Top 10 Famous Temples in Thiruvananthapuram to Visit

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is a divine haven boasting a rich tapestry of temples that reflect the region's cultural and spiritual heritage. Nestled amidst verdant landscapes, serene backwaters, and towering gopurams gracing the urban landscape.

Thiruvananthapuram beckons devotees and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the sacred ambience of its revered temples.

Explore the top 10 temples in Thiruvananthapuram:

1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple | East Fort

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The temple's gopuram and intricate sculptures mesmerise visitors, offering a journey into ancient craftsmanship and spiritual devotion.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
• Temple Timings: Open daily from 3:30 AM –4:45 AM, 6:30–7 AM, 8:30–10:00 AM, 10–11:15 AM, 12–12:20 PM, 4:30–6:10 PM and 6:45 PM to 7:15 PM.
• Nearby Places: Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace.

2. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple | Attukal

Famed for the annual Attukal Pongala festival, this temple reveres Goddess Bhagavathy. Its vibrant festivities attract millions of devotees every year, creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervour and communal harmony.

• Best Time to Visit: February to March.
• Temple Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Nearby Places: Kerala Science and Technology Museum, Kanakakunnu Palace, Attukal Park.

3. Pazhavangadi Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple | Pazhavangadi

Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is famous for its gold-plated idol of Ganapathy. Devotees seek blessings for success and prosperity here, immersed in the divine and spiritual aura of Shri Ganapathy Bappa’s presence.

• Best Time to Visit: August to September.
• Temple Timings: Open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Nearby Places: Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo.

4. Aruvippuram Mahadeva Temple | Aruvippuram

Aruvippuram Mahadeva Temple holds historical significance as the place where Sri Narayana Guru installed the idol of Lord Shiva in 1888. The serene surroundings and the cascading waters of the River Neyyar add to the spiritual ambience.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: Open daily from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Nearby Places: Neyyar Dam, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Meenmutty Waterfalls.

5. Sree Kanteswaram Mahadeva Temple | Thiruvananthapuram

Situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city, Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's architectural splendour and spiritual ambience attract devotees and tourists seeking solace amidst the urban hustle.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Temple Timings: Open daily from 4:30 AM to 12:15 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
• Nearby Places: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Napier Museum.

6. Sri Parasurama Swamy Temple | Thiruvallam

Nestled on the banks of the serene Karamana River, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is steeped in mythological significance. Devotees flock here to seek blessings from Lord Parasurama and to witness the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding the temple.

• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Temple Timings: Open daily from 3:45 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Nearby Places: Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Samudra Beach.

7. Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Temple | Karikkakom

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Karikkakom, Sri Chamundi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, a fierce form of Goddess Durga. Devotees flock here, seeking blessings for courage, strength, and protection from evil forces.

• Best Time to Visit: October to November.
• Temple Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Nearby Places: Veli Tourist Village, Shankumugham Beach, Aruvikkara Dam.

8. Sree Hanuman Swamy Temple | Thirumala

Perched atop Thirumala Hill, the Sree Hanuman Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the epitome of devotion and strength. The temple's serene ambience and panoramic views of the city below make it a popular pilgrimage destination.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June.
• Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Nearby Places: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Kanakakunnu Palace, Thirumala Hill.

9. Sree Udiyanoor Devi Temple | Maruthumkuzhi

Located amidst serene surroundings in Maruthumkuzhi, Sree Udiyanoor Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Devotees visit this temple to seek blessings for protection, prosperity, and overall well-being.

• Best Time to Visit: March to April.
• Temple Timings: 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:10 PM.
• Nearby Places: Ponmudi Hill Station, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyikkal Palace.

10. Elamkulam Sree Mahadeva Temple | Sreekariyam

Surrounded by serene backwaters and lush greenery, Elamkulam Sree Mahadeva Temple exudes tranquillity and spiritual fervour. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a haven for devotees seeking solace amidst nature's bounty.

• Best Time to Visit: November to December.
• Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Nearby Places: Kovalam Beach, Neyyar Dam, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave.

Thiruvananthapuram stands as a celestial abode where spirituality transcends boundaries. Its temples, each a sanctuary of faith and devotion, offer solace to the weary soul and inspiration to the seeking heart. As visitors traverse the hallowed grounds of these revered shrines, they not only witness architectural marvels but also immerse themselves in the timeless wisdom and divine grace that permeate the air of this sacred city.