The only lake temple in Kerala, Ananthapura lake temple is a Hindu temple that was founded way back in the 9th century. Located around 30 km from Bekal, it is the Moolasthanam or the original abode of Ananda Padmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. It is believed that this was the original site where the Lord settled himself down. The temple has that idol of Sree Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu where he is seated on the serpent god, Adisesha.
A 150-yr old crocodile, Babia at the temple lake (302 feet) is a prime attraction. The locals believe that the crocodile is the guard of the temple. The temple complex is spread in an area of around 2 acres. The complex also has a cave on the right-hand side of the lake. It is believed it was through this cave that Lord Ananda Padmanabha walked all the way to Thiruvananthapuram.
Timings: 5:30 pm – 12:30 pm (morning) and 17:30 pm – 19:30 pm (evening)
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod railway station (14 km)
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport (222 km)
