Thrissur (Trichur) : It is the state's most vibrant temple festival scene at Vadakkunnathan temple and the cultural capital of Kerala. The main churches include Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, 'Puttanpalli' (New church) and the Chaldean (Nestorian) church. Thrissur zoo and the state museum are worth a visit. Sakthan Thampuran palace is having a well furnished museum.

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Trissur pooram : State's biggest temple festival with colourful processions of caparisoned elephants, biggest number of drummers and the best night long fireworks (Apr/May).

Thypooya mahotsavam : A seven day festival is celebrated at Sree Maheswara temple, Koorkanchery (2 km from town) in the month of Jan/Feb. On the last day a kavadiyattam procession with hundreds of dancers with kavadi (tall ornate structures) is held.

Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayur (33 km) is another major Hindu pilgrim centre. The beginning of the 10 day festival (Feb/Mar) is celebrated with racing of around 30 elephants. The 16 th century temple is the most famous temple in Kerala (Hindus only). The temple has 63 elephants and are kept at an old Zamorin palace, Punnathur Kota.

Peruvanum pooram : On the festival day (Mar/Apr, 12 km from Thrissur), sumptuously decorated elephants accompanied by scores of drummers will be the main attraction.

Arattupuzha pooram : On the sixth day of the seven day festival at Arattupuzha temple, (Mar/Apr, 14 km from Trissur), 61 gaily caparisoned elephants gather in the temple grounds, accompanied by the temple music.