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Alleppey
(Allaphuzha)
Ambalapuzha
- Sree Krishna Temple
This is 14 kms. Away from Alappuzha and has been built in the
typical Kerala architectural style. This temple is famous all
over India, for Palapayasam, sweet milk porridge, offered
daily in the temple. The main festival of this temple is held in
March/ April.
Arthunkal-
St. Sebastian's church
Built by Portuguese missionaries, this church is an important
Christian pilgrim centre, which is near Sherthallai, 22kms North of
Alappuza. The feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated here with great
honour in January.
Champakulam
- St. Mary`s Church
This is one of the oldest churches in Kerala, and according to
people belief, it is one of the seven churches established by St.
Thomas. The feast is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of October.
Chavara Bhavan - Holy
Shrine
6kms. From Alappuzha, accessible only by boast that is the ancestral
home of blessed Kuriakose alias Chavara, which is a spiritual resort
and holy shrine for thousands of Devotees, who gather for prayer and
beacon of light is preserved here in it's original and primitive
forum.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy temples
There is a festival celebrated here during February or March, called
Kettukazha, which is very famous for its processions of
tall-decorated structures in chariots where images of horses and
bullocks are displayed.
Edathuva Church
This church was built in honour of St. George in 1810, is believed
that prayers offered in this church help to heal all mental
disorders and other ailments. It is 24kms. From Alappuzha, and
pilgrims from all parts of south India, irrespective of caste and
creed, visit this church and seek blessings from the saint during
the 3 days feast held on 5th, 6th and 7th of may.
Karumandi- Buddhist Centre
A village situated in the east of Ambalapuzha, is famous for a black
granite figure of Buddha, called Karumandi Kuttan, which is
centuries old, and have many interesting legends connected to it.
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Manmarasala-
Sree Nagaraja Temple
This beautiful temple situated 32 kms. Away from Alappuzha near Harippad
is dedicated to the king of serpents, Nagaraja. It is an international
pilgrim centre and is believed that childless couples, who pray with
devotion at this temple, are blessed with children. Also a special
turmeric paste available at the Serpent shrine has the power to cure
leprosy.
Maramon
Kozhenchery is the venue of the great Christian religious convention
called Maramon Convention. It is held on the vast sands of the River Pamba
is said to be the biggest religious gathering of Christians in Asia.
Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
It situated in the heart of Alleppey town, dedicated to Goddess
Rajarajeswari. The nine days Navarathri festival is celebrated with great
devotion and importance. The last two days are most auspicious. Colourful
processions participated by nine elephants are held in the evening. Also
many cultural programmes are held in honour of this festival for thousands
of devotees who come there.
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Jewish
synagogue
This is the oldest synagogue, which was built in 1568. It is
well known for the 18th century hand printed, willow patterned
flow tiles from china, the great scrolls of the old testament, a
clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, ancient scripts
on copper plates etc. there are also gold and silver crowns
gifted to the synagogue by various patrons.
Mattanchery
Jewish Synagogue
Kalady - Adi Sankaracharya
10kms away from Alwaye is a famous pilgrim center Kalady,
situated on the banks of River Periyar, which is the birthplace
of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher of the 8th
century. There is a shrine dedicated to him in the name of
Dakshimurthy and a temple of goddess Sharada. Also and ancient
Shri Krishna Temple is situated close by, which was the family
temple of Adi Sankaracharya, known as the International temple
dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna. There is also a place situated
there called the crocodile ghat, where this great philosopher
took his vows of renunciation.
Malayattoor - St. Thomas
47 kms from Kochi is a famous Catholic Church, built on the 609
feet high Malayattur hill dedicated to St. Thomas, as it is
believed that he had once prayed here. Thousands of devotees
visit this church to pray during the annual festival "Malayaattur
Perunnal", which is held during March- April.
Munnikkal Guhalayam
This place is located on the top of a hill at Chengamanad, 30kms
north of Kochi. It is believed that sage Jangaman live here 2000
years ago. A famous temple of Lord Murugan is located on the
spot, where the sage is said to have meditated, which was later
consecrated by Chattambi Swamikal in 1898. This place got the
name " Munikkal Guhalayam' which means 'Sages Rock
Cave"
Pazhur
25 kms towards the south east of Kochi, near Piravom is the
place Pazur. It is believed that Shiva Temple here is nearly
1800 years old. The River Muvattupuzha flowing westward from the
east, changes direction on reaching the temple, otherwise the
temple would have been washed away. This place is important for
astrologers who believe that it is blessed with divine powers.
