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Anakkayam :
Anakkayam 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.
Thrissur City :
Thrissur city and the area around it have a number of museums, art schools, and institutes, which are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Kerala. The well known Vadakkunathan Temple also is located in the center of the city.
Guruvayur :
Guruvayoor located 29 kilometers from Thrissur city, is the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. The world famous Shree Krishna Temple is located here.
This historic temple is believed to have existed prior to 16th century AD. According to legends the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity.
Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur. It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. It is believed that the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka.
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', where the temple elephants are kept and looked after. It is an interesting site to visit as one gets to see at close quarters so many tuskers together.
Cheruthuruthy :
North of Thrissur, around 32 kilometers from Thrissur near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, known world over for Kerala Kalamandalm, the kathakali training center. The academy was founded by Vallathol Narayana Menon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Ottam Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here.
Peechi :
Peechi is well known for Peechi Dam, located 23km from Thrissur. This dam project started as an irrigation project, offers boating facilities at the reservoir. Peechi is a fascinating picnic spot.
Peechi Vazhani Wild Life Sanctuary is also located here. You can find wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi dam.
Kodungalloor :
Kodungalloor is a well known tourist location due to St. Thomas church and also Juma Masjid here. St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the apostle houses holy relics from the olden days.
Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungalloor Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town, this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. The mosque built in 629 AD is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started.Other tourist places in and around Kodungalloor include, Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple and the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort in Kodungallor.
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