14 Places To Visit In Guruvayur For A Perfect Escape

Guruvayur is a lovely town in the state of Kerala, India, noted for its rich spiritual heritage and cultural vibrancy. Within this town lies the award-winning Sree Krishna Temple, a must-visit place for visitors known for its historic and religious importance. Places to visit in Guruvayur range from the serenity of Chavakkad Beach to the thrill of Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary. Scroll through our Guruvayur tourist places list and explore the best tourist places that Guruvayur has on offer, giving a tint of its unique charm and age-old legacy.

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14 Places To Visit In Guruvayur

Be it the prospect of spiritual enlightenment or sightseeing amidst rich cultural heritage, here are 10 places to visit in Guruvayur:

1. Sree Krishna Temple

This temple, a pilgrimage destination, is a major attraction among places to visit in Guruvayur.

Photo: Ranjith Siji / Wikimedia Commons

The Sree Krishna Temple reflects spiritual allegiance to Guruvayur and is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. It is believed to be more than 5000 years old. It belongs to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped as Guruvayurappan. Decorated with costly jewels and ornaments, the enshrined idol of Lord Krishna remains in the main highlight. The temple complex is an architectural marvel, covered in intricate sculptures and carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The style of the temple architecture is the Kerala temple architecture or the Kerala style or Dravidian style.

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year
Top Attractions: Daily rituals and temple ceremonies.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Suggested Read: Krishna Temples In Kerala

2. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary

With elephants as the central attraction, this sanctuary promotes Kerala’s heritage.

Photo: Captain / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary is a royal palace that the Guruvayur Devaswom has turned into a sanctuary for caring for elephants. This sanctuary is home to over 60 majestic elephants and features a serene ambience with lush green surroundings. The visitors can get up close with these gentle giants, go through their daily routine, and participate in feeding sessions. The festive spirit is heightened during occasions like Gajapooja, which are connected with ritualistic feeding. Animals are decorated with ceremonial adornments and taken around the temple complex.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Attractions: Large number of elephants roaming freely.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

3. Chavakkad Beach

Stunning sunset views of this beach cannot be missed while exploring places to visit in Guruvayur.

Photo: Mohamed Rizwan Rasheed / Wikimedia Commons

Chavakkad Beach is one secluded retreat along the Arabian Sea. This beach is not very far from Guruvayur and is famous for golden sand, calm waters, clean surroundings, and an ideal atmosphere for long walks, sunbathing, and glorious sunset sightseeing right across the horizon. Tapping with rhythmic waves, this beach creates a sound that is soothing and perfect for relaxation within nature’s serenity. Some of the activities available to visitors include swimming, beach volleyball, or simply relaxing under large beach umbrellas.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Attractions: Golden sandy beach and scenic views.
Ideal Trip Duration: Half a day
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

4. Mammiyoor Temple

Worshipping Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the best places to visit in Guruvayur.

Photo: Ranjith Siji / Wikimedia Commons

The Mammiyoor Temple, enshrines Lord Shiva and is of prime importance in Guruvayur. According to legend, Lord Shiva came to Guruvayur along with Goddess Parvati and decided to live here permanently. The architectural construction of the temple is one of the finest specimens of traditional temple architecture in Kerala. The temple boasts exquisitely carved wood and sculpted pillars. Devotees visit and pray to the deity for work, health, and spiritual welfare. The serene temple atmosphere, amidst lush green surroundings with sweet-smelling flowers, forms the most tranquil setting.

Best Time To Visit: Maha Shivaratri festival for special experience.
Top Attractions: Intricate temple architecture and rituals
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

5. Harikanyaka Temple

Believed to fulfil all vows of health , wealth and peace, this temple harbours serenity.

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons

The Harikanyaka Temple is nestled among the verdant landscapes with its presiding deity, Goddess Bhagavathy. The temple architecture resembles the traditional style of Kerala with its sloping roofs, wooden carvings, and serendipitous courtyards. Devotees come to this temple with their vows for familial harmony, health, and prosperity. This peaceful ambience with the sacred groves and birds chirping invites everyone into utmost serenity. This temple serves as a perfect spot for relaxation.