Santhanagopala Krishnaswamy Temple
This is one of the oldest temples in India. The original
foundation of this temple was laid in 947 BC, according to the
inscription found in the temple.
St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin
Built by Portuguese, St. Francis Church in memory of Franciscan
Friars in 1503. This is the first European church in India. It
was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an
Anglican church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by
the protestants in south India. Vaso-Da-Gama was buried here.
But fourteen years later, his mortal remains were taken to
Lisbon, in Portugal. His tombstone still remains here.
Vamanamoorth Temple
In Thrikakkara near Ernakulam is this beautiful temple where the
inscriptions from the 10th to 13th century are found.
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Kaveri
Mount
This is a famous pilgrim centre on the way to Kattappana, and it
resembles mount Cavery where Jesus Christ was crucified.
Mangala Devi Temple
The ancient temple, 15Kms from Thekkady, is hidden in the dense
woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The temple
built in the traditional Kerala Style of architecture visitors
are allowed here only on Chitra Pournami festival day. The peak
commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and
small hill villages of Tamil Nadu.
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Kuttichira
The stone inscription found in Maccunti Mosque at Kuttichira, reveals an
interesting aspect in the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their
patronage of Islam in Kerala. The architecture of this ancient mosque
bears great resemblance to the typical temple complex with pillars,
ventilators and huge tank.
Lokanarkavu Temple
This temple, which is associated with the heroes and heroines of the
Vadakkanpattu, combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura. The
candid murals and carvings are a delight for art lovers.
Tali Temple
Built by Swamy Thirumudpad, a Zamorin, in the 14th century, within the
palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the
annual cultural festival and intellectual event at the Zamorins court.
Thodikalam
Temple
34 kms Southeast of Kannur, located 2 kms from Kannavam on the
Thalasseri-Mananthavady road, this temple is famous for its mural
paintings. It s believed to have been constructed with the Pazhassi Raja
family of Kottayam.
Trichambaram Temple
20 kms from Kannur, near Taliparamba town on the national highway is a
scared place of the Vaishanava cult, the deity of the temple is Sree
Krishna. The annual temple festival, usually held in March, is a colorful
event.
Cherukunnu
Famous for its Anna Poorneswari Temple, the weeklong annual festival falls
in April. There is a Kathakali Panchavadya school called Ashtikalaya near
the temple
Dharmadam Island
About 3 kms from Thalassery lays the small island of 'Dharmadam'. This
tiny 5-acre island is covered with coconut palms and green bushes, which
is a beautiful sight from the beach. A bus ride from Thalassery will take
one to the place of destination but permission is required to enter this
privately owned island. This place was earlier known as Dharmattanam,
getting its name from the popular belief that it was a Buddhist monastery
earlier, as Buddha's images are said to been excavated from this place.
Kottiyoor
There is a famous Siva Temple here, on the banks of the River Bavali.
During the month of May or June, lakhs of devotees attend the annual
festival that lasts for 27 days.
Madayi Para (Sacred Town)
28 kms from Kannur, the Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadukunnu Temple and the
7th century mosque built by Malik bin Dinar make this a sacred town. The
mosque is built of white marble brought from Arabia. There is also a
wonderful fort at Madayi, which was built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore, the
view from fort is fascinating, close by is the Madayi beach which is also
splendid.
Sree Muthappan Temple
At Parassinikadavu on the banks of the Valpatanam River, 18 kms from
Kannur is the Sree Muthappan Temple dedicated to Lord Muthappan, believed
to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple in Kerala
where Theyyam, the ritual dance form of North Kerala is performed daily.
The temple's non-conformist nature is also evident in the musical custom
of offering dried fish and toddy to the deity. There is also a Kathakali
club in the temple that arranges shows on request. The performances begins
after 6.00 p.m. and lasts for 2 1/2 hrs. Also near the temple is the
Parassinikadavu snake park.
Sree Ramaswamy Temple
23 kms from Kannur, the temple dedicated to Sri Rama is one of the most
prominent temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings in the temple are
nearly 400 years ago.
