Kerala is one of a kind of state which is the epitome of rich culture and heritage. The people here are known for their remarkable devotion and undying love for their traditions and beliefs. It is undoubtedly one of the most culturally rich destinations in the world and is dotted all over with divine temples that redefine architectural masterpiece. Visit Kerala, a haven for spiritual seekers and people who are more religiously inclined or are even starting their quest to higher learning as this southern state is truly the best place for experiencing this type of wonderment.

Here are the top temples of Kerala that should be on your wish list for travel:

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
• Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple
• Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
• Udiyanoor Devi Temple
• Tali Temple
• Sivagiri Temple
• Chottanikkara Devi Temple

01. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Standing tall, covered in all gold and fine intricate designs, and showcasing the grandeur of the legendary Dravidian architecture at its best, this temple of Lord Vishnu is spirituality at its best. Located in Thiruvananthapuram this temple is famed for several reasons apart from being one of the oldest temples in the country. Having found its mention in various ancient texts like the Puranas it drew a lot of media attention when people found several treasures dating back to the olden times. The treasure that was found consisted of golden statues dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Gold Coins, Jewelry, a golden throne, and many more. This place of worship remains thronged with tourists, devotees, and visitors throughout the year.

02. Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple

The people of Kerala are extremely religious and have a strong belief system that they follow strictly, which includes worshipping of various gods and goddesses. Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and serves as the home for the 4 armed standing Krishna Deity who is worshipped here. The idol shows 4 arms of the lord and in each arm, he is seen holding different items in each hand like a conch, Sudarshana Chakra, mace, and the holy lotus basil. Devotees of Krishna from all over the world make it a point to visit this holy temple. Another interesting point of this temple is the presence of a simple water tank where Lord Shiva and his family have been believed to worshipped Lord Vishnu.

03. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

If you are visiting Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple then you must make sure to visit Attukal Bhagavathy Temple as it is situated very close by. You can have a day full of spirituality filled temple hopping experience. Dedicated to the goddess Kannaki who is worshipped as an incarnation of goddess Parvati herself this temple springs to life especially during the Pongal festival that takes place in February or March. Did you know that the Attukal Pongala festival celebration has also found its mention in the Guinness book of world records for being the largest gathering of women for a single religious event in the world?

04. Udiyanoor Devi Temple

Ranking as one of the most famous, ancient, and holiest temples in Kerala, Udiyanoor is situated in Thiruvananthapuram. The unique and the most eye-catching feature about this temple is the presence of an idol that represents both Shiva and Vishnu in one place together which truly seems like an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The interior and exterior of the temple are decorated in a completely traditional south Indian style which gives it a very ethnic look in all. The temple is not only limited to Shiva Vishnu but it also embraces the worship of deities like Lord Ganesha; Sri Madan Thampuran etc. which makes this whole temple experience exquisite.

05. Tali Temple

Kozhikode in Kerala is not only the perfect hill station for a refreshing getaway but the Shiva temple of Tali makes it one of the most spiritually rejuvenating destinations as well. Built during the 14th century by the rulers of Calicut this humble yet powerful temple graces the heart of Kozhikode and is also famed for being one of the oldest temples of Kozhikode. The sanctity of the temple lies in the fact that the Lingum in the Garbhagriha had been installed during the end of the Dwapara Yuga. Ever since time immemorial this place of worship has held a lot of significance for people living in and around Kerala and adds on a feeling of deep spirituality to this beautiful hill station of Kozhikode.

06. Sivagiri Temple

Varkala or the pearl of the Arabian Sea is a gem of Kerala and a major tourist attraction, especially for spiritual seekers. What makes this place even more gorgeous is the presence of the famous and soul-stirring Sivagiri Temple. It is dedicated to Sree Narayana Guru and is ranked among one of the most visited temples of Kerala. You can spot hordes of devotees offering their prayer here all year long. What makes this whole temple experience even better is the location where it is surrounded sprawling lush green meadows. The hillock offers some of the most spectacular views of the scenic natural beauty surrounding it. Inside the temple, you can check out some personal belongings of Guruji since it was once his residence making it one of the holiest shrines.

07. Chottanikkara Devi Temple

Adorning a hillock in the charming port city of Kerala is Ernakulam. A thriving hub of varied biodiversity the omnipresence vibe of spirituality can be felt from the moment you step into this town. The location of the temple offers spectacular sights of the natural beauty below. The humble traditional temple is devoted to the goddess Bhagwati and makes for one of the famous and pious Devi temples of the state. The presiding idol of the goddess is made out of gold and stands tall at a height of 4 to 5 feet tall. She is worshipped as Saraswati in the morning, Laxmi during the afternoon, and as goddess Durga in the evening making it truly a one of a kind experience. The most interesting fact about the idol is that it can be worshipped in 3 different ways and worshipping her is believed to cure the devotees from any ailment that they may be having.