Thrissur

Thrissur is widely regarded as the cultural capital of Kerala, home to the Vadakkunnathan Temple — an outstanding example of Kerala temple architecture — and the site of the state's most celebrated festival procession. The Thrissur Pooram, held annually in April or May, assembles competing temple elephants decorated in gold-plated caparisons alongside percussion ensembles; it is one of the largest and most visually spectacular temple festivals on the subcontinent. The town also anchors Kerala's classical arts institutions.