Explore the rich culture, heritage, and undying devotion of the people of Kerala. Temples in Kerala are a beacon of hope for devotees who come to visit them from all across the world. Some of the famous temples in India are among the world’s richest temples, and they should be on your bucket list. Other than being divine places, these temples of Kerala are also architectural wonders.
25 Famous Temples In Kerala
Kerala is a destination that is known for its serenity. We can definitely say that this serenity is not only exuded by the natural marvels but also by the several temples that cover the floor of this town. Here is a list of all the famous temples in Kerala that one should visit if they are in search of peace.
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
- Udiyanoor Devi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
- Tali Temple, Kozhikode
- Sivagiri Temple, Varkala
- Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
- Chottanikara Devi Temple, Ernakulum
- Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala
- Lokanarkavu Temple, Kozhikode
- Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
- Sabarimala Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta
- Ambalapuzha Srikrishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
- Ananthapura Lake Temple, Ananthapura
- Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Parassinikadavu
- Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur
- Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
- Chottanikkara Temple, Chottanikkara
- Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple, Guruvayoor
- Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad Valley
- Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kaviyoor
- Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Mallapuzhassery
- Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom
- Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Haripad
- Lokanarkavu Temple, Villiappally
- Thiruvalla Temple, Thiruvalla
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
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Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. Built in Dravidian style architecture, this temple dates back to 8th century and is considered as one of the oldest Vishnu temples in the country. The idol here reclines on Anantha- the eight-hooded serpent God. The beautiful temple structure, stone carvings and murals pull tourists round the year, but maximum footfall of devotees is seen during Alpashy festival in October and November and Panguni festival in March and April.
Opening hours: Darshan is allowed between;
3:30 Am-4:45 Am (Nirmalyadarsanam); 6:30 Am- 7: Am; 8:30 Am- 10 Am; 10:30 Am – 11:10 Am; 11:45 Am- 12 noon; 5: Pm -6:15 Pm; 6:45 Pm- 7:20 Pm
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2. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
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Located close to Padmanabhaswamy temple, Attukal Bhagavathy is another one of the famous temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Kannaki- an incarnation of Parvati, who is also considered as Supreme Mother and creator of all living beings on Earth. This temple is famous for Attukal Pongala Festival, held every year in February or March. Millions of women from various parts of India participate in this 10- day long festival and cook Pongala- an authentic sweet dish made of rice, jaggery and coconut for the Goddess. Attukal Pongala Festival is enumerated in Guinness Book of World Records as the largest gathering of women for a single religious event, which make sit among the top 10 famous temples in Kerala.
Opening hours: 4:30 Am to 8:30 Pm. Nirmalyadarsanam starts from 5 Am. Usha Puja at 6:30 Am, Ucha Puja at 12 noon and Athazha puja at 7:30 Pm
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3. Udiyanoor Devi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
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Udiyanoor Devi Temple is another place of worship in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a famous Shiva temples in Kerala for Hindus. The shrine of Udiyanoor Devi has four hands, holding weapons with the gesture of Shiva and Vaishnava together. Other deities worshipped in this temple are Lord Ganesha, Nagaraja, Dharma Sastha and Sri Madan Thampuran. This is perhaps the only temple in Kerala, which faces north direction. The major festivals celebrated here are Urootu Mahotsav, Pongala Mahostsav and Thrikkodiyettu. Built 1300 years ago, this is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Opening hours: 4:30 Am to 8:15 Pm. The temple is closed for darshan between 12 noon to 5 Pm.
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4. Tali Temple, Kozhikode
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Kaduthuruthi Mahadeva Thali Temple, locally called Tali Temple was constructed in 14th century. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered as one among the two Brahmanical royal temples built by Zamorin. The is one of the best temples in south India, which is a perfect amalgamation of laterite and wood and brass work, brass carvings and statues are absolutely stunning. Located at the heart of the Kozhikode town, on a hill top near Karamana River, this is one of the oldest temple in Kerala.
Opening hours: 5 Am to 12 noon and 4 Pm to 9 Pm
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5. Sivagiri Temple, Varkala
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Enshrining the tomb of Sree Narayana Guru; Sivagiri Temple is another most visited Kerala temple. The pilgrims in yellow outfit, visit this scared place round the year, particularly between Dec 30 and January 1st. The temple is situated on a huge sprawling land and the samadhi is placed on a hillock. The residence of Sree Narayana Guru is also located in the same premise, where the personal belongings of Guruji is displayed. Guru puja is performed here every day in the afternoon and lunch is offered to all devotees after Guru puja at INR 50.
