Thrissur is known as the Cultural Capital of God’s own country Kerala. The religious and spiritual charm of Thrissur attracts a number of tourists throughout the year. The name Thrissur means ‘the big town of Lord Shiva’. The city is rich in terms of history and has been ruled by several dynasties and remnants of the past can still be found here.
Thrissur experiences a mainly tropical Monsoon climate and usually there’s not much difference between the day and night temperatures in the region. Southwest Monsoon hangs around for a good four months, right from June to September. The city receives three-figure rainfall right from April to November. The best time to visit is during winter but the city welcomes several visitors during Monsoon as well.
The Cultural Capital of Kerala is popular for a number of cultural festivals. Some way more grand and popular than the others. Thrissur Pooram, which is also known as ‘the pooram of all poorams’ is celebrated in the beautiful city every year from mid-April to mid-May. It is a marvelous arrangement of colors, people, and decorated elephants. Puli Kali is another entertaining festival which takes place during Onam and is literally owned by the experts who perform during the fest. The festivals here are best enjoyed with generous amounts of Toddy, or palm wine.
When it comes to sightseeing and digging up history, Thrissur does not disappoint. Not many people know this but Thrissur is home to the highest church in entire Asia. The immensely popular ‘Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica’ is located in the heart of the city and is an important landmark. It is visited by thousands of probing tourists from around the world each year.
Besides this, Thrissur is also home to important temples. The Vadakkunnathan Temple, which is believed to have been founded by the legendary saint Parasurama, is home to several sacred shrines and is an architectural marvel in every way. Then there’s the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, which is the largest Sree Krishna temple in the state. There are other beautiful and interesting structures which lay scattered all over Thrissur.
Literature is another key aspect of life in Thrissur. The highly rain-fed region has been home to several iconic Malayalam literary figures like Kovilan, Sukumar Azhikode, Sarah Joseph, P Bhaskaran, and others. The city believes in the cultivation of literature and art and houses the Kerala Lalita Kala Akademi, Kerala Sahitya Academy, Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, and the College of Fine Arts.
Lastly, food is another very good reason to visit Thrissur. There’s so much to choose from and it’s also extra special as you’re having it right in the midst of a unique cultural mix which is reflected in the cuisine as well. Some of the most popular foods of Thrissur are Puttu, Vellayappam, Meen Porichathu (lip-smacking fish fry recipe), Avial (a heavenly mix of veggies), Achappam, Malabari Mutton Biryani (simply yum), Porotha, and of course the famous Banana Chips. Be sure to wash it all down with a glass (pitcher?) of Toddy. So go ahead, embrace Thrissur and the city will surely hug you back.
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