Kerala is a hub of beautiful beaches and backwaters. The food is fresh, the views are breathtaking and the people are amazing. Whilst these are already big attractions for millions of tourists every year, Kerala is also very well famed for its multicultural nature. The churches, temples, and mosques of this place are ethereal and the worshippers live together harmoniously. This state boasts many crowns, one of them being ‘God’s own country’. The religious sites are all deeply entrenched with stories, legends, and bits of history and are major sources of tourists taking a Trip to Kerala to dive deep into a sense of spirituality. 

Kerala houses some of the most prized and architecturally magnificent temples in the world. It would be inappropriate to rate a temple over another considering they’re all a doorway to the higher power but here is Nitsa Holidays’ list of some spots that you cannot miss on your Kerala Tour Plan.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Located in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram is the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The temple houses a large idol of Lord Vishnu reclined on a coiled serpent and a lotus flower sprouting from his belly. Renowned as one of the richest places of worship in the world, this temple is gorgeously decorated with shrines, walkways, and courtyards, all aiding its rich history and beauty. 

Visiting Hours: Daily 3:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Location: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Mahadeva (Shiva) Temple

A beautiful blend of Dravidian and Vedic architecture, The Mahadeva Temple of Ettumanoor is the host of gorgeous wall paintings and murals. The intricate wood designs and the extraordinary painting of Lord Shiva in his Tandava Stance with his head stomping a demon’s head is another glorification of the message “good over evil”. 

A popular spot amongst Shiva worshippers and knowledge seekers, you should not miss to include this in your Kerala Travel Package.

Visiting Hours: Daily 8 AM - 5 PM

Location: Ettumanoor Temple Road, Ettumanoor, Kerala

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple

Built by worshippers of Lord Krishna, this temple is a sacred yet theatrical venue. The Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is famous for its 8-day-long festival of Vrischikolsavam held at the end of the year that includes Kathakali performances, beautiful classical music, and a procession of 15 magnificent elephants parading with the beats of the chenda drum.

Visiting Hours: Daily 4 AM - 8 PM

Location: Poornathrayeesa Temple, Kottakakom, Thrippunithura, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala

Sree Thirunelli Temple

Possibly the most scenic temple anywhere in the world, the Sree Thirunelli Temple is a mix of South Indian and North Indian styles. Located in the gorgeous town of Wayanad, surrounded by lush green forests and beautiful mountains, this temple is celebratory for visitors. 

Said to have been built by Lord Brahma himself to wash off his sins, worshippers are seen taking a dip in the sacred Papanasini river nearby to follow his path.

Visiting Hours: Daily 5:30 AM - 8 PM

Location: North Wayanad, Thirunelli Road, Thirunelli, Kerala

Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple

This unique and iconic temple is a sacred spot of serpent gods. Housing more than 10000 images of snakes and helping in the conservation of multiple species, this temple is a glorious example of how mythological beliefs and sustainable practices can go hand in hand. 

Visiting Hours: Daily 5:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Location: Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Haripad, Alappuzha, Kerala