19 Hindu Temples to Explore in Kerala

Checkout places to visit in Kerala

Kerala

Kerala, known by the tagline “God’s Own Country” is a coastal state in the south western region of India. The state is bordered by a number of beaches in the west, covered by hills of Western Ghats on the east, and filled with backwaters. #GodsOwnCountry

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Hindu Temples to Explore in Kerala

Agasthyakoodam

The most difficult trek in Kerala, taking you to the top of Agasthyakoodam through forests and valleys and waterfalls.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a Hindu Temple believed to be built around the 15th-17th century in the typical Kerala Architectural Style. The idol at the temple is of Parthasarathy with a whip in the right hand and a sacred conch in the left. Parthasarathy is a form of Lord Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war mentioned in the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Ananthapura Lake Temple

Ananthapura Lake Temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and it is believed to be the original seat of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Lord Vishnu resting on the serpent King) of Padmanabhaswamy temple Thiruvananthapuram. The lake in which the temple is built measures around two acres in size. you can see a cave in the right corner of the lake and it's believed that the deity Anantha Padmanabha chose to go all the way to Thiruvananthapuram through that cave.

Iringole Kavu ഇരിങ്ങോൾ കാവ്

A sacred grove with a temple. It is one of the 108 Durga Temples in Kerala believed to be consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Kottukal Cave Temple

The 8th century cave temple carved out of a large boulder.

Madayippara

Madayippara is a lesser-known hill station near the Pazhayangadi city. It is famous for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. A nice place to hang out in the evening with family and friends.

Madhur Madhanantheshwara Temple

Madhur Madhanantheshwara Temple, also known as Sree Madanantheswara Sidhivinayaka Temple or Madhur Temple rises against the beautiful landscape of the adjacent Madhuvahini river with coconut trees and paddy fields surrounding the temple premises. The temple has a unique architecture with its three-tiered dome, copper plated roofing and cloistered court.

Mangala Devi Temple

An ancient temple in the middle of the forest.

Manjampothikunnu

A beautiful hill giving panoramic views and a colorful sky in the evening. One of the less explored places in the area, best visited in the evening.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

Nestled in a forest glade, the temple is a center of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods. Couples seeking fertility come to worship here, and upon the birth of their child come to hold thanksgiving ceremonies.

Oachira Parabrahma Temple

An ancient temple and a Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple is home to Oachirakkali- a famous ritual performed here during June wherein traditional martial arts experts conduct mock-fighting in muddy water. The temple also hosts the festival of cattle, 28 days after Onam- the harvest festival of Kerala. The festival of cattle consists of gigantic idols of bull made of cloth & hay which are then pulled on giant wheels to the Oachira Temple from the sites where they are made.

Sabarimala

Temple complex located inside a Tiger reserve. One of the largest annual pilgrimage in the world happens here- with 40 to 50 million devotees visiting it every year.

Sasthampara

Offbeat hillock destination, trekking,city view etc.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The ancient temple with its billions of dollars of wealth, impeccable architecture and legends.

Swami Nithyananda Ashram

There are 44 caves here for meditations and a temple on top of these caves.

Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple

Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple or Thirunelli Temple as generally called is an ancient Vishnu Temple. Located on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala, it is a melting pot of myths and history. The temple is at an altitude of about 900 meters in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests.

Vadakkunnathan Shiva Temple

Vadakkunnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva here is popularly known as Vadakkunnathan, meaning "lord of the north" as he is believed to live in Kailas which is on the northern side of India. The temple is located in Thrissur City in Thrissur District of Kerala State in Southern India. The name Thrissur is derived from its old name ‘Thiru-Shiva-Peroor’ which translates to ‘the city of sacred Shiva’.

Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple

One of the oldest and biggest temple in Kerala, rich in its historical backgrounds and architecture.

Valliyoorkavu

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple, the 14th-century temple dedicated to goddess Durga is located at the high hills of Valliyoorkavu, 3 KM’s from Mananthavady town in Wayanad district of Kerala. It is believed that the idol of the goddess is self-manifested. The temple is a prominent place of worship for tribal communities. The goddess manifests in three forms, ‘Vana Durga’ (forest goddess), ‘Jala Durga’(Water goddess) and ‘Bhadrakaali’ (The auspicious form of goddess Kali who protects the good).

Map of Hindu Temples to explore in Kerala