Thrissur: Discover The Cultural Hub Of South India-Kerala!

Thrissur is the cultural hub of the south Indian state of Kerala. The geographical location of the district and the city make it fall neither to the Travanvcore nor to the Malabar side of the state.

Instead, it belongs to the Thiru-Kochi side in the central area of the state territory. When it comes to the number of Hindu pilgrim destinations in the city, it can also be considered a sacred city in the state of Kerala. Below we have mentioned a few best places to visit in Thrissur.

The Hindu temple festivals of the state are also famous when it comes to this particular city. Apart from temples, cultures, and festivals, there is also a lot more to explore and experience in the city of Thrissur. Come let’s find out to draft your perfect Thrissur itinerary. 

Shakthan Thampuran Palace

As we have already mentioned, this city was not under the royal families that ruled the Malabar or Travancore region. So, the Thiru-Kochi region had its own royal clans to rule the area and most of the families were located in the city of Thrissur. This is one of the best places to visit in Thrissur.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace is one such location of the then-royal family who ruled the area. Vadakkekara Palace is the other name by which this palace is known among the people. The reconstruction of this ancient palace happened in the year, 1795.

It was the royal authority of Ramavarma Thampuran who ordered the reconstruction in a novel Dutch style of architecture. Currently, the authority for the management and maintenance of the palace is undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India. 

Vilangan Kunnu

Just as we discussed, the city of Thrissur and a vacation to the city will not just serve you with heritage amusement, cultural infotainment, and pilgrimage satisfaction. It is also a hub of naturally mesmerizing locations perfect for picnicking and hanging out.

Vilangan Hills in the city of Thrissur is one such location you can choose to hang out with your friends or family. This is basically a hillock region with all the soothing vibes and satisfying views. Vilangan Kunnu is also marked as one of the best places to visit in Thrissur.

The Kole Wetlands of the city of Thrissur can also be found at the top of this particular hill. If you are a fan of the best views, try not to skip visiting this place on your Thrissur vacation. 

Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple

Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is One of the most prestigious and privileged Hindu pilgrim places to visit in Thrissur. The main deity of this particular temple is the Hindu Lord, Sree Maha Vishnu.

This is one of the temples in the entire state of Kerala with the greatest revenue generation. A lot of pilgrims from different parts of the world as well as from India, visit the temple. But you won’t be allowed to visit the temple if you do not belong to the religion of Hinduism.

The temple is also a center of weddings for Hindu believers. You can also see devotees doing stage debuts of their performing classical arts as an offering in the temple. 

Punnathur Kotta

Punnathur Kotta is also known by the name Anakotta in local terms. This is a center for domesticated elephants used for festivals particularly relating to temples in the state of Kerala or just belonging to the Guruvayur Dewaswom.

If you have plans to visit the sacred destination of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in the city, you can easily cover this destination also since it is just 2 KM away from the temple. During the ancient days, this center was a royal fort and palace of the local administration.

When the fort was transformed into a center for elephants, the name, “Anakotta” was given the meaning, “elephant fort”. This naming with the “fort” helped to maintain the royal feeling of the destination. 

Thrissur Zoo And State Museum 

Don’t worry if you are not into pilgrimages and cultural visits. You can still enjoy the visit to the city of Thrissur by hitting the destinations such as Thrissur Zoo and State Museum located here. Biodiversity enthusiasts, animal lovers, and kids will definitely fall in love with the visit to the zoo.

If you have that taste in history and stuff, you can also try visiting the Museum where you will get the chance to grab a lot of information regarding the state of Kerala, its history, heritage, and a lot more. Both of the destinations are situated in the same location helping you cover them in the least minimum time possible. 

Charpa Falls

Charpa falls is another major tourist location targeting nature lovers visiting the city of Thrissur in Kerala. Athirappilly Panchayat in the district of Thrissur is known for its rich biodiversity, natural amusements, and a lot of similar experiences.

So if you are a lover of nature and are seeking the best destinations in the city to match your interests, it is better to choose an accommodation facility in the Athirappilly region. This waterfall belongs to the powerful river of Chalakudy. People have listed Charpa Falls as one of the best places to visit in Thrissur.

There are more popular waterfalls in the region but visiting the Charpa falls would be a serene and joyous experience if you would like to make your trip meet those off-beat expectations. Moreover, visiting this waterfall won’t steal much time from your Thrissur vacation. 

Athirappilly Waterfalls

Athirappilly Waterfalls in the city of Thrissur is the most famous destination for lovers of nature explorers as well as for casual tourists. It is also one of the best-known waterfalls in the entire state of Kerala.

Apart from the natural amusement and magnificence of the waterfall, this is also something that has got unlimited media attention and space owing to the eco-political controversies tied to it.

A hydroelectric power project was proposed in the river of Chalakudy in the Athirappilly Falls region. But a lot of environmental activists, experts, and locals protested against the move to finally make the authorities give up on the same.

