The renowned town of Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala. This exotic hub of artistic delight is also noted for its grand festivals, magnificent temples and palaces, historic monuments, and abounding natural splendour. It is a scenic city that is placed around a hillock with the Vadakkunnathan temple in its centre. Thrissur is an ideal tourist destination to explore the mesmerising cultural extravaganza of Kerala. The historical, cultural and religious focal point of Kerala also truly reflects the religious confluence seen in India. It is also a centre for learning some of the exquisite dance forms and performing arts of Kerala. Thrissur also boasts of several well-known academic institutions. Thrissur gets its name from “Thiru Siva Perur”, which means a town with the name of Lord Siva. A prominent place of tourist interest in Kerala, Thrissur attracts several tourists from far and wide.
One of the major attractions of Thrissur is the most spectacular and colourful temple festival of India, the Thrissur Pooram. The 'Arattupuzha Pooram' is celebrated at the famous Ayyappa temple at Arattupuzha which is just 14 kms south of Thrissur town. The word ‘pooram’ means a group or a meeting. The annual Pooram festival held in April/ May. Brightly decorated elephants, colourful procession and fireworks are main highlight of this festival. This festival offers a supreme spectacle where hundreds of elephants participate in this festival, bearing bright coloured umbrellas and parasols. This single biggest festival in Kerala was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran.
Athirapally Vazhachal Waterfalls
This beautiful water falls is located at a distance of 62 Kms from Trissur. This waterfall offers visitors a mesmerising visual extravagance. Athirappally is at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges and the entire area is covered by green forests.
Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor is 29 km west of Thrissur and is one of the important pilgrim centres for the Hindus. Located here is the famous Sri Krishna temple which is flocked by thousands of devotees from all over the country.
Irinjalakuda KoodalManikyam Temple
At a distance of 21 km from Thrissur is the Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Sri Rama. Perhaps it is the only temple in India where Bharatha is worshipped as the deity.
Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy
Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy is located at a distance of 32 km from Trissur. This music and dance academy founded by the famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon is today famous all over the world for its Kathakali training and other art forms of Kerala like Mohiniyattom and Thullal.
Vadakkumnathan Temple
Built in Kerala style of architecture this temple adorns many beautiful murals and pieces of art. This temple is the venue for the famous Pooram festival.
Vazhachal
This is yet another picturesque waterfall sourcing its origin from the Chalakudy River. The waterfall located in midst of vibrant green forest is located at a short drive from Athirapally. This is also one of the finest and most popular waterfalls in Kerala.
Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam is at a distance of 23 km from Trissur. It is an irrigation project site and boating facilities are available at the reservoir.
St. Thomas Church
St. Thomas Church was established in 1845. It is a stone and wooden construction and the church is dedicated to St. George Foraine. The other significant churches in Thrissur are Lady of Lourdes Cathedral and Puhanpally Church.
Cheraman Juma Masjid
This is a mosque located in Kodungallur. It is considered as the oldest mosque in India. The speciality here is an oil lamps that is always kept burning.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace
This place is spread over 6 acres and Tomb of Shakthan Thampuran is located here. The Shakthan Tampuran Palace was constructed by Ramavarma Thampuaran in 1795. This place draws many tourists who interested in the history of the place.
The city is well linked with the rest of the country. Thrissur is well connected by trains to all major stations in India and is a major railhead in southern railway. Trissur station is one of the busiest railway stations in Kerala. The nearest airport to Thrissur is Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, at a distance of 85 km. Thrissur is well connected by an extensive network of roads. Bus services are available to all the major cities from Trissur. KSRTC bus station operates long distance and inter-State services. Tourism being rampant, there are many accommodation options available in the city varying from star hotels to budget hotels which offer a comfortable stay to the travellers.