Thrissur district constitutes the central region of the State. It has played an important role in the political history of the Kerala state as well as the entire Southern India.Physiographically, the district is divided into three distinct regions, viz, the highlands comprising of extensive ravines and dense forests in the terraces and hills. The midlands or plains consisting extensive paddy fields, interspersed by rivers and canals. The lowlands as a narrow stretch bordering the coastline is made of the sand silt and alluvium brought down by the rivers. The backwaters, locally called as Kayals, lie parallel to the 50km.long coast, interconnected with cannals, which provide facilities for inland navigation.
Known as the “Cultural Capital” of Kerala is built around a hillock, crowned by the famous Vadakkunathan(Siva) Temple, believed to have been founded by legendary Parasurama.The temple is a classical example of Kerala style of architecture and houses several sacred shrines. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya spent his last days here. The major attraction is Thrisur Pooram Festival, celebrated during April-May, the Elephant Umbrella competition is spectacular, as beautifully decorated elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas take the deity on a chariot around the main temple. Other interesting sites are the ZOO, Fort, Palaces and Churches.
The important crops grown are paddy, coconut, tapioca, areca nut, cashew, banana, rubber, pepper, turmeric, pulses etc.Various traditional industries like handloom, weaving , oil crushing, pottery, coir, basket making, bell metal, mat weaving etc.flourish in the district.

For a sight of mural paintings from all over Kerala, visit the Town Hall, an imposing building with an art gallery or Chitralayam.

For the animal enthusiasts, Thrissur boasts a zoo, 2km from the town centre. Within the 13.5acres of the compound live a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, sloth bear, species of birds and deer. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Rat Snakes.

Within the zoo compound is the small art museum which has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures, Kathkali figures, and ancient jewellery.There is also a wonderful collection of traditional Kerala lamps

One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually. The fireworks at the Pooram are a spectacular sight. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama.

The major Hindu pilgrim centre is 31km north-west of Thrissur.It is also known as the “Dwarka of South” and is famous for the SreeKrishna Temple. The antiquity of the temple can be traced prior to 16th century, but it is believed that the temple was created by Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu, the “Lord of Winds”. The idol of the Lord Guruvayur is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwarka.The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is a 33.5m. High gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post).There is a 7m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps). Sreekovil is the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which enshrines the main deity. Lord Krishna is the presiding deity of the temple and is popularly known as “Guruvayurappan” or the “Lord of Guruvayur”.The temple is also renowned for the healing powers. This is also a good place to watch Kerala Hindu marriage ceremony as it is the favorite venue for weddings and “Annaprasanam”, the first feeding ceremony of the child. There are four main festivals in the temple, which attract thousands of pilgrims from all over the country

The historical town 50km.south-west of Thrissur is of immense historical value. The town earlier known as Muziris to the Greeks and Romans was an ancient centre of trade and commerce with the Jews, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and the Arabs .Pliny, the great traveler described it as the first emporium in India. It has been the first settlement for the Jews, Christians and Muslims in India. It has been the first settlement for the Jews, Christians and Muslims in India. The striking feature of the mosque is that it faces Mecca. It is also known for the Kurumba Bhagavati temple and its Bharani Festival .The pilgrimage to the temple during festival is believed to be potential deterrent to infectious diseases like small pox and cholera.

Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala kalamandalam, renowned the world over for its Kathakali training centre. The music and dance academy was founded by the famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon.Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here. Cultural programmes are also arranged.

It is located 12km south of Thrissur town and is known for the colorful festival of Arattupuzha Pooram, held every year in the month of Meenam.The deities of 46 temples from the neighborhood villages are brought at night in colorful processions on rows of caparisoned elephants accompanied by music to the local temple of Lord Sastha, during the festival.

The historical town is 30km south of Thrissur and is an important” timber centre”. It was the base of Tippu Sultan during the attack on the “Tranvancore Lines”, known as Krishnakotta or Nedumkotta

It is located 63 kms from Thrissur.At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, this 80foot high waterfall is a popular picnic spot.

Just a short drive from Athriapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river.Athirapally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala which attract tourists in plenty.

For a sight of mural paintings from all over Kerala, visit the Town Hall, an imposing building with an art gallery or Chitralayam.

Within the zoo compound is the small art museum which has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures, Kathkali figures, and ancient jewellery.There is also a wonderful collection of traditional Kerala lamps.

It is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form apart of the 125sq.Km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

t is located 2 kms from Guruvayoour.This home of 64elephants offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm.

It is located 10km away from Irnjalakuda railway station. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha; the brother of Sri Rama.It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity. The colorful eleven day annual festival with a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants is held in April/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala.

This temple has a carved entrance gable which has been compared to the wooden sculptures of American artist Louise Nevelson.The Siva temple at Thiruvanchikulam as well as the Sri Krishna 
Temple at Thirukulashekharapuram is believed to be monuments from the 9th century.

Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here you can see three shavakudeerams (tombs) including that of Shakthan Tampuran, the greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty.

It is located 2km from Kodungallor town, this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in 629AD, this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started.

It is located 35kms from Thrissur.Main attractions are the flora and fauna. The Flora includes Evergreen Forests, Semi Evergreen Forests, Leaf shedding forests. Fauna includes Leopards, Elephants, Bears, Wild pigs, Wild bisons; Tigers etc.Trecking Trails include many paths up the rocks and into the forests of Sanctuary

It is located 15km from the Cochin International Airport.St.Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungallor (formerly called Muziris) in 52AD.The St.Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.

Also known as the Church of Koratty Muthy, this was established in 1381.The annual feast falls on the Saturday and Sunday following the 10th October, during which the statue of Koratty Muthy is taken out in a possession from the church. An important offering here is the poovankuala(bunch of plantain).

They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi on the Kochi-Thrissur route.

Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancientThiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavati Temple and Portuguese fort.