Athirappilly Falls
Famous among tourists, Athirappilly Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. As part of the Chalakudy River, the waterfall stands at approximately 80 feet in height. It is easily reachable from Chalakudy by renting a vehicle. Proper precautions are taken on-site to prevent mishaps while swimming, and a police camp is always stationed there to ensure visitor safety. Another popular nearby waterfall worth visiting is Vazhachal Falls.
Gruruvayur Elephant Race
The Guruvayur Utsavam begins with Aanayottam, starting from Manjulal and ending at the flagstaff. Ritually, the Utsavam begins with the offering of the koora (cloth) and pavithram (a ring made of kusa grass) to the Tantri. In ancient times, permission for the festival was sought from Pura Koyma, Vanneri Nambidi, and Kantiyur Pattar. The elephants run from Manjulal (the banyan tree located half a kilometer away from the eastern entrance to the temple), enter the temple, complete seven rounds, and touch the flagstaff.
Guruvayoor Elephant Sanctuary
The Devaswom maintains a unique elephant sanctuary, the only one of its kind in the World. It has 51 elephants now. These jumbos are the offerings of the devotees to the Lord. A large number of pilgrims and tourists visit this fascinating spot every day. In this vast compound, there are road facilities for pilgrims and tourists to go around. The present elephant sanctuary is in Punnathur Kotta about 3 kms north of Guruvayur temple.
Biyyam Kayal Backwater Boating
Gently floating on the silent waters of Biyyam Kayal offers a deeply relaxing escape into the heart of rural Kerala. Surrounded by towering coconut trees and lush greenery, this tranquil lake presents a pristine alternative to busier tourist hubs. A hanging bridge stretches gracefully across the water, providing a perfect vantage point to take in the serene landscape. During your visit, you can glide past charming village scenes in a traditional canoe, paddle through the calm waters in a kayak, or feel the thrill of a speedboat ride. For a more immersive experience, well equipped houseboats are available, allowing you to drift peacefully while enjoying authentic meals and the subtle movement of the boat. Whether you are seeking quiet reflection or a touch of adventure, these scenic backwaters offer a beautifully balanced retreat.
Sakthan Palace Thrissur
The actual name of Sakthan Thampuran was Raja Rama Varma (1751–1805). He was the King of Cochin, and his palace was situated in Thrissur, in central Kerala, South India. Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala, and Sakthan Thampuran is considered the very architect of the city. The famous Thrissur Pooram was also introduced by him. Located in the heart of the town, his palace features several galleries and well-preserved historical artifacts. Commonly known as Vadakkekara Palace, it was reconstructed in the Kerala-Dutch architectural style in 1795.
Chavakkad Beach
Chavakkad Beach is a very popular tourist destination and a favored film shooting location. A large number of pilgrims visiting the nearby Guruvayur Temple also make it a point to stop here. With its pristine sands and calm atmosphere, the beach presents a truly spectacular sight.
Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam is a major center for learning Indian performing arts, especially those that developed in the state of Kerala. It is situated in the village of Cheruthuruthy in the Thrissur district, near the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. Founded in 1930 by the late poet Vallathol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja, Kalamandalam imparts training in classical dance and theater forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, Thullal, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Nangiarkoothu, as well as the traditional orchestra, Panchavadyam. Training is also offered in various percussion instruments, including the Chenda, Maddalam, and Mizhavu. Kalamandalam follows the Gurukula system, the ancient Indian model of education. The institution honors noted performers with prestigious awards; notably, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar has been the only recipient of its Suvarna Mudra (gold medal) to date.
Palayur Church
In 52 A.D., Thomas Didaemus, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, is believed to have landed at Musiris (Cranganore) in Kerala. He made his first converts among both Jews and Hindus at Palayur, a town now in the Trichur district of Kerala. There, he built a small church with an altar, which he consecrated. This is believed to be the oldest church in India. St. Thomas later moved to the east coast and settled in Madras (now Chennai) in 64 A.D., after having travelled all the way to China. Back in Chennai, the apostle is said to have stayed in what was then a village, where the present neighborhood of Mylapore is located.
Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is the most colorful temple festival in Kerala. The festival attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the state and beyond. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May), it consists of processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighboring temples to the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. The most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu, making it a highly significant event for devotees.