Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Also called as the ‘Dwarka of the South’, the temple is believed to have been built between 15th - 17th AD by the local king Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran.The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have been built during 17th century AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran.The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi form of Vishnu, holding a whip in his right hand and a conch in his left. During the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping for 12 years.

Ambalapuzha Temple Festival, also referred to as the Champakulam Moolam water festival. This festival is conducted every year on the Moolam day of the Mithunam month of the Malayalam era. The Aarattu festival takes place on the Thiruvonam day in March–April.The marvellous pilgrimage centre is brimming with devotees and tourists alike, all throughout the year. The temple also has a majestic collection of paintings depicting the ten avatars (Dashavatar) of Lord Vishnu which add to the all-around rich cultural ambience of the place. A musical instrument called ‘Mizhavu’ is displayed at the entrance of the temple. .Devotees are also reminded that it is here that the first performance of the legendary Ottanthullal, a powerful satirical folk art that comments on various socio-political issues, was first performed. . Besides, it houses a little pond where you can feed the fish and spend a few minutes admiring the rich heritage of the pilgrim centre.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Ambalapuzha, about 2 km away; Alappuzha, about 14 km away

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 139 km away