Thrissur ( earlier Trichur), the name derived from 'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is dubbed the cultural capital of Kerala. The town is built around a hillock. Periyar, Chalakudy, Karuvannur and Bharatha Puzha are the major rivers in the district. The district has a forest area of 103619 hector. Thrissur's emergence to town and cultural centre is attributed to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuran', who was the king of Cochin in 1790. In different periods, Thrissur had fallen to Portuguese, Dutch and British forces.

THRISSUR : Vadakkumnatha temple, Zoo, Museum and Archeological Museum are attractions in the city. Kerala's literary and cultural organisations are headquartered here. Thrissur pooram, the spectacular spectacle, is an annual festival on May 1.

KODUNGALLORE : A major port in the olden days. The oldest mosque in the country is here. St. Thomas landed on 52 AD, then the port was known as Musarees.

PEECHI : Wild life Sanctuary, established in 1958. Dam and adjacent garden are other attractions. 15 km from Thrissur.
 

ATHIRAPPALLY, VAZHACHAL : South India's most fascinating waterfalls, 32 km from Chalakkudy on N H 47.