Thrissur Zoo and Museum: Timings, Entry Tickets and Nearby Attractions

Thrissur zoo and museum, formerly known as Trichur zoo, is located in Thrissur city, Kerala. It is one of the oldest zoos in India and offers glimpses of wildlife conservation, education, and cultural artefacts. I got to explore the flora and fauna at this state zoo during my Kerala visit last year, and according to me, it is an ideal place to enjoy nature along with learning.

If you are planning to enjoy a memorable time at this place, join me and discover the Thrissur zoo timing, entry charges, and surrounding attractions.

Thrissur Zoo and Museum: Quick Info

Take a look at the quick information below, including location, exploration time, and key attractions of the zoo, before moving on to the detailed discussion.

Location	Town Hall Rd, Udaya Nagar, Chembukkav, Thrissur, Kerala 680020
Google Ratings	3.8/5 ⭐
Contact	04872333056
Opening hours	9 am to 5:15 pm (closed on Mondays)
Exploration time	2-3 hours
Entry fees	₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children
Best time to visit	October to March
Suitable for	Families, children, students, and nature enthusiasts.
Key attractions	Animal enclosures, snake park, state museum and lush campus

History of Thrissur Zoo and Museum

The establishment of this zoological park dates back to the year 1885 under the reign of Rama Varma XV. At that time, this area was part of the Kingdom of Cochin. It’s worth noting that the park had to shut down at that time due to a lack of visitors. 

But as the locals were motivated enough to showcase the rich wildlife of their kingdom, the park was renamed Cochin State Museum in the year 1912 and shifted to Chembukkavu. 

It was officially reopened in the year 1913 to provide fresh and clean air to the people of the city. Over the years, the zoo has undergone many expansions and renovations to enhance the facilities.

Important Update: 

Thrissur Zoo has been successfully relocated and expanded into the Puthur Zoological Park, India’s first designer zoo. It is also well known as one of India’s largest zoos, spread over about 306 acres of land. 

While the museum continues to be the point of interest, the animal exhibits have been largely shifted to a new facility. Public entry to the new park started from February 28, 2026.

What are the Timings and Entry Charges of Thrissur Zoo and Museum?

The Thrissur Zoo & Museum is famous as a home of many animal species, birds, and reptiles. The heritage site is open from 9:00 am to 5:15 pm for visitors with nominal entry charges. Here are the Thrissur Zoo ticket price and opening days:

Timings of the Thrissur Zoo and Museum 

Zoo	9:00 am to 5:15 pm
State Museum	10:00 am to 4:30 pm

The zoo Thrissur and museum is closed on Mondays. Try to visit in the morning or late afternoons for a comfortable and peaceful experience.

Entry Charges of the Thrissur Zoo and Museum

Adult (above 12 years)	₹20
Children (between 5 and 12 years)	₹10
Family (father, mother, and 2 children)	₹40
Group Ticket (35 students and two teachers)	₹150
Foreign tourists	₹150

How to Reach the Thrissur Zoo and Museum?

Thrissur Zoological Park is located in Chembukavu and is easily accessible through the Cochin International Airport (COK) if you are travelling from farther places. The other reliable options are by train, bus, and self-driving. The public transport network is strong in this region and can be accessed at affordable prices.

By Air 

The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 55 km away from the museum. The airport is well connected to Indian cities like Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru. Flights are also available for international cities like Dubai, Colombo, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. As you reach COK, you can take a taxi and ride share service to get to the zoo. 

By Train 

Thrissur railway station is located at a distance of just 3 km from the zoological park. The stations connect with major metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai. You can take a quick 10-minute auto rickshaw ride to reach the zoo complex.

By Road

The nearest bus stands are the KSRTC Bus Stand and the Sakthan Thampuran Bus Stand, which are located within a 3 km radius of the complex. Once you reach these main bus stands, you can take local buses heading towards the Chembukkavu stop. From there, the zoo is within walking distance.

You can also commute to the place by self-driving or hiring a cab from the nearby cities to enjoy the greenery on the way. 

Best Time to Visit Thrissur Zoo and Museum

Winter is the best time to visit Kerala as the temperature is pleasant. At this time, a lot of wildlife can be seen outside. The state has a tropical climate that makes the weather humid and hot during the summer and monsoon.

