The town derives it's name from 'Tiru-shiva-perur' or the town with the name of Lord Shiva. Appropriately enough, the town is built on a hillock atop which is it's most prominent feature, the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple. It's rise in importance is attributed to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuran'.The abundance of cultural Organizations like the Kerala Sahitya Academy have lent it the status of the cultural capital.
Landmarks
The Vadakkumnathan Temple is well known for it's murals depicting the Mahabharata as well as exquisite paintings and carvings.However, non-hindus are not allowed entry.
The Art Museum has a large collection of antique wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery.The State Archaeological museum is on Town Hall Road.There is a Zoo 2km away from the city centre and an aquarium near Nehru park.
Guruvayur, one of India's major hindu pilgrimage centres lies 32 km from Thrissur. The Sree Krishna Temple, dedicated to lord Krishna, is renowned for it's healing powers. Several offerings are made from the simple 'archana' to the elaborate 'udayastamana' pooja or the 'thulabaram' where the devotee is weighed against offerings of banana, jaggery, sugar or coconuts. It is also the site for several weddings and 'annaprasanam' the first feeding ceremony of a child. As in most Kerala temples, non-hindus are not allowed entry.
Near Guruvayur, 4km away, is Punnathur Kotta, the place where the temple elephants (over 40) are taken care of . Visitors are allowed.
Kodungalloor or Cranganore, an important port in ancient times, lies 36 km away. St.Thomas the apostle is said to have landed here in 52 AD. It was the capitla of Cheraman perumal, the king of Kerala. The mosque here , is believed to be the first mosque in india dating to around 643 AD.
East of Chalakudy, are the beautiful water falls of Athirampally and Vazhchal, 5km apart.
Cheruthuruthy, 29km north of Thrissur ,home to the renowned Kerala Kalamandalam. This institution offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Ottam Thullal.

Festivals
The most spectacular festival here is 'Pooram' celebrated at the Vadakkumnathan temple every year during April/May. Kerala's grandest temple paegentry, which includes colourful processions of caparisoned elephants and a midnight fireworks display can be witnessed from the crowded streets of Trichur.
During Onam, there is also the annual 'Kandassamkadavu Boat Race'.

Details
Town Area - 25 sqkm
Temperature Mean Max -
Summer - 35deg C and Winter 2.3
Mean Min - 22.5 and 20 deg C
Tourist Season - September to March

Tourist Info
The nearest airport is 78 km away at Kochi. Trichur is an important railway station and is linked to all major towns.

Hotels
Casino Hotel, T.B.Road
Hotel Elite International
Hotel Luciya Palace
KTDC Yatri Nivas

Distances
Coimbatore - 114km
kalady - 55km
Kanyakumari - 376 km