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Thrissur’s blossoming cultural, historical, and natural beauty welcomes tourists. Fondly known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala, this vibrant city has blended ancient tradition with modern charm. Spend your next vacation exploring the best places to visit in Thrissur, from majestic temples and historic palaces to serene beaches and lush sanctuaries. Thrissur has a great diversity in its range of tourist attractions promising an enriching and unforgettable vacation experience. Be it the history enthusiast, nature lover, or the one seeking relaxation, the city will delight every kind of traveller.
10 Places to Visit in Thrissur For A FunFilled Vacation
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Thrissur that should be on your itinerary for a memorable holiday.
1. Vadakkunnathan Temple
Photo: Akshay Bharat / Wikimedia Commons
Vadakkunnathan Temple is one of Kerala’s oldest and biggest temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva.This architectural wonder is graced with intricate murals and carved sculptures that bring out the tales from Hindu mythology. Within its boundary is a large courtyard that hosts one of the biggest festivals called Thrissur Pooram, every year. This is a popular tradition of carrying decorated elephants along with indigenous music and a fabulous fireworks display. Even outside the festival season, the temple’s serene ambience and architectural glory make this place one of the best tourist places in Thrissur
Location: Thrissur
Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Beaches In Thrissur District
2. Thrissur Zoo and State Museum
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
Thrissur Zoo and State Museum, one of the popular tourist attractions in Thrissur, provide a mix of knowledge and enjoyment. This zoo houses a wide variety of wildlife, both resident and unique species, which hardly leaves anything for one seeking a perfect wildlife place. To the side of the zoo, the State Museum is situated, which has an interesting display of artefacts, ancient sculptures, and Kerala’s traditional art forms.
Location: Thrissur
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM(Zoo) ; 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM(Museum)
Entry Fee: ₹20-₹40(Zoo); ₹5-₹10(Museum)
3. Athirappilly Waterfalls
Photo: Souradeep Ghosh / Wikipedia
Athirappilly Waterfalls, also known as “Niagara Falls of India” is a majestic Waterfall located near Thrissur. These cascading falls are tucked deep in the rich greenery of the Western Ghats at a height of 80 feet to form a breathtaking sight.The surrounding jungles offer quite a nice environment for trekking, birdwatching, and picnicking, as the monsoon washes the landscape into a lush paradise.
Location: Chalakudy Taluk (60 km from Thrissur)
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10-₹20
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Thrissur For Couples
4. Vazhachal Waterfalls
Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikipedia
Located a short drive away from Athirappilly is the serene Vazhachal Waterfalls, where the Chalakudy River flows gently over rocky terrain. Enclosed by dense forests and a beautiful herbal garden of endemic plants, Vazhachal turns into a nature lover’s and peaceful retreat seeker’s haven. Tourists can take a walk along the picture -present trails, or simply soak in the tranquil ambience of the falls. Due to the eye-catching atmosphere, Vazhacahal is among the top Thrissur tourist places.
Location: Pariyaram (65 km from Thrissur)
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Sanctuary)
Punnathur Kotta is an elephant sanctuary that lies adjacent to the famous Temple of Guruvayur. Temple elephants, worshipped by the local population, are kept here. This place offers a peek into the lifestyle of such majestic creatures. The various daily rituals of these elephants range from bathing and feeding to learning about their care traditions. Punnathur Kotta, in turn, provides a fulfilling experience of love and affection between humans and elephants, hence forms an intense attraction among the cultural places for Thrissur trip.
Location: Kottapadi (30 km from Thrissur)
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10-₹25
Suggested Read: State Museum And Zoo Thrissur
6. Snehatheeram Beach
Photo: Drdurlabh / Wikimedia Commons
While driving towards the coastline, lies the beautiful Snehatheeram Beach, literally the “Love Shore” of Thrissur. This beach is a prime place with golden sands, gentle waves, and views of breathtaking sunset, which can be called a perfect family and beach lovers’ destination. Laid-back gardens and a children’s park are well-maintained near the beach, while local restaurants serve delicious Kerala cuisine and fresh seafood. Whether it is chilling by the shore or indulging in some water activities, Snehatheeram Beach provides scenic memories.
Location: Guruvayur (25 km from Thrissur)
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free
7. Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam is a classical Indian performing arts centre near Thrissur. Started in 1930, this premier institution has nurtured the rich traditional artistic heritage of Kerala. Tourists can attend live performances of Kathakali, Koodiyattam, and Mohiniyattam and take part in workshops/short courses to gain an in-depth understanding of these ancient forms.A visit to the Kerala Kalamandalam offers something different as a cultural experience, it is, therefore, one of the cultural places on your Thrissur tourist places list.
Location: Thalappilly (30 km from Thrissur)
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM
Entry Fee: ₹1000-₹1250
Suggested Read: Thrissur Museum
8. Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Photo: Abhijith Sheheer / Wikipedia
Shakthan Thampuran Palace is an inspiring example of the royal past of the city. The traditional Kerala-Dutch-style palace was built for Shakthan Thampuran, one of the powerful rulers of the Kingdom of Cochin. At present, it serves as an archaeological museum with a very exciting display of artefacts that range from ancient relics to weapons and royal memorabilia. The unique structure of the palace with its manicured gardens, enlightening one about Kerala’s regal history, hence becoming one of the major attractions among the top historical places to visit in Thrissur.
Location: Thrissur
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Manoj K / Wikimedia Commons
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Western Ghats, is a haven for nature lovers, known for its variegated flowers and fauna. It is a habitat for many existing animals like elephants, leopards, sambar deer, specific species of birds, numerous types of butterflies, and many more.Tourists can enjoy long walks in lush forests and scenic trails of the sanctuary, or spend a while boating at the Chimmini Dam reservoir.
Location: Chimmini Dam (40 km from Thrissur)
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10-₹50
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Thrissur
10. Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral
Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral is one of Kerala’s largest Roman Catholic churches, providing a spiritual environment to tourists.This architectural marvel, located in the heart of Thrissur, celebrates a magnificent view with ornate stained-glass windows and an aura of tranquillity. Its underground shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and attracts people seeking solace and spiritual purity. The cathedral can provide a spiritual and peaceful retreat.
Location: Thrissur
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Thrissur is an ideal combination of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and feathered traditions that would align with the interests of each tourist . From the ancient temples to serene beaches or the royal palaces digging down the artistic legacy of Kerala; each place to visit in Thrissur comes with its authentic experiences. Plan with Trip XL for an unforgettable vacation and celebrate this cultural capital of Kerala in every sense.
Cover Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikipedia
