Kerala Temples are indeed a place that should be visited for inner peace and a visual treat. Other than being sacred places of worship that can greatly fill you with divinity and positive vibes, they are architectural marvels that are worth appreciating for their unmatched craftsmanship. So, when you are in Kerala as a tourist, in addition to exploring the popular tourist attractions and sightseeing places, leave yourselves plenty of time to visit the beautiful temples of the state.
The captivating state of Kerala is adorned with hundreds and thousands of sacred and widely revered temples that are a must-visit. Here we have come up with our curated list of Popular Temples in Kerala that are Absolutely Worth Visiting for the Divine Vibe and Architectural Style of Kerala:
Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta
The sacred hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa, nestled deep inside the verdant forests of the Western Ghats, the world-renowned Sabarimala Temple is known for its divine vibes and spellbinding architecture. Positioned in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who, according to folklore, is the son of Lord Shiva and the mythical Mohini, the feminine avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The Ayyappa devotees have to trek through dense forests to reach Sabarimala Temple, which is perched at an altitude of 914 m above sea level. It’s amazing to see how strong their ardent faith is towards Lord Ayyappa, following a fast for 41 days, climbing arduous forest paths barefoot, and chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” just to get a glimpse of their beloved Lord and to seek his divine blessings. This historical temple is a masterpiece of traditional Kerala-style architecture with a gold-plated roof, which is a magnificent sight to behold.
Famous For: Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku.
Best Time to Visit: Sabarimala Temple remains open for worship only on the first five days of each Malayalam month and also during the pilgrimage season. Mandala Pooja (15 November to 26 December), Makaravilakku (14 January), and Maha Vishuva Sankranti (14 April) are regarded as the best times to visit Sabarimala Temple.
Temple Timings: 3:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM during the pilgrimage season.
Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur
The monumental Vadakkumnathan Temple at Thrissur has impressive architecture, built in a typical Kerala style that lures millions of people to its abode every year. Recognised as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this temple is believed to be the first Shiva Temple built by Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The temple indeed has a magical vibe where the divine presence of Lord Shiva can be felt. This stupendous architectural marvel that blends divinity and culture is one of the most remarkable landmarks of Thrissur city. What’s more, the centuries-old Vadakkumnathan Temple serves as the main venue for the world-famous Thrissur Pooram, a cultural and religious extravaganza, alive with sights, sounds, and colours that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Famous For: Thrissur Pooram.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime.
Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Filled with peace and divine bliss as well as exhibiting a fusion of Kerala and Tamil styles of architecture, Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the most popular temple in Kerala that is absolutely worth visiting. This is one of the few Lord Maha Vishnu temples in the country where the Lord is worshipped in the “Ananta Shayanam” position on the serpent Adisheshan.
The main highlight of this temple is the 18-foot-tall Lord Vishnu idol, which is visible from three different doors. One can see only the head and chest of the idol through the 1st door, while the hands of the idol can be seen through the 2nd door and its feet through the 3rd door. Visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple and seeking the divine blessings of Padmanabhaswamy (Lord Vishnu) is an incredible experience in itself. The mesmerising temple houses incredible mural paintings and stone carvings that leave you speechless with its beauty and grandeur.
Famous For: Laksha Deepam Festival
Best Time to Visit: Anytime.
Temple Timings: 3:30 AM to 12 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, Thrissur
Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple is one of the most beautiful and famous temples in Kerala that captivates lakhs of devotees throughout the year with its spiritual significance and mind-blowing architecture. It is located in Guruvayoor in Thrissur district.
A must-visit if you are an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. Guruvayoor Temple worships the child form of Lord Krishna (Bala Krishna), who is fondly known as Guruvayoorappan. Another unique feature of this temple is that it is not built in the traditional South Indian style of temple architecture, but it is unique and simple, in keeping with the style of Kerala houses.
Famous For: Weddings and Rice-Feeding Rituals.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime.
Temple Timings: 3:00 AM to 1:45 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:45 PM.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple, Ernakulam
Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple in Ernakulam is devoted to Chottanikkara Devi, who offers mental peace and strength to her devotees. Every year, the temple witnesses a plethora of visitors who come from all over the country to seek the blessings of Devi.
