Neatly tucked in God's Own Country, Ernakulam is Kerala's global hub for commerce. The district unfolds as a traveller’s paradise, complete with its buzzing streets, waters of the Lakshadweep and Arabian Sea brushing the city edges, cafes tucked between colonial buildings and historical landmarks.

But beneath the rhythm of the new and the old lies something far older and deeply grounding, the temple in Ernakulam that holds a quiet charm. And centuries of devotion, stories and traditions, which, if you pause long enough between the rush, you’ll notice blend seamlessly with the essence of the city, with their unique woodwork, koothmbalams (traditional temple theatre) and uthsavom (festivals). Here, spirituality is not just a part of daily life; it flows right through it.

If you are planning a tour to Kochi, Ernakulam’s temples offer a window into the region’s past, where Jain, Shaiva, Vaishnava and folk traditions coexist in remarkable harmony. Whether you are exploring places to visit in Ernakulam as a tourist, as a pilgrim or a slow traveller, this list of temples in Ernakulam promises moments of pause.

Temple List: Ernakulam

• Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple
• Chengamanad Mahadeva Temple
• Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
• Chelamattom Sreekrishnaswamy Temple
• Thottathil Vishnumaya Muthappan Temple
• Kallil Rock-Cut Temple
• Iringole Bhagvathy Temple
• Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple

 

Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple

This is one of the most revered temples in Ernakulam, surrounded by local legend. According to locals, the Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple stands at the exact location where the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Vamana, first appeared before the legendary king Mahabali. The temple is famous for its exquisite architecture and engravings found on the sanctum sanctorum that date back 2500 years. It is one of the famous temples in Ernakulam that is mentioned in the works of the saints.

Chengamanad Mahadeva Temple

Located at Chengamanad village in Ernakulam district, Chengamanad Mahadeva Temple is one of the most prominent Shiva temples in Ernakulam, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kirathamoorthy. The temple is famous for its annual festivities, mainly the annual festival of Arattu on Thiruvathira in December and January.

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple

Also known as the Shree Bhagavathy Temple, this is one of the most powerful and spiritually charged temples dedicated to Goddess Chottanikkar Amma or Sree Bhagavathi, the Mother Goddess. The deity is worshipped in her forms of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga during different times of the day, thus creating an aura of protective energy, healing and restoration. Surrounded by quiet roads, the temple is like a sanctuary away from the city’s noise.

Chelamattom Sreekrishnaswamy Temple 

Throughout history, the peaceful village of Chelamattom, near Perumbavoor, is said to have been blessed by the presence of three avatars of Lord Vishnu, Lord Narasimha, Lord Vamana and Lord Krishna. The Chelamatton Sreekrishnaswamy Temple offers a more intimate temple experience. The sanctum is complete with stone carvings and beautiful deepastambhams (pillars of light). For travellers exploring famous temples in Ernakulam beyond the well-known shrines, Chelamattom is a reminder of quiet simplicity.

Thottathil Vishnumaya Muthappan Temple

Among the most revered temples in Kochi is the Thottathil Vishnumaya Muthappan Temple in Ernakulam. The temple is dedicated to Vishnumaya Swami, the son of Lord Shiva and Kulivaka, a tribal reincarnation of Goddess Parvati. Vishnumaya Swami is a local folk deity, and the temple carries an intense, earthy energy where rituals are raw, deep and symbolic. This temple holds a special place in the spiritual fabric of Ernakulam.

Kallil Rock-Cut Temple

Cut out from a huge granite block, the Kallil Temple is a shrine to Goddess Bhagavati. It was earlier dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras, but later became a part of Hindu worship. It is believed to be 1,500 years old and 1,500 years old and is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings. Visitors need to climb 120 steps to reach the inner sanctum and take blessings from the deity.

Iringole Bhagvathy Temple

Set within a sacred  50-acre forest of the Ernakulam district, walking into the Iringole Bhagavathy Temple feels like a journey into nature and its deep connection to shakti. The temple worships Goddess Bhagvathy, an incarnation of Goddess Durga is in the form of a baby girl. It is one of the 108 Durga temples in the state, which is said to have been consecrated by Lord Parasurama and dates back to more than 2700 years.

Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple

Also known as Ernakulathappan, the Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple is located at the very heart of Ernakulam city. It is one of those temples where the deities face towards the sea. Historically, it was one of the royal temples built during the rule of the Maharaja of Kochi. The intricate sculptures, gopurams and the carvings create a powerful experience for visitors. It is also one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

 

Tips for Visiting Temples in Ernakulam

• Like any culture, it’s important to respect the local culture and traditions. When visiting temples in Ernakulam, dress modestly. Traditional South Indian attire, complete with dhoti and mundu for males and sarees for females, is preferred at most temples.
• Take off your footwear before entering the temple premises.
• Check the temple timings beforehand to avoid rush hours or closed premises.
• Maintain silence and follow queue discipline during darshan.
• Respect temple-specific rituals, especially at Shiva and Bhagavathy temples in Ernakulam.
• Festivals attract large crowds; consider planning visits early mornings for a cooler, quieter and peaceful experience.

 

Best Times to Visit

Like most South Indian cities, Ernakulam experiences a hot, humid, tropical climate for the better part of the year. From August to February is considered the best time to visit Ernakulam. The temperatures are comparatively much cooler with heavy showers, followed by low humidity and balmy weather as the skies clear up after the monsoon. Best book your Kerala tour packages during this time as this is also the time for festivities and celebrations like Thaipooyam at the Elamkunnapuzha Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple, Vrishchikolsavam at Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple and Kodiyettam and Pakalpooram.

 

How to Reach Ernakulam

By Air

Ernakulam is well connected to the rest of the country and international destinations through Cochin International Airport (COK), located in Nedumbassery, which is approximately 27–30 km from Ernakulam city.

From the airport, one can easily book a taxi or board the airport shuttle, which can take around 45 minutes to an hour to reach Ernakulam’s main railway station.

 

By Train

Ernakulam has two major railway stations, Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station, that bring in travellers daily from across the country.

 

By Road

The town is also connected to Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC), which runs Air-conditioned deluxe buses and Volvos from cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Trivandrum and Chennai.

Reaching Ernakulam is fairly simple. Whether you choose to fly into Cochin International Airport or arrive by train and enjoy the scenic vistas through Kerala, if you prefer planning every part of the journey yourself, Ernakulam’s excellent air, rail and road connectivity offers complete freedom to explore at your own pace. But, if you prefer a well-planned experience where all the logistics are taken care of, you can join our guided group tours to Ernakulam and take the stress out of the travel.

Temples in Ernakulam are more than their sacred architecture. They feel like living spaces that share history and faith with the people who visit them daily. From the powerful presence of the famous Thottungal Vishnumaya Bhadrakali Temple of Ernakulam, Ernakulam Mahadeva temple, or the Kallil Rock-Cut Temple, at the heart of the city lies an ancient energy that speaks a story, which, if you wait long enough to hear, charges the fabric of the universe.

For travellers choosing from our Cochin tour packages, including temples in Ernakulam in your itinerary adds a unique depth to the journey.

 

FAQs

Q1. What makes the temples in Ernakulam distinctive?

Temples in Ernakulam reflect a rich blend of Kerala’s Dravidian architecture, ancient rituals, and spiritual traditions. Many are set amid serene surroundings despite the city’s urban pace, offering a calm, contemplative experience rooted in centuries-old customs.

Q2. Which temples are considered must-visits in Ernakulam?

Notable temples include the Ernakulathappan Shiva Temple, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, and the Thripunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. Each is renowned for its historical significance, unique deities, and vibrant festivals.

Q3. What should visitors know about temple etiquette?

Visitors are expected to dress modestly, remove footwear, and follow local customs. Some temples restrict entry during specific rituals, and photography is often prohibited inside sanctums, so it’s best to observe posted guidelines.

Q4. When is the best time to explore temples in Ernakulam?

Early mornings and evenings are ideal for temple visits, as rituals are performed then and the atmosphere is more peaceful. Festival seasons, especially during March–April and September–October, offer a deeper cultural experience.

Q5. Are temple visits suitable for first-time or international travellers?

Yes, temples in Ernakulam are welcoming and accessible, even for first-time visitors. Many have clear signboards and helpful staff, making it easy for international travellers to understand and appreciate local traditions respectfully.