10 Best Places to Visit in Guruvayur

By - May 4, 2024 - Kerala

Guruvayur is in the Thrissur district, Kerala. It is a pilgrimage town. There are so many pilgrimage places like Guruvayoor Sri Krishna temple, Palayur church, Mammiyur Mahadev temple, Parthasarathy temple, etc. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit Guruvayur throughout the year.

People in all age groups can enjoy each and every place of Guruvayur. Hence you can plan for a family trip and can have a wonderful experience.

Here is a list of some popular places that you should visit in Guruvayur:-

1. Sri Krishna Temple

Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple is a very ancient temple. It is the fourth largest temple in India. The deity here worshipped is Lord Vishnu in the form of Krishna. Devotees believed that Krishna is present everywhere in this region, so Guruvayur is also known as “Dwaraka of South India”. Whenever you visit this temple you can see a large crowd of people. The architectural beauty and divine presence in this temple are unique and beyond words. Moreover, the holy environment in this temple can calm your mind and wash away your stress. So it is a must-visit place that you can list in your Guruvaur tour.

Aspect Information
Name Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Location Guruvayur, Thrissur District, Kerala, India
Significance One of the most sacred and important temples dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Main Deity Lord Krishna, worshipped as Guruvayurappan
Temple Architecture Traditional Kerala style, with a central sanctum and surrounding corridors (prakaram).
Visiting Hours Morning: 3:00 AM to 1:30 PM; Evening: 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM (may vary for special occasions)

2. Punnathurkotta

Punnathurkotta is 3 km away from Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple. Locally it is known as Anakotta which means Elephant Fort. Previously this was the palace of local rulers. Now it is a home for about 60 Asian elephants. This fantastic place is one of the most enjoyable places for both children and adults. Your children can have fun with the baby elephants and watch the daily routine of Jumbo elephants like how they are trained for the temple rituals, how to feed them and way of bathing etc. you can even take photographs with these giant animals and it will be a great time in your life.

Aspect Details
Location About 3 km from Guruvayur temple.
Entry Fee A nominal fee is charged for entrance. Extra for photography.
Timings Typically open from morning till evening, around 8 AM – 6 PM.
Best Time to Visit Morning and late afternoon when it’s cooler.
Activities – Observe and interact with elephants.

Watch the elephants being bathed, fed, and trained.

Take guided tours to learn about the sanctuary and elephants.

Photograph the elephants.
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3. Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple

Mammiyur Mahadeva temple is just 650 m from Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple. It is believed that your visit to the Guruvayur temple will get complete only after the visit to this temple. Mahadeva means Lord Shiva. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from the main deity, Lord Vishnu, Ganapathi, Muruga, Dharma Sanstha, serpent Gods, Brahmarakshas, and Bhagavathi amma are also worshipped here. Inside the temple, you can see some beautiful wall paintings and stunning sculptures. The main festival celebrated here are Mahashivarathri and Thiruvathira.

Feature Details
Location Mammiyur, Guruvayur, Kerala, India
Main Deity Lord Shiva (known as Mahadeva) and Lord Vishnu
Visiting Hours Morning: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Best Time to Visit – Early morning and evening during the temple’s operating hours
Special Events Festivals like Shivaratri and special pujas are celebrated with grandeur
Nearby Attractions – Guruvayur Temple

Punnathur Kotta (elephant sanctuary)
How to Reach – Short walk from Guruvayur Temple

Easily accessible by auto-rickshaws and other local transportation

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4. Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple

Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple is just a kilometer away from the Guruvayoor temple. Venkatachalapathy is a form of Lord Vishnu and this holy place is visited by many tourists throughout the year. The main offering in this temple is coconut breaking. It is believed that by doing so, all the evil spirits will ward off. This neat, calm, and wonderful temple are famous for architectural excellence. All together it will create a divine experience in the mind of people who visit this temple.

Aspect Details
Location Guruvayur, Kerala, India
Visiting Hours Typically open from early morning (around 4:30 AM) until late evening (around 9:00 PM). Times may vary, so check local schedules.
Best Time to Visit Early morning and late evening are ideal for experiencing the temple’s peaceful atmosphere and religious rituals. Avoid midday if you prefer cooler weather.
Activities Attend daily rituals and poojas (prayers), and observe the temple’s traditions. Take a moment to appreciate the temple’s architecture and intricate carvings.
Nearby Attractions Guruvayur Temple, Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple, and Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary are nearby attractions worth visiting.
Entry Fee Typically free to enter, though donations are welcome.

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5. Sree Parthasarathy Temple

Sree Parthasarathy temple is one of the most popular and serene temples in Guruvayur. Parthasarathy means Lord Krishna in the form of the charioteer. At the time of Mahabharatha Lord Krishna was the charioteer of Arjuna and he gave guidance and courage at the time of the battle. So the structure of this temple itself is in the form of a chariot that is pulled by many horses. This temple is just 10 minutes away from Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple.