Winter (October to March)	This is the peak season, offering cool weather for comfortable exploration. Visitors view the wildlife, birds, and snake park without overheating.
Summer (March to May)	Summer months are the least preferred time to visit this zoo, as the afternoon heat and humidity can make strolling difficult.
Monsoon (June to September)	Monsoons bring lush greenery to Kerala, but the heavy downpours can disrupt the plans.

Things to do at Thrissur Zoo and Museum

When I went to the state museum and zoo Thrissur last year, I especially liked the well-maintained green surroundings that this place offers. The most enjoyable things were exploring the snake park, indulging in birdwatching and visiting the museum to see the cultural artefacts. 

See the Animal Enclosures 

In the zoo section, I got to see a wide range of animal and bird species, including lions, tigers, peacocks and parrots. One of the highlights of the zoo is its snake park, which houses species like Vipers, Cobras, Rat snakes and pythons. The zoo is the perfect portrayal of Kerala’s local population’s respect for plants, birds and animals.

Spend Time at the State Museum

Next, I browsed through the state museum and admired the ancient coins, metal sculptures, and wood carving collection. The museum showcases the rich Kerala heritage with its Kathakali figurines and traditional Kerala lamps. 

Walk Through the Lush Campus

At last, I enjoyed a walk around the lush campus area and saw many colourful butterflies flying around. It features various mature trees and landscape gardens. I found the leafy garden perfect for feeling at peace with oneself. 

Top 3 Accommodation Options Near Thrissur Zoo and Museum

When talking about the nearby accommodation options, travellers have endless choices. Some of the preferred hotels are Kallada Hotels and Resorts, Hotel Palace Tower and Hotel Elite International. Always make your choice according to your budget, location and hotel facilities. Here are the details of these hotels:

Kallada Hotels and Resorts

Kallada Hotels and Resorts is a 3-star hotel located about 8 km away from the Thrissur Zoo. The hotel offers a comfortable stay to both business and leisure travellers. It is surrounded by many shopping landmarks where guests can visit to buy essentials and souvenirs.

Google Ratings	3.7/5 ⭐
Location	Salem-Kanyakumari Highway, Santosh Nagar, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala 680651
Contact	07012335244
Amenities	Free Wi-Fi, free parking, restaurant, bar, laundry service and room service

Hotel Palace Tower

Hotel Palace Tower is a 3-star hotel offering affordable stays with sufficient facilities. The hotel has been in existence since 1978 and is centrally located in the city. Whether you are commuting from the Thrissur railway station or the bus stand, it is easily accessible. 

Google Ratings	3.4/5 ⭐
Location	Bus Stand, North, Thrissur, Kerala 680020
Contact	09349991883
Amenities	Free Wi-Fi, wheelchair accessible, airport shuttle, laundry service, restaurant, and room service

Hotel Elite International

Hotel Elite International is located at a distance of 21 minutes walk from the zoo area and 18 minutes walk from Thrissur Railway Station. It features a bar and restaurant which serves the best South Indian, Chinese, and tandoori dishes. The hotel offers various modern facilities for the comfort of the guests.

Google Ratings	3.7/5 ⭐
Location	Chembottil Ln, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Contact	04872421033
Amenities	Wi-Fi, free breakfast, free parking, bar, laundry service, restaurant, room service and airport shuttle

Top 4 Restaurants Near Thrissur Zoo and Museum

There are various popular restaurants near the Thrissur zoom like Hotel Bharath, Ming Palace Chinese Restaurant and Corniche Resto. At these places, you can try South Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisine. Let’s see the details of the top restaurants:

Hotel Bharath

Hotel Bharath is a vegetarian restaurant about 4 minutes drive away from the zoological park. The must-try dishes are masala dosa, curd vada, sambar, channa bhatura and fruit salad.

Location	Chembottil Ln, Kuruppam, Round South, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Google ratings	4.4/5 ⭐
Timings	6:30 am to 10:00 pm
Budget	Less than ₹200 per person

Ming Palace Chinese Restaurant

Ming Palace Chinese Restaurant is at a distance of about 1.7 km from the zoo. Guests love the food quality and good portion size here. The specialties of this restaurant are dragon chicken, chilli pork, chicken manchurian, American chop suey, chicken fried rice and Beijing chicken.

Location	2nd Floor, Pathans Building, Kuruppam, Round South, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Google ratings	3.9/5 ⭐
Timings	11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Budget	₹200-400 per person

Corniche Resto

Corniche Resto is an Italian restaurant in Thrissur. It is a great eatery to try the continental food. The top options here include brownie, beef steak, chicken lasagna, beef lasagna, chicken cheese balls, BBQ pizza and tres leches. 

