Guruvayur is a popular pilgrim place primarily loved by travellers for the shrine of Sree Krishna temple itself. But on the visit of the temple town on the Malabar Coastal line of Kerala, you will realise there are lot more exciting places and cultural centres to explore in close proximity.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Guruvayur:
The elephant camp sanctuary at Punnathur Kotta, home to the largest population of male captive Asian elephants which belongs to the temple, just3 km from Guruvayur a heaven appeal to all kids, wildlife and nature lovers.
The Ancient Mammiyur Temple Is Situated At A Walkable Distance Of 200 Metres North West To The Famous Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. The Main Diety Is Lord Shiva In The Form Of Uma Maheswara. Lord Vishnu Is Also Given Equal Importance In A Sanctum Sanctorum Near To That Of Lord Shiva.
The Ancient Mammiyur Temple Is Situated At A Walkable Distance Of 200 Metres North West To The Famous Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple.
In the complex of Sree Valsam guest house, there stand the magnificent and towering statues of Mahaprabhu and Guruyaur Kesavan. The Mahaprabhu statue is a creative representation of Lord Krishna in the form of a giant banyan tree.
The statue of Guruvayur Kesavan is dedicated to the deceased Elephant King, one of the most celebrated elephants in the Lord’s stables and was crowned Gajaraja several times during its life.
One of the most important places to visit in Guruvayur, the Sree Parthasarathy temple is a delight for religious enthusiasts as well as architecture aficionados. It is dedicated to the charioteer form of Lord Krishana - that is, when he accompanied Arjuna as a companion into the battle of Mahabharata.
Located just 3 kms from the most popular temple in Guruvayur, the Sri Krishna temple, the Chowalloor Shiva temple is a gorgeous complex dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Considered as one of the most beautiful tourist places in Guruvayur, the temple is over 1000 years old and is known among locals as one of the 108 abodes of Lord Shiva.
One of the most interesting places to visit in Guruvayur is the Devaswom Museum, located inside the Shree Guruvayoorappan Temple complex towards the east gate. The museum is a must visit destination among cultural buffs and religious enthusiasts because of its extensive collection of gorgeous and expensive offerings that have been made to the 5000-year old deity of the temple.
Guruvayur receives a prodigious deluge of devotees all round the year, and the entire culture, ethnicity and customs revolve around Lord Krishna Temple. Daily Poojas, rituals, special day sacraments and yearly festivals celebrated with ultimate enthusiasm, devotion, and passion comprise the most important segment of life in Guruvayur. Festivals and fiestas like Guruvayur Festival, Chembai Sangeetholsavam, Guruvayur Ekadasi, Vishu, Ashtami Rohini, Kucheladinam, Mandala Pooja, Saraswathy Pooja, Thiruvonam, Puthari, Vaishakha, Samkramam for which Guruvayurappan Temple and the city Guruvayur are renowned all over the map
