Thrissur, Kerala’s cultural capital, hides some beautiful natural sites worth visiting. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of life or want to take your family on an impromptu holiday, these 15 hidden gems near Thrissur are perfect places to visit on your trip. Here’s how you can reach Thrissur.
By train: There is a railway station in Thrissur, connected to all major domestic railheads. To reach the destination, one can get public transportation from Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai railheads daily.
By air: A taxi or a bus can be taken to reach Thrissur from the closest airport, Cochin Airport. The airport is strategically located and connected to all major highways, making it easy to get to Thrissur.
By road: It is well connected to all its neighbouring towns and domestic areas via a reliable network of roads. There is decent bus service for visitors on the state and interstate highways.
15 best places to visit near Thrissur
Kerala is a beautiful state in India, and there are many hidden gems near Thrissur that are worth a visit. From serene backwaters to stunning temples, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
1) Charpa Falls
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Just 60 kilometres or an hour away from Thrissur, Charpa Falls is one of the nearest tourist places near me that is perfect for a quick getaway. The falls are located in a small village called Charpa and are surrounded by lush greenery. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the falls. The best time to visit Charpa Falls is during the monsoon season, when the water flow is at its peak. This is a great place for photography and picturesque views, and the best time to go is during the summer.
2) Idukki
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Idukki, a landlocked district of Kerala, has over half of its area covered in forest, making it one of Kerala’s most nature-rich districts. This rugged hill resort has wildlife sanctuaries, picturesque bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations, and forests. Idukki’s speciality is a 650-foot-long and 550-foot-high arch dam across the Kuravan Kurathi mountain. Idukki is also home to Anamudi, the highest peak in India, south of the Himalayas. By bus, taxi, train, or car, you can get from Idukki township to Thrissur: In three hours and 17 minutes, take the bus from Thodupuzha to Thrissur.
3) Ooty
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Just a few hours from Thrissur is the beautiful hill station of Ooty. Ooty is the perfect place to escape the heat and enjoy some fresh air, surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains. There are plenty of things to do in Ooty, from hiking and horseback riding to visiting tea plantations and exploring markets. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is also a must-visit. The cheapest transport from Thrissur to Ooty costs only INR 699, and the fastest route takes just three hours 14 minutes.
4) Punnathur Kotta
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Just ten kilometres from the city of Thrissur lies Punnathur Kotta, also known as the Elephant Sanctuary. This hidden gem is home to more than 60 elephants and is worth a visit. Plus, it is one of the nearest tourist places near Thrissur, so you may have to travel far to see these amazing animals. Thrissur city centre is about 30 km away from the sanctuary. Visitors can observe the elephants as they go about daily routines at the park during the day. Tickets cost just 25 rupees.
5) Dolours Basilica
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The Dolours Basilica is one of the nearest tourist places near Thrissur and is worth a visit. The church was built in 1887 and is one of the largest churches in India. The church has beautiful stained glass windows and an intricately carved wooden ceiling. It is located just 1.8 kilometres from the Thrissur bus stand.
6) Chavakkad Beach
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Chavakkad Beach is the perfect place to unwind and relax just an hour away from the main city. With its beautiful sandy shores and clear blue waters, the beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the stunning views. You can try the delicious seafood while you are here. Thrissur (Railway Station) and the beach are 33.3 kilometres apart and can be reached by road in about 45 minutes.
7) Thrissur Zoo
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The Thrissur Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, and leopards. The zoo also has a reptile house, which is home to snakes, crocodiles, and turtles. Distance from Thrissur bus stand: 2.7 km. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. The entry fee for adults is INR 60, and for children, it is INR 40
8) Vilangan Kunnu
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Just ten minutes away from the bustling city of Thrissur is the serene Vilangan Kunnu. This hilltop offers stunning views of the cityscape below and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season when the area is lush and green. It is located 8.7 kilometres from the centre of the city.
9) Athirappilly Waterfalls
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The Athirappilly Waterfalls, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala surrounded by lush greenery, is a perfect spot for nature lovers. Located in the Western Ghats, these waterfalls are a sight to behold. The best time to visit is between June and October when the rainfall is at its peak. You can board any southbound bus from Thrissur to Trivandrum, Kottayam, Alleppey, Ernakulam, Aluva, etc., and get off at the KSRTC Bus depot. There is also a private bus stop nearby. One can reach Athirapally by bus from both places.
10) Sakthan Thampuran Palace
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The Sakthan Thampuran Palace, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thrissur, was built in 1795 by Maharaja Rama Varma and is a perfect example of Kerala architecture. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has a large pond in the front. Inside, the palace has several intricate carvings and paintings on the walls and ceilings. Cochin is the closest airport to Sakthan Thampuran Palace. Flights from all over the world arrive at this international airport. There is a railway station within 3 km of Sakthan Thampuran Palace. The palace is within walking distance.
11) Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple
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Situated in the heart of Thrissur city, this temple is one of the most important Hindu shrines in Kerala and known for its stunning architecture and grandiose festivals. Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple is worth a visit when you are in Thrissur. The hotel is about two kilometres from the Thrissur railway station. The city is connected by buses, cars, and auto rickshaws.
12) Kerala Kalamandalam
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Three main arts of Kerala got a new life through the Kerala Kalamandalam, namely Kathakali, Kudiyattam, and Mohiniyattam. If you love performing arts, this is the place to be. Nestled on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, the institute is one of the best in the world.
13) Cheppara
Just an hour from Thrissur, Cheppara is a charming little village tucked away in the Western Ghats. With its lush green hills, scenic waterfalls and streams, Cheppara is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Visit the Chellarkovil Viewpoint, and take in the stunning views of the valley below. Thekkumkara panchayath near Wadakkanchery, is about 16 km from Thrissur. Taxis and buses are available from the city centre to this enchanting destination.
14) Cheraman Juma Masjid
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This mosque is considered the first in India and worth a visit for its unique history and architecture. The mosque was built in the early eighth century by an Arab merchant and has since been renovated several times. Today, it is a popular tourist spot for Muslims and non-muslims alike. In Irinjalakuda, 20 km from Thrissur, there is a railway station about one kilometre from the town centre that can be reached by bus for 350 rupees.
15) Nehru Park
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Tucked away in the quiet town of Wadakkanchery, Nehru Park is a serene getaway that is perfect for a day trip. The park has plenty of walking trails, a beautiful lake, and an amphitheatre where you can catch a play or concert. If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Thrissur, Nehru Park is the perfect place to do it. Thrissur’s Nehru Park, named after India’s first prime minister, is one of the best places to visit in the city. Given Jawahar Lal Nehru’s love for children, the park is dedicated to providing kids with the best kind of enjoyment.
FAQs
What are some of the safest places to visit in Thrissur with kids?
The following are some places to visit in Thrissur with family and kids if you are looking for some of the most popular places to visit in Thrissur: Thrissur Zoo and State Museum Athirappilly Waterfall, Chavakkad Beach, and Charpa Fall.
Thrissur is famous for what?
As Thrissur is known for its ancient temples, picturesque churches, and well-carved mosques, it is also famous for hosting the Thrissur Pooram Festival, one of Kerala's most famous festivals.
When is the most suitable time to visit Thrissur?
October to March are the best months to visit Thrissur when the city experiences its best winters.
In Thrissur, what are the best things to do?
Thrissur is known for many things, including the PeechiVazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, ancient temples, festivals, sightseeing, and shopping. There are many things to do in Thrissur.
What is the nearest airport to Thrissur?
At a distance of just 50 kilometres from the city of Thrissur, Cochin International Airport can be found at Nedumbassery.
