St.
Mary's Church, Cheriyapally- This church contains
exquisite murals and paintings of Biblical and non-Biblical thems.
Thirunakkara
Siva Temple - Built in the indigenous style of
architecture, this temple has many interesting paintings on its
walls. The sanctum-sanctorum is covered with pictures from the
epics. Three festivals are celebrated here in Thulam (Oct-Nov)
Mithunam (Jun-Jul) and Meenam (Mar-Apr) of which the last one is
the most important. The 'Aarattu', conducted on the last day of
the festival, is the festival, is the festival of Kottayam,
irrespective of the caste and creeds. The main festival Phalguna
Utsavam is celebrated during March.
The
Mosque at Thazhathangadi is one of the ancient
mosques in India which is made in the old Kerala style. It is
believed that malik Dinar had built this mosque about 1000 years
ago. Now it is an important pilgrim centre at Kottayam. The
artistic value of this mosque is of special interest to the
tourists.
Goodshepherd
Church situated behind the civil station at Kottayam,
this is the first church of Diocese of Vijayapuram. The
construction of this church, which is completed in Italian style,
was completed in 1882 and was renovated in 1964. The feast at St.
Sebastian is on 20th January and that of Good Shepherd, is from
10th to 12th April.
Vimalagiri
(Angathattu Palli) is the cathedral of the Dioceses of
Vijayapuram.This church, constructed in Gothic style. The main
steeple has a height of 172 ft., which is considered as the
highest church steeple in the state. Vimalambika is the deity
here. The main feast is in December. This church is situated near
Kottayam railway station. The chief ecclesiastical dignity of the
Orthodox Syrian Church, the Catholics of the East, has his head
quarters in Devalokam Aramana at Muttambalam Catholic Church,
Latin Catholic Church and the Church of South India have their
Head quarters in Kottayam. The Arch Bishop of Changanassery who
follows the Syro-malabar rite, has his Head Quarters in
Changanassery. The Bishops of Knanaya Jacobite and the Church
Mission Society have their headquarters at Chingavanam and Kurichy
respectively.
Ettumannoor: The Siva Temple here, built in 16 AD, is a
good specimen of the indigenous Kerala Style of temple
architecture. The shrine contains exquisite mural paintings and
sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Nearby is a
mural art centre, preserved by the state Archaeological
Department. The annual festival of the temple is celebrated for
ten days during February/March.
Bharananganam: The church here, containing the mortal
remains of Sister Alphonsa is one of the important pilgrim centres
of the Christian in Kerala.
Erumeli: Located on the bank of Manimala river, Erumeli
is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus and Muslims. Pilgrims
going to Sabarimala alight here at the Sastha temple to worship
the deity. These pilgrims also offer prayers at an ancient mosque
here.
Alappuzha:
Ambalapuzha:
The Sree Krishna Temple here, built in the typical Kerala
architectural style, is famous all over Kerala for "Palpayasam",
the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge, which
tastes like rice pudding. It is also in this temple that pallipana
is performed by Velans (sorcerers) one in twelve years Human
sacrifice was conducted in ancient times. However cocks have now
replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.
Mannarasala:
Situated near Harippad, is is a serpent shrine under the patronage
of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess. Legend has it that the
first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five headed snake,
which is believed to reside in the ancestral houses to safeguard
the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed
with children, and a special turmeric paste available at the
shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
Arthunkal:
The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian
pilgrim centre. Annual festival Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of
the patron saint (January).
Cochin:
The
St. Francis Church here is the oldest church built by an
European power in India. This Protestant church was built by the
British, and Vasco Da Gamma was initially buried here. The church
is located at Kamalakada near Fortkochi beach. The Santacruz
Basilica nearby, has some very beautiful paintings on the ceiling.
Aluva:
An important pilgrim centre and summer resort. The Periyar river
widens here and is therefore ideal for bathing and picnicking. The
annual Sivarathri Festival is celebrated on the banks of the
Periyar during March/April. Aluva is also an important industrial
centre.
Chottanikkara Devi Temple
Kodungallur Devi Temple
Malayattor
Church
A famous
church at the hill tops
The Rock
Cut Cave Temple : The Rock Cut Siva temple, is of great
archeological significance. Dating back to the 8th century AD,
this temple bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of
architecture. The stone engravings here are among the earliest
specimens of stone sculpture in Kerala.
Maramon
: Situated near Kozhencherry, Maramon is the venue of a
mammoth religious convention of Christians from all over the
world. It is attended by people from all communities. The
convention which is usually held in February is addressed by
religious thinkers and Christian scholars from all over the world.
This is perhaps the largest Christian convention in Asia.
