The Guruvayur Temple, naturally is the main centre of attraction here. The temple can be entered from four gateways, the eastern nada being the main one. All gateways lead to the place where the idol has been enshrined. The walls are covered with innumerable delicate paintings and carvings. In addition to the main deity of Lord Krishna, the temple houses other idols of Sree Ayyappa, Ganapathy and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple.

Guravayur is not only a sacred temple, but also an important centre of culture, where different art forms and the literature of Kerala has been developed. If you are lucky, you can catch many a weddings being performed here, or an annaprasanam, a ceremony when a small infant is fed rice for the first time.

Another place of pilgrimage to visit is Kaladi, the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankaracharya on the banks of the River Periyar. The Sringeri Math is believed to be on the spot where his original house was situated.

A km away from Guruvayur town, is the ancient church at Palayur, believed to have been set up by one of the 12 apostles, St. Thomas. If you want to relax and take a break from the temple excursion, then head to Chavakkad, 3km away with a great beach.

4km from Guruvayur is the famous Elephant sanctuary or the fort, at Punnathur Kotta, where the temple has housed as many as 40 elephants for ceremonial purposes.

Activities: 

The famous Pooram Festival, takes place in the months of April/May at the Vaddakkunnath Temple. This is a ceremony accompanied by fireworks, which carries on through the night, and a procession led by elephants. You could also catch the festivals of Shivratri in March/April and Onam in August/September.

Tourism Info:

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation

KTDC, Mascot Square

Thiruvananthapuram. - 695033.   

Phone: 91 471- 2316736 / 27252213.

Known as Bhoolokavaikunta or Heaven on Earth, this little town in Thrissur district of Kerala, is said to be the one of the most important pilgrimage centres of South India. About 29km from the city of Thrissur, it is famous for the Sri Krishna Temple, said to have been visited by Lord Brahma himself. Legend has it, that Guravayur has been named after Guru Brihaspathi, the teacher of the Gods, and his disciple Vayu, God of Winds, who saved Lord Krishna's idol by enshrining it in this very place.