Aspect Information
Location Near Guruvayur Temple, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala, India.
Significance Dedicated to Lord Parthasarathy, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its traditional architecture and spiritual ambiance.
Architecture Traditional Kerala-style temple with a square sanctum and beautifully adorned walls and ceiling.
Visiting Hours Open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit Early morning or evening for the daily rituals and serene atmosphere.

Explore some more information about the Famous Temple of South India

6. Palayur Church

Palayur church is an ancient church that was established in 52 CE. This is very famous and special among devotees. They consider it as one of the seven churches built by Jesus’s apostles. Many people from all over the world visit this church every year. The ideal time to visit here is during festival time. At that time you can enjoy the colorful fireworks, orchestra performances and many more.

Aspect Details
Location Palayur, approximately 3 km from Guruvayur town center.
Significance Known as St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, believed to be one of the oldest churches in India.
Visiting Hours Open daily; typically from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but subject to change based on religious services.
Best Time to Visit Early morning for a peaceful experience or during festive seasons for a vibrant atmosphere.

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7. Chamundeswari Temple

Chamundeswari temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeswari Devi. The idol of Devi is constructed with panchaloha that means the special combination of five metals – Gold, copper, lead, silver, and iron. The exterior, as well as the interior of this old temple, is very beautiful and gorgeous. Chamundeswari temple is a perfect place for meditation and attaining serenity.

Aspect Details
Location Chamundeswari Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala, India
Rituals Regular poojas and rituals are held in the temple, including special ceremonies during festivals such as Navaratri. Visitors can observe these rituals and participate respectfully.
Timing Typically open from early morning (around 4 AM) until noon, then from late afternoon (around 4 PM) until evening (around 8 PM). Check local sources for exact times.
Entry Fee Entry to the temple is free, but there may be fees for certain special poojas or rituals.
Nearby Guruvayur Temple and other attractions in the area like Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Sanctuary) and Mammiyur Temple are also worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Early mornings or evenings are the best times to visit the temple, as the temperatures are cooler and you can experience the rituals at these times.

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8. Statues of Mahaprabhu and Guruvayur Keshavan

These gigantic statues are on the premises of the Sree Valsam guest house complex. Mahaprabhu statue is an innovative representation of Lord Krishna in the form of the banyan tree. The idea of this statue is inspired by traditional folk stories. The other statue of Guruvayur Keshavan is dedicated to the famous deceased Elephant king. Thousands of people visit this place every year.

Aspect Information
Location Located within the premises of Guruvayur Temple, near the western entrance.
Statue of Mahaprabhu Depicts Lord Krishna, the deity of the Guruvayur Temple, often portrayed as Mahaprabhu. This statue is a significant symbol of the deity’s presence in the temple.
Statue of Guruvayur Keshavan A statue of Guruvayur Keshavan, the legendary temple elephant known for its intelligence and devotion. Keshavan served the temple for over 50 years and is remembered as one of the most beloved figures in Guruvayur.
Best Time to Visit The statues can be viewed anytime during temple visiting hours. Mornings and evenings are ideal for a peaceful visit.

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9. Harikanyaka Temple

Harikanyaka temple is located 5 km away from Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple. The main deity worshipped here is Goddess Bhagavathy, the incarnation of Lord Durga. This old temple was built in the 14th century. The story behind this temple is, Lord Vishnu has transformed in the form of ‘Kanyaka’ in this place. Hence it is named Harikanyaka temple. The best time to visit this temple is during festival time. Every year it is celebrated in the month of December.

Feature Description
Location Near Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala, India
Accessibility Easily accessible from Guruvayur town center
Timings Typically open in the mornings and evenings
Check local listings for specific timings
Nearby Attractions Guruvayur Temple, Elephant Sanctuary, Punnathur Kotta

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10. Chavakkad Beach

Want to relax with your partner? You can go to Chavakkad beach. It is a famous beach in Guruvayur. It is located 5 km from the Guruvayur temple. The specialty on this beach is the meeting of river and sea which is known as estuary. The sunset on this beach is stunning and memorable. You can even engage in kite flying or bathing in the waves.

Aspect Details
Location Chavakkad, about 5 km from Guruvayur town.
Best Time to Visit Early mornings or late afternoons for pleasant weather and beautiful sunrise/sunset views.
Activities Swimming, sunbathing, beach walks, photography, enjoying local snacks. Birdwatching at the estuary area.
Local Tips – Carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Check the weather and tide times before visiting.

Visit the estuary for unique views and birdwatching.
Overall Experience A tranquil experience with a chance to connect with nature. Ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat.

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