Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, is known for its temples, festivals, and natural beauty. Surrounded by a wealth of destinations, it offers excellent opportunities for one-day getaways that combine history, spirituality, and nature. Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Thrissur, including reasons to visit, major attractions, best times, and dining recommendations.
1. Athirapally Waterfalls
Why You Should Visit:
Located 60 km from Thrissur, Athirapally is Kerala’s largest waterfall, often called the “Niagara of India.”
Major Attractions:
- Waterfall Views: A majestic sight, especially during monsoon.
- Trekking Trails: Explore the surrounding forest.
- Wildlife Spotting: Look out for hornbills and elephants.
Best Time to Visit:
- Monsoon and post-monsoon mornings (June – December) (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Athirapally Bamboo Restaurant: Serves Kerala meals.
- Waterfall View Café: Offers tea and snacks.
2. Guruvayur Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located 25 km from Thrissur, Guruvayur Temple is one of the most famous Krishna temples in South India.
Major Attractions:
- Spiritual Significance: Known as the Dwarka of the South.
- Cultural Experience: Witness the temple rituals and traditions.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning or evening (4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Gokulam Café: Offers vegetarian meals.
- Krishna Bhavan: Known for South Indian cuisine.
3. Cherai Beach
Why You Should Visit:
Located 70 km from Thrissur, Cherai Beach is a blend of sea and backwaters, perfect for relaxation.
Major Attractions:
- Beach Activities: Ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Dolphin Spotting: A unique attraction for visitors.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Chillout Café: Known for seafood.
- Aloha Restaurant: Offers Kerala cuisine and international dishes.
4. Vazhachal Waterfalls
Why You Should Visit:
Located 63 km from Thrissur, Vazhachal Waterfalls is a peaceful cascade surrounded by greenery.
Major Attractions:
- Scenic Beauty: Ideal for photography and relaxation.
- Forest Trails: Enjoy short walks in the lush environment.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Forest Retreat Café: Serves light meals.
- Waterfall Café: Known for snacks and tea.
5. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
Why You Should Visit:
Located 28 km from Thrissur, this sanctuary houses temple elephants in a sprawling complex.
Major Attractions:
- Elephant Viewing: Interact with and observe over 60 elephants.
- Temple Surroundings: Explore the nearby Guruvayur temple area.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Sanctuary Café: Known for local meals.
- Elephant Retreat Dhaba: Serves tea and snacks.
6. Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located 22 km from Thrissur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is part of the Nalambalam pilgrimage.
Major Attractions:
- Temple Architecture: Admire the intricate carvings and serene ambiance.
- Festivals: Experience vibrant cultural events during special occasions.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to noon (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Temple Side Café: Serves vegetarian meals.
- Ram Bhavan: Offers snacks and tea.
7. Peechi Dam
Why You Should Visit:
Located 23 km from Thrissur, Peechi Dam is a popular picnic spot surrounded by lush forests.
Major Attractions:
- Boating Activities: Explore the reservoir.
- Scenic Views: Perfect for photography and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Dam View Café: Serves light meals.
- Nature Retreat Dhaba: Known for traditional Kerala meals.
8. Chavakkad Beach
Why You Should Visit:
Located 27 km from Thrissur, Chavakkad Beach is known for its clean sands and estuary.
Major Attractions:
- Estuary Views: Witness the confluence of a river and the Arabian Sea.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Ideal for an evening stroll.
Best Time to Visit:
- Evening (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Beachside Café: Offers seafood and snacks.
- Kerala Dhaba: Known for local meals.
9. Vazhani Dam
Why You Should Visit:
Located 30 km from Thrissur, Vazhani Dam is a serene location surrounded by greenery.
Major Attractions:
- Nature Trails: Explore the walking paths near the dam.
- Picnic Spots: Ideal for a relaxing day out.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Damside Dhaba: Offers tea and snacks.
- Green Valley Café: Known for Kerala dishes.
10. Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located 35 km from Thrissur, this temple is one of Kerala’s oldest shrines dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali.
Major Attractions:
- Historic Significance: Known for its unique rituals and festivals.
- Cultural Experience: A hub for spiritual seekers.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Temple Retreat Café: Serves vegetarian meals.
- Cultural Dhaba: Known for light snacks.
11. Marottichal Waterfalls
Why You Should Visit:
Located 20 km from Thrissur, Marottichal Waterfalls is a hidden gem for nature lovers and trekkers.
Major Attractions:
- Double Waterfalls: Two cascades—Olakkayam and Ilanjippara.
