About Guruvayur
#3 of 24 Places to visit in Kerala
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days
Nearest City to Guruvayur: Kochi (78 Kms)
Best Time to Visit Guruvayur: October to February
Peak Season: November to February
At a distance of 27 km from Thrissur, 84 km from Athirapally, 89 km from Palakkad, 90 km from Kochi, 92 km from Kozhikode, 136 km from Coimbatore, 141 km from Alleppey, 305 km from Madurai, and 309 km from Trivandrum, Guruvayur is a temple town, and municipality in the Thrissur district of Kerala in India. It is one of the revered places of pilgrimage in India, and among the must visit places as part of Kerala tour packages.
Guruvayur is regarded as one of the prominent places of pilgrimage in Kerala due to its association with the historic Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. Often referred to as the Dwaraka of the South, this sacred town holds great importance for Hindu devotees, especially those who worship Lord Krishna. Among the must-include places in Guruvayur tour packages, the Guruvayur temple stands as a magnificent symbol of devotion, featuring intricate architecture, elaborate carvings, and vibrant festivals that draw spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts from far and wide.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna requested Vayu Deva and Guru Brihaspati to relocate his idol from the Dwarka temple to Kerala, as the city was facing the threat of destruction by floods. Consequently, they brought the idol to Kerala and placed it in Guruvayur. The name Guruvayur is a combination of their names: Guru, referring to the title of Brihaspati, Vayu, representing the wind deity, and Ur, a Malayalam suffix meaning city or settlement.
The main attraction of Guruvayur is the famous Shri Krishna Temple. Regarded as the fourth largest temple in India, the temple attracts thousands of devotees annually. Additionally, Guruvayur is home to several other temples, including Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple, Chamundeswari Temple, Chowalloor Shiva Temple, and Ariyannur Harikanyaka Temple. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, Chettuva Backwaters, Chavakkad Beach, and St. Thomas Forane Church - Palayoor are other places to visit in Guruvayur. Beyond its spiritual allure, Guruvayur's lush greenery, coconut groves, and tranquil backwaters provide a picturesque setting for exploring Kerala's cultural treasures and indulging in authentic cuisine and Ayurvedic therapies.
Guruvayur Ekadasi, celebrated in February-March, is the most significant annual festival of Guruvayur. The festivities begin with an exciting elephant race, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Religious festivals like Krishna Janmashtami and Vishu are also observed here with great pomp and fervor. Furthermore, Guruvayur hosts the Chembai Sangeetholsavam, an annual Carnatic music festival in honor of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, a legend in Carnatic Classical Music.
Cochin Airport, located 78 km away, is the nearest airport to Guruvayur. The Guruvayur Railway Station, part of the Thrissur-Guruvayur Section, is well-connected by trains to various cities like Kochi, Thrissur, Chennai, and Trivandrum. Thrissur Railway Station, just 27 km away, serves as a major rail head for Guruvayur. The town also has good road connectivity with cities in Kerala and Tamilnadu.
The ideal time to visit Guruvayur is from October to February, with the peak season being from November to February. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing, along with the added charm of festivals and celebrations. The summer season from March to June tends to be rather hot and humid. While the monsoon season from July to September would bring in refreshing showers and a pleasant change from the scorching heat, but heavy rain could spoil your plans to step out and explore.
The Guruvayur Temple restricts entry for non-Hindus. Dress modestly and respect temple customs.
