Thrissur

This region is rich in cultural activities. The Trichur Pooram is one of the biggest festival in Kerala. This area also has some rundown forts. One of the best Wild life parks is also in the region. The famous Kathakali center 'Kalamandalam' is other attraction.

The center of the town is a large ground which houses the Vadakumnathan temple, most town is around this ground.

SightSeeing

Vadakumnathan Temple : This Temple emphasis the classical Kerala style of architecture and believed to be one of the oldest in the state. The Pooram festival celebrated here has decorated elephants, fireworks and cultural programmes

The Art Museum : This Museum has good collection of wood carvings metal sculptures and an interesting collection of Kerala lamps. There is a zoo in the same compound.

Town Hall : This imposing building has a collection of Murals painting and other works of art from various parts of Kerala

Guruvayoor(29 km north west) : The Sri Krishna Temple here is one of the two most important pilgrim centers in the state. Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. This in the good place to watch a Kerala Hindu marriage ceremony. There are 4 main festivals in the temple. Ulsavam in Feb/ March has elephant processions, Vishukani is in April, Astami  Rohini in Aug/Sep and the most important festival, the Ekadasi(30 days) in November and December.

Thriprayar : The temple here is the other temple in the area. The wood carvings and Murals paintings are an interesting sight. The temple festival is in Nov/Dec and includes a parade of 17 elephants. During the Onam festival there is a snake boat race.

Athirapally and Vazhachal Falls(63 km) : These are two water falls an hour & half drive from Trichur. The first falls is of almost 80 feet. The Vazhachal falls is 5 km further away. These falls are in the forest area. This forest road leads to Valparai a hill station with excellent tea estates.

Kerala Kalamandalam : This Kathakalli training center at Cheruthuruthy is of wide repute. The other dance forms Mohiniyattom, Thullal etc are also taught here. There is no accommodation facility at the institute.

Punnathur Kotta : Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at any one time.

Thirthala(50 km from Trichur) : This town on the banks of the river Barathapuzha has a wealth of historical monuments, which are mostly unknown in the tourist circles. There is a ruins of a large fort made of laterite which is believed to be built by Raja of Kuttanad. The dommed Kattil Mandom temple made of Granite is believed to be built in 9th century AD. The other attraction is the river Barathpuzha, its vast stretches of stand is a certainly a rare feast for the eyes.

Guruvayoor :This is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. This historic temple is a shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, the god of winds. 

Anakkayam : This is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.

Places to Eat

A cluster of snack stall sets up near the corner of Round south and Round East each evening.
Indian Coffee House are on Round South, PO road Kuruppam road.
Hotel Bharath, further down Chembottil Lane, is good, busy and vegetarian

Shopping  Thrissur is the place for bell metal and there are a number of shops crammed with lamps, household appliances and images of deities. A good place is Nadavaramba metal emporium on Round West.