Thrissur, India | World’s Best Cities

Thrissur, India

Hailed as the cultural capital of Kerala on India’s southwest coast, Thrissur is steeped in tradition as home to the renowned Thrissur Archaeological Museum and the stunning murals of Vadakkunnathan Temple. Then there’s the grand festivals, particularly the famous Thrissur Pooram, often considered Kerala’s most spectacular, during which the city hosts majestic elephant parades, colorful parasols and the rhythmic drumbeats of the chenda, drawing visitors from across the globe. Spiritual landmarks, such as the ancient Vadakkunnathan Temple, the Bible Tower—the tallest church tower in Asia—and the Cheraman Juma Masjid, India’s first mosque, located nearby in Kodungallur, exemplify Thrissur’s religious diversity and its harmonious coexistence of faiths.

The city is also a gem of livability (#27), boasting a Top 10 ranking for tree cover, a Top 20 for healthcare and impressive housing affordability. All this in addition to being known as the country’s gold capital and a major commercial hub in South India. Key projects aim to keep a good thing going. The Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) and the development of the Thrissur Ring Road are improving mobility and connectivity, while the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) project is preserving Thrissur’s cultural landmarks while modernizing its infrastructure.