29 kms west of thrissur, guruvayoor is one of the most important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Even if you are remotely acquainted with Hindu culture, religion or mythology, the name “Guruvayur" should strike a familiar chord with you. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. Today Guruvayur is synonymous with the Sree Krishna or Guruvayurappan Temple located there so that when anybody says he is going to Guruvayur, it is understood that it may be to this famous temple. An insight into the temple and its presiding deity would be pertinent here for your benefit. Adorned with the holy tulasi (Basil) garland and pearl necklace the Lord here appears in all radiance - a mere glimpse, and your search for spirituality has found its meaning.

History
Guruvayur is a very important pilgrimage centre, also known as the Dwarka of the South. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The legend goes like this: The temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was destroyed when the holy city of Dwarka was submerged under the sea. Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and his disciple Vayu, God of Winds were entrusted with the job of finding an equally holy spot for a new temple, to install the idol. At the end of a long pursuit, they reached Kerala and met Parasurama, legendary creator of Kerala. He led them to a beautiful lake full of lotuses, the present temple tank, Rudratirtha. The idol was duly placed at this spot and called Guruvayurappan, or the Lord of Guruvayur.

Climate & Geographical Location
The climate is tropically humid throughout the year. Guruvayur is located around 29 Km from Thrissur.

Guruvayur Tourist Places

• Sri Krishna Temple
  The attraction of this temple is the grand deity of Lord Sri Krishna. The temple small in comparison than the other south Indian temple is entered through the east direction. The eastern gateway is known as the Bholoka Vaikuntham and is the main entrance to the temple. The other enclosures contain a 110 ft high gold plated dwajastambam or flag ship. To both side of the flag post are the pillars of lamp providing a spectacular view at night with its circular receptacles.
  
  
• Zoo and Art Museum
  The state Art Museum and the Zoo are situated at a distance of just 2 km from the central city of Trissur. Both the Zoo and the Museum are enclosed with the same boundary wall and is home to a large variety of preserved species. There is also a snake park to add to the charm of the Zoo. Within the museum are displayed various collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery along with the idols and the traditional antiques of Kerala.
  
  
• Punnathoorkotta
  Just 2 km from Guruvayur in the place called Punathoorkotta, lays the largest elephant park in the world. The park consists of about 60 tuskers that are the beauty of the place. The tuskers are donated by the devotees to the pilgrim place of Guruvayur. These elephant are brought as ritual offering to the temple and are groomed at this place. It is really an interesting sight to see at a time so many elephants in harmony with each other. This lovely elephant sanctuary is attached to the Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor. The open green area is the home of around 55 temple elephants. An utterly captivating place indeed!
  
  
• Arattupuzha
  The famous Ayyappa temple at Arattupuzha is just 14 kms south of Thrissur town. The temple here is a major attraction especially at the time of the annual Pooram festival that takes place in the months of April-May. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial procession carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighboring temples to this village.
  

How to Reach

• By Air
  The nearest airport to Guruvayoor is at Nedumbassery, Cochin. Nedumbassery - 80km , Calicut (Karipur airport- 100 km .
  
  
• By Rail
  Railway station is located at a walk able distance of nearly half kilometer from East Nada. Here is a frequent shuttle service between Thrissur and Guruvayoor and from Thrissur you can board other trains.
  
  
• By Road
  Several state-owned and private buses as well as taxis regularly ply between Thrissur and Guruvayur. Bus connections are also available to all the important towns of Kerala as well as neighboring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.