Ambalappuzha temple and its milk payasam
Ambalappuzha, about 14 km south of Alappuzha, is home to one of Kerala's most loved Krishna temples, built in the traditional style with a circular sanctum, copper-roofed gateways and a large temple pond. Its fame rests on palpayasam, a pale pink pudding of rice, milk and sugar cooked slowly for hours, offered to the deity at midday and then shared with devotees.
Your guide tells the legend: a king challenged a sage, who was Krishna in disguise, to a game of chess, the prize being rice grains doubled on each square of the board. The king lost, could not pay the impossible amount, and promised instead to serve payasam to pilgrims for ever. The temple is also linked to the development of the Ottanthullal performance form.
The inner temple is open only to Hindus, and a dress code applies: men in dhoti without shirts, women in sari or long skirt. Non-Hindu guests can see the outer areas and gateway, and we usually arrange to buy payasam for you to taste. Temple timings and rules change around festivals, so check current status before you travel. Combine this with a houseboat day or the drive to Varkala.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Can non-Hindus enter Ambalappuzha temple?
The inner areas of Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple are open only to Hindus, as at most traditional Kerala temples. Non-Hindus may usually see the exterior, gateways and temple pond. A strict dress code applies to all who enter. Check current status before you travel, as rules are set by the temple board.
How can we taste Ambalappuzha palpayasam?
The payasam is offered to the deity at midday and then distributed or sold to devotees through the temple counter, usually in limited quantities. Our guide arranges to buy some for you. Arrive by late morning, as it often sells out early, especially on festival days.
How far is Ambalappuzha from Alleppey?
About 14 km south along the coastal highway, roughly 30 minutes by car. It fits easily into a morning before a houseboat boards at noon, or on the drive south from Alappuzha to Varkala or Kovalam. Arrive by late morning for the payasam.
Also in Alappuzha (Alleppey)
More hours to plan around
