6 Must Visit Attractions In Thrissur, Kerala

Thrissur (previously Trichur) is the centre of Thrissur District in Kerala. It is known as the culture capital of Kerala because of its vibrant festivals like Pooram, and mix of Christian and Hindu traditions. Thrissur is famous for festivals like Onam and Pooram, film and theater events, churches, museums, and palaces. It is also famous for being an educational and spiritual hub with numerous institutions for learning. Thrissur attracts the most visitors from India in Kerala, and is steadily becoming a popular tourist spot for foreigners too.

# St Antony’s Forane Church and Our Lady Dolours Basilica

Located in the town of Ollur in thrissur, St Antony’s Forane Church is one of the most significant and well visited churches in Kerala. Since the town has a high presence of Christians, St Antony’s is locally known as Chinna Rome (Little Rome). The elaborate decorations, murals, frescos, and paintings of this church, as well as the the bell tower distinguish it from other churches in Kerala, even India, making a popular visiting place for tourists in Thrissur.

# ViBGYOR Film Festival

An International Short and Documentary Film Festival, ViBRGYOR, as the name suggests, addresses issues under seven categories: Identities, Rights, Environment and Developmentalism, Nation state, Gender and Sexuality, Fundamentalism v/s Diversity, and Culture and Media. The films shown at the festival deal with unspoken experiences and struggles of life, portraying the diverse and multifaceted nature of identity and life. It’s a meeting ground for filmakers, students and audience.

Other than screenings, the festival also has many discussions, workshops, conferences, lectures, campaigns and fellowships. This is the biggest alternative film festival in South Asia, held in the Sangeet Natak Academi for five days. This is a must visit festival to learn and grow awareness of the expansive complexities of life and the everyday hardships of all kinds of people.

# International Theatre Festival of India

Held at the Sangeet Natak Academi every year, the festival is one of the most important theatre festivals of the country. It’s a platform for contemporary, independent, and experimental theatre; along with traditional and folk theatre forms of Kerala. International, national, and local troupes perform dramas and radio plays – a variety of stories in different mediums and forms.

Held in January, it lasts for a week and also holds seminars, workshops, film screenings, and interactive discussions. Theatre followers should not miss this festival when travelling to Thrissur. Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Kerala Sahithya Academy and Kerala Lalithakala Academy are the centers for the cultural, literature, theater, and arts education and events in Thrissur.

# Vadakkunnathan Temple

The Vadakkunathan Temple is the most important and famous temple in Thrissur. It’s an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the venue for most of the major festivals like Thrissur Pooram and Aanayoottu, and events in the city. Visually the temple is renowned for its typical Kerala architecture, the four impressive Gopurams (gateways), and murals on Mahabharata on the inside. Its one of the most visited places on Thrissur, especially during festival season, when it’s a sight to behold.

# Aanayoottu Festival

Held in the temple in the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (July), the festival showcases the love and reverence of elephants in Kerala. A number of elephants are taken into the temple and positioned in a single line in front of hundreds of people. The crowd feeds the elephants especially made Ayurvedic food for the well being of the animals.

Elephants are a major component of Keralite festivals and celebrations – in the honour of Lord Ganesha, the most well loved deity in Hindu mythology. Lord Ganesha is known as the god of knowledge, wisdom and remover of obstacles; also of wealth, beginnings, and fulfiller of wishes.

# Shakthan Thampuran Palace

Named after the founder of Thrissur, the palace is an important historical site in Thrissur. The museum in the palaces is renowned for having megalithic structures from the Stone Age, a collection of ancient coins, a Bronze gallery with works from the 12th and 18th centuries, the royal collection, stamps and weapons. It is a popular tourist spot for its medicinal Botanical garden and serpent grove. Visitors to Thrissur make sure to visit the Shakthan Thampuran Palace for an understanding of Thrissur’s history.