Thrissur pronunciation (helpinfo) (Malayalam: ) previously known as Trichur, is the fourth largest city, and the third largest urban agglomeration in Kerala (Pop. 1,854,783). It is also the headquarters of the Thrissur District. Thrissur city is built around a 65-acre (26ha) hillock called the Thekkinkadu Maidan which seats the Vadakkumnathan temple. Thrissur was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. It is located 300 kilometres (186mi) towards north-west of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual and religious leanings throughout history. It houses the Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Kerala Lalita Kala Akademi and Kerala Sahitya Academy. The city hosts the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala. The festival is held at the Thekkinkadu Maidan in April or May. Thrissur has a large number of well-known temples including the...