Thrissur :
Vadakkunathan
Temple: One of the most ancient temples in the state, the
Vadakkunathan temple contains many decorative wall paintings and
historically important pieces of art. The temple itself, with its
thick mansonry walls and lofty gopurams is a classic example of
the Kerala style of architecture. Exquisite wooden carvings can
also be seen in the central shrines. The Pooram Festival here, is
celebrated in April- May, on a grand scale.
Guruvayoor:
It is one of the most sacred and imported pilgrim centers of
Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple known as
'Guruvayoor Ambalam'. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery.
According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the
preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu the Lord of Winds. The eastern
nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the chuttambalam
(outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 mt. high gold plated
Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 mt. high
Deepasthambham (pillar of lamps), whose 13 circular receptacles
provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil
is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple which houses the
main deity. Within the temple there are also images of Ganapathy,
Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy.
Irinjalakkuda Koodal Manikam Temple:
This temple is situated 10 Km. away from Irinjalakkuda railway
station. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the
brother of Lord Sree Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India
with Bharatha as the deity. The colourful annual festival with
thirteen caparisoned elephants is held for eleven days in
April-May every year. Festivals in this temple mark the end of the
Hindu temple festival season in Kerala.
Kannur :
Kottiyoor:
There is a famous Siva Temple here, on the banks of the Bavail
river. Lakhs of devotees attend the annual 27 day long festival
during May - June.
Sree
Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangadi: The temple dedicated to Sree
Rama is one of the most prominent temples in Malabar. The
exquisite carvings in the temple are said to have been done nearly
400 years ago.
Parassini
Kadavu Temple & Snake Park: Sri. Muthappan Temple stands on
the banks of the Valapattanam River. This pilgrim centre is famous
for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. The
DTPC provides pleasure boating on the river near the temple.
Accommodation is available nearby. The Snake Park is the only one
of its kind in the state and perhaps, in the whole of India. There
are three snakes pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two
large glass houses for King Cobras in the park. Snake
demonstrations conducted every hour draw large number of visitors.
Kollam :
Ochira
: The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there
is no deity or idol at the famous Para Brahma temple dedicated to
universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve
day 'Panthrandu Vilakku' in November/December are the two main
annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between
groups of men dressed as warriors an the padanilam (fighting
spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water,
brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water every
direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.
Matha
Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikkavu : The residence and
headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, is situated at
Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The Ashram is accessible both by road
and boat.
Kozhikode:
Tali
Temple: Built in the 14th century by Swami Thirumulpad,
the Zamorian, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue
of Revathy Pattathanam the annual culture and intellectual event
at eh Zamorin's court.
Others
Pooram at Arakkal Temple (Mar/Apr)
Lokanarkavu Temple (Two annual festivals Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec )
Utsavam at Pishrikavu temple (March)
Sivarathri
Utsavam at Sreekandeshwara Temple (Feb/Mar)
Malappuram:
Thirunavaya: Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this
is a place of great historical importance. The Bharathapuzha, this
is a place of great historical importance. The Mamangam, a grand
assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held here once every 12 years
in olden times. This extravagant festival was held for the last
time in 1755. Today Thirunavaya temple is also a famous pilgrim
centre.
Thali
Temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple, is located about 3 Km west
of Angadipuram, is dedicated to Goddess Durga, this is an
important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual Pooram festival
celebrated in March/April attracts large gatherings of devotees.
The Jama-at
Mosque is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of
Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is
celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the
Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been
immortalised in the Mappila ballads.
Pazhayangadi Mosque Kondotti: The three day long Valia Nercha
feast at this 500 years old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in
February/March, is more of a local cultural event with people from
all communities participating.
Pallakad:
Jain
Temple Of Jaininedu: Situated on the western suburbs of
Palakkad town, not far from the railway station this historic 32
feet long 20 feet wide granite temple display images of the Jain
Thirthankareas and Yakshinis. The region around the temple is
known as Jainmedu, is one of the few places in Kerala where the
vestiges of Jainism have survived. It is at a Jain house here that
poet Kumaran Asan wrote his monumental poem Veenapoovu (the Fallen
Flower).
Wayanad:
Thirunelly
Temple: Surrounded by Kambamala. Karimala and Varadiga, the
Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine
is shielded with 30 granite. The crystal clear waters of the
Papanasini river running downhill adds to the enchantment of the
place.
Thiruvananthapuram :
Sri
Padmanabha Swamy Temple - The
temple, located near the bus stand at East Fort, is the
city's most impressive landmark. Its 7 stored gopuram built in the
16th Century is one of the finest specimens of traditional South
Indian temple architecture which reflects the Kerala influence.
The temple corridors are lined with 368 sculpted stone pillars.
Beautiful murals and ornamentation adorn the walls. Temple was
renovated by the Maharaja of Thiruvithamcore in 1733. Only Hindus
can enter the temple, wearing dhoti in a certain style.