Thrissur is all set to host the International Literature Fest of Kerala from January 28 to February 3 and bibliophiles can't be more excited. If you are in town for the fest and wondering where you want to go to unwind a bit, we have got you covered. Here are a few of the spots in the cultural capital of the state, which offers a wide range of options from forests and seashores and museums. If you have some additional time to spare, you can cover the district in three days, if you plan well.

Thrissur town
The Thrissur town is laid out around a 65-acre hill called Thekkinkad Maidan. On the hill is the renowned shrine Vadakkumnatha temple. The Thrissur Pooram takes place on this ground. The Swaraj Round fringes the ground and as a cascade, the town is designed as ‘rounds.’

Outside the Swaraj Round runs the outer ring road. The design of the town, in circles, ensures that traffic blocks are relatively low in the town. From a height, it is interesting to see the town moving in a circular pattern.

Paramekkavu temple
The temple is dedicated to Vaishnavi Devi and is the largest temple in the state to have this presiding deity. It is estimated that the temple is 1,000 years old. The temple is open to devotees from 4 am to 4 pm. The temple partners in the Thrissur Pooram and parades 15 caparisoned elephants and a Melam ensemble for the Pooram.

Dolours Basilica
The 2,500 sqft Dolours Basilica is built in the Indo-Gothic style. It is the third-largest in Asia and the largest in the country with double-storey corridors. The basilica is the place of worship for the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. The church can be seen from Paramekkavu and takes 10 minutes by road from there. The 260-ft high Bible tower right behind the basilica is worth a watch.
A beautiful view of the town unfolds from the top of the tower. The basilica has intricate wall paintings and biblical incident inscriptions. The twin towers of the basilica are 140 feet high.

guruvayoor
The Guruvayoor Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Kerala. Photo: Onmanorama

Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayoor
The renowned temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for the Hindus in Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its unique rituals and festivals. If you like elephants, you can also visit the Elephant Camp near the temple, where you can observe the daily routines of the temple jumbos. The temple also has a museum that gives insights into its history and has various artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits related to its cultural and religious significance.

Archaeological Museum
The museum in Thrissur town has a vast collection of artifacts that span different periods of Kerala's history. It has many interesting galleries, mural paintings, wood carvings, ethnographic objects and artifacts that shed light on early human settlements in the region.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace
The palace was once the residence of the Cochin rulers, and it is a museum now. It showcases both Dutch and Kerala architectural styles and has a well-maintained palace ground. You also get to see the crown and veil of the renowned ruler Shakthan Thampuran, who started the famous Thrissur Pooram, here.

Kerala Kalamandalam, Peechi Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, Chavakkad Beach, Inrinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple, and Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls are some of the other sights you can check out in Thrissur district.

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