Archaeological
Museum
(Town Hall Road): Open from 1000 - 1700 hrs on all days except
Mondays and national holidays.
Zoo
(2 km from Thrissur town): Open from 0900 - 1700 hrs
on all days except Mondays.
Guruvayoor
(29 km west of Thrissur): Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred
and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is
the Sree Krishna temple. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery.
According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor
of the Gods , and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada
is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer
enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam
(flag-post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar
of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous
spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum
of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple there are
also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil
Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
Art
Museum:
Located in the Zoo compound, the art museum displays collections
of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. (Open
1000 - 17 00 hrs on all days except Mondays)
Town
Hall:
Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from all parts
of Kerala are on display.
Aquarium:
This is near Nehru Park (open 15:00 - 20:00 hrs).
Vilangankunnu
(7 km from Thrissur): This is a beautiful hill which is a good
picnic spot.
Arattupuzha:
This village is known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple
in April/May. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial
processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring
temples to this village.
Peechi
dam:
(20 km east of Thrissur): This picnic spot offers boating facilities.
There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi dam.
Vadakkumnathan
Temple:
One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan temple
is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and has
many decorative murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the
world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. The
fireworks at the Pooram are a spectacular sight. Non Hindus are
not allowed entry into the temple.
Christian
Divine Retreat Centres:
They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the
Kochi - Thrissur route.
Irinjalakuda
Koodal Manikyam temple:
(21 km
from Thrissur): Situated 10 km away from Irinjalakuda railway
station, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the
brother of Sri Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with
Bharatha as the deity. The colourful eleven day annual festival
with a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants is held in April/May.
The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival
season in Kerala.
Cheruthuruthy
(32 km north of Thrissur): Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala
Kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its Kathakali training
centre. The music and dance academy was founded by the famous poet,
Vallathol Narayana Menon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom,
Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here.
Ariyannoor
temple, Kandanisserry:
This temple has a carved entrance gable which has been compared
to the wooden sculptures of American artist Louise Nevelson. The
Siva temple at Thiruvanchikulam as well as the Sri Krishna temple
at Thirukulashekharapuram are believed to be monuments from
the 9th century.
Athirapally:
(63 km from Thrissur): At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, this
80 foot high waterfall is a popular picnic spot.
Vazhachal:
(68 km from Thrissur): Just a short drive from Athirapally,
this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is
a part of the Chalakudy river. Athirapally and Vazhachal are the
most famous waterfalls of Kerala and favourite destinations
of tourists.
Shakthan
Thampuran Palace:
Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6
acres. Here you can see 3 shavakudeerams (tombs) including that
of the renowned Shakthan Thampuran.
Cheraman
Juma Masjid, Kodungalloor:
Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town, this mosque resembles
a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in 629 AD, this is the first
mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were
started. Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu,
the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the
Portuguese fort.
Saint
Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor:
St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly
called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the
apostle houses holy relics from the olden days.
A
trip to Kerala is not complete without getting to Thrissur, a pavan
pilgrimage town. Set amidst paddy fields, coconut and pineapple plantations.
If you visit Kerala during the period of April and early May do not
miss the spectacle of pooram procession - Kerala's most famous temple
festival. Also there is the famous temple of Lord Krishna known as
