Top 10 Places To Visit In Kerala

Top 10 Places to Visit In Kerala

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala: In this article, we will tell you about the best places to visit in Kerala during your next vacation. Kerala is also known as God’s Own Country.

Table of Contents

1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. This sacred shrine is a symbol of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted religious traditions. Situated within the East Fort area of the city, it is widely believed to be the richest temple in the world.

The deity, Lord Padmanabhaswamy, is depicted in a unique reclining posture on the serpent Anantha. The temple also enshrines deities like Lord Ganapati, Gaja Lakshmi, and Narasimha Swamy. Even today, the temple remains a significant spiritual and architectural marvel, attracting devotees and tourists from around the world.

2. Marari Beach

Also known as Mararikulam Beach, Marari Beach is the perfect destination for those seeking peace and serenity by the sea. Surrounded by swaying coconut palms and golden sands, it offers a relaxing and unspoiled beach experience away from the typical tourist crowd.

The beach is not only ideal for a quiet retreat but also known for wellness experiences like Ayurvedic treatments, administered under the guidance of qualified doctors. The Distance From Thiruvananthapuram is approximately 170kms

3. Periyar National Park

Located in the Western Ghats, it is a major sanctuary for elephants and tigers, offering visitors an opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

The park is also home to the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, a rare species of mountain goat, among many other flora and fauna. With its lush greenery and pollution-free environment, Periyar is a haven for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers.

4. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, located in Guruvayur town, is one of the most sacred and important Hindu temples in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan, a form of Lord Krishna, it is often referred to as the “Dwaraka of the South.” The temple is especially significant to devotees from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. One of the key festivals celebrated here is Ekadasi, during which numerous rituals are performed with great devotion. The temple is also a popular destination for weddings, with thousands of couples tying the knot here each year.

5. Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort is the largest and one of the best-preserved forts in Kerala. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it offers stunning views and is a favorite spot for history buffs, nature lovers, and casual tourists alike. The fort’s impressive architecture and strategic location reflect its historical importance. During the monsoon season, the area around the fort becomes even more picturesque, offering a lush and scenic backdrop. Bekal Fort is an ideal destination for those looking to explore Kerala’s history while enjoying a tranquil coastal experience.

6. Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple

Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thrissur, Kerala. It is one of the oldest temples in the state and showcases the classical Kerala style of architecture. The main deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vadakkumnathan.

The temple also houses idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Sankaranarayana (a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu), and Lord Rama. Surrounded by a vast courtyard and majestic walls, the temple exudes serenity and is a significant religious and cultural landmark in Kerala.

7. Chottanikkara Bhagavati Temple

The Chottanikkara Bhagavati Temple, located near Ernakulam, is one of the most famous temples in Kerala, known for its divine energy and healing powers. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavati, an incarnation of Mahakali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Devotees believe that the goddess at this temple cures mental illnesses and protects against evil spirits. The spiritual atmosphere and powerful rituals attract pilgrims from across the country, making it a must-visit for those seeking divine grace and peace of mind.

8. Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Hills of Kerala, is one of the most pristine and ecologically diverse regions in India. It is home to the largest population of the endangered lion-tailed macaque, among many other rare species.

The park’s core area, Sairandhri, offers breathtaking views of dense forests, rivers, and untouched wilderness. This pollution-free, serene destination is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-tourists looking to experience the unspoiled beauty of Kerala’s Western Ghats.

9. Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple

Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple, located in Kottayam, is one of Kerala’s most important Shiva temples. It is especially renowned for its exquisite murals and the golden elephant statuette, which is a major attraction during the temple’s annual ten-day festival, Ettumanoor Shivaratri.

The temple draws thousands of devotees each year who come to seek blessings from Lord Mahadeva. With its rich traditions and architectural splendor, the temple stands as a spiritual beacon in central Kerala.

10. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred Shiva temples in Kerala, is located in Vaikom, near Kottayam. Often referred to as the “Kashi of the South,” the temple is known for its powerful spiritual presence and centuries-old traditions.

Lord Shiva is worshipped here in three forms throughout the day: as Dakshinamurthy in the morning, Kiratamurthy at noon, and Shakti Panchakshari in the evening. The grand Nandi statue and the tranquil surroundings make this temple a significant pilgrimage site and a place of deep devotion.

Conclusion

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” truly lives up to its name with an incredible blend of spiritual sanctity, natural beauty, and cultural richness. From the divine aura of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, believed to be the richest temple in the world, to the serene shores of Marari Beach, Kerala offers experiences that are both soul-stirring and rejuvenating.

The state is home to some of India’s oldest and most revered temples, such as Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple and Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, which not only serve as places of worship but also as living museums of Kerala’s temple architecture. Chottanikkara Bhagavati Temple, with its reputation for healing mental illnesses, reflects the deep-rooted faith and spiritual traditions that define Kerala’s religious landscape.

On the ecological front, destinations like Periyar National Park and Silent Valley National Park showcase Kerala’s commitment to conservation. These parks are rich in biodiversity and are among the last remaining habitats of rare species like the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri Tahr.

Cultural landmarks like Bekal Fort add historical depth, while temples such as Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple and Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple attract millions of devotees and tourists annually, especially during grand festivals like Ekadasi and Shivaratri.

Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveller, Kerala offers a holistic travel experience unmatched by any other region in India. Its seamless fusion of the sacred and the scenic makes it a must-visit destination that touches the heart and soothes the soul.