Vadakkumnathan Temple at Thrissur also known as Rishabhari or Thenkailasam (the Kailash of the south) is one of the ancient and most prominent Shiva temples of Kerala. The Thrissur Pooram is held in the premises of this Temple

In 1796 A D., the Sakthan Thampuran, King of erstwhile Cochin State (now part of Kerala) brought 52 Christian families to Trichur from the neighbourhood with a view to develop Trichur as a center of trade and commerce. The Marth Mariam Church was constructed in 1814 for these Christian families.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, one of the biggest and tallest churches in India, is situated at the centre of Thrissur town. Spread over an area of 25000 sq ft, this church was constructed in 1940 with the blessings of Maharaja of Cochin, His Excellency Rama Varma.

Thrissur has a number of churches and the Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral is the most famous among them. The structure of this church is impressive and the church is worth visiting. The large and impressive Lourdes Church has an underground shrine also.

Guruvayoor is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in South India. It is well connected by rail and road to Thrissur. Guruvayoor is one of the most important Krishna temples in India.

The Kerala Sahitya Academy is an autonomous institution established for the promotion and development of Malayalam language and literature. The Academy was registered according to the Tiruvitamkur-Kochi Societies Registration Act of 1955 and is functioning with grants given by the Government of Kerala.

This palace named as Vadakkekara Palace, was reconstructed in Kerala-Dutch style in 1795 by Shri. Ramavarma Thampuran of the erstwhile Princely State of Cochin, well known as Sakthan Thampuran, and is preserved by Archaeological Department of Government of Kerala.

Kerala Kalamandalam is the premier center of excellence in Indian Performing Arts.This institution gives emphasis to the traditional art forms especially that belong to the State of Kerala.People from around the world come here to learn arts like 'Kathakali'

Started functioning in 1885, the museum and zoo compound is spread over 5.5 hectors of land in Thrissur town. It comprises of Zoological Garden, Botanical Garden, Art Museum and Natural History Museum. The Zoo has 315 animals in 46 species.

Thrissur coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. Vadanappilly Beach is unrivalled in sheer scenic beauty. For those who love serene, sunny, tranquil places, this beach is the best choice- a virgin beach just beginning to catch up.

A sea shore for rare scenic beauty. Acknowledged as one of the best beaches along the west coast. Unaltered by modernisation and laced on the borders by an array of coconut palms.

Peechi Dam, 23km from Thrissur 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 part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

East of Chalakudy, near the entrance of the Sholayar forest ranges are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal. Athirapally is 63 km and Vazhachal 68 km away from Thrissur. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, give a scintillating experience to visitors.

The catchments of the Peechi-Vazhani dam, is the sanctuary known for the ecological sensitiveness of the Elenjikuthu waterfalls, and wild animals. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli - Nelliyampathy forests. Boating, bird watching and trekking are permitted here.

Punathurkotta is very unique in being the largest elephant park in the world with over 60 elephants. All of them are donated by the devotees of Guruvayurappan. The elephant race and the feast for elephants are a few of the unique features. There are elephants of all ages including very small elephant to old ones.

This hillock has been converted by the tourism department as an amusement park. While grown ups relish the scenic splendor from the hill top. Children can relax and play to their hearts.

Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute (JMMC & RI) Thrissur is a highly reputed institution in the field of medical education. Educational units under this charitable organization are Jubilee Mission College of Nursing (JMCON), Jubilee Mission School of Nursing (JMSON) and Jubilee Mission College of Allied Health Sciences (JMCAHS). Established in 1951 as a small dispensary under Thrissur, (JMMC & RI) now has a 1450 bedded multi specialty Hospital.

The Government Medical College, Thrissur offers quality education in the field of medical science. This college has made a lot of contributions to the health department of the district. Situated 14 km from away Thrissur town, the medical college nestles itself amidst the greenery of M.G. Kavu. This institute is known for bringing out many qualified doctors of the region. The Government Medical College has a variety of medical courses on offer for the students of the state who wish to pursue a career in the health sector.

Amala Cancer Hospital and Research Centre was established in 1978 as a non-profit, charitable institution aimed at treatment and management of Cancer in Central Kerala, India. Over the years Amala has grown to become one of the major voluntary territory level hospital in India having modern diagnostic, therapeutic and research facilities to combat Cancer and other ailments. This 550 bed hospital complex is unique in having three principal systems of medicine namely Allopathy, Ayurveda and Homoeopathy in the same campus.

The Kerala Agricultural University came into existence on 24 February 1971. The university has 10 constituent colleges, six Regional Agricultural Research Stations, 26 Research Stations, three Centres of Advanced Studies, the Central Training Institute, the Communication Centre, and five Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy came into existence in 1955 as Government Veterinary College; later renamed as Kerala Veterinary College and Research Institute.

Government Law College Thrissur, situated at Ayyanthole near the District Civil Station, conducts 3 Year and 5 Year courses in Law approved by the Bar Council of India.

Government Engineering College (GEC), Thrissur, is one of the premier engineering institutes in the country. It was founded in 1958, the foundation stone being laid by Pundit Jawarharlal Nehru making it one of the oldest engineering college in Kerala.

IES College of Engineering is one of the hi-tech engineering colleges in the country. Established under Ideal Education Society (IES), this college has carved a niche in the professional education sector. IES College of Engineering is situated at Chittilappilly, around 10 kms away from Thrissur town.

Established in August 2003, Vidya Academy of Science and Technology( VAST) has evolved as a notable school of engineering. VAST is ideally located in the sylvan surroundings of a 30 acre plot half-way between the temple town of Guruvayoor and Thrissur. VAST is affiliated to the University of Calicut and also has an academic affiliation with Microsoft Corporation. VAST offers B-tech courses in various streams and a three year Post Graduate MCA programme.

Jyothi Engineering College Cheruthuruthy (JECC is a centre for higher education in the field of engineering. It is an AICTE approved institution and is affiliated to the University of Calicut. Jyothi Engineering College incorporates top class infrastructure with two lakh Sq. Feet of build up area.

MET's School of Engineering has achieved, within a short span of one year, a credible space among the self-financing engineering colleges of Kerala. This college is accredited to all India Council for Technical Education, Delhi and affiliated to the University of Calicut, MET's is a premier engineering college.

St. Joseph's College, Irinjalakuda opened its doors to the world on 1964. It was "a dream come true” -the dream of the Blessed Mother Mariam Thresia, the visionary pioneer in the field of Family Apostolate. The founding of the College by the Congregation of the Holy Family was an answer to the increasing demands for higher education among young girls in and around Irinjalakuda, the hub of cultural activities, in Central Kerala. Today, the institution has soared to envious heights of eminence, and has been reaccredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) at B++ grade.

Vimala College, Thrissur, is a first Grade and Residential Women's College affiliated to the University of Calicut. The College belongs to the Nirmala Province of the C.M.C. in the Roman Catholic Church. Vimala is nationally accredited at five star level.

The college was started on the eve of Indian Independence on August 11th 1947. Its first affiliation was as a college in Madras University. Now affiliated to the University of Calicut, Sree Kerala Varma College offers 16 courses at degree level and 8 at the post graduate level.

St Thomas College, Thrissur is one of the most leading colleges that are located in the district of Thrissur. This educational institute is well known as it is the first Catholic college of the state of Kerala. The college is located at the heart of Thrissur town. Founded by a priest (Fr.Medleycott) in the early 20th Century this college played a very important role in the development of Kerala. St Thomas College offers various graduate and post graduate courses in the streams of arts, science and commerce. Research programmes are also offered by this college.