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Thrissur (latitude 10032' N and longitude 76015' E) is acclaimed as the cultural capital of Kerala, and is the headquarters of the Thrissur District.
Thrissur is situated almost centrally in Kerala State and is well connected by road and rail. It is accessible by air from International Nedumbassery Airport Kochi (Cochin, Ernakulum) and by sea from Kochi seaport.

The town is built on a rising ground on the apex of which is the oldest and largest temple complex in the state, the Vadakkunnathan temple complex, famous since the 8th century AD. Its boundaries are defined by a thick and lofty masonry wall with massive pagoda shaped gateways on all the four sides that provide a marvelous backdrop of the pageantry of the famous Thrissur pooram festival, held in April-May every year. Outside the wall is an open ground which was once a dense teak forest and hence it is known as Thekkinkadu Maidan (teak forest). The temple and the surrounding open area measuring about 3.6 hectares are encircled by a wide circular road called the Swaraj Round. Highways radiate from this focal point in all directions.
The temple has three sanctum sanctorum, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vadakunathan, Sri Sankaranarayanan and Sri Rama, installed by Parasurama according to the legend. Exquisite adorn, paintings and sculptures adorn the walls of the temple.