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The shrines of Lord Vishnu are found in large numbers in Kerala, scientifically carved out of stone and drenched in history. Some of the Vishnu temples situated in the backdrops of the green and serene environment of Kerala stand as eternal symbols of faith and the cultural history of humanity. Vishnu temples in Kerala are pretty artistic and confined to serving as worship centres. From the illustrious Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram to the sacred Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur, each temple has a heritage of religious beliefs.
12 Best Vishnu Temples in Kerala
Explore the most famed Vishnu temples in Kerala, where ageless architecture meets profound spirituality, for a glimpse into the heart of Vaishnavite heritage and cultural diversity throughout the southern Indian state.
1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Photo: Prasanth Prakash / Wikimedia Commons
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of nature’s beautiful creations in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city. This temple, built for Lord Padmanabha in the form of Vishnu, is a living architectural example of the Dravidian architectural style with extraordinary sculptures on the exterior and lightning-high Gopurams. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams considered holy places of Vishnu, where the god is depicted in the Anantha Shayana posture atop the serpent Anantha. A royal structure, Ottakkal Mandapam, with perfect granite pillars, adorns the path to the shrine area of the temple.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Located within Thiruvananthapuram city
How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from various parts of Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: Generally open from early morning to late evening. Specific timings may vary
Address: East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Suggested Read: Vishnu Temples In Trivandrum
2. Guruvayur Temple, Thrissur
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Kerala’s Thrissur district has one of the most revered temples, Guruvayur Temple. This famous temple in Kerala mainly worships Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is highly appreciated due to its marvellous architecture and lively prayer environment. Once a day, thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple to worship the goddess’s main deity, Lord Guruvayurappan. The temple spatially includes the shrine, the area of divine images and marvellous frescoes. It contains paintings of ritual scenes from Hindu mythology.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 290 km
How to Reach: By road, via NH 66 and NH 544, or by rail to Guruvayur Railway Station
Timings: Opens daily with specific timings for darshan and rituals
Address: Guruvayur, Thrissur, Kerala
3. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Alappuzha
Photo: Vinayaraja / Wikimedia Commons
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, located in the Alappuzha district, is known for its distinctive Kerala-style architecture and rich cultural legacy. Dedicated to Lord Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu), the temple is well-known for its daily giving of Palpayasam, a sweet rice porridge regarded as a beautiful delicacy. The temple’s major attraction is the figure of Lord Krishna, who is represented in a standing stance with a whip in one hand, mesmerising believers with his tranquil presence. The yearly Ambalappuzha Temple Festival attracts thousands with traditional music, dance performances, and lively elephant procession.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 150 km
How to Reach: By road, NH 66, or rail to Ambalappuzha Railway Station
Timings: Opens in the morning and closes in the evening, with specific times for significant rituals
Address: Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha, Kerala
Suggested Read: Krishna Temples In Kerala
4. Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons
The Vadakkunnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the Thrissur region of Kerala. The temple is famous for its architectural style, with one magnificent tower on its four sides, and a koothambalam. The shrines and Kuttambalam showcase wood-carved vignettes. The temple has been designated as a National Monument by India under the AMASR Act. According to popular local legend, this is the first temple built by Parashurama, Vishnu’s sixth incarnation. Thekkinkadu Maidan, which surrounds the Vadakkumnathan Temple, is the major location for the famed Thrissur Pooram festival.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 280 km
How to Reach: By road, NH 66, or rail to Thrissur Railway Station
Timings: Opens daily with timings for rituals and darshan
Address: Thrissur, Kerala
5. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kodungallur
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple in Kodungallur is a one-of-a-kind temple that worships both Shiva and Vishnu with equal respect. It is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, but there is also a sanctuary for Lord Vishnu, known as the Thirumandhamkunnu Sree Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple. The temple complex has distinctive Dravidian architecture, including intricate sculptures and towering gopurams. Renowned for its historical significance and cultural blending, the temple conducts yearly festivities like the Thiruvathira Arattu, honouring both deities and drawing followers from all across Kerala and beyond.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 240 km
How to Reach: By road, NH 66, or rail to Kodungallur Railway Station
Timings: Opens daily with timings for rituals and darshan
Address: Kodungallur, Kerala
Suggested Read: Most Revered Shiva Temples In Kerala – A Spiritual Journey
6. Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple, Kannur
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image Only For Representation
Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple, located in the Kannur district, is known for its architectural splendour and historical significance. The Thiruvangad Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama (Vishnu), is built in the typical Kerala style, with elaborate wood carvings and a grand sanctum sanctorum. The temple is well-known for its yearly celebration, Thiruvangad Ekadasi, which draws crowds with colourful processions and cultural events. Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple is a treasured cultural property that preserves Lord Rama’s history within Kannur’s complex tapestry of tradition.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 520 km
