Ananthapura, Kerala's lake temple
Ananthapura lies in quiet hills about 30 km north of Bekal, near the town of Kumbla. The temple stands on a small rock in the middle of a square lake, reached by a footbridge. It is dedicated to Vishnu as Anantha Padmanabha, and local tradition holds that this is the original home of the deity later enshrined at the great Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The temple is unusual for its idols, which were traditionally made of a mix of medicinal herbs and other materials rather than stone or metal, and for the murals in its outer areas. For many years, a crocodile lived in the lake and was regarded as the temple's guardian; it became famous across India and its death in 2022 was widely reported. A cave near the lake is linked by legend to Thiruvananthapuram.
The temple follows traditional rules for entry and dress; your guide will advise what is open to non-Hindu visitors on the day. The setting is the main attraction: still water, laterite banks, a small mandapam and green hills. We combine the visit with Chandragiri Fort or a Kasaragod Theyyam in the evening. Check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Why is Ananthapura temple special?
It is the only significant lake temple in Kerala, with the shrine standing in the middle of a square lake. Local tradition regards it as the original seat of Anantha Padmanabha, the deity of Thiruvananthapuram's Padmanabhaswamy temple. Its herbal-compound idols and murals are also unusual.
Can non-Hindus visit Ananthapura temple?
Visitors are usually allowed to see the lake and approach the temple, but entry rules and dress codes for the inner areas follow tradition and may differ for non-Hindus. Your guide will advise on the day. Check current status before you travel.
How far is Ananthapura from Bekal?
About 30 km north, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car via Kasaragod and Kumbla. It makes a half-day trip from Taj Bekal, often combined with Chandragiri Fort on the return. The road passes through quiet hill villages and paddy fields once you leave the coastal highway.
Also in Bekal
More hours to plan around
