Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Alappuzha
Ambalappuzha, Kerala
The Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a Krishna temple in the Alappuzha district, about 14 km from Alappuzha town. Sources date it to the 15th century, under the local ruler of Chempakassery. It is known above all for its palpayasam, a sweet pudding of rice and milk offered to the deity, of which about 100 litres are reported to be made each day. A tradition says that during the raids of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, the idol of Guruvayur was brought here for safekeeping.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of Lord Krishna at the old temple
- Take the famous palpayasam, the sweet offering, if the temple offers it
- See the temple tank and the traditional Kerala buildings
- Visit as part of a day in Alappuzha, with the backwaters
Ideal for
- Devotees of Krishna
- Visitors who want to try the palpayasam
- Pilgrims travelling between Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram
Good to know
- Most sources give about 4 am to 12:30 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm, so check locally
- Kerala's old temples have strict dress codes, reported as a mundu or dhoti for men and a saree or set-mundu for women, with no Western wear, so check the rules at the gate
- The palpayasam is offered at a fee, and the queue may be long, so ask at the temple office
- Phone and camera rules are not confirmed, so ask at the gate
- Allow about 1 hour
Spiritual significance
Ambalappuzha is one of the best-loved Krishna temples of Kerala, and its palpayasam is known across the state.
Why it matters
- The palpayasam: the rice and milk pudding that the temple is famous for
- A Krishna temple of the 15th century: an old Kerala shrine
- A link with Guruvayur: the idol is said to have been kept here for safety