Being a small temple town, reglious activities tops the list.
shopping
The East Nada Gate and West Nada are major commercial alleys with several shops sellings traditional Kerala handicrafts, souvenirs, lamps, brasswares, paintings all related to Hinduism. Apart from handicrafts, Guruvayur is famous for its large unique variety of savories especially the supersize Guruvayoor Padappadams, Murukkus, sweets etc.
Guruvayur is also one of the largest centers of devotional music centers, with dozens of music stores selling several records of chart-busters devotional albums and audio/video cds.
cultural
The Melpathur Auditorium located outside the temple is a regular venue for various cultural performance. People irrespective of caste, religion etc can attend and watch the regular performances at the hall. Mostly there are classical dances, music recitals as well as recitals of Bhagavatam sacred Krishna scriptures.
Watch training classes for Krishnaattam performers at Krishnaattam Academy or try a hand in painting of Kerala murals at Institute of Mural Paintings.
festivals
Guruvayur Festival; The annual Guruvayur festival is in months of Febuary-March, as per Malayalam calendar and zodiac signs. The festival is for 10 days. The festival kicks off with Great Elephant Race, where selected 10 or 15 elephants of Guruvayur temple will race from Manjualla a baniyan tree located nearly 1 kilometer from temple gate to the temple. The first elephant who enters the temple gate and complete 3 rounds inside the inner-layer of temple will be adjourned as winner. Winning elephant wins the right of holding deity for processions for all days during festival, apart from a special feast. Large number of tourists attend the opening day of festival, to watch the Elephant race, which is a feast to eyes. Special feasts are arranged for devotees on all festival days.
Guruvayur Ekadesi; This is one of the main festivals of temple, held on Ekadeshi day of month of November, where the temples are illuminated with more than 10000 lamps. A week before the Ekadeshi, the Vilakku or Lamp festival commences, where devotees or various associations sponsor lighting of all lamps of the temple.
Chembai Sangeetholsavam; The musical feast is the highlight of Guruvayur Ekadeshi day, where more than 1200 musicians all over the country performs classical music performances. For a week prior to Ekadeshi, the musical festival starts, though the main highlight is on Ekadeshi where group performances of all leading musicians happen. The music festival ends with grand recital of Pancharatnakireethanam a rare classical note. Several music lovers all over the country, visit to hear the grand recitals.