Must-SeeThe Reclining Vishnu
An 18-foot Vishnu lying on the serpent Ananta, seen in three parts through three doors.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Kerala's great Vishnu temple in Thiruvananthapuram, with a reclining deity and vaults of treasure. Only Hindus may enter.
- Best Time to Go
- Oct–Mar
Our full guide to Padmanabhaswamy Temple is being written. It's on the South India list as Must-See and India list as Worth a Detour.
What to See
Must-See
Must-SeeThe Gopuram
A seven-tier stone tower, unusual in Kerala, and the part of the temple anyone can see.
Padma Theertham
The stepped temple pool in front of the east gate, with the tower reflected in it.
The Stone Corridor
A long pillared corridor, lit by lamps and lined with hundreds of carved granite pillars.
Go Next
1–3 of 18
Must-SeeThiruvananthapuram
Kerala
About 3.1 miles away
Kerala's capital, home to the great Vishnu temple famed for its reclining deity and vault treasures, with Kovalam beach nearby.
Guide Coming Soon
Worth a DetourVarkala
Kerala
About 25 miles away
Red cliffs above a long beach, with a sacred temple and laid-back cafés.
Guide Coming Soon
Worth a DetourKollam
Kerala
About 36 miles away
The old cashew port at the south of the backwaters, near Ashtamudi Lake and Jatayu.
Guide Coming Soon
The Full Short List
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