Chottanikkara Temple is an exceptional example of traditional Kerala temple architecture and is believed to have been constructed by the Architect God, Vishwakarma himself. The main speciality of this amazing Bhagavathi Temple is that the presiding deity, Chottanikkara Devi, is worshipped here in three different forms, in which the idol is draped in white as Saraswati in the morning, in red as Lakshmi in the afternoon and in blue as Durga in the evening.
Famous for: Its worship of the Goddess in three forms.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime.
Temple Timings: 3:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the most popular Lord Shiva temples in Kerala. It is positioned in Ettumanoor in the Kottayam district. Soaked in spiritual vibes, this temple has a charm of its own. The Pandavas and the Sage Vyasa are said to have worshipped at this temple. Ettumanoor Temple is known for its impressive Kerala-style architecture, with the Dravidian Mural paintings adorning the temple walls that are worth admiring. The most famous among them is the wonderful painting of Nataraja (depiction of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer) in the gopuram (ornate temple tower). The annual Ezhara Ponnana Ezhunallathu, the procession of seven-and-a-half golden elephants through the temple premises in the company of a traditional temple orchestra, is a grand visual treat that attracts a large number of visitors to Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple every year.
Famous For: Ezhara Ponnana Festival.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime.
Temple Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Dedicated to Goddess Kannaki, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, who is fondly referred to as Attukal Amma, Attukal Bhagavathi Temple is famous all over the country as the “Sabarimala of Women”. This famous Kerala Temple holds a Guinness World Record for hosting the single largest gathering of women for a religious activity. The annual Attukal Pongala Festival of this temple involves the participation of over three million women every year.
Attukal Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, near the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The temple is known for its architectural excellence that combines the architectural styles of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Attukal Amma (Attukal Devi or Attukal Bhagavathi) is considered to be the supreme preserver and destroyer who is believed to protect her devotees from any harm. The vibe is so divine and peaceful that one cannot explain it but only experience it here.
Famous For: Attukal Pongala.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime.
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Alleppey
Snuggled in a forest glade, surrounded by trees and a tranquil ambience, Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is one of the most serene holy places in Kerala. This unusual and strange temple of serpent worship, dedicated to Nagaraja, is visited by devotees and visitors in large numbers seeking the blessings of Nagaraja by offering their prayers and performing rituals.
The unique feature of this temple is that pooja and other rituals of the temple are carried out by a woman, and the priestess is known by the name Mannarasala Amma. The beautiful temple holds a special place among devotees owing to its religious significance and its beautiful architecture that reflects the eye-catching Kerala style. It is positioned in Haripad in the Alleppey district.
Famous For: Serpent Worship.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Kannur
Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple in Kannur is a haven for all the devotees wanting to seek the blessings of Sree Muthappan. The presiding deity, Sree Muthappan, is believed to be the personification of two Gods – Thiruvappana (Lord Vishnu) and Vellatom (Lord Shiva). Muthappan Temple is a great place to savour the charm of Muthappan Theyyam, a ritual enactment that portrays the entire life of Muthappan, which is performed here daily.
It is quite fascinating that the customary offerings to appease Muthappan are toddy, roasted fish, and wild meat. Another noteworthy feature of the Muthappan Temple is its unique architecture, which is a blend of traditional Kerala and North Indian styles, with its interiors richly decorated with murals and sculptures. The temple is sure to mesmerise you with its beauty, serenity, and positive vibes.
Famous For: Muthappan Theyyam.
Best Time to Visit: April to August.
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Situated in a serene setting in the beautiful hill station of Wayanad, Thirunelli Temple is a wondrous example of astounding beauty, marvellous architecture, and religious significance. Thirunelli Temple is blessed by the unique presence of all the members of the Trinity, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. This revered Lord Maha Vishnu Temple showcases the typical Kerala style of architecture and is built by Brahma himself, as mentioned in the Puranas. With spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere, the mesmerising Thirunelli Temple and its captivating scenic views leave you in awe. This is the only temple in the world where the devotees can perform all the rituals related to one’s life, starting from birth to death and also life after death.
Famous For: The Thirunelli Festival and the rituals conducted for the departed souls.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
The temples in Kerala are not just religious shrines but also architectural marvels that showcase Kerala’s traditional craftsmanship. The above-listed temples are just a few among the hundreds of temples in Kerala that are worth visiting for their unique charm, divine vibe, and architectural style. A visit to these temples is guaranteed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