How to Reach: By road, via NH 66, or by rail to Kannur Railway Station
Timings: Opens daily with timings for rituals and festivals
Address: Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala
7. Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, Malappuram
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, located in Malappuram district, is an ancient Vishnu temple rich in history and culture. It is one of the popular temple in Malappuram which is dedicated to Lord Navamukunda (Vishnu). It is designed in the traditional Kerala style, with exquisite sculptures and beautiful woodwork. It is well-known for its link with the Mamankam festival, a historic meeting of area rulers and cultural activities. The temple premises feature hallowed bathing ghats on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, which adds to its spiritual appeal. This temple continues to draw pilgrims and history buffs, providing insight into Kerala’s rich cultural and religious legacy.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 330 km
How to Reach:By road, via NH 66 and SH 28, or by rail to Tirur Railway Station
Timings: Opens daily with specific hours for darshan and rituals
Address: Thirunavaya, Malappuram, Kerala
Suggested Read: The Top Temples In Malappuram For A Euphoric Experience
8. Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Sree Vallabha Temple, located near Thiruvalla, is a revered Vishnu temple noted for its architectural beauty and spiritual importance. Dedicated to Lord Sree Vallabhan (Vishnu), the temple has typical Kerala-style architecture with finely carved woodwork and towering gopurams. The god is venerated here with regular rituals and offerings, drawing devotees looking for blessings and spiritual comfort. The temple organises yearly festivities, such as Ashtamirohini, commemorating Lord Krishna’s birth with colourful processions and cultural performances.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 120 km
How to Reach: By road, via NH 66 or SH 1, or by rail to Thiruvalla Railway Station
Timings: Open during specific hours for devotees and visitors
Address: Thiruvalla, Kerala
9. Kulathupuzha Sree Baala Shastha Temple, Kollam
Photo: Rajesh Unuppally / Wikimedia Commons / Image Only For Representation
Kulathupuzha Sree Baala Shastha Temple, located amid the beautiful sceneries of Kollam district, is a venerated temple to Lord Bala Sastha (Vishnu). This popular temple in Kerala is well-known for its peaceful atmosphere and spiritual holiness, as well as its deep forests and the beautiful Kulathupuzha River that flanks it. Devotees come to seek blessings for health and wealth since Lord Bala Sastha is regarded as a healer and protector. The temple’s yearly festival, Vishu Mahotsavam, is a spectacular celebration of traditional music, dancing, and rituals that draws people from all across Kerala.
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 60 km
How to Reach: By road, NH 66, or rail to Kottarakara Railway Station
Timings: Opens daily with timings for rituals and festivals
Address: Kulathupuzha, Kollam, Kerala
Suggested Read: Best Kollam Temples For A Spiritual Experience
10. Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple, Wayanad
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple, nestled in the serene Brahmagiri Hills of Wayanad, is one of the most sacred vishnu mandir in kerala. Known as the “Kashi of the South,” it is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is revered for its unique location beside the holy Papanasini stream. Devotees visit to perform rituals for ancestors and seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. Its peaceful surroundings and spiritual aura make it a must-visit for history, culture, and nature lovers alike.
Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 500 km
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Mananthavady (29 km) via buses, taxis, or private vehicles.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12 PM, 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Address: Thirunelli Temple, Thirunelli P.O, Wayanad, Kerala
11. Ananthapuram Lake Temple, Kasargod
Photo: Sreehulem / Wikimedia Commons
Ananthapura Lake Temple, located in Kasaragod, is a unique kerala famous vishnu temple built in the middle of a serene lake. Dedicated to Lord Ananthapadmanabha, it is believed to be the original seat of the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Surrounded by breathtaking views and tranquil waters, the temple exudes peace and spirituality. Visitors are also fascinated by the temple’s friendly vegetarian crocodile, “Babiya,” considered a divine guardian. Its charm lies in its combination of history, legend, and natural beauty.
Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 590 km
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Kasaragod town (12 km) via buses, taxis, or private vehicles.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Address: Ananthapura Lake Temple, Ananthapura, Kumbla, Kasaragod, Kerala
Suggested Read: Varkala Temples
12. Sree Chakrapani Temple
Photo: Ajeeshkumar4u / Wikimedia Commons
Sree Chakrapani Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, is a revered famous vishnu temple in kerala known for its unique idol of Lord Vishnu holding a chakra in all His hands. This temple is an important spiritual center, attracting devotees for its sacred rituals and peaceful ambience. The architecture reflects traditional Kerala style, and the annual festivals add to its charm. A visit here offers devotees a chance to connect with divine energy while enjoying the cultural richness of Kerala’s temple heritage.
Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 2 km
How to Reach: Easily accessible by local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis within the city.
Timings: 5 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Address: Sree Chakrapani Temple, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Explore the ageless history of Vishnu temples in Kerala, each reflecting rich cultural traditions and spiritual devotion. From the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram to the tranquil Kulathupuzha Sree BaalaShastha Temple in Kollam, these sacred monuments are more than simply architectural wonders; they represent the essence of Kerala’s spiritual journey. Plan your trip with TripXL to investigate Kerala’s Vishnu temples in-depth.
Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
