Have you ever thought of why Kerala is called God’s Own Country? The answer to this is the famous temples in Kerala that it has. Let’s take a different turn on our Kerala tourism, let’s skip the scenic beauty and backwaters, and uncover the spiritual side of Kerala. Amidst the lush green tea-spattered hills and coconut trees, there’s a soul which shines brightest when we talk about ‘Famous Temples in South India’, and yes, that is Kerala. While the temples of India draw over 50 million pilgrims each year, few rival the breathtaking grandeur and legendary tales of Kerala’s ancient sanctuaries.
Temples in Kerala are not just the place of worship, rather they are the living testament to the region’s rich culture and heritage. If you’re visiting Kerala as a pilgrim or a curious traveller who is enchanted by the culture, these temples will offer you more than just rituals, they’ll tell stories. The stories of kings, sages, miracles, mysteries and time itself.
So, put on your walking shoes, keep your camera handy, and let your soul take the lead, it’s time to discover the spiritual heart of God’s Own Country, Kerala.
These 10 Famous Temples in Kerala Should Be on Your Travel List
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Thiruvananthapuram
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most revered and famous temples in Kerala. It will welcome you with a gust of wind, the massive gopuram (tower) at dawn, and wisps of incense curl around you. This 16th-century Vishnu shrine is famous for its reclining deity on the serpent Ananta and for hidden vaults estimated to hold $22 billion in treasure.
Legend says Sage Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar saw Lord Vishnu as a small boy who disappeared into a tree. That tree miraculously transformed into the enormous idol of Vishnu lying on the serpent Ananta. The sage begged him to stay, hence the name Padmanabha (lotus-navel), where Vishnu rests eternally.
- When to Go: Dawn for calm mornings; Panguni Uthram (Mar–Apr) for the grand Aarattu boat procession.
- Timing: 03:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM daily.
- Entry: Free; special elephant procession tickets ₹100–₹500.
- Dress Code: Men in mundu; women in saree or long skirt.
- Transport: 7 km from airport—taxi ₹500; city bus ₹20.
- Insider Tip: Listen for the drumbeats (chenda melam) echoing through the courtyard.
2. Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple – Pathanamthitta
‘Tat Tvam Asi’, a powerful message of Sabarimala. Sabarimala is nestled in a hidden dense forest of the Western Ghats at 1,260m. Sabarimala Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is the son of Lord Vishnu. Unlike all the temples, Sabarimala is open to all religions and genders
Whenever you enter Sabarimala temple there you’ll get the essence of nature meeting divine energy. Lord Ayyappa is considered as a God of discipline and righteousness and his cultures and values are deeply rooted in the Southern part of India.
Best Season: Mandala Puja (Nov–Dec) & Makara Vilakku (mid-Jan).
- Hours: Dawn–noon; 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM
- Entry: Free
- Dress Code: Men in dhoti, women in sarees or salwar kameez
- Travel: KSRTC bus to Pamba ₹50; shared jeep ₹50.
- Experience: Chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” as you follow the Pamba River trail.
3. Sree Guruvayurappan Temple – Guruvayur
Whenever you think of any famous temples in Kerala, what comes to your mind? Maybe the serene backwaters, lush greenery, rich culture and spirituality. Yes, all the elements which come to your mind makes Kerala the most visited place in India be it for leisure travel or for spirituality. One such iconic temple is Sree Guruvayur Temple, the most loved and visited temples of Kerala. Sree Guruvayur Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Sree Guruvayur Temple is a perfect example of Kerala’s architecture. It is a spiritual heartbeat of Kerala which is also famous for taking vows or getting married, because of the divine energy it holds. Sree Guruvayur Temple is not just a temple, it’s an experience that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
- When to Visit: Ekadasi (Dec–Jan) & Utsavam (Feb–Mar).
- Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM
- Entry: Free; Tulabharam ₹500–₹1,000.
- Dress Code: White mundu for men, traditional attire for women.
- How to Reach: 28 km from Thrissur station—bus ₹30; auto ₹200.
- Local Food: Try pappadam and payasam at nearby stalls—book a Treebo stay in Thrissur to explore local markets.
- Where to Stay: Explore Treebo Hotels in Guruvayur
4. Vadakkunnathan Temple – Thrissur
Thrissur in Kerala is the town centre, which is famous for its temples. Thrissur is a land where every temple tells a different and unique story, which and when heard, will make you awestruck with the beauty and history of God’s Own Country.
Vadakkunnathan Temple is one of the most ancient and architecturally famous temples in Kerala. This ancient temple is dedicated to the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who created Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea. Once you’ve completed the worship, but still your heart is not full of the beauty of Thrissur, check out the nearby hotels in Thrissur for a relaxing getaway.
- Festival Time: April/May evenings.
- Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM.
- Entry: Free; special Seeveli ₹100.
- Dress Code: Mundu or dhoti; modest dresses for women.
- Getting There: 2 km from town—rickshaw ₹50; taxi ₹150.
- Don’t Miss: Climb the temple tower at dawn for a bird’s-eye view of the Pooram grounds.
5. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple – Thiruvananthapuram
If you’re looking to explore the divine beauty of Kerala, then Attukal Bhagavathy Temple should be at the top of your list amongst the best and most famous temples in Kerala. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is known as the “Women’s Sabarimala Temple”. This sacred shrine holds a special place since it’s a perfect synergy of divine and devotion.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Kannakari, who is called the Supreme Mother of Goodness. The aura of the temple is so powerful that if you come here to seek blessings or just to experience the energy, the temple will hold you to stay a little longer.
