Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the lord of the Winds. The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. 

Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam)

North of Thrissur, 29km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.

Athirapally and Vazhachal Falls

These are two water falls a two hours drive from Guruvayoor. The first falls is of almost 80 feet. The Vazhachal falls is 5 km further away. These falls are in the forest area. This forest road leads to Valparai a hill station with excellent tea estates.

Aanthavalam (abode of the elephants) 8 kms:

An area housing about 60 elephants offered by devotees to the Lord. Witness the nature of these giant pachyderms at close quarters.

Vadakkumnathan Temple:

This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. ' Thrissur Pooram ' the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April -May every year

Beaches and backwaters - 9 kms  :

Unspoilt beaches invite you to witness the local fishermen come home with their catch of the day. Calm and lazy backwaters located close by invite you to ride them on the traditional houseboats to explore interior Kerala and witness the fishermen cast their nets.