One-Day Itinerary for Guruvayur

1. 7:00 AM: Guruvayur Temple
   Less than 5 minutes from most hotels in the area.

   Visit the Guruvayur Temple located in the heart of Guruvayur. One can seek blessings of the deity and experience the unique architecture of the temple.

2. 9:00 AM: Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
   15 Minutes (3.5 KM) from Guruvayur Temple

   Visit the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary to experience an up-close encounter with the gentle giants. This sanctuary is home to more than 50 elephants and is maintained by the Guruvayur temple authorities.

3. 11:00 AM: Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple
   2km (10 minutes) from the Elephant Sanctuary

   Visit the Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the banks of the river Nethravathi.

4. 12:00 PM: Lunch at Hotel Sopanam Heritage
   5 minutes (1km) away from Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple

   Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine at Hotel Sopanam Heritage located in the heart of Guruvayur. Be sure to try some of the local favorites, like Karimeen Pollichathu or Appam.

5. 2:00 PM: Chavakkad Beach
   6 km (20 minutes) from hotel Sopanam Heritage

   Relax and unwind at Chavakkad Beach located on the outskirts of Guruvayur. Take a dip or sunbathe on the white sandy beaches overlooking the majestic Arabian sea.

6. 4:30 PM: Statue of Shankara Narayana
   7.5km (20 minutes)from Chavakkad beach

   Visit the Statue of Shankara Narayana situated on the bank of the Chettuva backwaters. This 45 feet tall statue is modeled after the Sri Adi Shankaracharya, a philosopher and theologian of the 8th century.

7. 5:30 PM: Chettuva Backwater Cruise
   Less than 1 km from the statue of Shankara Narayana

   Experience the beauty of the Chettuva Backwater Cruise. Enjoy serene views of the water backways and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as otters, jackals, and a variety of birds.

Time and Cost Estimates:

• Guruvayur Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary (1-2 hours, INR 100 for adults, INR 25 for children)
• Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple (1 hour, free)
• Lunch at Hotel Sopanam Heritage (1 hour, INR 500 for two people)
• Chavakkad Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Statue of Shankara Narayana (30 minutes, free)
• Chettuva Backwater Cruise (1-2 hours, INR 300 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 1400-1600 for two people.

Useful Tips:

If you have extra time, consider visiting more temples and historical sites in Guruvayur to learn about the city's rich history. If you are traveling with children, consider visiting the Dream World Water Park or the Vazhani Dam. For those with less time, skip the Chavakkad Beach and Statue of Shankara Narayana and spend more time at the Guruvayur Temple.