Taliparamba (Siva Temple)
This small town is famous for spices trade. Near the taluk Headquarters is
the Taliparamba Siva Temple. The District Agricultural form at Karimbam is
famous for the different varieties of mango cultivation and the Panniyoor
Pepper Research Station nearby is 20 kms from here.
Taliparambu (Vishnu Temple)
The Thiruchambaram Vishnu Temple at Taliparambu is an example of medieval
temple architecture. Said to be built date back in the 10th century, this
temple offers sights of stonewall murals and woodcraft work.
Thodikalam Temple
34 kms Southeast of Kannur, located 2 kms from Kannavam on the
Thalasseri-Mananthavady road, this temple is famous for its mural
paintings. It s believed to have been constructed with the Pazhassi Raja
family of Kottayam.
Trichambaram Temple
20 kms from Kannur, near Taliparamba town on the national highway is a
scared place of the Vaishanava cult, the deity of the temple is Sree
Krishna. The annual temple festival, usually held in March, is a colorful
event.
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Anandasram
(spiritual centre)
15 kms from Bekal, this internationally renowned spiritual
centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful
ambience best suited for medication and spiritual studies.
Ananthapura (Lake Temple)
This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is
12km. northeast of Kasargod. It is the Moolasthanam (original
seat) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sri padmanabha Swami
Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Bela (church)
15 kms north of Kasargode, is the famous church of Our Lady of
Sorrows, which is the oldest in the district, constructed in
1890.
Kanhangad (Spiritual centre)
Known also as Hosdurg, after the new fort built by Somashekara
Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty, this place is well known because of
Nithyanadashiram an international spiritual centre which in 4kms
east of Kanhagad town.
Madhur Temple
8kms from north Kasargode town is the Srimad Anantheswara
Vinayaka Temple, also known as Madhur Temple, as it races
majestically against the beautiful landscape of the Madhurvani
River. This Temple is well known for its rich architecture and
copper plate roofing.
Madiyankulam Temple
The Bhadrakali temple at Kanhangad, in Hosdurg is famed for its
Bhutha dance (Devils dance) performed in connection with the
annual festival held in May or June and December or January.
Malik Deenar Mosque
Kasargode acquired over the years considerable importance as a
centre of Islam on the west coast. The historic Malik Deena Juma
Masjid (Mosque) built in the typical Kerala style is believed to
be founded by Malik Ibin Deenar. It is one of the best-kept and
most attractive old monuments in the district and is located at
Thalankara.
Manjeswaram
A number of temples and fifteen mosques make this cashew-growing
town a prominent Pilgrim centre. The memorial of the late Sri
Govinda Pai, the grand patriarch of Kannada literature is
situated at Manjeswaram. Kanwatheertha beach, which is just 3kms
from here is a large swimming pool, and the hike formation of
the sea on the vast beach, makes it the main attraction here.
Another important attraction of this place is the cultural
Kalayottam (bull race) contest, which draws crowds of people
from different parts of the state.
Sree Mahalinheshwara Temple
45kms from Kasargode, located in wooded surroundings on the
southern banks of the river Payasurini, the ancient Shiva Temple
contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada Script, which was
ascribed to the Western Chalukya king Kirthivaram II (745-755
A.D).
Bharananganam
This is one of the important pilgrim centres of the Christians
in Kerala. The mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa (1916-46), who
was pronounced as blessed is kept in St. Mary's Church here.
This 1000 yrs old church features an attractive grotto of Virgin
Mary.
Changanachery Thrikodithanam Temple
It is believed that this is one of the five temples where the
original Vishnu image worshipped by the Pandavas is kept. 'The
Deepam" festival is celebrated here with great joy in the
month of November or December.
Erumelli
This is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus and Muslims. Sree
Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to lord
Ayyappa and there is also an ancient mosque dedicated to 'Vavar'
who is considered to be the friend of lord Ayyappa. 'Petta
Thullal' of Kanni Ayyappa is an important festival held in
December or January.
Ettumanoor
12 kms north of Kottayam, is the ancient Shiva Temple, which
attracts many devotees. There are exquisite mural paintings and
sculptures inside the temple. The Ramayana scenes from Santhana
Gopala Krishna Leela and Bhagavatham are beautifully carved
round the shrine. The state Archaeological dept. has opened a
mural art centre near the temple. The annual festival of the
temple is held in February or March and it lasts for 10 days.
Mahadevar Temple
This is a famous temple in Ettumanoor, which is 12 kms north of
Kottayam town. It is well known for its murals, especially the
painting of Nataraja in the Gopuram and Ezharaponnana (71/2
elephants finished in gold). The temple festival, Ezharaponnana
utsavam is in February or March.
Mannanam
An important Syrian Christian Centre, the town of Mannanam, 8kms
from Kottayam, sites the St. Joseph Monastery, associated with
the name of Fr. Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805-71), one of the
saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. Among
renowned institutions here is the St. Joseph Press, which was
established in 844. This is one of the oldest printing presses
in Kerala. It printed the Nasrani Deepika, one of Kerala's
oldest newspapers.
Pundareekapuram Temple
Pundareekapuram is a small temple atop a small hill called
Midayikunnam near Thalayolapparambu, in Kottayam District. The
temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu mounted on his vehicle
Garuda. The temple at Pundareekapuram is famous for its Mural
Collection.
Shiva Temple
Situated in Vaikom, 40 kms from Kottayam, this temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is very famous for its
typical Kerala style of temple architecture and is believed to
have been constructed by Parasurama, the mythological creator of
Kerala. The 12 days 'Ashtami' festival is celebrated here in
November or December and is renowned for its elephant
procession, religious discourses, traditional dances and
important musical performance ' Panchavadyam'. Vaikom has
figured prominently in the history of Kerala as the venue of the
famous Sathyagraha, staged in 1925 with the blessings of Mahatma
Gandhi for the admission of the Harijans in the Temple.
Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple
This is a beautiful old temple situated in Kottayam town. The
Koothambalam here is one of the best in the state and the temple
has also a wealth of paintings on its walls. The main festival
of the temple is 'Phalguna Utsavam' which is celebrated during
March.
St.
Mary's Church, Kuravilangad
Built in 355 ad on the high ranges of Kuravilangad town, this
church has an old bell, which bears an un-deciphered
inscription.
Good
Shepherded Church, Kottayam
Valiyapalli
Church and Cheryapalli
2 kms from Kottayam town, situated in Thazhathangadi these are
two churches dedicated to St. Mary which were built in 1515 AD
and 1579 AD respectively. The Valiapalli is well known for its
Persian Cross and Pahalavi inscriptions on it. The Cheriyapalli
house some of the most exquisite murals and paintings, depicting
biblical and other themes.
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Angadippuram
(Religious Center)
This place is an important religious center for both, Hindus and
Muslims. It has the Tirumandhankunnu Temple, dedicated to
goddess Durga as well as the Puthanangadi Mosque, Which has
Arabic inscriptions engraved on its Planks.
Kadampuzha (Bhagavathy Temple)
3 kms. North of Vettichira on the highway, connecting Kozhikode
and Thrissur, Kadampuzha is famous for its Bhagavathy Temple,
said to have been set up by Sree Sankaracharya, the philosopher.
Kondotti
On the way to Malappuram, 18 km west of Manjeri is Kondotti, a
prominent pilgrimage location for Muslims. The Valia Nercha
festival at the 500-year-old Pazhayangadi Mosque is celebrated
for three days in February-March, drawing large number of
devotees.
Malappuram Mosque
Malappuram Nercha is celebrated in summer, in memory of the
martyrs who fought the atrocities of the militia. The British
established the Haig Barracks on top of the hill, at the banks
of the River Kundalundi, to station their forces. The martyrs
who fought against Para Nambi, the Chieftain of the Lamorins,
who ruled his headquarters at Kottappady, were laid to rest near
the mosque
Thai Temple
This famous temple is located about 3kms.west of Angadipuram, on
the way to Malappuram from Perithalmanna.
The Jama-at Mosque
This is an important place for Kerala Muslims. The annual Nercha
festival of the mosque is celebrated for four days in April.
Adjoining the Mosques is the mausoleum of the Malappuram
Shaheeds whose brave exploits have been immortalized in the
Mappila Ballads (Muslim ballads).
Thirumandhankunnu Temple
This is an important pilgrim centre in Mallapuram dedicated to
goddess Durga. Every year Pooram festival celebrated in the
months of March and April attracting large numbers of devotees.
