Top 10 Famous Temples in Kerala to Visit
Numerous temples with significant religious, cultural, and historical value may be found throughout Kerala. These temples are outstanding representations of traditional art and architecture and places of worship.
As one can worship the deities, appreciate the beauty of the temple, and discover the significance and history of the temple, visiting these temples can be an enriching experience.
List of Temples in Kerala
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10 Best Temples to Visit in Kerala
Explore the list of 10 famous temples in Kerala that guide you through the spiritual heartland of India; here are those 10 temples:
1. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple | Thiruvananthapuram
Lord Vishnu possesses 108 Divya Desams, and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of them. There are also numerous murals and stone carvings, a large open courtyard, and a sanctum filled to the brim with gold and other priceless jewels.
- Best Time to Visit: October to November, March to April.
- Temple Timings: 7 am to 7:30 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Thiruvathar city, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Trivandrum Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: East Fort Bus Stand.
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2. Vadakkunnathan Temple | Thrissur
The sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parasuram, is thought to have constructed the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur for Shiva. It is a historically significant architectural monument. The building has been designated as an Indian National Monument.
- Best Time to Visit: February to July.
- Temple Timings: 4 am to 11 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Near Thrissur City, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Vadakumnathan Temple Bus station.
3. Sabarimala Sastha Temple | Pathanamthitta
Millions of followers of Lord Ayyappan, the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Not only is Sabarimala one of the most cherished temples in South India, but it is also one of the most famous in Kerala.
- Best Time to Visit: November to January.
- Temple Timings: 3 am to 11:30 am and 1 pm to 3 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Pathanamthitta city, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Pampa Bus Station.
4. Chottanikkara Temple | Chottanikkara
Dedicated to the potent goddess Chottanikkara Bhagavathy, who is thought to possess healing properties and be able to treat all mental disorders, including the effects of bad spirits, the Chottanikkara Temple is located in Chottanikkara, Ernakulam.
- Best Time to Visit: February to March.
- Temple Timings: 4 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8:45 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Near Kochi city, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Thripunithira Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Chottanikkara Bus Station.
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5. Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple | Kottayam
One of the state's oldest temples honouring Lord Shiva. It is renowned for its exquisite frescoes and murals of Lord Shiva, especially one of him in a dancing pose known as Pradosha Nruthyam, which is regarded as one of the best wall paintings in the nation.
- Best Time to Visit: February to March.
- Temple Timings: 4 am to 8:30 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Kidangoor, Pala, and Kaduthuruty, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Ettumanoor Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Ettumanoor Temple Bus Station.
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6. Vaikom Mahadev Temple | Kottayam
Among the most well-known temples in Kerala are devoted to Lord Shiva. These three Shiva temples are regarded as some of the most significant in Kerala, along with the temples dedicated to the gods at Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy.
- Best Time to Visit: November to December.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 am to 11 pm and 5 pm and 8 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Kidangoor, Pala, and Kaduthuruty, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Kottayam Road Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Kottayam Nagampadam Temple Bus Station.
7. Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple | Guruvayoor
one of the most significant temples in Kerala, honouring Guruvayoorappan, a figurehead regarded as Vishnu with four arms. It is thought that the idol, made from a rare amalgam called Paadalaanjanam, is older than 5,000 years.
- Best Time to Visit: February to April.
- Temple Timings: 3 am to 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm to 9:15 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Thrissur city, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Nedumbassery Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Guruvayoor Bus Station.
8. Attukkal Bhagavathy Temple | Thiruvananthapuram
Devoted to the venerated goddess Bhadrakali, also known as Attukalamma. The temple was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records because of the enormous number of female devotees who come together to celebrate Pongala every year.
- Best Time to Visit: February to March.
- Temple Timings: 4 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8:45 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Thiruvathar city, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Trivandrum Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Attukkal Bus Station.
9. Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy Temple | Thiruvananthapuram
In honour of Lord Ganesh. There are thirty-two varieties of Ganapathy at the temple. This temple is a prominent religious landmark for the Hindu community and served as a major centre of prayer for soldiers in the Travancore Army.
- Best Time to Visit: August to September.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 am to 11 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Thiruvathar city, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Trivandrum Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: East Forti Bus Station.
10. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple | Mallapuzhassery
The temple is linked to the Pandavas, who are said to have travelled to Kerala on a pilgrimage and erected idols of Vishnu at various locations, such as Thrichittat, Tiruppuliyoor, Thiruvaranmula, Tiruvanvandoor, and Thrikkodithanam, and worshipped them.
- Best Time to Visit: January to November.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 am to 12:30 pm and 5 pm and 8 pm - Every day.
- How to Reach: Near Aranmula Village, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: CNGR/Chengannur Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Trivandrum Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Chengannur Bus stop.
Kerala is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and religious diversity, which are showcased through its famous temples. These temples serve as places of worship and stand as architectural marvels, reflecting the region's history and spirituality. From the elaborate carvings of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the serene ambience of the Guruvayur Temple, each temple offers a unique experience to visitors.
FAQs about Temples to Visit in Kerala, India
Which festivals are celebrated at Kerala's temples?
Kerala's temples celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year. Some of the prominent ones include Vishu, Onam, Thiruvathira, Navaratri, and the annual temple festivals specific to each temple.
Are there any restrictions for visitors at these temples?
Yes, certain temples in Kerala may have specific dress codes and entry restrictions based on religious customs.
What is the best time to visit Kerala's temples?
The best time to visit Kerala's temples is during the festival seasons or during significant religious occasions when the temples are adorned with decorations and host various cultural events.
Which is the main temple in Kerala?
One of Kerala's most well-known temples is Sabarimala Sastha Temple, which is tucked away next to Periyar Tiger Reserve. There are hundreds of devotees at this immaculate shrine at all times.
Which God has more temples in Kerala?
Kerala is a state where devotion to Lord Krishna is widespread; one of the most well-known temples in the state is located in Guruvayur.
Why temples in Kerala are different?
Keralan temple architecture is distinctly different from that of other Indian states. It is distinguished by its innate simplicity as well as by the profuse application of metal, stone, and wood.
Which God is famous in Kerala?
The avatar of Vishnu known as Lord / Father of Guruvayoor, often spelt Guruvayoorappan, is mostly revered in Kerala, India. Known as Guruvayur Unnikkannan, he is the chief deity of the Guruvayur Temple and is revered as Krishna in his infant form.
Which is the richest temple in Kerala?
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala state in India, is home to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a Hindu temple devoted to Vishnu.
Which is the biggest temple in Kerala?
The Hindu shrine known as Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital of Kerala, India. It is regarded as the richest Hindu temple in the world by most people.
Who built Kerala temples?
During their reign, the powerful Chola, Chera, and Pandyas most likely constructed the greatest number of temples in Kerala.
How old is Kerala temple?
Thiruvanchikulam Mahavishnu Temple, in Kodungallur in the Thrissur district, is thought to be the oldest Vishnu temple in Kerala. According to legend, the temple was built in the ninth century AD.
Who owns temples in Kerala?
Each temple's assets are controlled by a group of trustees who are loyal to the ruling deity and are considered to be that deity's personal property.