Best Time To Visit: During temple festivals for cultural immersion
Top Attractions: Unique deity and rituals
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Suggested Read: Mahishasura Mardini Temples In Kerala

6. Institute of Mural Painting

With antique murals as the major highlight, this institute is one of the best places to visit in Guruvayur.

Photo: Ankush Samant / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Institute of Mural Painting has a rich artistic heritage since it conserves and propagates traditional mural art. This institute is a centre of learning and practices of mural painting. These muralized talented artists and students work out patiently in the institute with natural pigments, accomplishing techniques mastered down the generations. One can witness these artists at work, getting insights into the artistic process and cultural significance of Kerala’s mural paintings. The institute organises educational workshops and seminars to inform the public about the art forms of Kerala and their importance in history.

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Top Attractions: Ancient mural paintings showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

7. Parthasarathy Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is among those revered places to visit in Guruvayur.

Photo: Kart Shutter Arts / Wikimedia Commons

Situated inside the sprawling Guruvayur temple complex, this Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. The ancient temple boasts intricate architecture with sculpted pillars, ornate carvings, and traditional Kerala-style roofing. Devotees visit the Parthasarathy Temple to seek divine blessings and spiritual solace. The temple’s serene ambience and historical importance make it a place of interest both for pilgrims and history buffs. The annual festivals in the temple, such as the Arattu festival and Utsavam, are carried out with great fervour, attracting many devotees and visitors from far and wide.

Best Time To Visit: Vaikunta Ekadasi festival for grand celebrations
Top Attractions: Architectural beauty and religious significance
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

8. Devaswom Museum

With rich artefacts and historic remains, this museum is one of the best places to visit in Guruvayur.

Photo: Fotokannan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Devaswom Museum, attached to the Guruvayur temple complex, is a perfect place to take a peek into Kerala’s resplendent cultural and religious past. It showcases sundry artefacts, ancient manuscripts, traditional instruments, historical relics associated with temple rituals, and their practices. Visitors can get an opportunity to see exhibits on the evolution of temple architecture, art forms, and religious traditions in Kerala. This museum is an educational visual tool regarding Kerala’s cultural mosaic and merge of religion into life. It helps to look deeper at Guruvayur’s spiritual ethos with the definition of Kerala’s cultural identity.

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year, weekdays for fewer crowds
Top Attractions: Rare artefacts and exhibits related to Kerala’s temple culture
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

9. Shiva Temple

Shiva Temple is highly revered by the believers and people who love traditional architecture.

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Chowalloor Shiva Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and has earned a name for excellent precision in its architecture and a spiritually charged atmosphere. This shrine has intricately carved pillars, serene courtyards with traditional Kerala-style roofing that completes its architecture. The atmosphere, wrapped with the fragrance of ancient trees, flowers, and the general setting, is ideal for meditation and quiet spiritual contemplation. Devotees who come to Chowalloor Shiva Temple seek blessings from the deity for prosperous and peaceful lives steeped in spiritual fulfilment.

Best Time To Visit: Maha Shivaratri for special ceremonies.
Top Attractions: Ancient temple with intricate architecture.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Suggested Read: Most Revered Shiva Temples In Kerala

10. Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple

This temple is famous for the vibrant and spiritual festivals which provide major highlights.

Photo: Nikhil B239 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and has great spiritual and architectural importance. The temple lies in serene surroundings, offering a very calm atmosphere for prayer and meditation. The architecture is traditional Kerala style with a tinge of Dravidian architecture associated with towering gopurams, intricately sculpted pillared halls, and ornamental ceilings. The deity of Lord Venkateswara is decked out in elaborate decorations during festivals and religious ceremonies. It celebrates annual festivals like Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi with detailed rituals, processions, and cultural programs.