- Pongala Season: Feb–Mar; up to 2 million women gather.
- Hours: 3:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM.
- Entry: Free; Pongala ingredients ₹20–₹50.
- Dress Code: Women in light cotton sarees or salwar-kameez and men in dhoti or mundu.
- Travel: 3 km from city centre—rickshaw ₹50; bus ₹10.
- Scene to Picture: Woven clusters of clay pots, steam rising against the temple walls at sunrise.
6. Thrikkakara Sree Vamana Temple – Kochi
Located around 15 kms from Kochi, Thrikkakara Sree Vamana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vamana, who is the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Sree Vamana Temple is one of the famous temples in Kerala and is known as the marking of the origin of Onam. Since Onam is celebrated with great zeal in Kerala, you’ll be surprised to witness the Onam celebrations here.
During the time from August to September, the courtyard of the temple is filled with floral carpets and folk dances. You’ll be surprised to witness the beauty of Kochi, accompanied by the best of amenities and also count on Treebo Club to stay in the best hotels in Kochi, which will ease your travel.
- Onam Time: 10 days around Aug–Sept.
- Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM.
- Entry: Free; special offerings ₹100.
- Dress Code: White mundu; women in saree.
- Access: 10 km from Ernakulam—bus ₹20; taxi ₹250.
- Highlight: Walk over the pookalam (flower carpet)—petals crunch underfoot.
7. Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple – Kochi
Kerala’s beauty is always intertwined with the spiritual power it has. Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple is one of the famous temples in Kerala that stands strong and promotes feminine energy, which comes to life with its vibrant, powerful divine vibes of the temple, especially during the Guruvathi Pooja.
What sets Chottanikkara Temple apart is the way the worship of Devi is done here. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped in the morning, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in the afternoon, and Goddess Durga is worshipped in the evening.
- Festivals: March–April (Meenam) & Navaratri (Oct).
- Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM.
- Entry: Free; healing rituals ₹200–₹500.
- Dress Code: Traditional Kerala clothes; no shorts.
- Getting There: 12 km from Kochi centre—bus ₹25; auto ₹200.
- Tip: After the ritual, bathe in the temple well—locals say it brings calm and clarity.
8. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple – Pathanamthitta
Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is a perfect blend of devotion and living tradition, which makes it one of the famous temples in Kerala to visit. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this revered temple is especially famous for its vibrant snake boat races held during the Onam festival, drawing pilgrims and culture lovers alike.
The Aranmula Temple is often called as a treasure trove of the culture which holds a special place in the hearts of the spiritual travellers. If you’re planning to explore Kerala and the famous temples in Kerala then Aranmula Parthasarathy temple deserves a spot right at the top of your list.
- Best Time: Snake boat race in early Sept; Onam celebrations.
- Hours: 5:00 AM – 01:00 PM & 04:00 PM – 07:00 PM.
- Entry: Free; race seating ₹50–₹200.
- Dress Code: Mundu and blouse; saree for women.
- Travel: 30 km from Kottayam—bus ₹50; taxi ₹800.
9. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple – Haripad
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is dedicated to Nagaraja who is the King of Serpents and yes it is called as a powerful center of serpent worship. Unlike other temples, there are close to 30,000 carved snake idols and leafy paths as compared to other temples wherein only 1 idol is worshipped.
It is often believed that Lord Nagaraja blesses the devotees with fertility and prosperity. Mannarasala is one of the most famous temples in Kerala.
- Key Days: Ayilyam stars (Aug–Sept) & annual April festival.
- Visiting Hours: 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM & 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM.
- Entry: Free; snake offerings ₹100.
- Dress Code: Simple attire; avoid loud prints.
- Access: 40 km from Kochi—bus ₹70; taxi ₹1,200.
10. Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple – Wayanad
Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, called the ‘Kashi of South’, is a sacred destination where devotees meet the divine. Thirunelli Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, and it is believed that he himself has installed the idol here.
At the Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple, it is believed that a dip in the crystal-clear Papanasini stream can cleanse one of all sins. After a spiritually fulfilling experience, all you need is a comfortable place to unwind. Explore Hotel in Wayanad.
- Festival: Vrichika Mahotsavam in December.
- Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 04:00 PM – 07:00 PM
- Entry: Free; ritual bathing donation ₹20.
- Dress Code: Warm clothes in winter; traditional wear always.
- Travel: 50 km from Kalpetta—bus ₹80; taxi ₹1,500
To make your travel itinerary more comfortable and easy, don’t forget to follow the quick tips given below:
- Dress simply and comfortably.
- Do follow the temple darshan timings.
- Hydrate well to avoid any health concerns, especially in summer.
- Take care of your belongings.
- The best season to plan your travel is November to February for temples in the hills.
- March to April for temples like Thrissur Pooram and Attukal Pongala.
- August–September for Onam celebrations.
- Book trains, hotels and flights at least 30 days ahead during festival peaks.
Kerala is far more than its temples. To help you explore every corner, here’s our complete guide to the 24 tourist places to visit in Kerala. No matter when you travel or where you stay, you’ll always find a Treebo Club hotel nearby.