Opening hours: 5: 30 Am to 12 noon and 4:30 pm to 6:30 Pm
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6. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
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One of the most prominent Kerala temples, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known for splendid Dravidian architecture, murals and paintings, this temple attracts maximum pilgrims during Arattu festival in February and March. The fresco of Dancing Shiva on the walls of the temple is one of the finest artworks in entire south India.
Opening hours: 4 Am to 8:30 Pm. The temple is closed from 12 noon to 5 pm.
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7. Chottanikara Devi Temple, Ernakulum
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Located atop a hill, Chottanikara Devi Temple is one of the most famous devi temples in Kerala, devoted to Goddess Bhagawati. This temple is famous for its idol. The golden idol is 4 to 5 feet tall and is believed to have curing powers for any kind of ailment. Moreover, the most interesting part of this idol is that, it is worshiped in three different ways. The same idol is worshiped as Saraswati in the morning, as Laxmi in the afternoon and as Durga in the evening. If you’re in search of famous bhagavathy temples in Kerala, you search ends here.
Opening hours: 4 Am to 12 noon and 4 Pm to 8:45 Pm. On Fridays and Mandalam occasions, the temple opens at 3:30 Am.
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8. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala
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As the name suggests, Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is dedicated to serpent Gods., This is undoubtedly one of the most mystical temples in Kerala, surrounded by sprawling groves to facilitate the movement of serpents. The temple corridors and walls are decorated with more than 30,000 images of snake Gods. This temple is popular for Uruli Kamizhthal- a special ritual done by the childless couple, to seek blessings for a child. Once they are blessed with an offspring, the couple donates an image of snake God to the temple, as thanksgiving ritual.
Opening hours: 5 Am to 12 noon and 5 Pm to 7:30 Pm. The morning darshan and puja time is extended up to 1 Pm on Sundays.
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9. Lokanarkavu Temple, Kozhikode
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Historically Lokanarkavu Temple is believed to have built by Aryans, Brahmins and Vaishnava, together. Not one, but this temple complex of Lokanarkavu comprises of three separate temples of Durga, Shiva and Vishnu. The shrine is often referred in the ballads of North Kerala, as Thacholi Othenan- a legendary martial hero. This is one of the most visited and most famous temples in North Kerala.
Opening hours: 4 Am to 9 Am and 5 Pm to 7 Pm.
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10. Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
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Declared as a National Monument under AMASR Act, Vadakkunnathan Temple is believed to be the first temple built by Parasurama- the 16th incarnation of Vishnu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Vishnu, Vadakkunnathan Temple boasts of splendid structure, murals and decorated pillars. Thrissur Pooram is celebrated with great zeal and vibrancy here in the months of April and May. During the festival, the temple premise is decorated with ornated elephants and colourful umbrellas and sounds of traditional drums and chants make the ambience not only divine but also mesmeric.
Opening hours: 3 Am to 8:30 Pm. Morning darshan is between 3 Am to 10:30 Pm and evening timing for darshan is between 4 Pm to 8:30 Pm.
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11. Sabarimala Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta
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The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, son of Lord Shiva and Mohini. Lord Ayyappan is also one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Located atop a hill and surrounded by dense forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve, this temple is unique in many ways. Only male devotees are allowed here. Woman below the age of 10 and above 50 are permitted to enter the temple. Devotees visiting Sabarimala Sastha Temple, need to trek uphill, wear blue and black dress, smear Chandan on their forehead and remain unshaven until darshan.
Opening hours: The temple is open for darshan and puja between 3 Am to 11:40 Pm. The temple is closed for couple of hours between 1 Pm to 3 Pm in the afternoon.
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12. Ambalapuzha Srikrishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
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In Ambalapuzha Srikrishna temple, Lord Krishna is worshipped as ‘Unni Krishna’- his child form. This temple was built in 17th century and is famous for Amabalapuzha Temple Festival in July and Aaraattu festival in March and April. Palpayasam is the main prasadam here, offered to all devotees. This is a delectable sweet dish made of milk, sugar and rice. The deity of Unni Krishna is believed to be transported from Guruvayoor, during Tipu Sultan reign, in order to save the shrine from political unrest.
Opening hours: 4 Am to 12:30 Pm and 5 Pm to 8 Pm
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13. Ananthapura Lake Temple, Ananthapura
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This is the only lake temple in Kerala, located at the southernmost tip of the state. The temple is located amid a beautiful lake, supplied with fresh spring water. Babia, the temple guardian is a vegetarian crocodile, that resides in the lake. Lord Ananthapadmanabha- the deity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, is worshipped here. The temple is considered to be the moolasthanam- original abode of the Lord.