Thirunavya
8 kms. South of Tirur, situated on the banks of the
Bharathapuzha, Thirunavya is a place of great historical and
religious significance. In the olden days, Mamangam festival
conducted here was a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala,
which was held once in 12 years. Believed to have been founded
by Cheraman Perumal, this extravagant festival was conducted for
the last time in 1755.Today Thiruvanya is the venue for the
annual Sarvodya Mela, which gathers large crowds of people, and
the Thiruvanya Navamukunda Temple, which is said to have been
founded by nine saints is a famous pilgrim centre
Trikandiyur Shiva Temple
The idol at this ancient temple is said to have been installed
by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is
located near the town of Tirur and attracts devotees from far
and wide.
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Kalpathi
temple
The most important of all the temples, Kalpathi Temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva. The car festival or the Rathotsavam is held here in November
Thrithala
75 kms from Palakkad along the banks of River Bharathapuzha, Thrithala is
famed for its Shiva temple. Kattilmadom temple on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor
road has archaeological importance, the small granite structure, and a
testimony of Buddhist influence, built probably during the 9th or 10th
century.
Jain Temple of Jainmedu
Situated in Vadakkanthara village on the western border of Palakkad town.
This historic 32 feet long and 20 feet wide granite temple devoid of many
decoration, displays images of the Jain Thirthankaras and yekshinis. The
region around the temple known as Jainmedu is one of the few places in
Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived. It is in a Jain house
here, where the famous poet Kumaranasan wrote his monumental famous poem 'Veenapoovu'
which means the 'Fallen Flower'
Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple
Situated near Pattambi, this temple has some of the most intricate
laterite sculptures in Kerala.
Punarjini Guha (Natural Tunnel)
Situated 2 kms from the Thiruvalla Temple, Punarjiji Guha is a natural
tunnel in the rocky cliff. Sri Raman is the temple's chief deity of the
idol is believed to be 'Swayambhoo' (Born on its own), and its abode is on
the Western side. One can reach there either by foot, along the rugged
hills or to the foot of the hills through the motor able road down and
then climb up. The narrow tunnel is inside the road, about 15meters long.
It is believed that performing 'noozhal' which means crawling through the
tunnel from one end to the other will wash away one's sins and thus attain
rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the noozhal (crawling) normally, and
women can do it only once a year on Ekadeshi Day.
Thenari (Natural Spring)
It is believed that the waters of this natural spring, located in front of
the old Sree Ram Temple here, is as sacred as the water of the Ganges.
Legend goes that when Lord Rama and Sita were on exile. One day Sita felt
thirsty and there was no water nearby. Lord Rama used his bow and arrow
made a spring to quench Sita's thirst.
Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayan Temple
This Temple in Palakkad district dates back to the 14th century, while its
Koothambalam (Temple Theater) was probably added in the 15th or 16th
century.
Aranmula
The Parthasarathi Temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna, on the banks of the
holy River Pamba, attractions large crowds of devotees. The famous
Aranmula snake boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam
festival. The 'Vijinana Kalavedi" at Aranmula imparts training in the
traditional arts like 'Kathakali', classical dances, classical music as
well as 'Kalaripayattu'. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to
get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarathi
Temple here also has fine murals from the 18th century. Aranmula is also
very famous for its hand made mirrors of polished metal called ' Aranmula
Kannadi', which is a unique craft and not found anywhere else in the
world.
Cherukolpuzha (Convention Place)
An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on
the banks of River Pamba, usually in Feb every year.
Kadamanitta (Famous Temple)
The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten long 'Padayani'
performances held in connection with the annual festival in April - May.
Kaviyoor (Temple Area)
5kms east of Thiruvalla, situated on the banks of the River Manimala,
Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. The Kaviyoor Temple and the rock cut
temple nearby are of great archaeological importance. The Hanuman Temple
stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture.
The stone figures here are considered to be the earliest specimen of stone
sculpture in Kerala.
Kodumao Chilanthiyambalam (Miraculous Water)
The water of the 'Chilanthikinar' well in the premises of this temple is
believed to cure skin diseases.
