'''Gurvayoor''' is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim towns in Southern India.
Get in
By plane
The nearest airport is Nedumbassery (87 km)
By train
Though there is a railway station at Gurvayoor, it is more convenient to take the train up to Thrissur and then take a taxi (approx Rs 300) to Gurvayoor.
By bus
You can get a bus from near Railway station (KSRTC) or a private bus from Shakthan Thampuran Bus Stand.
Aana kota just 2km from gvr.
By car
Get around
See
'''Athirapally''', In the Sholayar ranges, this 80 ft high waterfall is a popular picnic spot.
'''Bhagavathy Temple'''
'''Cheraman Juma Masjid''' (at Kodungalloor), Strange but true this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. The mosque was built in 629AD. This is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started.
'''Cheruthuruthy''', Seat of the Kerala ''Kalamandalam'', renowned world over for its ''Kathakali'' training center. Training in ''Kalamandalam'', ''Mohiniattam'', ''Thullal'' and other art forms of Kerala are imparted here. Ph - 0488-462418
'''Elephant Fort''', Punnathoorkotta, Home to about 50 temple elephants
'''Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple''',
'''Mammiyoor Shiva Temple'''
'''Parthasarathy Temple'''
'''Portuguese Fort'''
'''Saint Thomas Memorial''' (at Kodungalloor) - Formerly called Muziris. One of the apostles St. Thomas is believed to have landed here. The church established by him has some very ancient relics.
'''Sri Krishna Temple''' - Open from 3am in the morning to 9:15pm in the night with a brief closure between 12:30PM to 3:30PM.
'''Thiruvanchikulam Temple''' ,
'''Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple'''
'''Vazhachal''', Nestled among dense green cover the Chalakudy river creates this beautiful waterfall ideal for a picnic.
'''Choolpuram''', Famous tourist spot.
Other attractions
Do
Eat
Around the temple one can find plenty of pure vegetarian restaurants. The cuisine is mostly South Indian. Most restaurants serve good ghee roast dosa.
Drink
Sleep
'''Krishna Inn''', East Nada, 0487-2550777.
Get out
Once you're done with all the temple visits, head to Chavakkad Beach around five Kms from Guruvayur. A beautiful quiet beach during the day. To watch the fishermen bring in their catch get to the beach around 5PM - an awesome sight with a zillion fish on display on the beach itself. I was pleasantly surprised at how clean the beach was despite such frenetic activity - no trash lying around!