Guruvayur Temple
A traditional Kerala temple with a golden flagstaff. Only Hindus are allowed inside, and men wear a mundu without a shirt, women wear a sari or a long skirt.
Local tip: Check the Devaswom rules and dress code.
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most visited Krishna temples in India. Dress rules apply and darshan queues can be long on Ekadashi and festival days.
At a glance
| Place | Guruvayur, Kerala |
|---|---|
| Known as | Krishna temple |
| Best time | October to March. Guruvayur Ekadashi is the main festival. |
| Time needed | 1 day |
| Nearest railway | Guruvayur |
| Nearest airport | Kochi |
Panchang at Guruvayur today
- Date13 November 2026
- TithiShukla Chaturthi
- NakshatraMula
- Sunrise / Sunset06:20 AM / 06:00 PM
- Rahu Kaal10:43 AM – 12:10 PM
- Abhijit Muhurat11:47 AM – 12:33 PM
Guruvayur yatra: what to know before you plan
Guruvayur in Kerala is the home of Guruvayurappan, a form of Krishna, and is known as the Dwarka of the south. The temple has strict traditions, including a dress code, and is famous for its elephants at the Punnathur Kotta sanctuary.
Darshan can take long on busy days. Bookings are made through the Devaswom.
Route and layout at a glance
The temple is in the town and has a large tank. The elephant sanctuary at Punnathur Kotta is about 3 km away.
Plan your Guruvayur trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
1 day in Guruvayur
A day trip.
Day 1
- Morning. Darshan.
- Afternoon. Punnathur Kotta.
2 days in Guruvayur
A calm plan.
Day 1
- Daily. Temple and Mammiyur.
Day 2
- Daily. Elephant sanctuary and nearby temples.
3 days: with Thrissur
A culture trip.
Daily
- Daily. Guruvayur, Thrissur Vadakkumnathan and Athirappilly.
5 days: Kerala temples
A longer circuit.
Daily
- Daily. Add Kochi and Sabarimala.
1 week: Kerala
A slower pace.
Daily
- Daily. Add Munnar and Alleppey.
Darshan guide: what to see and why
Punnathur Kotta
A sanctuary with dozens of temple elephants, a short drive away.
Local tip: Check the visiting hours.
Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple
A Shiva temple close to the main temple, traditionally visited with it.
Local tip: A short stop.
Chowallur and the Parthasarathy Temple
Nearby Krishna temples with a calm setting.
Local tip: Combine with Mammiyur.
Best time to go, season by season
| November to February | The best weather and the festival season. |
|---|---|
| Ekadashi (Guruvayur Ekadashi) | Huge crowds. |
| Monsoon | Lush but wet. |
| Summer | Hot and humid. |
How to reach and get around
- By rail: Guruvayur station and Thrissur, 25 km.
- By air: Kochi (Cochin) Airport, about 80 km.
- By road: From Thrissur and Kochi.
Where to stay
Devaswom lodges and many hotels. Book early.
What to eat
Kerala vegetarian meals, with the famous palpayasam as prasad.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wearing the wrong dress.
- Going on Ekadashi without time.
Etiquette
- Follow the dress code.
Day trips from Guruvayur
- Thrissur: About 25 km.
- Athirappilly: About 90 km.
- Kochi: About 80 km.
Festivals and special days
- Guruvayur Ekadashi
- Vishu
- Ashtami Rohini
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Questions people ask
How many days do I need for Guruvayur?
One day.
What is the dress code at Guruvayur?
Men wear a mundu and no shirt, women wear a sari or a long skirt.
Can non-Hindus enter?
No, entry is limited to Hindus.
What is the best time to visit Guruvayur?
October to March. Guruvayur Ekadashi is the main festival.
How many days are needed for Guruvayur?
Plan 1 day.
How do I reach Guruvayur?
The nearest railway station is Guruvayur. The nearest airport is Kochi. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
What are the main festivals at Guruvayur?
Guruvayur Ekadashi; Vishu; Ashtami Rohini.
What is today's tithi and Rahu Kaal at Guruvayur?
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:43 AM to 12:10 PM, worked out for Guruvayur's own sunrise.
Photo credits
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