Temples and Palaces

The Temples of Kerala are dedicated to various gods and goddesses from the Hindu mythology. An architectural delights, these temples are carved in the traditional style. Kerala temples find expression in a mixed medium of stone, brick, laterite and wood this unique approach to temple building resulted in a distinctive form of architecture, laying stress on sanctity, simplicity and a prevailing naturalism which marked the worship in temples

Aaranmula Temple

Parthasarthy temple, dedicated to Parthasarathi or Lord Krishna, the Temple is in Chengannor. A major attraction is the Aranmula snake boat race held as part of the festival coinciding with Onam. Aranmula is well-known for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi".

Ambalapuzha Temple

The Ambalapuzha Temple is a typical Kerala style built temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna. Ambalapuzha temple is famous for its temple architecture and the milk porridge - Paalpaayasam. Chembakasseri Pooradam built this temple in 800 AD.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is famous throughout Kerala for the sweet milk porridge, 'Palpayasam' served here.

Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala. Bhagawati is one of the most popular deities in the area. People suffering from mental illnesses commonly visit the temple, as Bhagawati is thought to cure her devotees.

Ettumanoor Temple

This ancient temple, which is 17 km away from Kottayam, is a significant place of worship. Ettumanoor is an ancient Shiva temple. Built in the 16 th c., this temple is a grand example of the Kerala style of architecture. The festival of Ezharaponnaana Ezhunallathu is celebrated every year in the temple which draws a huge number of devotees from all parts of the country. There are mural paintings of high order and beautiful sculpture of intricate workmanship inside the temple.

Guruvayoor Temple

Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala. On any given day thousands throng the temple and wait patiently for hours in a queue to catch a mere glimpse of this divine child.

Kalpathy Temple

The Kalpathy Vishwanatha Swamy shrine is the oldest Shiva Temple situated 3 kms from Palakkad.The Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for the annual Chariot Festival. The festival is a gala event and lasts for seven days. On the last three days, beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air.

Lokanarkavu Temple

Lokanarkavu Temple is situated 5 km from Vatakara, a small town in Northern Kerala. The main deity is Goddess Durga, with two adjacent shrines dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Siva. The festival, locally called Pooram, is celebrated during March/April. According to legend, the temple is more than 1500-years-old. The candid murals and carvings here are a delight to art lovers.

Mangla Devi Temple

Mangala Devi Temple, the ancient Temple is located 15 kms from Thekkady. Mangala Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangala.
It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.

Oachira Temple

Oachira is unique place of worship with neither a structure to house an idol nor an idol around which Temples are usually built.
The presiding deity at this sanctum-sanctorum is the abstract principle of the 'Parabrahmam' or the 'Divine Omnipresence' or 'Universal Conciousness'.
The main events at the temple, 'Oachirakkali' festival falls in mid-June, while the 'Panthranduvilakku' or the twelve-day festival of lights gets underway in November/ December.

Sabarimala Temple

This well-known pilgrim centre is dedicated to LORD AYYAPPA. The holy shrine, situated atop the Sabarimala nestles 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats. It attracts millions of pilgrims from far and near. The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January. Regardless of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a famous pilgrimage centre and is one of the major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram city. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings of natural pigments. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu who reclines on the sacred serpent Anantha.

Thali Temple

Built in the 14th century by Swamy Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the annual cultural and intellectual event. The Tali Temple is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style of architecture.

Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple

Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha is dedicated to Lord Shiva with the other deities of Lord Ganapathy, and Goddess Lakshmi.

Thirunelli Temple

Located 30 kms North West of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district, Thirunelli Temple is known as the "Kashi of South". This 3000 years old temple dedicated to Vishnu has 30 granite columns to shield it. The Papanashini stream is nearby.

Vadakkunnathan Temple

The Vadakkunnathan Temple at Thrissur, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the largest temples in Kerala. This Temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. This temple is famous for its April/May Pooram Festival, which includes colourful and magnificent processions, brightly decorated elephants, fireworks etc.

Vaikom Temple

The ancient Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here has carried its name far and near. According to legend, it was constructed by Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. The 12 day ‘Ashtami’ festival here (November/December) is renowned for its elephant processions, religious discourses, and traditional dance and music perform.