Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala, sitting roughly in the geographical centre of the state. The city is built around an oval hillock called the Thekkinkadu Maidan, crowned by the Vadakkunnathan Temple, one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala.
The main reason to visit is the Thrissur Pooram, held in April or May, which is simply the most spectacular temple festival in all of Kerala. Two rival temple groups parade caparisoned elephants, compete with towering parasol displays, and build to a climax of massed percussion and fireworks that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators. Even if you have seen other poorams, this one is in a league of its own.
Outside festival season, Thrissur is a pleasant, leafy city with a strong tradition of classical arts and literature. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace documents the city's history as the seat of the Cochin kingdom, while Kerala Kalamandalam — 30 km north on the Bharathapuzha River — is the world's only university devoted entirely to a performing arts tradition, preserving Kathakali and Koodiyattam. Beyond the city, the Athirappilly Falls are about 60 km to the east and among the most impressive waterfalls in Kerala. The Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary near Guruvayur, 27 km west, is home to the largest captive elephant population at any temple in India.