ATTRACTIONS IN THRISSUR

CULTURE & HERITAGE (CITY CENTER)

Conveniently located within a 15–20 minute drive.

Travel Tip for Our Guests

The Thrissur Railway Station and KSRTC Bus Stand are roughly 6–7 km from Nilayat Inn. Our front desk can help you arrange a taxi or auto-rickshaw for any of the locations listed above.
Nilayat Inn, Cheerachi, Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala
Contact: 9847333888
Website: www.nilayatinn.com

Stay at Nilayat Inn and find yourself at the center of Kerala's cultural map. Here are the top attractions just a short drive away:

Athirappilly Water Falls

Athirapilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly Panchayat in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District in Kerala, India on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges.

The largest waterfall in Kerala, the Athirappilly Falls is also widely renowned as the "Niagara of India". The sight of water crashing down from an incredible height of 80 feet is enough to leave you spellbound.

Zoological Park Trissure-Puthur

The new Thrissur Zoological Park at Puthur was inaugurated on October 28, 2025. Designed by Australian architect Jon Coe, it is India's first designer zoo and Asia's second largest. The park features nine zones with diverse ecosystems, a 7km walkway, and a natural history and art museum.

The main attraction of the new zoo is the special enclosures to exhibit wildlife in their natural habitat. Around 23 such places have been set up in Thrissur Zoological Park. Three of these are vast special habitats for different species of birds. It also has a veterinary hospital complex and feeding centers for animals.

Snehatheeram Beach

Snehatheeram Beach, located in the Thalikulam village of Thrissur district, Kerala, is a serene and picturesque beach that offers a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty. Known for its pristine sands, clear waters, and well-maintained surroundings, Snehatheeram Beach, which translates to "Love Shore," is a popular destination for families, couples, and nature lovers. The beach's tranquil ambiance and scenic landscapes make it an ideal spot for unwinding and enjoying the coastal charm of Kerala.

Snehatheeram Beach offers a variety of activities and attractions that cater to different interests:

  • Swimming and Sunbathing
  • Children's Park
  • Beachside Dining
  • Picnicking
  • Walking and Jogging etc.

Chavakkad Beach

Chavakkad Beach is a serene, non-commercial beach in Kerala known for the meeting point of the river and sea, called an Azhimukham. Located in the Thrissur district, it's about 25 kilometers from Thrissur city and 5 kilometers from the Guruvayoor Temple. The beach is praised for its golden sands, tranquil environment, and nearby attractions like a lighthouse and fish market.

Vazhachal Waterfalls

The Vazhachal Waterfalls which is located at a distance of less than 5km from Athirappilly is yet another hotspot for all visitors. Not only is Vazhachal a sight to behold but it is also home to exotic flora and fauna that has people hastening to the area throughout the year. A bird watcher's paradise, it is common to get sightings of rare birds like four different endangered species of the Hornbill among others.

This is said to be the only place in the western ghats where they thrive. Though this is a place filled with endangered and endemic fauna and flora as well, it is the avian species found here that is the highlight of the destination. It is therefore a much sought after destination for ornithologists. Unlike the Athirappilly Falls which is vertical, at the Vazhachal Falls water rushes along a bed of rocks. While the sight is inviting, it is important to exercise caution as these alluring rocks are extremely slippery, and the waters, tricky.

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram is a grand annual temple festival in Kerala, India, held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple during the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May). The festival is celebrated for its spectacular processions of decorated elephants, traditional music performances, and a ceremonial exchange of parasols known as Kudamattom. It features deities from various local temples, culminating in elaborate fireworks displays.

KEY FEATURES:-

Participants: The main participants are the deities from the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu temples, joined by processions from eight other nearby temples.

Location: The festival takes place on the Thekkinkadu ground, which encircles the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur.

Decorated elephants:The event is famous for its procession of over 100 richly decorated elephants.

Kudamattom:A highlight of the festival is the Kudamattom ceremony, where the priests on top of the elephants exchange colorful parasols in a dazzling and synchronized display.

Music:The festival is accompanied by traditional orchestra music, including the famous Ilanjithara Melam.

Fireworks:The event includes spectacular fireworks displays that are a major draw for the crowds.

History:The festival has a history dating back about 200 years and was started by the Maharaja of Kochi, Shakthan Thampuran.

Thrissur Zoo & Museum

Thrissur Zoo or State Museum & Zoo, Thrissur is a 13.5-acre zoo that opened in 1885 in a small area called Chembukkavu, in the heart of Thrissur City, Kerala, India. The existing zoo offers a glimpse into the diversity of the animal kingdom, housing hippos, tigers, lions, reptiles and exotic birds.The Natural History Museum, established in 1964, is a great way to delve into the history of the natural habitats of the creatures that we share the planet with.

