The Cultural Capital of Kerala, Thrissur is synonymous with the world famous and spectacular Pooram Festival The abode of several prominent culture centers including the Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahitya Academy and SangeethaNataka Academy, Thrissur has an extraordinarily rich past as well as a vibrant present. From ancient times, this district with its cultural heritage and archaeological wealth has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties begining with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as SakthanThampuran is the architech of the present Thrissur town.
Athirapally
Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappillypanchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayur ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations.
Vazhachal
(68 Km from Thrissur) Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfalls is close to dense green forest and is a part of the Chalakudy River, Athirapally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala which attract tourists in plenty.
Guruvayoour Temple
The GuruvayurShri Krishna Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrim centres in India. It is located in the town of Guruvayur in Thrissur district of Kerala. The presiding deity is Shri Krishna, in the standing posture with four hands (Chaturbahu) that carry the Sankhu (conch), the Sudarshanachakram (a serrated disk), the lotus and the mace[1] . The Lord is worshipped in his many manifestations, the favorite with devotees being the ‘Sankalpa’ of the Lord as ‘Unnikrishnan’ (Infant Krishna). For devotees Guruvayur is “BhoolokaVaikuntham” and DakshinaDwaraka.
Kerala Kalamandalam, 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 found by the famous poet, VallatholNarayanaMenon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here. Cultural programmes are also arranged.
CheramanJuma Masjid, Kodungalloor
(Open 0530 – 1800 hrs) Located 2 km. from Kodungalloor Town in Methala, 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 the ancient.Thiruvanchikulam Temple, CheramanparambytheBhagavathy Temple and Portuguese Fort.