Guruvayur

Guruvayur, also known as the Dwarka of the South, is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in India. It is noted for the Sri Krishna temple there, the idol of which is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma at Dwarka.
An equally holy site for the idol had had to be found after Dwarka was to be submerged. The job was entrusted to Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and his disciple Vayu, God of Winds.The long quest ended with the help of Parasurama, legendary creator of Kerala, who led Guru and Vayu

to the present spot where the idol was installed. The spot became known as Guruvayurappan, or the Lord of Guruvayur. The deity is said to possess healing powers and several offerings are made to it.

Among the festivals at Guruvayur are Utsavam (Feb./March) with elephant race, processions and several rituals; Ekadasi -- lasts for 30 days (Nov./Dec.); Chembai Sangeetha Mela -- (Nov./Dec.), a music festival.

ACCESS

Nearest airport is Cochin (90 km). Trichur (29 km) is the nearest railhead. Guruvayur is also easily accessible by road via Trichur which has road connections with important towns within Kerala as well as with neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Lord Shiva's shrine at Mammiyur -- said to be older than the Shri Krishna temple; Parthasarthi temple; shrine of Venkatachalapati of Tirupati; Tamarayur Vishnu temple.

EXCURSIONS

Punnathur Kotta (4 km) -- an ancient fort which houses 40 temple elephants; Chavakkad (3 km) -- has a pleasant beach and mausoleum of Haidross Kuttee, lieutenant of Hyder Ali of Mysore; Palayur (1 km from Chavakkad) -- site of an ancient church believed to be founded by St. Thomas, the apostle.

ACCOMMODATION

Sree Valsam Guest House; Panchajanyam Rest House; Elite Tourist Home; Shri Krishna Bhavan; Devaswom satram; Government Guest House; Kerala Tourism Development Corporation's Mangalyam and Hotel Nandanam.