The Natural History Museum has various sections of zoological, paleontological and ornithological studies from different continents including the works of the famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali on display. The art museum, a renovated residential building, is located in the midst of the zoological park. It houses artworks by prominent artists.

Malakkappara View Point

Malakkapara is a scenic forest area located in the Thrissur district in Kerala. Comprising of thick forests, tea estates, and hills part of the Western Ghats, the place is a great tourist spot. If you love to explore the forest, you will find many rare animal and plant species here. Athirappilly waterfall, Vazhachal forest region, and Thumboormuzhi dam are en route to Malakkappara. Each of these destinations is worth a visit for its enchanting beauty.

he best route to reach the Malakkappara is through Chalakkudi- Anamala road. From Chalakkudy town, the 86-kilometer drive to the destination is laden with wonders. A slow ride through the winding road is at once exciting and rejuvenating. You can feel all your stress draining away with each hour spent in the bosom of mother nature.

Kauthukapark

Kauthuka Park, The Park of intrigue, is the crusade of one man Mr.Varkey Veliyath, who intuitively seems to sense the innate harmony in nature.The very plot of land, that is the Park, resembles not the plain land around it rather, it makes one feel as though he or she has entered the remote habitat of the nature’s very best, with small rivulets and caves, ancient ponds with crystal clear water, within which fish of various hues and sizes play hide and seek in its dark depths.

Today this evergreen bit of land is a treasure of incredible practical information and a heaven for many birds and animals healthy and ailing, preserving nature at her best.

Wadakkunathan Temple

Wadakkunathan Temple (Malayalam: വടക്കുന്നാഥൻ ക്ഷേത്രം) is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in city of Thrissur, Kerala State in India. The temple situated in the very centre of town on an eminence commanding a view of neighbouring areas all around. No historian or scholar has been able to ascertain the time when this temple came into existence. Our knowledge of the origin of this temple comes from legends. According to legends the original “Prathishta” was done by Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Vishnu and it must have been done at least four thousand years ago.

he Shrines and the “Koothambalam” display vignettes carved in wood. “Tekkinkadu Maidan” encircling the Wadakkunathan Temple, is the main venue of the Thrissur Pooram. The main deity of the temple is Lord Siva, other idols installed in the temple are those to Sree Parvati, Ganesha, Sankaranarayana and Sree Rama. Parvati, is sanctify in the sanctum of Lord Shiva it self in opposite direction. There are separate sanctum for Krishna, Rishabha, Simhodhara, Dharma sastha Vettakkara, Dharmasastha, Naga Devatas and Adhishankara on the circumambulatory path. There are places to remember Parasurama, Kasinatha, Chithambaram, Ramaswaram, Kodungallur Bhagavathy,Urakathamma, Koodalmanikyam,vyasa and demise of Adhishankara. A mural painting of “Nrithanantha” is offered daily poojas.A white bull known as “Nanthikeswara” and rare painting of “Vasuki Sayana” are special attraction here.

Paramekavu Bhagavathy Temple

Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple, situated near the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur, is one of the largest and most revered Devi temples in Kerala. This temple plays a pivotal role in the renowned Thrissur Pooram, one of the grandest temple festivals in the state. The ceremonial procession from Paramekkavu to Vadakkumnathan Temple, featuring fifteen caparisoned elephants, is a truly captivating sight that draws thousands of devotees and tourists.

The temple is steeped in history and tradition, making it a significant cultural and spiritual landmark. The Thrissur Pooram, held annually in April or May, is an extravagant festival where the Paramekkavu Temple, along with the Thiruvambady Temple, competes in a friendly display of grandeur and devotion. The festival includes a spectacular display of fireworks, traditional music performances, and the iconic elephant processions, all of which contribute to its status as a cultural extravaganza.

Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple is not just a place of worship but a cultural epicenter that embodies the rich traditions and vibrant spirit of Kerala. Its involvement in the Thrissur Pooram and its year-round activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the cultural and spiritual essence of the region.

Kerala Kalamandalam

It was in 2003 Kerala Kalamandalam launched a distinctive project famously known as ‘A Day with the Masters’ in association with Kerala Tourism. ‘A Day with the Masters’ is a pilgrimage to the most sacred temple of arts, with a unique menu of presentations that bring out the grandeur of the institution. Yet there had been no specific project to guide the visitors within the vast Vallathol Nagar campus of Kalamandalam and the Nila campus for decades. The guides are the project coordinator or the trained senior art-students who receive the visitor at the entrance of the huge Kalamandalam campus at Vallathol Nagar. Then he/she can visit the Koothambalam (the traditional temple theater meant for the make up, costuming and performance of art forms).

