5 ancient temples in Kerala that will leave you awestruck

Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country”, is located on the Malabar coast of India. It is a divine land with beautiful landscapes and is immersed in rich culture and traditions. The beautiful Indian state is home to some beautiful ancient temples, each having unique architecture and a spiritual aura that gives you inner peace.

On this note, let’s have a look at five ancient temples in Kerala that will leave you awestruck! (Image: Canva)

The temples in Kerala are simply stunning and attract travellers, photographers, history enthusiasts and devotees from across the globe. (Image: Canva)

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located inside the East Fort of the city. It is considered to be the world’s richest temple. This shrine is a tribute to Lord Padmanabhaswamy who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" posture. This temple is rich in history with a peaceful ambience. The temple is a beautiful example of a unique blend of Kerala and Dravidian style architecture. It is also among the 108 Divya Desams, which are considered the sacred abodes of Vishnu in Vaishnava tradition.

(Image: Canva)

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is known as the “Dwarka of the South”. This temple is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan, a form of Lord Vishnu in Balkrishna Avtar. The walls of this old temple are adorned with beautiful paintings that depict the story of Lord Krishna and the main doors and the roof of the shrine are covered with gold. It’s a must visit temple in Kerala. (Image: Istock)

The Vadakkumnathan Temple is regarded as one of the oldest and most revered temples in Kerala—and indeed, all of South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is renowned for its distinctive wooden architecture and intricate murals that vividly depict scenes from the Mahabharata. In 2015, it was honored with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation, a testament to its historical and cultural significance. (Image: Istock)

The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala is renowned for its spiritual healing powers and attracts devotees from across the country. Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavati Lakshmi, a form of the Hindu mother goddess, the temple is one of Kerala’s most significant pilgrimage sites. Its traditional architecture features intricate wooden carvings, and the sanctum is often adorned with vibrant floral garlands, adding to the temple’s divine and welcoming aura. (Image: X/@snehalataj)

The Thirunelli temple is one of the most scenic temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Maha Vishu. The temple is located amid the serene Brahmagiri hills and is designed as a mix of Keralan tiled roofs and north Indian-style pillared halls. It’s a place of immense significance for those seeking salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. (Image: x/@physiomayuri03)