Location	Ground Floor, No.194, Junction, Fathima Nagar, East Fort, Keerankulangara, Thrissur, Kerala 680005
Google ratings	4.1/5 ⭐
Timings	11:30 am to 10:40 pm
Budget	₹200-400 per person

Cook Door Fried Chicken & Shawarma

Cook Door Fried Chicken & Shawarma is one of the best spots to try the Arabic dishes. Visit this restaurant to have flavourful biriyani, shawarma, mandi and alfam.

Location	Ambakkaden Junction, St Thomas College Rd, Pallikkulam, Thrissur, Kerala 680005
Google ratings	3.5/5 ⭐
Timings	10:45 am to 11:00 pm
Budget	₹200-400 per person

Best 5 Places to See Near Thrissur Zoo and Museum

You can explore the Thrissur zoo and museum in about 2-3 hours. If you are visiting the city for a relaxed trip, combine it with nearby attractions like Vadakkunnathan Temple, Shakthan Thampuran Palace and Bible Tower. It will provide you with a better understanding of the culture, history and architecture of the city.

Vadakkunnathan Temple (About 1.6 Km Away)

Vadakkunnathan Temple is a Hindu temple in Thrissur dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is symbolic of the spiritual and cultural ethos of the Kerala state. It was awarded an “award of excellence” at the UNESCO Asia- Pacific awards in 2015 for its cultural heritage conservation.

Location	Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Timings	4:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Entry charges	Free entry

Shakthan Thampuran Palace (About 1.7 Km Away) 

Shakthan Thampuran Palace is the historic landmark in the city, blending Kerala and Dutch architectural excellence. Located near Vadakkunnathan Temple, the place features a museum and heritage garden. It also has a sarpakaavu (serpent grove), which is believed to be the place of serpent worship traditionally.

Location	Stadium Rd, Chembukkav, Thrissur, Kerala 680020
Timings	9:00 am to 1:00 pm2:00 am to 4:30 pm
Entry Charges	₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children, and ₹30 for cameras

Bible Tower (About 2 Km Away)

Bible Tower is the symbol of the Roman Catholic presence in the city and is visible from various spots. This is known for its marvellous architecture, being earthquake resistant and withstanding the seismic activity. It is famous as one of the tallest church towers in Asia.

Location	Erinjeri Angadi, Latin Church Rd, Erinjeri, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Timings	10 am to 6 pm
Entry Charges	₹20 per person

Kollemgode Palace (250 m Away)

Kollemgode Palace is another grandiose marvel in Kerala, offering the combination of history, art and architecture. In 1904, the palace was built by Vasudeva Raja of the Kollemgode dynasty for his daughter.  Taking a walk through this majestic house is one of the rare experiences that travellers should not miss. 

Location	Udaya Nagar, Chembukkav, Thrissur, Kerala 680020
Timings	10:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Entry Charges	₹20 per person

Our Lady of Dolours Basilica (2 Km Away)

Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, also famous as Puthen Pally, is a minor basilica of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. It is the biggest church in India and is renowned for its Gothic-style architecture. This church is a popular Marian pilgrimage centre in Kerala. You can explore this with the Bible tower, as both of them are within the same premises.

Location	Erinjery Angady, Pallikkulam, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Timings	5:30 am to 8:30 pm
Entry Charges	Free entry

Extra Tips for the Thrissur Zoo and Museum Visitors

Visitors are advised to follow some tips, such as wearing comfortable footwear and carrying a water bottle. Also, try to visit on weekdays as weekends experience high footfall.

• Carry a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat, especially if you are visiting in the summer months.
• Wear comfortable shoes as exploring this campus requires a lot of walking.
• Weekdays are preferred for a peaceful visit, as the weekends and holidays are more crowded.
• Plastics and outside food are not allowed inside the zoo premises.
• Bring a camera to capture the memorable moments and follow the rules.

Concluding Remarks

Thrissur zoo and museum is one of Kerala’s most famous family-friendly tourist attractions. It is the best place to spend some time with family, especially kids, experiencing the wildlife, nature and learning.

This is one of the best places to visit in India in April or May to witness the celebrations of the world-renowned Thrissur Pooram Festival in Vadakkunnathan Temple. With this, you will immerse yourself more in the cultural essence and festivities of Kerala.