor Basilica has the largest church interior in South India. It is adorned with 140 ft long steeple, which is visible from anywhere in the town. The chapel has 15 altars and boasts of neo Gothic spires. It is locally famous by the name of Puthen Palli.
With a collection of beautiful Mural paintings, some of which are more than 400 years old, this gigantic 1000 year old temple and historical structure is famous for the Nataraja Mural near the main gate.The shrine of Vadakkumnathan is also situated there, which is apparently covered completely under ghee for centuries, without any incidence of melting. The shrines of Mahavishnu and Shankaranarayan are also located in the temple.
It is Situated in a small place in the Thrissur district of Kerala, the 80 ft high and 330 ft wide Athirapally falls is a majestic waterfall that is right in front of the Sholayar ranges and is often referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India". It is part of the Chalakudy River that originates in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats.
Vazhachal Falls is a popular picnic spot. Quality time can be spent here with the family. The place is located at a distance of 60 km from Thrissur city and 5 km from Athirapilly Falls. Vazhachal Falls have dense forests of Sholayar ranges surrounding . During its course on rocky terrain, River Chalakkudy gives out in three branches, which resume its flow surrounding the small islands formed by the riparian forests. These three branches gather momentum on its downward course and plummet to the rocky bed of River Chalakkudy to re-unite.
Charpa Falls is another one of the nature's delight that displays the blessings of Mother Nature. Cascading down from a shot height, this fall which is a part of River Chalakkudy offers a breathtaking experience. Athirappilly Falls and Lake Vachumaram are a stone's throw away from Charpa Falls.
A sea shore adorned with rare scenic beauty, the Chavakad beach is renowned as being one of the best beaches along the West Coast.