- Trekking Trails: Enjoy scenic routes through lush forests.
- Picnic Spots: Ideal for families and friends.
Best Time to Visit:
- Monsoon and post-monsoon mornings (July – December) (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Forest Retreat Café: Known for snacks and tea.
- Waterfall View Dhaba: Offers traditional Kerala meals.
12. Koodalmanikyam Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located 20 km from Thrissur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama.
Major Attractions:
- Unique Worship: One of the few temples dedicated to Bharata.
- Traditional Festivals: Vibrant events during annual temple celebrations.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to noon (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Temple Dhaba: Serves vegetarian meals.
- Ramayan Retreat Café: Known for Kerala snacks.
13. Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
Why You Should Visit:
Located 40 km from Thrissur, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for biodiversity and adventure enthusiasts.
Major Attractions:
- Nature Trails: Explore the lush greenery and wildlife.
- Boating and Trekking: Experience scenic routes and peaceful waters.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Sanctuary Café: Offers snacks and beverages.
- Chimmony Forest Dhaba: Known for traditional Kerala dishes.
14. Kottappuram Fort
Why You Should Visit:
Located 30 km from Thrissur, Kottappuram Fort is a historical site built by the Portuguese.
Major Attractions:
- Fort Ruins: Explore the remnants of the ancient structure.
- Scenic Views: Overlook the Periyar River and surrounding landscapes.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to early afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Heritage Café: Known for tea and light snacks.
- Fortside Dhaba: Serves Kerala meals.
15. Poomala Dam
Why You Should Visit:
Located 15 km from Thrissur, Poomala Dam is a serene spot ideal for a day of relaxation.
Major Attractions:
- Boating: Explore the calm waters.
- Nature Trails: Perfect for a leisurely walk.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Dam View Café: Offers snacks and beverages.
- Poomala Retreat Dhaba: Known for local meals.
16. Vilangankunnu
Why You Should Visit:
Located 9 km from Thrissur, Vilangankunnu is a small hillock offering panoramic views of the city.
Major Attractions:
- Children’s Park: A fun spot for families.
- Sunset Views: Ideal for evening relaxation.
Best Time to Visit:
- Evening (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Hilltop Café: Serves tea and light snacks.
- City Retreat Dhaba: Known for Kerala-style dishes.
17. Chettuva Backwaters
Why You Should Visit:
Located 25 km from Thrissur, Chettuva Backwaters is a lesser-known but stunning backwater destination.
Major Attractions:
- Houseboat Rides: Enjoy a tranquil cruise through the waterways.
- Mangrove Forests: Explore the lush greenery.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Backwater Retreat Café: Offers seafood and traditional Kerala meals.
- Chettuva Dhaba: Known for snacks and tea.
18. Arattupuzha Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located 15 km from Thrissur, this temple is famous for the Arattupuzha Pooram festival.
Major Attractions:
- Elephant Processions: A grand display during festivals.
- Spiritual Ambiance: Ideal for meditation and prayers.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Temple Bhojanalaya: Offers vegetarian meals.
- Festive Café: Known for light snacks.
19. Machad Thiruvaniyoor Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located 30 km from Thrissur, this temple is surrounded by picturesque hills and valleys.
Major Attractions:
- Scenic Beauty: Perfect for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
- Traditional Festivals: Experience cultural events during temple celebrations.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Valley View Café: Offers snacks and tea.
- Temple Retreat Dhaba: Serves Kerala meals.
20. Triprayar River
Why You Should Visit:
Located 22 km from Thrissur, the Triprayar River is a serene spot for picnics and boating.
Major Attractions:
- Boating Activities: Enjoy a peaceful ride on the river.
- Natural Beauty: Ideal for photography and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Riverside Café: Offers snacks and beverages.
- Triprayar Retreat Dhaba: Known for Kerala-style meals.
21. Vadakkunnathan Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located in the heart of Thrissur, Vadakkunnathan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Major Attractions:
- Temple Architecture: Admire its ancient wood carvings and murals.
- Thrissur Pooram Festival: Witness grand cultural celebrations.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning or evening (5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Temple Town Café: Serves vegetarian meals.
- Cultural Dhaba: Known for Kerala snacks and beverages.
Conclusion
Thrissur is surrounded by a wide array of destinations that cater to all types of travelers, from serene waterfalls and cultural landmarks to lush backwaters and wildlife sanctuaries. These 21 weekend getaways offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, explore, and experience Kerala’s beauty in just one day. Use this guide to plan your trips and indulge in the recommended dining spots for a memorable adventure. Happy traveling!