Kozhencherry (Maramon Convention)
Situated on the banks of the River Pamba, Kozhencherry is well known for
the religious Maramon Convention held annually in Feb-March, which is the
biggest gathering of Christians in Asia. People of all communities attend
it, as religious thinkers and Christian scholars from across the world
address the convention.
Malayapuzha
8 km from Pathanamthitta, the goddess at the Bhagavathy temple here, is
believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realise their dreams.
The Temples has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings.
Manjanikara Church
Mar Ignatius Elias III, the hold patriot of Anthiod, while on a visit to
India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are preserved at
this church, as later this place developed into a pilgrim centre. The
annual festival, Ormaperunnal is held in February.
Nilackal (Place of Worship)
The old Shiva Temple on the Pamba Pathanamthitta road is an important
place of worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation and Ecumenical
Centre of the Christians are located here.
Niranam (Oldest Church)
7 kms from Thiruvalla at Niranam is the oldest Christian Church in India,
believed to be built by St. Thomas in 52 AD
Pandalam (Pilgrim Town)
14 kms from Chengannur railway station, Pandalam, as a holy town is
perhaps second to Sabrimala. Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of
Sabarimala had his human sojourn here, as the son of Raja of Pandalam. The
Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace, on the banks of River Achenkovil has
been modeled on the Sabarimala Shrine. Pilgrims usually stop here to
worship, before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the
Makaravilaku festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a
procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.
Parumala (festival)
10 kms from Thiruvalla, the Ormaperunal (commemoration day) of Mar
Gregorious Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church,
is celebrated on the first and second of November.
 Sabarimala
(Pilgrim Centre)
One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on
the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, at an altitude of 914 m above
sea level and is accessible only by foot, from Pamba (4kms). The hold
shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts thousands of pilgrims from all
over India, from different castes, creed, especially from other parts of
South India. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the
pilgrim season, which is from Nov to mid Jan. The Temple remains closed
during the rest of the year, except for the first five days of every
Malayalam month and during 'Vishu' in April. Sabarimala is surrounded by
hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. Men of all ages are allowed
inside the temple but women only below 10 years and above 50 years of age
are permitted inside.
Thiruvalla (Religious Place)
This is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The
Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings. The SreeVallabha
Temple in Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala, where Kathakali is
performed as a ritual offering everyday.
Ariankave
(Pilgrim Center)
70 kms from Kollam, on the route to Shenkotah, is Arainkavu where there is
a famous shrine devoted to Lord Shasta. The main festival of this temple
is in December.
Mayyanad
The place is primarily noted for its shrines and temples, the most
important of the nine temples being the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor.
Oachira Temple (34 km)
Located to the north of Kollam town, Oachira Temple is the unique pilgrim
centre, with no idol or deity. The famous Parabrahma Temple is dedicated
to the Universal Consciousness.
Rameshwara Temple
There are inscriptions in Tamil depicting the epic Mahabaratha. These
inscription are from 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster
sculptures in this temple gives one the impression that the creatures are
animated and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
Arattupuzha
(Temple Festival)
This village is well known for the annual Pooram festival at the temple in
April-May. The uniqueness of this festival lies in the ceremonial
processions that bring the images of the deities of 41 neighboring temples
to this village.
Divine Retreat Centre
It is a very big Christian Retreat Centre located at Muringoor and Potta,
near Chalakudy, on the Kochi - Thrissur route. People from all over the
country and even from other countries come here to attend the retreat,
which is held every week, starting from Sunday to Saturday. Large number
of people from different religions, irrespective of Caste and creed come
over here.
Guruvayoor (Pilgrim Centre)
Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayoor, 32 kms away.
Among Hindus it is most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as
the Dwarka of the south. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts
thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th century. Tradition
has it that the temple was created by Guru the preceptor of the Devas, and
Vayu- the lord of winds. The temple is dedicated to Krishna, known here as
Guruvayoorappan (the Lord of Guruvayoor) and the idol is said to have been
worshipped by Lord Bharma himself at Dwaraka. It is at this Temple that
Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed this well-known Sanskrit
devotional poem, 'Narayaneeyam'
The temple is renowned for its healing power. Several offerings are made
to the deity here from the simple 'Archana' (offering of flowers) or 'Thulabharam',
where a devotee is weighed against offering of bananas, sugar, jaggery and
coconuts. Guruvayoor is also the site for several weddings and 'Annaprasanam'
the first feeding ceremony of a child.
