Kerala is often called God’s Own Country. Beyond its backwaters and beaches, the state is home to some of India’s most sacred and historic temples. A Kerala temple tour is not just a religious journey it’s a cultural experience, filled with ancient legends, grand festivals, traditional rituals, and architectural marvels.
Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings, a traveler curious about local traditions, or a history lover, Kerala’s temples welcome everyone with their timeless charm. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the famous temples of Kerala, following a temple itinerary that covers the most important shrines from Thrissur to Trivandrum.
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1. Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple
One of the most popular pilgrimage centers in South India, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here as Guruvayurappan.
- The idol is said to be over 5,000 years old.
- Devotees believe Lord Krishna himself blesses marriages, children, and family prosperity here.
- Major festivals include Guruvayur Ekadasi and Chembai Music Festival.
2. Guruvayur Elephant Camp (Punnathur Kotta)
Just a few kilometers from Guruvayur, the Elephant Sanctuary at Punnathur Kotta houses more than 50 elephants donated to the temple.
- Watch elephants being bathed and trained.
- Learn about their role in Kerala temple festivals like Thrissur Pooram.
- A unique experience for families and children.
3. Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur
Located in Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, Vadakkumnathan Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Famous for its Kerala-style architecture and mural paintings.
- Believed to be built by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu.
- Hosts the world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
Read more : Thrissur Pooram
4. Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple
This is one of the largest Bhagavathy temples in Kerala, located close to Vadakkumnathan Temple.
- Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, worshipped as the protector of Thrissur.
- Central to the Thrissur Pooram, with its grand elephant processions.
5. Triprayar Sree Rama Temple
The Triprayar Temple, near Thrissur, is dedicated to Lord Rama.
- The idol shows Rama with Vishnu’s symbols (conch and chakra).
- It is part of the Nalambalam Yatra, which covers temples of Rama and his brothers.
6. Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
A powerful Shakti temple, Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali.
- Known for unique rituals and the famous Bharani Festival.
- Believed to be over 2,000 years old.
7. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
In Kottayam district, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Known as “Kashi of the South.”
- Visiting Vaikom, Ettumanoor, and Kaduthuruthy temples in a single day is considered highly auspicious.
- Site of the historic Vaikom Satyagraha, a temple entry movement for social reform.
8. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
One of Kerala’s most famous temples, Chottanikkara Temple is visited by thousands seeking relief from illness and negative energies.
- Goddess is worshipped as Saraswati (morning), Lakshmi (noon), and Durga (evening).
- Believed to heal mental and spiritual troubles.
9. Malliyoor Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple
At Malliyoor Temple, Lord Ganesha is worshipped with Lord Krishna.
- Devotees come here for wisdom, prosperity, and removal of obstacles.
- Popular for Ganapathy Homam rituals.
10. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Another major Shiva shrine, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, is famous for its murals.
- The Nataraja mural here is a masterpiece.
- Festival highlight: Ezharaponnana Ezhunallathu (seven-and-a-half golden elephants).
11. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Situated in Kottayam town, Thirunakkara Temple is dedicated to Shiva.
- Known for grand annual festivals.
- Visitors can enjoy Kathakali performances during temple celebrations.
12. Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple
Smaller in size but equally sacred, Thaliyil Temple offers a calm environment for meditation and prayer.
13. Cherthala Karthyayini Temple
This temple in Alappuzha is dedicated to Goddess Karthyayini, believed to be installed by Lord Parasurama.
14. Kanichukulangara Temple
Kanichukulangara Bhagavathy Temple is renowned for the Meena Bharani festival, attracting thousands of devotees.
15. Mararikkulam Temple
Located near Marari Beach, this temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva. A perfect spot to combine spirituality and seaside beauty.
16. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
One of Kerala’s most visited temples, Ambalappuzha Krishna Temple is known for:
- Lord Krishna in child form.
- Its world-famous Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge) prasadam.
17. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple
Kerala’s most unique temple, Mannarasala, is dedicated to serpent gods.
- Over 30,000 serpent idols in the temple grove.
- Famous for fertility blessings.
18. Oachira Parabrahma Temple
The Oachira Temple in Kollam is unusual because it has no idol or sanctum.
- Dedicated to the formless Parabrahma.
- Festival highlight: Oachira Kali (martial arts ritual).
19. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
In Trivandrum, Attukal Temple is world-famous for the Attukal Pongala Festival, the largest women’s gathering on earth (Guinness Record).
20. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Kerala’s most iconic temple, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha (serpent).
- Built in Dravidian style.
- Known for its hidden treasures, making it one of the richest temples in the world.
21. Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple
Near Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple is famous for devotees breaking coconuts to remove obstacles.
Best Time to Plan Your Kerala Temple Tour
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasant weather, perfect for temple exploration.
- Festival season (Apr–May & Aug–Sep): Experience Thrissur Pooram, Attukal Pongala, etc.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Serene, but heavy rains can affect travel.
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FAQs on Kerala Temple Tour
1. Which is the most famous temple in Kerala?
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum and Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple are the most famous.
2. Can non-Hindus visit Kerala temples?
Some temples (like Guruvayur and Padmanabhaswamy) allow only Hindus inside. Others welcome everyone, but modest dress code is required.
3. How many days are needed for a Kerala Temple Tour?
A complete temple tour covering Thrissur to Trivandrum usually takes 7–10 days.
4. What dress code is followed in Kerala temples?
Men usually wear mundu (dhoti), while women wear saree or salwar. Modern outfits are not permitted in most temples.
5. Which Kerala temple is best for healing?
The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to heal mental and spiritual problems.
Final Thoughts
A Kerala temple tour is not just about visiting shrines — it’s about experiencing living traditions, festivals, and centuries of faith. From the serene forests of Mannarasala to the grand riches of Padmanabhaswamy, from the healing power of Chottanikkara to the musical devotion of Guruvayur, each temple offers a story that connects deeply with the soul.
So whether you are a pilgrim or a cultural traveler, Kerala’s temples promise an unforgettable spiritual journey.