Opening hours: 5:30 Am to 12:30 Pm and 5:30 Pm to 7:30 Pm. Morning puja is performed at 7:30 Am, noon puja at 12:30 Pm and evening puja at 7:30 Pm.
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14. Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Parassinikadavu
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Among the most spectacular Hindu temples in Kerala, Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan is located by the banks of Valapattanam River. Featuring spectacular architecture, murals and carvings, this temple is dedicated to Lord Muthappan. The temple is unique in quite a few ways. The temple is open for people across all castes, creeds and faith and it can be a shock for many, to know that, devotees offer alcohol bottles to the God. This is the only temple in Kerala, with dog statues on the entrance gate, hence the temple even allows dogs to enter the premise. Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple provides free meal and accommodation to all its visitors.
Opening hours: 5 Am to 8 Am and 6:30 Pm to 8:30 Pm
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15. Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur
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The list of famous temples in Kerala is incomplete without Guruvayur Temple. Popular as Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, this place is one of the most visited temples in Kerala. Here, the idol of Sri Krishna had been carved out of Patalanjana stone, known for medicinal and therapeutic values. Though numerous devotees visit this temple, every day, but Guruvayur Temple is more famous for marriages and rice feeding ceremonies.
Opening hours: 3 Am to 9:30 Pm. The temple remains closed for darshan between 1:30 pm to 4:30Pm
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16. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
Image Credits: Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple was constructed in the 17th century and is known for being a lot more than just any other place of worship. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is visited by several hundred devotees of the Unni Krishna who was the child form of the Lord. The temple has a beautiful legend attached to itself and it is because of that that the Palpayasam is served at the temple. This dish is as scrumptious as it can get. Another thing that the temple is known for is the deity that has been brought to the temple from Guruvayoor. This took place when Tipu Sultan was reigning and the deity had to be safeguarded from the raid that took place then.
Opening Hours: 4 AM to 12.30 PM, 5 PM to 8 PM
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17. Chottanikkara Temple, Chottanikkara
Image Credits: Roney Maxwell for Wikimedia Commons
Sitting in Chottanikkara is a temple that is home to the Hindu Shrines and adorns the temple architecture that leaves the jaws dropped to the ground. This temple is famous for being home to the presiding deity of Chottanikkara Devi. In this temple, this Devi is worshipped in three forms at different time periods including Goddess Saraswati in the morning, Goddess Lakshmi in the afternoon, and Goddess Durga in the evening. Another deity who is worshipped in this temple is Lord Shiva. There is an aarti that takes place every evening and is a must attend at this one of the famous temples in Kerala.
Opening Hours: 4 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 8PM
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18. Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple, Guruvayoor
Image Credits: RanjithSiji for Wikimedia Commons
This is another one of the famous temples in Kerala that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple is home to the deity of four-armed standing Krishna that can be seen carrying the conch named Panchajanya in one hand, Sudarshan Chakra/discus in one, Kaumodaki/mace in one, and the Holy lotus-basil garden in the last one. This temple witnesses several hundreds of travelers visiting the destination to seek blessings from the Lord all year round. There is also a tank that has Hindu legend of Lord Shiva and his family worshipping Lord Vishnu attached to itself.
Opening Hours: 3:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
19. Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad Valley
Image Credits: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Thirunelli Temple is sitting in the Wayanad Valley and is one of the ancient temples that is covering the floors of Kerala for centuries now. This temple is quite a popular escape for many devotees in the Hindu religion. It is often known as ‘Kashi of South’. One can also find traces of this temple in the Holy Puranas and is believed to have been built by Lord Brahma himself. This temple not only has some magnificent historic tales but also offers some of the most panoramic views of the lush green surroundings that leave one in awe. This shrine is surely a must visit in Kerala.
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
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20. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kaviyoor
Image Credits: Dvellakat for Wikimedia Commons
Also named as Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple by the locals here, Kaviyoor Mahadeva is one of the most sacred shrines that one can ever visit in Kerala. This temple is home to three deities namely Lord Shiva, goddess Parvati, and Lord Hanuman, and hence, witnesses devotees of all three visiting on a regular basis. It is believed to be built back in the 10th century which makes it fall in the list of oldest temples in Kerala. The legend says that the Shivling that is found in this temple was actually installed by Lord Rama himself on his way back to Ayodhya after defeating the demon Ravana. Sitting atop a hill, this is one of those temples in Kerala that is famed for tranquility and stunning views.
