Ananthapura Lake Temple

Built in the 9th century in the middle of a two acre lake, Ananthapura Lake Temple is considered the moolasthanam, or original abode, of the deity worshipped at Thiruvananthapuram's Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. A bridge connects the mainland to the sanctum, and a resident vegetarian crocodile named Babiya has lived in the lake for decades. Wood carvings depicting the ten avatars of Vishnu line the mandapam ceiling. Dress codes are strictly enforced, and the temple draws devotees especially during Vishu and Vaikunta Ekadasi.