The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is well known for museums, art schools, and institutes, which are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Kerala. The city and the area around it have a number of tourist attraction places like Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary the largest elephant park in the world with over 60 elephants; Sakthan Thampuran Palace preserved by Archaeological Department; Kudakkallu (Umbrella Rock), here people of aristocratic were cremated, Vilangankunnu an amusement park; Peechi Dam a good picnic spot; Chavakkad Beach one of the best beaches along the west coast; Archeological Museum/ Art Museum /Zoo has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers; Athirapilly Water Falls the threshold of the Sholayar ranges; Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of India. Some other attractions are Mummiyur Temple, Vadakkumnathan Temple, Nalambalam, Thriprayar, Irinjalakuda Koodalmanickam Temple, Payemmel Temple, Moozhikulam Temple, Sri Kurumba Bagavathi Temple, Cheraman Jummamasjid, St.Thomas Church, Lourdes Cathedral Puthan Palli (New Church) etc. The important religious festivals are the Ashtami Rohini (Aug-Sept), the Sukla Paksha Ekadasi (Nov-Dec), the Vishu Kani (April-May), and the 10 days Utsavam (Feb-March) of these the Edakasi draws the largest crowd. Thrissur has a tropical and humid climate. It experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to August therefore it is advisable not to visit Thrissur during the monsoon season.