Inside the Koothambalam, there are granite pillars on which are carved 108 karanas/dance‑poses taken from the Natya Shastra, the 2nd century treatise on Indian dramaturgy. Then the visitor can explore the kalaries/classrooms—spaces where students train in percussion and vocal music, such as chenda, maddalam, edakka, mridangam, mizhavu, thimila, Kathakali, Carnatic music and more.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace

The Palace of Shakthan Thampuran located in the district of Thrissur is a landmark in the annals of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the former ruling dynasty of Kochi. The palace located in the heart of Thrissur town is a major attraction, especially for those with a special interest on eminent rulers and dynasties. It is believed that the reign of King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran (CE 1790-1805) popularly known as Shakthan as the golden era of Kochi.

Situated close to the famous Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur, the Shakthan Thampuran Palace formerly known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam was renovated by Shakthan Thampuran in its present form. The palace, built in the Dutch and Kerala style of architecture belongs to the few structures of this kind in Kerala. The main structure of the palace has a two-storeyed building and a traditional Kerala style Naalukettu. The interiors of the palace, because of its unique construction offer comfortable and pleasant staying conditions irrespective of the prevailing weather condition.

The Shakthan Palace also houses an elaborate museum. The museum contains some interesting galleries like the Bronze Gallery, Sculpture Gallery and the Epigraphy Gallery showcasing the genesis and evolution of ancient writings.

Bible Tower

The Bible Tower in Thrissur, Kerala, is one of the tallest church towers in Asia, standing as a prominent landmark in the city. At a height of 200 feet, the tower is visible from various parts of Thrissur and is a key symbol of the Roman Catholic presence in the region. Inaugurated on 7th January 2006, it was dedicated to world peace by Dr. Pedro Lopez Quintana, a reverend. The tower is earthquake-resistant, designed to withstand seismic activity, and is an impressive feat of architecture. At the top of the tower, a lit red cross serves as a powerful symbol of Christianity.

The structure is not just an architectural marvel but also a cultural and spiritual hub, adorned with various religious artworks. The wooden carvings beautifully depict scenes from the childhood of Jesus Christ, while stained glass windows illustrate his healing miracles. Visitors are captivated by the terra cotta paintings of apostles and brass displays that represent the sufferings of Christ and his miraculous acts. The Bible Tower is not only a place of worship but also a cultural treasure, attracting visitors with its spiritual significance and artistic grandeur.

Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary

Chimmony Wildlife sanctuary established in 1984 is situated in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur District. The headquarters of the sanctuary is at Echippara which is 28 kms away from the Amballoor village in the north direction. Amballoor is 12kms away from Thrissur town in the south direction.

Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, in Thrissur that prides itself on its lush tropical rainforest, which has plenty of streams, mountains and sprawling areas of deciduous trees inside. Chimmony dam was established in 1984 on the western slopes of Nelliyampathy hills. The sanctuary consists of the watershed areas of Kurumali river and Mupilam river.

Time to set out for the long trek inside the woods of Chimmony with the tribal guide arranged by the forest department. A bird tweets from the darkness; a few seconds later another answer. Then another bird joins the chorus from a branch just near you.

Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum

India is a treasure-trove of ancient branches of human knowledge, and Ayurveda is perhaps the most precious among them. It is regarded as an ‘upa-veda’ (subsidiary) rooted in the millennium-old Vedas. This makes it the oldest form of healthcare in the whole world. Etymologically analyzed, Ayurveda implies the Science of Life, as ‘Ayur’ means ‘longevity’ or ‘life’ and Veda connotes ‘knowledge’ or ‘science’.

The Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum is one amongst Vaidyaratnam Oushadashala’s multi-faceted ventures, meant to enlighten the public about the rich heritage of Ayurveda at large. It is a museum which is aesthetically designed to provide an audio-visual tour of the age-old history of evolution of this science to the visitors. It may be remembered, that after its genesis during the Vedic era, the system has undergone sea changes in the subsequent eras of ‘Samhita’, (when all the ancient literature pertaining to this life science was documented), ’Samgraha’, that witnessed emergence of new treatises and also the modern era when modern science and technology wielded much influence on this branch. The visitor will be taken on a journey through all these historic periods of development inside the Museum.

The Museum, the first of its kind in the history of Ayurveda, narrates the evolution through a multimedia experience including artifacts, sculptures, scriptures and pictures. A 3D gallery is an added attraction to showcase the developments in the manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines and treatment techniques evolved over the ages. Further, this will enable the visitor to appreciate how the tradition is preserved even in the contemporary scenario against the backdrop of technological innovations and modernization. The footnotes of each exhibit are self-explanatory and provide a huge wealth of information.

The Thaikkattu Mooss family, rooted in the ancient days of Lord Parasurama, has played a vital role in advancing Ayurveda, the holistic healing science. Their expertise in all 8 branches of Ayurveda earned them the esteemed title of ASHTAVAIDYAN.