The short answer
Ananthapura Lake Temple: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you are in Kasaragod and have a half-day. Go early, dress modestly, and treat it as a temple visit first. Do not expect to see a crocodile, since the famous one died in 2022.
History and context
The story behind Ananthapura Lake Temple
According to tradition, the temple may be the original seat of the deity now worshipped at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Wikipedia notes that the sanctum's original idols were made of medicinal materials and were replaced by bronze figures in 1972.
Useful facts
Ananthapura Lake Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Ananthapura, near Kumbla, Kasaragod district
- Faith
- Hindu (Vaishnava)
- Dedication
- Anantha Padmanabhaswamy
- Visitor note
- Dress modestly; ask about photography rules
- Setting
- Shrine at the centre of a tank of about two acres
Why it matters
Why Ananthapura Lake Temple is worth your time
Ananthapura is unusual in Kerala for its setting, a shrine on a platform in the middle of water. Local tradition holds that it may be the original seat of the deity now worshipped at Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, and the temple is counted among the 108 sacred Vaishnava centres. That gives it a standing beyond the district.
The temple is also welcoming in its practice: Wikipedia notes that it is open to visitors regardless of caste or creed. Its story of a crocodile that ate only offerings has drawn visitors from across India, but the quiet tank and old carved woodwork are reason enough to go.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
A shrine in water
The temple stands in the middle of a tank, which is unusual for Kerala.
- 02
Carved woodwork
The sanctum has wooden ceiling carvings of Vishnu's ten incarnations.
- 03
The crocodile story
Babiya, the temple's crocodile, died in 2022; a smaller one is reported since 2023.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive north from Bekal early, so you arrive before the heat. The temple is at Ananthapura, about 5 km from Kumbla railway station, and the trip is easiest by car. Wikipedia describes it as sitting at the centre of a rectangular tank of about two acres, the only temple of this kind in Kerala, and dedicated to Anantha Padmanabhaswamy.
Walk slowly around the tank and take in the setting before you enter. Inside, the sanctum has wooden ceiling carvings of Vishnu's ten incarnations, and the original idols, made from medicinal materials, were replaced by bronze figures in 1972. Observe temple rules, dress modestly and ask before photographing.
The temple is famous for Babiya, a crocodile reported to have eaten only temple offerings, who died in October 2022. Wikipedia notes that a smaller crocodile appeared in November 2023 and is reported to behave similarly. Treat any sighting as a bonus, since wild animals are unpredictable and visitors should keep a safe distance.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Go early, before the heat
- Dress modestly and remove footwear
- Ask before taking photographs
- Keep a safe distance from any crocodile
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Ananthapura, near Kumbla, about 30 km north of Bekal
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours, plus travel
- Best time
- Morning; October to March
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The temple sits in the middle of a tank and is reached by a path, with a mostly level walk. Floors are stone and can be hot, with little seating, and you must remove footwear. Carry socks if the surface is hot.
- Tickets and access
- Temples in Kerala usually have dress rules, such as covered shoulders and knees, and may restrict photography inside. Check current opening hours and any rules at the gate, and do not assume that every part of the temple is open to all visitors.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ananthapura Lake Temple
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The temple sits in the middle of a tank and is reached by a path, with a mostly level walk. Floors are stone and can be hot, with little seating, and you must remove footwear. Carry socks if the surface is hot.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Will I see the crocodile?
Not reliably. The famous crocodile, Babiya, died in October 2022, and a smaller one has been reported since November 2023.
How far is it from Bekal?
About 30 km north, so it is best as a half-day trip by car.
Is it open to everyone?
Wikipedia notes that the temple is open to visitors regardless of caste or creed, but follow dress and conduct rules.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
