Sabarimala Temple, one of the holiest and the most scenic temples in India

Located on the banks of the sacred Pampa River, on the edge of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabarimala is one of the famous temples of India.

Dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, it is one of the few religious sites held sacred both by the Vaishnava and Shaivite sects of Hinduism.
High atop a plateau in the Sahyadris of Kerala, the temple commands an imposing view of the lush green mountains on all sides.
Sabarimala is the symbol of secularism as it celebrates several deities held sacred by different sets of Hindus as well as includes the shrine of Vavar, considered as the close friend and devotee of Lord Ayyappan.
This inter-mingling of faiths lends a divine feel to the temple complex while the beauty of nature does the rest.
The Patinettampadi or 18 holy steps leading to the main temple or the Sannidhanam as well as smaller temples of Ganapati and other deities form the entire temple complex in the hills.

Picture Photos Video of Sabarimala Temple Kerala

Best time to visit Sabarimala Temple

November-January

How to reach or Travel to Sabarimala Temple Kerala

By air
The closest airports are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Nedumbassery. Visitors can proceed by rail or road from here to Pampa where the temple is located.

By rail
Pilgrims can take a train up to Kottayam, Punalur or Chengannur and proceed from there by road to Pampa.

By road
Pampa is well-connected by road to Kottayam, Pandalam, Punalur, Alleppey, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. State run buses operate between Palani and Thenakshi to Pampa.

Map of the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala

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Hotels and Resorts around Sabarimala Temple Kerala

Several pilgrim centers operated by the temple administration offer accommodation for pilgrims.
Visitors may also put up in local hotels and lodges in Erumeli or Kottayam.

Hotels in Kottayam:
Puzhayoram Heritage Resort
The Lake Village Heritage
Taj Garden Retreat
Hotel Prince
Vembanad Lake Resort
Hotel Aida
Tipsy Hotel
Hotel Nithya
Anjali Hotel
Lake Valley Backwater Cottages
Hotel Windsor Castle

Places to visit around Sabarimala Temple

Vavar Shrine
Homakunda
Bhasma Kulam
Malikappurathamma Temple
Shrines of Kaduthaswamy & Karuppaswamy

adminTemples India, Temples Kerala29 Sep, 20081 Comment »

Lord Krishna’s temple, The Guruvayoor in Thrissur

It would be unkind to describe the Guruvayoorappan Temple without delving a bit into the history and legend behind it.
As is true for every temple in India, numerous stories are associated with the same temple and Guruvayur is no different.
The presiding deity here is of Mahavishnu, although the idol is worshipped as Lord Krishna, who is one of the avatars of Vishnu.
The idol here is claimed to have been worshipped for more than 5000 years, a process which continues till date with thousands of devotees waiting for a glimpse of the beautiful idol in the inner sanctum.

Besides worship, major festivals, cultural activities and instruction in traditional art forms like Krishnattam are actively propagated by the temple administration.

Picture Photos Video of Guruvayoor Temple Kerala

Best time to visit

March-September

How to reach or Travel to Guruvayoor temple Kerala
By air
The closest airport is the Kochi International Airport at Nedumbassery 80 kms away. The other airport is the one at Calicut.

By rail
Guruvayoor railway station is the closest and it is connected to Thrissur where some of the major trains halt.

By road
The National Highway running through Kunnamkulam is the fastest road link to Guruvayoor which is located 8 kms. away.

Map of the Guruvayoor Temple Thrissur Kerala

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Hotels & Resorts in/around Guruvayoor Temple Thrissur Kerala

Hotel Bhasuri Inn
Hotel Sopanam Heritage
Krishna Inn
Hotel Elite
Hotel Fort Gate
Hotel R.V. Tower
Hotel Vishak International
Mayura Residency
Hotel Nandanam
Hotel Vanamala Kusumam
Murali Resorts
Poornima Tourist Home
Rvee’s Hotel Regency

Things to do around Guruvayoor Temple

Guruvayoor Temple Festival
The Mural Institute
Krishnattam performance
Temple Museum
Keezhedam of Kaveedu
Keezhedam of Narayanakulangara
Keezhedam of Anjur

adminTemples India, Temples Kerala29 Sep, 2008No Comments