Published: 03-06-2025
Author: Sangati Jogwar
The state of Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is deeply spiritual, with a rich tradition of temples, churches, and mosques that reflect its diverse religious and cultural heritage.
This spiritual article is helpful to Indian Travellers as well as foreign travellers.
15 Must-Visit Temples in Kerala that deserve a place on your itinerary.
1. Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
Located in Ambalapuzha, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, with an idol of the deity in his child form.
The ideal time to visit the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is during its annual festival in July, known as the Ambalapuzha Temple Festival, and the Aaraattu Festival, which takes place between March and April.
Railway Station (Ambalapuzha): Temple to Station 14 km (approximately)
2. Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasaragod
Dating back to the 9th century, this sacred site is believed to be the original seat of Lord Padmanabha.
A remarkable feature of the temple is its exquisitely carved wooden ceilings, which illustrate vivid scenes from the Dashavatara.
Adding to the temple’s mystique is the presence of a crocodile named Babia, once believed to be a divine guardian of the lake, and considered harmless and vegetarian by devotees.
🚂 Railway Station (Kasaragod): Temple to Station 13.5 km (approximately)
3. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
In the vicinity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is another place of worship dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
It holds a place in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records as it attracts the maximum women devotees for religious activities.
🚂 Railway Station (Thiruvananthapuram): Temple to Station 3.4 km (approximately)
4. Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur
The Cheraman Juma Masjid is considered to be one of the oldest mosques featuring an exclusive mix of Arabic as well as traditional Kerala architecture.
The mosque houses a lamp, which is believed to have been burning since the mosque was founded.
5. Chottanikkara Devi Temple, Ernakulam
The Chottanikkara Devi temple is located in Ernakulam. It is considered a powerful temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhagawati, worshipped as Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening.
It is particularly known for healing mental illnesses and spiritual afflictions.
🚂 Railway Station (Thripunithura): Temple to Station 4 km (approximately)
6. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, located in Kerala’s Kottayam district, is one of the sacred 108 Shiva temples in the state.
The temple is renowned for its stunning mural artwork, particularly the iconic depiction of Lord Nataraja (the cosmic dancer) on the gopuram (temple tower), which is a major attraction for both devotees and art enthusiasts.
🚂 Railway Station (Ettumanoor): Temple to Station 2 km (approximately)
7. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
Internationally recognised center of pilgrimage dedicated to Serpent gods. Located in Haripad, it has lush green forests surrounding the entire area, similar to most of the other Sankara temples. Houses images of snakes as offerings from devotees.
🚂 Railway Station (Haripad Railway Station): Temple to Station 3 km (approximately)
8. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
The Padmanabhaswamy is the most popular temple in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in Dravidian style, it is known for its grandeur, mystery, and treasure-filled underground vaults.
The temple celebrates 2 festivals annually with great enthusiasm. The Alpashy festival is during October/November, and the Panguni festival is during March/April.
🚂 Railway Station (Thiruvananthapuram): Temple to Station 1 km (approximately)
9. Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta
This famous temple from South India is surrounded by a dense forest of the Western Ghats and is located in the Pathanamthitta district near Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Dedicated to the revered lord Ayyappa, every year, millions of visitors come to seek blessings at the Sabarimala Temple. Moreover, this pilgrimage is predominantly undertaken by male devotees.
🚂 Railway Station (Chengannur): Temple to Station 90 km (approximately)
10. St. Francis Church
Considered to be one of the oldest European churches, it acts as a landmark located in Kochi.
The church was built in 1503 and later underwent many changes and restorations. Moreover, it was the burial place of a Portuguese voyager, Vasco da Gama.
11. Sivagiri Temple, Varkala
The Sivagiri Temple is the Samadhi sthan of Sree Narayana Guru, a prominent social reformer.
The pilgrim place is a popular destination, offering opportunities for spiritual guidance, worship, and meditation.
🚂 Railway Station (Varkala Sivagiri): Temple to Station 2 km (approximately)
12. Tali Temple, Kozhikode
Kozhikode’s Tali temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the two Brahmanical royal temples constructed by Zamorin.
Embellished with exquisite carvings in brass and wood, the temple attracts numerous visitors from across the world.
13. Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Located in the Brahmagiri hills, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is often referred to as “Kashi of the South.”
The temple is believed to have been established by the Chera king Kulasekharan. Thirunelli is especially known as a sacred place for performing ancestral rites.
14. Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple, Thrissur
Built during the Chera period, it is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Also recognised as the Mahadeva Temple, it has exclusive mural paintings and holds great heritage as determined by the ASI.
15. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is believed that the temple has a Shiva Linga from the Treta Yuga.
The temple is especially known for the grand Vaikathashtami festival, which draws thousands of devotees each year.
Source:
https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog/top-kerala-historical-places-monuments-must-visit/
https://www.travelogyindia.com/kerala/famous-temples-in-kerala.html
https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/temples/