Opening Hours: NA
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21. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Mallapuzhassery
Image Credits: Akhilan for Wikimedia Commons
This temple is one of the Divya Desams in the southern region and that is what makes it one of the significant temples in Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is worshipped in the form Parthasarathy. This is the character of Krishna who can be seen on a chariot with Arjun in the Holy Epic of Mahabharat. This is one of the important temples where the sacred jewels called Thiruvabharanam of Ayyappan are carried in the procession to Sabarimala. The golden attire of Ayyappan is also housed in the walls of this temple.
Opening Hours: 4 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM
22. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom
Image Credits: Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the revered temples in Kerala that one should surely visit. This temple is a part of the trisome of Shiva temples that also includes Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva and Ettumanoor Shiva Temple. Whoever visits Kerala to pray at the Shiva Temples is believed to visit all three before ‘Ucha Pooja”. By visiting the temples, it is said that all the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this temple, unlike many others. The legend says that the Shiva Ling has been established in the Treta Yuga and is certainly amongst the oldest ones in the state.
Opening Hours: NA
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23. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Haripad
Image Credits: Vibitha vijay for Wikimedia Commons
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is known for being the most popular temple dedicated to the Serpent God named Nagaraj. This temple is nestled in the massive forest area and considered to be the largest one in the entire state. Serpent Gods are believed to bless the infertile women that visit the temple. The women who bear children post their visit to the temple are asked to return and pay gratitude to God. One can observe around 30,000 images of snakes on the walls of this temple. Every devotee with a wish brings one photo of a snake along and places it at the temple. It is among the intriguing temples in Kerala.
Opening Hours: 05:00 AM-12:00PM, 05:30PM – 07:30 PM
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24. Lokanarkavu Temple, Villiappally
Image Credits: Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons
The Lokanarkavu Temple is situated in Vellappally and was constructed under the Aryans Vaishnav Brahmins. This temple complex further has three temples sitting in the premises that are dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. The shrine is often talked about in the northern region of Kerala because of Thacholi Othenan, who was a martial hero and also a devotee of Goddess Durga. Legend has it that the martial hero considered Goddess as their family goddess. It is one of the beautiful temples in Kerala.
Opening Hours: 5 AM to 11 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM
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25. Thiruvalla Temple, Thiruvalla
Image Credits: Getpraveennair for Wikimedia Commons
Out of all the temples in Kerala, it is Thiruvalla Temple that is a highly orthodox one. This temple is famous for its grand architecture, serene vibes, and the beautiful sculpture of the God. The temple is dedicated to Purusha as Lord Sreevallabhan. This is also one of the Divya Desams that adorns stone-wooden carvings and has walls covered in the finest mural paintings that one has ever witnessed. There is a Kathakali performance that is staged in the temple every day. The shrine here is considered to have contributed to the cultural and educational aspects of the state.
Opening Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM
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Planning a trip to Kerala soon? If so, make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to embrace the serenity and essence of spirituality that each of these temples in Kerala has to offer. The architecture of these marvels is surely worth capturing to make your Instagram more aesthetic. What do you think?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Kerala
How many temples are there in Kerala?
As per the most recent survey, there are a total of 104 temples in the Indian state of Kerala.
Why are Kerala temples different?
Most of the temples in Kerala have a very intriguing architecture despite not possessing features like large gopurams or stonework, which is otherwise typical of most South Indian temples. Besides, the temples in Kerala are famous for the Tantric rites performed here in association with the deity in that particular temple.
Which are the tantric temples in Kerala?
You’ll be able to see extensive Tantrik rituals or tantra mantra at the temples of Chirkkadavu Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kumaranelloor Devi Temple, and Kiliroo Kathyani Temple, among others.
Which is the first temple in Kerala?
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple located in Thiruvananthapuram is believed to be the first ever temple to have been built in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is also one of the oldest Vishnu temples in the country.
Who built Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple was built in the 16th Century by the kings who ruled over the then kingdom of Travancore. Local legends say the Travancore kings sealed immense riches within the thick stone walls and vaults of the temple.
Is Padmanabhaswamy Temple made of gold?
It is believed that there is a certain chamber inside the Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Kerala whose walls are made out of solid gold.
How old is Guruvayoor Temple?
The Guruvayoor Temple of Kerala is believed to be about 5,000 years old though there aren’t really any historical records to support this theory. Pilgrims and worshippers strongly maintain that this temple was established by the two sages appointed by Lord Krishna to remove the idol from his temple in Dwarka and place them here while the city of Dwarka was being destroyed.
Which is the most famous temple in Kerala?
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple located in Thiruvananthapuram is the most famous temple in Kerala.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