Best Time To Visit: During the Brahmotsavam festival for vibrant celebrations.
Top Attractions: Religious structures
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

11. Devaswom Museum

A picture of a man admiring the historical artefacts and paintings at a museum in Guruvayur

Photo: Clem Onojeghuo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Devaswom Museum in Guruvayur is a captivating cultural institution showcasing the rich heritage of Kerala. Curated by the Guruvayur Devaswom Board, the museum houses an eclectic collection including ancient manuscripts, sculpted relics, traditional costumes, and intricate ritual objects linked to the eminent Guruvayur Temple. As you wander its halls, you immerse in a visual narrative of religious traditions, artistic expression, and historical evolution, offering insights into centuries-old practices. A must-visit for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts, this museum promises to enrich your exploration of Guruvayur’s vibrant tapestry.

Best Time To Visit: OCtober to February
Top Attractions: Exhibits of temple artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and elephant ornaments
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours

12. Marine World

A picture of an aquarium tank at an aquarium with multiple fish swimming inside

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Marine World, just a short drive from Guruvayur, offers an immersive aquatic adventure showcasing Kerala’s vibrant marine life. This expansive public aquarium features innovative underwater tunnels, interactive touch pools, and vivid displays that capture the mesmerizing world beneath the waves. Ideal for families and curious travelers alike, Marine World seamlessly blends entertainment with conservation education. Visitors marvel at colorful coral reefs and diverse species, while cutting-edge exhibits inspire environmental stewardship. A visit to Marine World enriches your experience, delivering a refreshing blend of nature, discovery, and excitement, and ensuring truly unforgettable experiences in one of the must-visit tourist places near Guruvayur.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Attractions: India’s largest public aquarium featuring diverse aquatic species in life-sized tanks
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours

13. Palayoor Church

A frontal view of a historical church in Guruvayur with a white exterior, surrounded by trees

Photo: Princebpaul0484 / Wikimedia Commons

Palayoor Church, one of India’s most ancient Christian monuments, stands as a testament to the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Believed to be established by Saint Thomas in 52 AD, this historic church combines Renaissance-style planning with indigenous influences, offering visitors a glimpse into the confluence of traditions. Nestled near Guruvayur, its time-worn walls and intricate details bear centuries of faith and resilience, inviting pilgrims and curious travelers alike. A peaceful aura and captivating architecture make Palayoor Church a must-visit destination, enriching your journey through Guruvayur’s timeless tapestry of history and spirituality.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Top Attractions: Historic church architecture and an on-site museum
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours

14. Institute Of Mural Painting

A picture of a gallery with numerous paintings put up for display in a well-illuminated ambience

Photo: Anonymous / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

In the culturally rich town of Guruvayur, the Institute of Mural Painting stands as a beacon of traditional artistry. Nestled near the iconic Guruvayur Temple, this vibrant center preserves and celebrates Kerala’s ancient mural techniques through interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and captivating exhibitions. Founded by the renowned Mammiyoor Krishnankutty after restoring temple murals, the institute offers visitors a unique glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and vivid storytelling of mural art. For art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike, a visit to the Institute of Mural Painting is a must.

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Top Attractions: Traditional Kerala mural artworks and educational workshops
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours

Guruvayur blends spirituality, culture, and natural beauty, making it a compelling destination for travellers. From the sacred Sree Krishna Temple to the tranquil Chavakkad Beach, each site offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Kerala’s heritage. For those planning a visit, this Guruvayur tourist places list serves as a comprehensive guide to the places to visit in Guruvayur. Book these wonderful experiences with Trip XL for an exceptional vacation!

Cover Photo: Sree4707 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representational Only

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-visit tourist places in Guruvayur?

Some of the must-visit tourist places in Guruvayur include the Sree Krishna Temple, Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, Chavakkad Beach, Mammiyoor Temple, and the Institute of Mural Painting. Each site offers unique cultural, historical, and spiritual experiences.

Best 14 Places to Visit In Guruvayur To Explore The Hidden Beauty