LOCATION Trichur is situated in the Central part of Kerala, the Southern state of India. Palakkad and Eranakulam (Cochin) are the nearest districts of Trichur. Trichur is 74 km north of Ernakulam (Cochin). | |||||||||||||
Trichur enjoys a moderate tropical climate. The average temperature is 30-35 degree Celsius during summer. The monsoon starts in the second week of June which remains till the end of July.
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THE PAST Trichur was the capital of the former Princely State of Cochin, one of the prominent kingdoms of Malabar Coast. In the 18th Century the then Cochin King Raja Rama Verma had taken initiative in making a planned town in Trichur. Thus Trichur town have originated. The town of Trichur radiates from Vadakkunnatha temple with the encircling roads. This temple is an architectural marvel. As a district Trichur was formed in 1949. Trichur in Kerala mainly conjures up in the minds of every curious traveller is that of the “Trichur Pooram”, the renowned festival conducted every year that makes exulting moments to the people irrespective of religion, caste, region etc. Trichur is the cultural capital of Kerala. The abundance of festivals is the major attraction of Trichur. The Vadakkunnada Temple, Paramelkavu temple, Thiruvambadi temple are known for their cultural significance. The Archeological Museum is another major landmark of Trichur. |
A traditional Kerala temple, Vadakkunnadha Temple is located at the central part of Trichur. Though the temple is entitled to visit only by Hindus, the exterior part is very beautiful and can be visited by everybody. The four gates of the temple are full of wooden carvings, which make series of wonderful moments in the visitors. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. To the west gate of Vadakkunnadha temple, there situates the famous Thiruvambady temple, where the main deity is lord Krishna and to the East the Paramekkavu Temple dedicated to Paramekkavu Devi. The famous Trissur Pooram is meant to honour all the deities of Trichur.
Next to the Museum road Archeological Museum of Trichur is situated, which is worth full to have a visit. The museum houses many sculptures carved out of stone and metals. The Gandaram style of sculptures is also can be found here. Here one can visit the brilliantly reproduced beautiful mural paintings of the Mattanchery Palace of Cochin for which the palace is well known.
SITES NEARBY
The Guruvayoor Temple, in Guruvayoor is one of the most famous pilgrim centres in Kerala. The temple is situated 33 km north- west of Trichur. The main deity is that of Lord Krishna. Non-Hindus are not allowed to get inside the temple. The main offerings to god here is “Thulabhara”.
The Kerala Kalamandapam is the major point of attention of Trichur especially for those who are curious of the traditional art forms. It is situated at Cheruthuruthy, 32 km north of Trichur near the Shornur Railway station. It is an academy of traditional art forms, which offers various courses to learn all of the dying ethnic arts of Kerala. Innumerable foreigners are also the pupils of Kerala Kalamandpam. Kathakali, the composite art form of dance, music, drama, acting, and literature is well taught here. Ottam Tullal, Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattam, Chakyar kooth, Nangyar Kooth etc are also trained in Kerala Kalamandalam.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Trichur Pooram is the most important and enthusiastic festival of Trichur, which is a friendly compact of the people belong to the two temples of two regions, Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu. “Pooram” means festivals, as the Trichur Pooram is the Pooram of all the Poorams. Trichur Pouram is the most spectacular festival in India. Trichur Pooram is held in every year in May. Apart from the native people, innumerable tourists are also enthusiastically reaches here to intensify the quantity of the masses. The major attraction of Trichur Pooram is that the temple processions are accompanied by an array of decorated caparisoned elephants. These elephants carries the deities from both the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples along with other minor temple’s deities. While minor temples are having four or five elephants for the procession, the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples have an accompaniment of fourteen elephants.
The two processions starts from the two temples meets together near the Vadakkunnadha Temple and there performs the famous “Kudamattom” which is the exchange of colored parasols performed to the hypnotic rhythm of panchavadyam, one of the typical kind of Kerala symphony. This process is like a competition of the two groups.At the end of the Pooram there will be a magnificent display of fireworks. Concerning the conducting of fireworks there is a sense of traditional rivalry still keeps up. Though the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples are united to plan the Pooram, the details of fire works are highly veiled secrets. Hence this fire works display is one of the most majestic displays in India.
SHOPPING
Trichur is famous for handicrafts and bell metal vessels. The numerous vessel shops offer many kinds of oil lamps, household appliances, vessels and of course fancy items made out of metals. A visit to the bell metal workshops, one can found nearby, will be a different experience.
WHERE TO STAY
In Trichur good accommodation is easily available. Government Guest Houses and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation are in the town itself. Private accommodation is also plenty in Trichur.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, which is at a distance of 45 km on the way to Ernakulam. Calicut airport is 163 km north of Trichur.
By Rail: The railway station is just one km South-west of Trichur town. Plenty of the trains are available from here into the different parts of India as most of the trains of Kerala are passing through this Railway Station.
By road: The well-connected roads are making Trichur an easily accessible spot from anywhere in South India. The National Highway-47 connects Trichur to the southernmost tip of India ie. Kanyakumari. The Kerala State running buses are available for long routes whereas the local transportation is possible by the local private buses. The journey to Trivandrum will takes 7.30 hours and Calicut takes 3.30 hours. Upto Cochin it will takes a journey of 2 hours.
INFORMATION
Just for a casual visit of Trichur one day is enough. At the same time for an elaborate visit of Trichur, especially the Kerala Kalamandapam, it can be extended according to the interests of the visitors. For those who are interested to learn the ethnic arts enough guidance is available at the Kerala Kalamandapam. The most important point to be noted is that there are certain places where elephants are brought up cared and trained.
