Thrissur is fittingly proclaimed as the cultural hub of Kerala. Its radiant festivals and vibrant art forms can take you back in time. This city preserves cultures and religious traditions with roots that date back several centuries. These qualities provide tourists with many intriguing places to visit on their tour of Thrissur, like Vadakkunnathan Temple, Chimmony Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, Shakthan Thampuran Palace etc. Let us look at some of these exciting tourist places.

Vadakkunnathan Temple is seated atop a hillock in the middle of the city. It is a marvelous symbol of the ancient architectural caliber of Kerala. The temple is surrounded by massive columns on all sides along with a theatre for orchestrating traditional art forms. Vadakkunnathan Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, housing a colossal Shiva Linga. This provides the faithful with an apt holistic destination.

Our Lady of Dolours marks the birth of Christianity in the state of Kerala. It was the first Christian church to spring up in this cultural center. The church is well-known for its prehistoric Gothic construction. The walls of the church are adorned with scenes from the Bible and effigies of Saints. Famously, the church houses as many as eleven holy altars. The central altar is graced by five other altars on each of its flanks. Devotees throng this church in hope that their petitions be answered by the almighty.

The Chimmony Dam was built completely in 1996. The dam stretches across the width of the Chimoni River. The region is silent and sans crowds most of the time. Tourists can rest and enjoy the delightful view that the dam has to offer. Nestled amidst the impenetrable Chimmony forests lies the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary breeds some unique species of flora and fauna. Adventurers prefer trekking through the tricky forest route to fulfill their thrilling needs. Bamboo rafting is also carried out in the region.

Another religious feather in the diverse cultural cap of Thrissur is the Cheraman Juma Masjid. This mosque outlines the entrance of Islamic religion into the Indian Subcontinent centuries ago. Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi recently gifted a replica of this mosque to Saudi King Salman, highlighting its commercial as well as religious importance. Cheraman Juma Masjid symbolises Kerala’s acceptance of foreign ideas, religions, and people.

Located about 2 km away from the Thrissur Railway Station, Shakthan Thampuran Palace forms a historic remnant of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam regime. The palace is a historian’s paradise, consisting of a perfect blend of Kerala and Dutch structures. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace also harbors an intricate museum with some engrossing exhibition rooms. These galleries have various ancient bronze and granite statues on display. The main attraction of the museum is the Numismatics exhibition room, which displays ancient coins used by various dynasties over time.

Triprayar Sri Rama Temple is located about 22 km eastward from central part of Thrissur. This structural marvel consists of a circular sanctum with pointed roofs made out of copper. Several sculptures and depictions adorn the walls of the temple, representing occurrences from the Ramayana. Lord Rama is the principal deity of the temple. Religious folklore suggests that the idol of Lord Rama was found by local fishermen in the ocean, which was later inducted into this temple. The brilliant architecture of the Triprayar temple and the peaceful surrounding backwaters provide a perfect setup for tourists.

The Archaeological Museum in Thrissur hosts exceptional artefacts from a forgotten era. Scholars and history enthusiasts will find solace in the company of these interesting specimens of ancient tradition. They get to witness age-old practices such as writings on palm leaves. Prototypes of prehistoric temples and full-size representations of eminent personalities grace the museum. The museum portrays kings and martyrs who exercised their rule over Kerala throughout the centuries, adding to its historic importance.

Seated at the apex of the Vilangan Hills, Vilangankunnu is a spectacular picnic destination for tourists. It provides visitors with a scintillating overview of the beautiful city of Thrissur. Sunset and sunrise are the best times of the day to visit this hillock and be treated to stunning scenery. The hills provide trekkers and adventurers with an exciting climb. Who wouldn’t want to visit a venue studded with mangroves, offering a terrific bird’s eye view of the entire town.

Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is one of the most revered, most ancient temples of India. Located about 26 km from the town of Thrissur, Guruvayur is dedicated to an idol of Lord Shri Krishna that flew itself thousands of miles from Gokul to down south after Shri Krishna’s parents passed away. The temple is very well built, with scared artefacts, carvings and fine handiwork in its architecture. The darshan here is open from 3:00 am to 1:30 pm, and then again from 4:30 pm to 9:15 pm.

