Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is celebrated not only for its lush greenery and backwaters but also for its deep spiritual roots and incredible temple heritage. The famous temples in Kerala draw pilgrims and tourists alike, with each temple offering unique architectural styles, powerful legends, and spiritual significance. Let’s explore 10 famous temples in Kerala that are renowned for their beauty, history, and cultural importance.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
One of the most famous temples in Kerala and among the wealthiest temples globally, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This majestic temple, built in Dravidian style, showcases intricate carvings and breathtaking architecture. Known for its vast treasures discovered in its underground vaults, this temple is legendary and holds deep spiritual significance. Although entry is restricted to Hindus, its exterior beauty alone makes it a must-visit for everyone.
Temple Timings: 3:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 7:20 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (3 km)
Nearby Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (4 km)
Nearby Bus Station: East Fort Bus Station (1 km)
Best Time to Visit: October to March offers pleasant weather for temple visits.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Kovalam Beach, Napier Museum, and Kuthiramalika Palace.
Best Hotel to Stay: Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa in Kovalam provides luxury accommodation with proximity to Kovalam Beach.
2. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayur
The Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is another prominent shrine among the famous temples in Kerala. This temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is often called the “Dwaraka of the South.” Located in Guruvayur, it is considered one of the oldest and most sacred places of worship for devotees of Lord Krishna. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during the Ekadasi festival, a significant event celebrated with devotion and grandeur.
Temple Timings: 3:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:15 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Guruvayur Railway Station (1 km)
Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport (80 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Guruvayur KSRTC Bus Stand (1 km)
Best Time to Visit: October to February, especially during the Ekadasi festival in November-December.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple, Chavakkad Beach, and Elephant Camp Sanctuary.
Best Hotel to Stay: Gokulam Resort is a popular choice, offering traditional Kerala hospitality and proximity to the temple.
3. Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta
Sabarimala is one of the most famous temples in Kerala, attracting millions of devotees annually. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, this temple, nestled in the Western Ghats, holds special significance as devotees follow a strict 41-day penance before pilgrimage. Sabarimala's Mandala Makaravilakku season sees one of the world’s largest gatherings, making it an iconic and culturally important destination in Kerala.
Temple Timings: Open only during Mandala season (November-January) and special festivals
Nearby Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station (90 km)
Nearby Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (155 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Pampa KSRTC Bus Station (5 km from the temple base)
Best Time to Visit: November to January during the Mandala Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Gavi Forest.
Best Hotel to Stay: Cardamom County by Xandari in Thekkady offers scenic views and comfort for pilgrims visiting Sabarimala.
4. Chottanikkara Temple, Ernakulam
Another significant shrine among the famous temples in Kerala is the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple in Ernakulam. Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy and Lord Vishnu, the deity is worshipped in three forms—Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi in the afternoon, and Durga in the evening. This temple is renowned for its healing rituals believed to cure mental ailments, attracting numerous devotees seeking spiritual solace and blessings.
Temple Timings: 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (18 km)
Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport (40 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Chottanikkara KSRTC Bus Stand (1 km)
Best Time to Visit: February-March during the Makam Thozhal festival.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Hill Palace Museum, Mattancherry Palace, and Marine Drive in Kochi.
Best Hotel to Stay: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty provides luxury accommodation with easy access to Kochi's attractions.
5. Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
The Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur is an architectural marvel and one of the most famous temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, surrounded by lush greenery, is revered for its historical and cultural significance. It is also the main venue for Thrissur Pooram, Kerala’s grandest temple festival, where decorated elephants and traditional performances captivate thousands of visitors every year.
Temple Timings: 4:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station (1 km)
Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport (55 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Thrissur KSRTC Bus Stand (1 km)
Best Time to Visit: April-May to witness the famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Thrissur Zoo, Athirapally Waterfalls, and Shakthan Thampuran Palace.
Best Hotel to Stay: Joys Palace Hotel in Thrissur offers convenient access to the temple and other city attractions.
6. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is well-known among the famous temples in Kerala and is celebrated for its divine Ambalapuzha Palpayasam, a sweet pudding offering made to Lord Krishna. The deity is worshipped in the form of a child playing the flute, and the temple’s architectural beauty and serene ambiance make it a beloved spiritual destination in Kerala. Devotees also believe the palpayasam has divine properties, attracting pilgrims from across the state.
Temple Timings: 3:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Ambalapuzha Railway Station (1 km)
Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport (85 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Ambalapuzha KSRTC Bus Stand (1 km)
Best Time to Visit: March-April during the Ambalapuzha Arattu festival.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, and the backwaters of Alappuzha.
Best Hotel to Stay: Lake Palace Resort offers luxurious accommodation by the scenic backwaters, enhancing the spiritual journey.
7. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Another iconic name among the famous temples in Kerala, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kannaki, an incarnation of Parvati. The temple’s Attukal Pongala festival holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of women, where thousands of female devotees cook offerings to honor the goddess. Attukal Temple, often called the “Sabarimala of Women,” is a powerful cultural and spiritual site, especially cherished by female devotees.
Temple Timings: 4:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (3 km)
Nearby Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (7 km)
Nearby Bus Station: East Fort Bus Station (2 km)
Best Time to Visit: February-March during the Attukal Pongala festival.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Kanakakkunnu Palace, Veli Tourist Village, and Shanghumugham Beach.
Best Hotel to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum provides modern comforts close to many city attractions.
8. Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Situated amidst the scenic hills of Wayanad, Thirunelli Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Surrounded by lush forests, the temple is known as the “Kashi of the South” and is believed to be built by Lord Brahma himself. Pilgrims come here to perform last rites for departed souls, and the mystical Papanasini River nearby is said to wash away sins, enhancing the temple’s spiritual significance.
Temple Timings: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station (105 km)
Nearby Airport: Calicut International Airport (130 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Mananthavady KSRTC Bus Stand (30 km)
Best Time to Visit: September to May, avoiding the monsoon season.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Kuruva Island, and Papanasini River.
Best Hotel to Stay: Vythiri Village Resort offers a tranquil retreat in Wayanad’s lush landscape, ideal for spiritual travelers.
9. Tali Shiva Temple, Kozhikode
Tali Shiva Temple in Kozhikode is a renowned and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its splendid architectural style combining both Dravidian and Kerala elements. This historical temple, built by the Zamorin rulers, is a significant religious site and is revered among the famous temples in Kerala. The annual Revathi Pattathanam festival here celebrates scholarship and traditional art forms, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station (2 km)
Nearby Airport: Calicut International Airport (27 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Kozhikode KSRTC Bus Stand (2 km)
Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable weather and during the Revathi Pattathanam festival.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira Square, and Beypore Port.
Best Hotel to Stay: The Gateway Hotel Beach Road offers luxury accommodations close to the Kozhikode city attractions.
10. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Haripad
Dedicated to the serpent god Nagaraja, Mannarasala Temple in Haripad is one of the most unique and famous temples in Kerala. This temple, surrounded by thousands of snake idols, is known for its matriarchal traditions, where the eldest woman in the family serves as the head priestess. Devotees visit Mannarasala to seek protection from snake-related issues and to gain blessings for fertility. The temple's mystical atmosphere, combined with its unique history, makes it a compelling spiritual destination in Kerala.
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Nearby Railway Station: Haripad Railway Station (3 km)
Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport (115 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Haripad KSRTC Bus Stand (3 km)
Best Time to Visit: August-November, especially during the Ayilyam festival.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal Island, and the scenic backwaters of Alappuzha.
Best Hotel to Stay: Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort offers beautiful lake views and proximity to the backwaters, perfect for a peaceful stay.
The Bottom Line
The famous temples in Kerala represent the spiritual diversity and cultural depth of this beautiful state. From the majestic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the healing powers of Chottanikkara, these temples not only attract worshippers but also offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural and spiritual legacy of Kerala. Visiting these famous temples in Kerala provides both spiritual fulfillment and an appreciation of the state’s rich history and tradition.
