Thrissur (തൃശൂര്‍), Kerala

View of Thrissur, Kerala, from the tower of the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours


Thrissur (originally Thrisivaperoor, formerly anglicized as Trichur, Hindi: തൃശൂര്‍) is a city on the central coast of Kerala, India. Thrissur covers 101 sq km (39 sq mi) and has a population of 316,000 people (2012 estimate).

Due to its long tradition and history, it is often regarded as the Cultural Capital of Kerala. The city is home to the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, established in 1958 to preserve and develop Kerala dance, drama and music. Also located here is the Kerala Lalita Kala Akademi, established to promote fine arts, and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, established to promote the Malayalam language.

The name Thrissur is the short form for Thirushivaperur, which means "city with the name of Shiva". This is due to the Vadakkumnathan Temple, which venerates the deity Shiva.

This history of Thrissur goes back to the Stone Age, based on the presence of megaliths still standing today in the city. Among this is the Ramavarmapuram menhir which is 15 feet tall.

Today Thrissur is a major financial and economic hub of Kerala. It is also a centre for the manufacture of gold jewelry, accounting for some 70% of all jewelry produced by Kerala. The city has also developed itself as the largest hub for Ayurvedic medicine in the country.

Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours in Thrissur

Planning your trip to Thrissur

The nearest international airport is at Kochi, some 58 km away. You can also reach Thrissur by train from major cities in India including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Places of Interest in Thrissur

Downtown Thrissur

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