Experience Thrissur in a Day

1. 7:30AM: Vadakkumnathan Temple
   Located in the heart of the city and just a 10-minute drive from Thrissur railway station, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most popular and sacred pilgrim centres in Kerala. The temple opens at 4:00AM and closes at 10:30AM. Men need to remove their shirts and women should be fully covered as per the temple's dress code.

2. 10:00AM: Thrissur Zoo and Museum
   Located 5 km from Vadakkumnathan temple in the heart of Thrissur city, the Zoological park is home to over 430 species of animals. Considered to be one of the well-maintained zoos in India, the park opens at 9:00AM and closes at 5:30PM. You can explore the Botanical Garden and Natural History Museum located adjacent to the zoo to make your visit a complete experience.

3. 1:00PM: Lunch at Paragon Restaurant
   A 15-minute drive from Thrissur Zoo, Paragon is the perfect place to relax and enjoy authentic Keralan cuisine for a reasonable price. This restaurant is popular for its seafood dishes and traditional Kerala meals.

4. 2:30PM: Athirappilly Waterfalls
   A 90-minute drive from Paragon restaurant, this spectacular waterfall situated on the Chalakudy river is one of the highlights of Kerala. The falls open at 8:00AM and close at 5:00PM. You can go boating in the nearby Vazhachal Forest and hike on the jungle trail to explore the falls more closely.

5. 5:30PM: Cheraman Juma Masjid
   Situated in Kodungallur, a 50-minute drive from Athirappilly falls, Cheraman Juma Masjid is the oldest mosque in India that is still in use. The mosque opens at 8:45AM and closes at 6:00PM. Its intricate architecture and stunning interior will leave you mesmerized.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Vadakkumnathan Temple (3 hours, free entry)
• Thrissur Zoo and Museum (2 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Paragon Restaurant (1 hour, INR 300 per person)
• Athirappilly Waterfalls (3 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Cheraman Juma Masjid (1 hour, free entry)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 410 per person

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can visit the Punnathurkotta Elephant Sanctuary and Guruvayoor Temple. If you have a lesser amount of time, you can skip Athirappilly Waterfalls and visit the Sakthan Thampuran Palace instead. Don't forget to carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. Finally, try to avoid visiting during festivals as the crowds can get overwhelming.