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Kerala, often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, is a state in southern India renowned for its lush landscapes, backwaters, and rich cultural heritage. However, beyond the beauty of the natural wonders lie the ancient Hindu temples dedicated to varying gods. With so many Kerala temples across the state, having an idea of which ones to add to your itinerary is a must for a smooth journey. As you plan your next trip around the state, ensure that you have a well-thought-out itinerary to make the most out of your trip.
Top 10 Kerala Temples
With so many Kerala temples situated across the state, you need to ensure that you are exploring the popular temples in each district.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Photo: T M Cyriac / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala, known for its stunning architecture. It is one of the wealthiest shrines in the country and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha. Reports suggest that the temple dates back to the 3rd century BC and the inside features a sprawling complex with Dravidian architecture. The idol of Lord Vishnu is made out of black granite stone and the temple’s roof has ornate gold plating, adding to the allure of the temple further.
Location: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
Timings: 3:30 AM – 7:15 PM
Suggested Read: Hanuman Temples In Kerala
2. Guruvayur Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular temples in Kerala that you can consider visiting is the Guruvayur Temple, located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the temple is referred to as ‘Bhooloka Vaikunta’, meaning ‘The Abode of Lord Vishnu’. Inside the temple lies the iconic four-armed Krishna idol adorned with a pearl necklace and tulsi garland. One of the best times to visit this temple is during the Guruvayur Ekadasi Festival when the temple’s atmosphere is pumped with festivities.
Location: Temple, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101
Timings: 3 AM – 1 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
3. Sabarimala Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Sabarimala Temple is one of the most iconic and popular pilgrimages in the country. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and it attracts millions of devotees, particularly during the Mandala Makaravilakku season. During this period, the pilgrims, known as Ayyappans, undertake a rigorous 41-day vrat of celibacy, abstinence, and wearing black or blue attire before embarking on the trek to the temple. The best part of the temple is climbing down the 18 steps (Pathinettam Padi) leading to the inner sanctum. The temple has a rule for women to enter only till a certain age.
Location: Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689662
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Suggested Read: Bhadrakali Temples In Kerala
4. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is located in the Alappuzha district in Kerala and dates back to the 15th century built by the local ruler, Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The temple houses the typical Parthasarathy form of Krishna in the inner sanctum with a whip in the right hand and a conch in the other. If you want to witness the allure of this temple, consider visiting during the annual Ambalapuzha Arattu festival that takes place between March and April. You can witness traditional art forms like Ottamthullal and Kathakali.
Location: Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, SH 12, Ambalapuzha, Kerala 688561
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
5. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Photo: AMs Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Kottayam district in Kerala, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the holy temples in Kerala that you must visit. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and has its roots in Vaikom Satyagraha, a significant social movement in the early 20th century that aimed at temple entry rights for lower castes. One of the architectural highlights of this temple is the copper-clad roof and the golden flag mast. You must consider visiting during the annual Vaikom Ashtami festival that celebrates the triumph of Lord Shiva over Khara.
Location: Vaikom, Kerala 686141
Timings: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Shiva Temples In Kerala
6. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Another Lord Shiva temple that you must visit in the Kottayam district is the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. The temple’s name derives from the word ‘manoor’, which means ‘land of the deer’. The temple’s main deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped here as ‘Ettumanoorappan’. One of the main attractions in the temple is the Ezharaponnana procession where seven and a half golden elephants are paraded. The parade symbolises prosperity and power. Plan your visit during the Ezharaponnana Ezhunnallathu procession to truly witness the grandeur of the cultural performances.
Location: Ettumanoor Temple Rd, Ettumanoor, Kerala 686631
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
7. Chottanikkara Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
If you are in Kochi, visit the Chottanikkara Temple, which is one of the popular temples in Kerala, and is dedicated to the divine mother goddess Rajarajeshwari (Bhagavathy). One of the highlights of this temple lies in its healing power, especially regarding mental ailments. The main shrine in the temple is dedicated to Maa Bhagavathy and there is an adjoining shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can consider visiting during the annual Makam Thozhal festival, which is celebrated between February and March.
Location: Chottanikkara, Kochi, Kerala 682312
Timings: 4 AM – 12:30 PM; 4 AM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Vishnu Temples In Kerala
8. Thirunelli Temple
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Thirunelli Temple is located in the Brahmagiri hills of Wayanad, bordering the Karnataka state. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important temples in Kerala. It is often labelled as the ‘Kashi of the South’. One of the highlights of this temple is you can take a dip in the temple’s sacred Papanasini river to wash away your sins. There are mentions of the temple in ancient Puranas and inscriptions. To witness the beauty of this temple at its peak, consider visiting during the annual Puthari festival, which marks the harvest season.
Location: Thirunelly, Kerala 670646
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 8 PM
9. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala that’s dedicated to the serpent Gods. Every year, thousands of pilgrims embark on a pilgrimage from across India and internationally to witness the deity inside the temple’s inner complex. The temple is renowned for its numerous snake idols and its special rituals aimed at fertility and protection from snake bites. The temple’s legend depicts that the sage Parasurama and the serpent king Nagaraja reside inside the temple.
Location: Mannarasala P.O, Haripad, Kerala 690514
Timings: 5:30 AM – 11 AM and 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Suggested Read: Nagaraja Temples In Kerala
10. Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple
Photo: Sreelalpp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located along the banks of the Valapattanam River, the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Muthappan, a deity that’s believed to be the combination of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Located in the Kannur district, this is one of the few temples in Kerala where the devotees offer fish and toddy to the deity. You can witness the iconic and traditional Theyyam performance where the deity is believed to possess the performer. Also, the temple offers free food and free accommodation to every devotee who needs it.
Location: Parassinikadavu, Kerala 670563
Timings: 5:30 AM – 10 PM
There are numerous Kerala temples that you can visit and explore in the state. Featuring unique architecture and rich history preserving Kerala’s cultures and traditions, visiting these temples is a must for every tourist. For a spiritual experience, you can plan your next trip to Kerala with TripXL, and embark on this amazing journey.
Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