Athirappilly Waterfalls is 57 km’s drive away from Thrissur and perfect for a small picnic with your loved ones. The waterfall is 330 ft wide and 80 ft high, falling into a heavenly river down below. Athirappilly is the largest in all of Kerala. The Chalakudy River is fed by these falls and continues to flow with all her might. Many even refer to Athirappilly as the Indian Niagara.

Cheppara is a gorgeous viewpoint that doesn’t fall on most tourists programs. It is a secluded spot, about 17 km away from Thrissur. The word ‘para’ from its etymology means a hill, describing it perfectly as it is on top of a small hill. Photographers and wanderers are found scattered here, enjoying and clicking away at the captivating views, sunsets and sunrises.

When in Thirssur, drive down to Chettuva Backwater, about 30 km away. Of course Kerala is a synonym for backwaters, but Thrissur just takes it a step forward! The Chettuva Backwater extends from Enamakkal Lake all the way to the Arabian Sea, connecting two different natures of water. The mangrove cover, scattered houseboats and migratory birds making nests — that’s the kind of beauty you are going to experience here.

Punnathur Kotta is an elephant sanctuary where nowadays captured elephants are rehabilitated. The sanctuary was commissioned by an erstwhile king of the region for his love for these animals. Today, the place boasts 59 elephants, that are kept happy and trained to participate in festivals. Elephant riders or mahouts are also given special trainings here. You can visit this place at any time of the year, then go explore the Shiva-Bhagwati temple nearby. Punnathur Kotta is around 29 km from Thrissur.

Also located on the mighty Chalakudy River, the Charpa Falls along with Vazhachal and Athirappilly Falls make for a coveted tourist destination. You can make a day of circuiting all the waterfalls of the area and make a pitstop at Charpa. Monsoons are the best here, as the milk froth of the flowing water spills out of the banks of the river as rain pounds its surface. It is located 61 km away from Thrissur.

What is a trip to Kerala without some beach galore? The Chavakkad Beach is best for couples, honeymooners, and those groups who want to set up a picnic by the shore. The sand is glittering golden, the water nice and sparkling. Winter sun is the best kind of sun to sit under here, so make sure to visit on a cooler day. What’s unique about this beach is that it is a spot where the river and sea meet. Hence many call it an estuary too.

Visit Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple in Thrissur, not only for its stately architecture but also for the festivals celebrated here. The temple of Bhagvathy or Vaishnavi Devi is known for its ancientness (it is a thousand years old). One of the most famous festivals here is Thrissur Pooram, when a parade of 15 gloriously decked elephants walks down to Vadakkumnathan temple.

When in Thrissur with family and kids, do not miss Thrissur Zoo and State Museum. Just a 2 km ride from the centre of Thrissur, this place is perfect for an idle day. Animal gazing, spotting vivid flora and varied fauna, exploring the museum and fooling around at the foodcourts… that’s the itinerary for you in a nutshell.

Pack a basket of finger foods and cool drinks, stow it into your car and drive down to Vazhachal Falls. Located only 5 km from the famous Athirappilly Falls, these flow westerly on the Chalakudy River and have a unique thick milky texture to them. Also, you will find a number of gardens, waterparks and other delightful places nearby to visit. Especially during monsoon. All in all, Vazhachal Falls are 32 km from Thrissur.

Art enthusiasts and those who enjoy discovering new culture while travelling, the Kerala Kalamandalam is a must visit when in Thrissur. It is a university of culture and art, as well as a museum of sorts that displays various artefacts and stories of ancient culture from the region. There is an institution that teaches the young as well as promotes the 3 main art forms of Kerala — Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam and Kathakali. 

Motorcar enthusiasts — this is THE place for you.

The Vintage Vauxhall Velox Car Club is home to some of the most rare collections from the 50s and 60s that are surely called classics in this day and age. Only 2 km from the town bus stand, Vintage Vauxhall Velox Car Club also houses a number of cars that range from luxury to common man’s vehicle. You will get to see Mini Coopers as well as Ambassadors, Citroen and Ford and many more parked along the space. A real treat!