This is not just another place for worship. It has been the repository of culture and heritage unparalelled in Kerala history. Vadakku does not represent North and it is the corruption of the word 'Edvam' or 'Sacred Bull'. Kunnu is the Malayalam word for a hillock, Edvakkunnathan thus became Vadakkunnathan. The deity is Lord Siva represented by 'Mahalingam' which now cannot be seen due to the mount formed by the traditional offerings or abhisheka with ghee. The exquisite murals on this shrine narrate the story of the epic Mahabharatha. The decorative wall paintings and carvings alone are worth a visit. On the left of the entrance one can see the famous Kuthambalam a beautiful structure with an elegant sloping roof of metal plates. Ancient dramatic form of Chakkiar Koothu is staged here.
Archaeological Museum
This is situated beside the Town Hall road. Several relics and heirlooms of archaeological importance are kept here.
Art Museum
The art museum in a separate building in the Zoo compound, is a treat for the connoisseur of art. Good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelry are preserved here.
Puthan Palli
This is one of the tallest churches in Asia and is known for its Gothic architecture.
Vilangankunnu
Eight km journey from the town on the Kunnamkulam road leads to this picturesque hillock known for its scenic splendour overlooking the sprawling town and country side.
Academies
Kerala Sahithya Akademy, Sangeetha Nataka Akademy and Kerala Lalithakala Academy are head quartered at Thrissur making the epithet 'cultural capital of Kerala' more meaningful.
Arattupuzha
Arattupuzha temple, situated 16 km away from the town on the Thrissur-Kodungallor road, is known for its annual pooram festival held in April-May every year which is one of the most colourful carnivals of Kerala.
Peechi Dam
This enchanting picnic spot situated 20 km east of Thrissur offers boating facilities in the reservoir. One can see tuskers on the bank of this reservoir.
Cheraman Juma Masjid
Kodungallur constructed in AD 629 is famous as the first mosque erected in India and also the second in the world where the Juma prayers were started. People from far and near irrespective of caste and creed visit this holy place and pay their homage. Idul Fitar (Ramzan) and Idul-Asha (Bakrid) are celebrated here on a grand scale.
Athirappally and Vazhachal waterfalls
A shimmering expanse of tranquil beauty this waterfall, of 80 feet height 30 km east of Chalakkudy. Athirappally attracts a large number of eco tourists. Vazhachal another waterfall is 5 km away from Athirapally.
Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor, one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala, is 29 km north west of Thrissur. The main attraction is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known as Guruvayoorappan. People throng here in large numbers for worship the year round.
Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy was founded in 1930 by Mahakavi Vallathol. It's main objective is to revive, preserve and develop the ancient and traditional art form of Kerala particularly Kathakali. Now the Kerala Kala Mandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar with its new building complex at Natyagraha. The old Kerala Kala Mandalam is still at Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River (Bharathapuzha). The Samadhi (tomb) of the poet Vallathol the founder of this famous institution is in the premises of old Kala Mandalam.
The oldest church in India and one of the seven founded by St Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD.The church is little away from Guruvayur. Palur or Palayur was the strong hold of the Nambudiri Brahmins ('the super class people in Indian communities) when St. Thomas arrived from Kodungallur. Israelites had a settlement at Palayur, two thosand years ago. Ruins of an ancient Jewish Synagogue are still seen outside of a Brahmin temple about a furlong away from the Church. Broken pieces of idols, sculptures and remnants of the old temple were lying around the church till a short time ago. During the Portuguese time, an attempt to dismantle the old Church to construct a new one was given up owing to the sentimental objection of the local people. later on, however, a new church was built carefully so as to enclose the old one which had wooden walls.
The church is noted for its portrayal of St. Thomas’ illustrious life. The 14 granite statues at the entrance display selected events from the apostle’s life. Also noted are the wood carvings on the jubilee door based on biblical events.
The Catholic Syrian church of Palayur is one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas. The feast falls on July 15 and pilgrims from different parts of India visit the church.
Koodalmanickam temple
The Koodalmanickam temple is an ancient and historic one situated in Manavalassery village about 10 km from Irinjalakuda Railway station. Lord Bharatha is the deity of the temple. The festival is held annually for 11 days in Medom (April-May).
Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine, Kodungallur (Azhikode)
Nineteen hundred years ago the first missionary of Christianity to India, St. Thomas, the Apostle set his foot at Kodungallur. The Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine a monument to him is situated here. It is a historic pilgrim centre of the Indian Christians. The main feast of the church is celebrated on November 21 every year.