Irinjalakuda (Pilgrim Centre)
21 kms from Thrissur, at Irinjalakuda is a temple of Bharatha, probably
the only temple in India dedicated to the brother of Lord Rama in
Ramayana.
Triprayar (Pilgrim Centre)
25 kms away from Thrissur, is a Rama Temple at Triprayar, which features
architecture similar to the Vadakkumnathan Temple.
Vadakuunnathan Temple
One of the oldest temples in the state, the Vadakunnathan Temple is a
classical example of Kerala style of architecture and harmony decorative
murals and pieces of art. The temple also contains the sacred shrines of
Paramasiva, Paravathy, Shankaranarayana, Ganapath, Sri Rama, and Sri
Krishna. Legend goes that Parasurama founded the temple. This is the venue
of the world famous Pooram festival, celebrated annually in April-May. The
fire works at Pooram are a spectacular sight.
Aruvikkara
(Ancient Temple)
16 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram, is Aruikkara, which is gifted with
lavish scenic beauty and it also has an ancient temple dedicated to
goddess Durga, on the banks of the River Aruvikkara. The City of
Thiruvananthapuram gets its water supply from Aruvikkara reservoir.
The Padmanabha Swamy Temple
It is the imposing seven-storied tower built by Raja Marthanda Varma in
1733 A.D, which makes it by far, the most impressive landmark around the
city. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu reclining on the
Serpent Anantha. Only Hindus are allowed entry inside the temple and dress
regulations are strictly followed. A large market lines the street in
front, and the pool beside it is for ritual bathing. There are innumerable
pillars, intricate carving and mural paintings, inside the temple. It is
therefore an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture.
Kanyakumari
church
Sarkara (Temple)
35 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram and 6 kms west of Attingal, there is a
famous temple in Sarkara, which is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. A
grand festival, Sarkara Bharani, is conducted in this temple during March
- April.
Thiruvallam (Temple)
About 6 kms South of the city, on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kovalam road is
Thiruvallam. There is an ancient temple here on the banks of the River
Karamana, which is dedicated to the Thrimurthis of the Hindu Pantheon. A
shrine of Parasurama built entirely of granite stone is found in this
temple.
Varkala (Pilgrim Centre)
41 kms North of Thiruvananthapuram by rail and 51 kms by road, Varkala is
a famous pilgrim center. The Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, The great
social reformer and philosopher, attracts devotees in thousands. The
cliffs and mineral water springs at the Papanasam Beach are worth a visit.
The inland waterways system connecting Kollam in the North, with
Thiruvananthapuram in the South, passes through two tunnels in the hills.
The Janardhana Swamy Temple here attracts many devotees.
Glass Temple
The Glass Temple is situated on a slope of the Vellarimala hill in
Koottamunda, 20 km from Kalpetta. This temple is dedicated to Paraswanatha
swami of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect in
thousands of beautiful pattern the images of the icons in the temple's
sanctum sanctorum.
Jain Temples at Panamaram
These ruined Jain Temples are situated within 5 kms northeast of Panamaram.
Pallikunnu Church
Pallikunnu Church is 12 kms north of Kalpetta. The annual festival is
celebrated in the month of January.
Puliyar Mala Jain Temple
It is 5 kms north of Kalpetta. This temple is devoted for Anantha Natha
Swami, one of the saints of Jain faith.
Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple
It is generally known as Tippu's Fort and situated at Sulthan Bathery
town. Tippu used this temple as the Battery of his army.
Thirunelly
Thirunelly "Kasi of the south" is just 32 kms from Mananthavady.
The backdrop of Brahma-giri hills lends an idyllic charm to Thirunelly.
One would marvel at the magnitude of the labour involved in the
construction of the shrine shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground
paved with huge square shaped granites. Near the temple is the "Papanasini",
whose waters, according to religious belief can wash one's sins.
Varambetta Mosque
15 kms south east of Kalpetta, this 300-year-old mosque is the oldest in
Wayanad.
Valliyoorkkavu Temple
Valliyoorkkavu Temple is situated 3 kms east of Mananthavadi, this temple,
dedicated to Goddess Durga. This shrine is very popular among the tribal
communities of the district. The ten-day annual festival, which falls in
April, is celebration time for the tribals.
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