10 Amazing Places to Visit in Thrissur To Enjoy Its Culture and Heritage

Thrissur, famously known as the cultural capital of Kerala, is the city that is responsible for all the festive glitter and shine that Kerala enjoys. Thiru-Shiva-Per-Ur which is shortened to Thrissur actually means a city with three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva – Vadakkumnathan Temple, Asokeswaram Siva Temple near Vadakkechira and Irattachira Siva Temple. Apart from these temples, there are a number of places to visit in Thrissur. You can check out the beautiful beaches near Thrissur or head to the cascading waterfalls that are present in the vicinity of the city.

With beaches, waterfalls, archaeologically significant places, one can plan an elaborate trip to visit all Thrissur tourist places to enjoy and learn about this enchanting place. Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in Thrissur that you must include in your itinerary while visiting here.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Thrissur

1. Vadakkunathan Temple – One of the Oldest Shiva Temples

This ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a classic example of the brilliant Kerala-style architecture. The temple has huge towers on all four sides with intricate carvings and also has a kuttambalam. Beautiful paintings from the Mahabharata can also be seen evidently in the temple. Legend has it that Vadakkunathan Temple is the first temple built by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Every year, the Pooram festival is celebrated in the Thekkinkadu Maidan surrounding this temple. Indeed, it is one of the most important places to visit in Thrissur!

2. Sakthan Thampuran Palace – A Nineteenth-Century Architectural Wonder

This enchanting palace was re-built in the Kerala-Dutch style architecture by Ramavarma Thampuran and is also called Vadakkekara Palace. The palace today is maintained by the Archeological Department and is converted into a museum in 2005. The 2-storey building has spacious rooms, floors made of Italian marbles, extra thick walls and high roofs. The beautiful and unique architecture of this palace makes it one of the best Thrissur tourist places to visit.

3. Thrissur Zoo and Museum – Home to Excotic Animals

One of the oldest zoos in the country, Thrissur Zoo, opened in 1885, is spread across an area of 13.5 acres and is located in Chembukkavu. The zoo also shares space with an art museum and a natural history museum. The Art Museum depicts the rich socio-culture of the region and also has an amazing collection of Kathakali figures, sculptures made of metal, wood carvings, exquisite ancient jewellery and stunning Kerala lamps. The zoo is home to a wide variety of reptiles, birds, lions, tigers, deers, lion-tailed macaques and other animals.

4. Vilangan Kunnu – Serene Hillock-Turned Amusement Park

Vilangan Kunnu is one of the most serene places to visit in Thrissur. The hillock which is located 7kms from the city centre is famous for its natural beauty and the ample opportunity it provides to tourists to witness spectacular sunrise and sunset. Now converted to an amusement park, Vilangan Kunnu attracts both locals and tourists alike who love to relax and enjoy the tranquillity this places promises.

5. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours – Admire the Gothic-Style Architecture

The largest church in Indian and third tallest in Asia, Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours is a magnificent church whose interiors are decorated with brilliant murals, images of saints and scenes from the holy scriptures. The church has eleven altars, towering belfries at the entrance and double-storeyed aisles, and amidst its surroundings, this exquisite basilica stands majestically in the small city of Thrissur. Truly, one of the most charming Thrissur tourist places, this basilica is a must-visit for all!

6. Archeological & Art Museum – Admire the Brilliant Collection of Artefacts

The Archaeological Museum is one of the must-see Thrissur tourist places. It houses materials excavated from the Harappa and Indus Valley Civilization, statues of prominent personalities, manuscripts written on palm leaves, tools from the Stone-Age era and many fine murals like megaliths, earthen pots and more. A visit to this exquisite museum gives you a glimpse of the age-old artefacts that are carefully preserved here.

7. Arattupuzha Temple – Host of Devamela Festival

An enchanting ancient Hindu Temple located in Arattupuzha, Arattupuzha Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappa, who is the main deity of this temple. This temple is also famous for being the host of the Arattupuzha Devamela or Pooram Festival which is a huge conglomeration of different deities that assemble here. One of the most stunning tourist places in Thrissur, your trip to Thrissur is incomplete without a visit to Arattupuzha Temple.

8. Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple –

This beautiful Hindu Temple is one of the important places to visit in Thrissur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna (in the form of a child) and Goddess Bhadrakali. An interesting fact about this temple is that it participates as a rival group in the Thrissur Pooram Festival. Apart from the regular pooja, chanting of Bhagavad Gita also takes places in this temple.

9. Paramekavu Bhagavathi Temple – Largest Bhagavathi Temple in Thrissur

This is the largest bhagavathi temple in Thrissur and is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi. Along with Thiruvambadi Temple, Paramekkavu Temple is also an active participant in the Thrissur Pooram Festival. Paramekkavu Temple is one of the holiest and divine places to visit in Thrissur where you can pray to the deity and seek her blessings.

10. Vadakkacheira – Serene Pond in Thrissur

It is one of the oldest ponds built in Thrissur by the ruler Shakthan Thampuran. This calm and serene pond features as the best Thrissur tourist places as you can enjoy the view of the surroundings and also relax by the pond. It once catered to the drinking and irrigation needs of the people in Thrissur.

You can also read about 24 Places to Visit in Kerala

Here’s the list of the top 10 places to visit in Thrissur. If you have already been to this beautiful and culturally prominent city in Kerala, do share your experiences in the comment sections. If you have an upcoming trip to Thrissur, don’t forget to book a comfortable stay at hotels in Thrissur!