Thrissur, Kerala

Thrissur, Kerala'


The city Thrissur is the head quarter of Thrissur district of Indian state Kerala. It is famous for its number of temples. It is also called as Trichur. The name Thrissur derived from Thiru- Shiva-Perur, which literary translates to "The city with the name of the Sacred Shiva". In ancient days this city was called Vrishabhadripuram and then Kailasam.

History
Thrissur was the capital of Kochi kingdom. The city gained prominence under the region of Raja Rama Verma who was referred as the Maharaja Shakthan Thampuran, in the year 1790. Shakthan Tampuran had rebuilt the city Thissur, after the attacks of Tipu Sultan`s army. Thrissur city has played a significant part in the history of South India. In the year 1919, a committee of the Indian National Congress was functioning in Thrissur.

Geography
Thrissur is situated in southwestern India at 10.52°N, 76.21°E and it is located at the center place of Kerala. Thrissur is at sea level and spans an area about 66.15 sq. km. The city enjoys the tropical climate. The maximum temperature in summer is 35°C, minimum 22.5°C and in winter maximum temperature is 32.3°C and minimum is 20.5°C.

Economy
Thrissur can also be reffered as the golden city of India. It is one of the main manufacturing centers of plain gold jewellery in the south India. Thrissur is also the head quarter of three major scheduled banks , South Indian bank, Catholic Syrian Bank and Dhanalakshmi Bank Ltd. the other industries of Thrissur are diamond polishing and tyre moulding.

Government
The corporation of the Thrissur was established on 30th September 2000. The city Mayor is responsible for all the maintenances of the city.

Transport
By Air- Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport of Thrissur.

By Rail- Thrissur Railway Station is on the artery of the railway line that connects the southern part of the Kerala with the rest of India.

By Road- National Highway NH-47 is well connected the city. It has frequent bus services to different cities near by it.

Demographics
As per 2001 Census, Thrissur had a population of 2,975,440. Males constitute 49% and females constitute 51% of the total population.10% is coming under six year of age. Thrissur has an average literacy rate of 865, which is higher than the national average of 59.5%. male literacy rate is 87% where as female literacy rate is 86% in the city.

Culture
The main language of Thrissur is Malayalam, followed by Tamil, English and Hindi. The major cultural attraction is the Thrissur Pooram Festival, celebrated during April- May. Elephant carries the ceremonial umbrellas to the deity. This festival was introduced by Shakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of the Kochi state. Pooram festival is also well known for magnificent display of fire works.

Another festival is Puli kali, which is celebrated on the fourth day of Onam. It is procession different clubs from all over the city. Everyone painted themselves as tiger and dance around the city.

Kerala Sahitya Academy, Sangeetha Natak Academy and Kerala Lalithkala Academy are head quartered at Thrissur making the epithet `cultural capital of Kerala` more meaningful. Kerala is the birthplace of the Indian Coffee House movement (ICH). The first ICH owned by its employees of the state opened in Thrissur in 1957. From last few years, city has been hosting the international Film Festival of Thrissur.

Visiting places of Thrissur.
Annakayam - This place is famous for its cool and placid watery lake.

Art museum- This museum is famous for its good collection of woods cravings metal sculptures, Kathakali figures and ancient jewellery.

Athirapally and Vazhachal Water Falls- East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges these two beautiful waterfalls are situated. These waterfalls are placed at 80 feet high.

Guruvayur- This is a very good pilgrimage place, 32 km distant from Thrissur. It is known as Dwaraka of South. The Shree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousand of visitors. Legends say that, this temple was created before 16th century and created by Guru, the preceptor of Devdas and Vayu, the Lord of winds.The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord Guruvayur.

Cheruthuruthy- This place is 29 kilometer away from Thrissur. It is a famous training institution of music, drama and dance of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Koodiyattam.

Peechi Dam- Peechi Dam, 23 km from Thrissur is an irrigation project site, which offers boating facilities. There is also a wild life sanctuary available near the Dam.

Punnathur Kotta- Punnathur Kotta is the place of elephants. Here the elephants are taken care, which is now days used as a visiting site.

Zoo- The city zoo is 2 kilometer from Thrissur town. It acquires the total area of 13.5 acres. Various animals are kept under care here.

Education
Thrissur is also called as the educational capital of Kerala. There are number of schools and colleges are established, including St. Thomas College, Sri Kerala Verma College, St. Mary`s College, Vimala College. The other famous Institutions are Govt. Medical College Thrissur, Jubilee Mission Medical College, Amala Medical college, Govt. Engineering College, Govt. Law College, Ayurveda College, Govt. Fine Arts College, College of cooperation and Banking, College of Horticulture, College of Forestry. Besides all these famous Institutions, one Agricultural university of Thrissur is also present in this city.

Media
The first newspaper of Thrissur is Lokmanya. Published in the year 1920. Now the leading newspapers in Malayalam are Malaya Manorama, Express, Matrubhumi, Desabhimani, Kerala kaumudi, Deepika and Madhyamam.