A Day in Guruvayur

  1. 8:00AM: Guruvayur Temple
    Known as the 'Dwarka of the South', it is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Kerala and dedicated to Lord Krishna. Witness the grandeur of the temple and participate in the morning rituals and offerings.
    Estimated Duration: 2 hours
  2. 10:30AM: Mammiyoor Temple
    Ancient temple situated just 1km from Guruvayur temple and is almost 3000 years old. The architecture, intricate carvings, and paintings beautifully adorn the walls.
    Estimated Duration: 45 minutes
    Distance from last location: 1.1 km (10-mins drive)
  3. 12:00PM: Parthasarathy Temple
    Among the oldest temples in Guruvayoor dating back to the 4000 years. It is a mesmerizing temple with Lord Krishna, Arjuna, and Lord Ganesh as the main deities.
    Estimated Duration: 30 minutes
    Distance from last location: 2.2 km (15-mins drive)
  4. 1:00PM: Guruvayoor Devaswom Institute
    Ahead of the Guruvayoor temple, the Guruvayur Devaswom Institute is a center for advanced research in Sanskrit containing rare manuscripts, Shastras and Vedic texts. A visit to this institute will give you an insight into the rich heritage of Hinduism.
    Estimated Duration: 1 hour
    Distance from last location: 350 m (5-mins walk)
  5. 2:30PM: Elephant Sanctuary
    Spend some time with the magnificent creatures at the Elephant Sanctuary. The sanctuary has a medical center, a nursery, and a feeding center. Visitors can observe the morning and evening feeding and watch them cool off in the pond.
    Estimated Duration: 1 hour
    Distance from last location: 2.3 km (10-mins drive)
  6. 4:00PM: Guruvayur Koothambalam
    Koothambalam is a traditional copper roofed theatre located at the entrance of the Guruvayoor temple, known for its dance rituals, cultural performances, and other events. Stop to admire this magnificent structure and take in the beauty of the architecture.
    Estimated Duration: 30 minutes
    Distance from last location: 550 m (5-mins walk)
  7. 5:00PM: Devaswom Museum
    Devaswom Museum is located next to the Guruvayoor temple and showcases the history of the temple and its deities. The museum also has a collection of antique ornaments, ancient coins, and instruments used for temple rituals.
    Estimated Duration: 45 minutes
    Distance from last location: 500 m (5-mins walk)

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Guruvayur Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Mammiyoor Temple (45 minutes, free)
  • Parthasarathy Temple (30 minutes, free)
  • Guruvayoor Devaswom Institute (1 hour, free)
  • Sanctuary (1 hour, INR 250)
  • Guruvayur Koothambalam (30 minutes, INR 50)
  • Devaswom Museum (45 minutes, INR 20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 320

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, visit Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary and Chavakkad Beach. Also, try the delicious local cuisine at the many food stalls and restaurants around the temple. Keep in mind that the temple dress code is strictly enforced, and visitors must wear traditional attire. Plan your visit accordingly and try to avoid weekends and festival seasons to avoid long queues and crowds.

0