“There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says, if you are flexible, falling will not hurt you.” ~ Mehmet Murat Ildan

📍 Athirappilly Waterfalls#SundayVibes #Nature #Waterfall #PackUpForKerala #KeralaTourism pic.twitter.com/csprPRd7fn

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) October 30, 2022

However, the experience and natural bliss you will have from the location will make you visit the falls again and again. 

Vazhachal Falls

In the group of waterfalls in the city of Thrissur, Vazhachal Falls are also inevitable on the list of nature tourists. The forest ranges nearby the waterfalls, the views all around and the climate and feel while enjoying some quality time in the location are all worthy and soothing in every sense.

If you would like to enjoy the magnificence of the waterfalls, it is better to visit the location during the monsoon months of the year.

But always keep your eye on the weather forecasts of the location since there are chances of flood and disastrous heavy downpours in the region during the monsoon season. The Sholayar forest range also accentuates the natural vibrancy of the location. 

Dolours Basilica (Puthanpalli)

If you have misunderstood the city of Thrissur as a region of just Hindu pilgrim destinations, you will be corrected here. You can also visit several Christian sacred sites too if you are planning to visit the city.

The Dolours Basilica or Puthanpalli in the city of Thrissur is an example testifying the same having some historical significance also. It was in the year 1929, that the church was established in the state of Kerala.

The church belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Churches. The significance of particularly the tourism importance of the church comes when it assumes the third position in height considering all the churches in the Asian territory. Gothic style in its architecture is also something that excites the visitors to the location. 

Chettuva Backwater

The nature of the city of Thrissur has got a lot more to offer if you have plans to do an extended vacation in the location. Chettuva Backwaters can be visited if you are interested to do boating and other recreational activities on your trip.

If you are visiting the city of Thrissur along with your family, friends, or a large group, this visit is something that is inevitable during your entire trip. The natural serenity and lush greenery on the sides of the backwaters are the most picturesque places to visit in Thrissur.

You need to travel a distance of 21 km from the city center of Thrissur in order to reach the location of the backwater. 

Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple

Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu pilgrim destination belonging to the Paramekkavu Dewaswom in the city of Thrissur. The main deity of this particular temple is the Hindu Goddess, Lakshmi.

The various incarnations of the main deity are also worshipped inside the temple as subsidiary deities. Considering the size of the temple, it belongs to the list of the largest Bhagavathy temples in the entire state of Kerala.

While the city of Thrissur is prepping for its biggest Temple festival known as the Thrissur Pooram, the Paramekkavu Side and the Thiruvambady Side become more prominent. Hindu believers usually don’t miss out on visiting the location during their Thrissur trip. 

Vadakkumnathan Temple 

When it comes to the temples participating and in association with Thrissur Pooram, this temple assumes the topmost position. Just like the name of the temple hints, Lord Shiva is the main deity inside the shrine.

The temple is situated in the heart of the city of Thrissur in the Thekkinkadu Maidan. If you visit the temple, you can also appreciate and indulge in the authentic style of Keralite temple architecture inside it.

Kuttambalam which can be found inside the temple is also one of the major attractions you should not miss out on the visit. Apart from Thrissur Pooram, Hindu auspicious occasions such as Navaratri, Shivaratri, and Thiruvathira are all celebrated with great prepping inside the temple. 

Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam is an educational center catering to the artistic talents in the state of Kerala. The center is set up to give professional-level training and education to all artistically brilliant people. It also grants degrees of various levels to its pupils.

Getting admitted to this center requires cracking the respective entrance examinations consisting of performance tests also.

Training inside the center can be quite difficult and challenging with high levels of discipline and decorum to give due respect to the art forms and their performing standards. This art university has its location in the Cheruthiruthi area in the city of Thrissur. 

Chavakkad Beach

Chavakkad Beach is the must-visit destination for tourists coming to the city of Thrissur and has a heart for a beach vacation. This beach does not belong to the category of that commercial beaches in the state of Kerala.

All you will experience on the beach would be some tranquil and off-beat vibes. However, now the popularity and rush of the beach are gradually increasing day by day. If you have plans to visit Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in your Thrissur vacation, you can easily head to the location of the beach just a distance of 5 km.

You can also get to see an estuary on the beachside giving a more naturally exciting experience. The sunsets and sunrises of the beach are also quite calming and joyous. You can also have some tea and snacks from the local tea shops situated nearby.

Peechi Dam

This dam is situated at a distance of 23 km from the city center of Thrissur. The dam would be open for visitors anytime between 8:00 AM and 6: 30 PM. There are not any charges to visit this picturesque dam.

It was for irrigation purposes that the dam was constructed in the location. Even after the construction of the dam, the surroundings remain the same with all the natural magnificence and forest richness. Peechi Vazhani Wildlife sanctuary can also be visited if you are traveling to the area to visit the dam. 

Best time to visit Thrissur

Winter months of the year

How To Reach Thrissur?

Nearest airport: The Cochin International Airport

Nearest railway station: Thrissur Railway Station (TCR)

Conclusion

A temple town in the state of Kerala with provisions to enjoy nature, recreational activities, beaches, mountains, history, heritage, arts, and a lot more. 

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