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.

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.

Read more about:

• List of cities in Kerala
• Trekking places in Kerala
• What is Kerala famous for

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.

Know more about:

• Best places to live in Kerala
• Hill stations in Kerala
• Best beaches in Kerala

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.

Read more about:

• Wedding destinations in Kerala

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.