In Kerala, festivals are a year round affair. Invariably connected to a temple, church, mosque or a seasonal phenomenon, they are celebrated with spectacular elephant pageants, cultural programmes and fireworks. Onam, the harvest festival is the most important. The architecture of the temples, churches and mosques are so self descriptive that they clearly depict the cultural history of Kerala. Hence, travel covering the places of worship in Kerala and their cultural events are highly recommended for art and culture loving people.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the serpent, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. Processions called ‘Vetta’ and ‘Arattu’ are held twice a year led by the members of the Royal family of Travancore, from the temple to Shanmugham beach. Cultural performances including Kathakali are staged during the occasion.

Mayyanad – Mayyanad is famous for its shrines and temples. Out of nine temples the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor is most important and is said that the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya has consecrated the shrine.

Sasthamkotta – This vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The Sastha Temple is an important pilgrim centre. Accommodations are available at the PWD Rest House.

Ochira – The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma Temple. The twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku (twelve lamp) festival in November/December and ‘Ochira kali’ which is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the battle field perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction are the two main annual festivals.

Rameshwara Temple – This temple has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12^th to the 16^th century. The ‘Vyala’ monster sculptures in the temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and are actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram – The residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu.

Champakulam Church – One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary’s Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St.Thomas.

Chavara Bhavan – Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer. Here, a 250year old historically important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive form.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple – Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is also in this temple that “Pallipana” is performed by “Velans” (sorcerers) once every twelve years. Paintings of the “Dasavatharam” (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the “Chuttambalam”. “Ottanthullal”, a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first enacted on the premises of this temple.

Arthunkal – This is an important Christian pilgrim centre.

Edathua Church – Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St.George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5^th, 6^th and 7^th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India irrespective of caste and creed visit the church and seek the blessings of the Saint.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple – Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre of the serpent God Nagaraja. At Mannarasala, barren women are believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is created with powers to cure even leprosy.

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple – The “Kettukazhcha” festival (Feb/Mar) at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall-decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks, and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant.

Karumadikuttan – Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11^th century statue of Lord Buddha.

Pilgrim centres and Religious festivals in and around Kottayam  

Kottayam town is the gateway to the pilgrim centres of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcad, Aruvithara and Athirampuzha and temples of Perunna, Vazhapalli and Thrikkodithanam near Changanacherry.

a)      Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in the heart of Kottayam town

b)      Thalikotta Temple – The place of worship of the erstwhile Thekkumkoor royal family.

c)      The Kudamaloor Temple

d)      Thazhathangadi mosque built on the Meenachil river is one of the oldest in India

e)      The CSI Cathedral Church built over 175years ago is a monument from the British era

f)        The old Seminary, Marthoma Seminary and Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman Christian traditions

g)      The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

The mortal remains of the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St. Joseph’s Monastery Church at Mannanam

Vavarambalam – This mosque is dedicated to Vavar, a companion of the deity Lord Ayyappa, of the Sabarimala Temple. The mosque is unique in that Hindu pilgrims customarily worship here before their trek to Sabarimala.

Siva Temple – Associated with the legendary Parasurama, this temple is a typical example of the Kerala style of temple architecture.

Mahadeva Temple – This temple is famous for its murals, especially the paintings of Nataraja and Ezharaponnana (the 7-½ elephants finished in gold).

St. Mary’s Church, Bharananganam – The mortal remains of the Blessed Alphonsa are entombed at this church, which is now a famous pilgrim centre.

Valiapalli and Cheriyapalli – These two churches dedicated to St.Mary were built in 1515 and 1579 AD. The Valiapalli is known for its Persian cross and Pahalavi inscriptions. The Cheriyapalli houses some of the most exquisite murals and paintings based on Biblical and non-Biblical themes.

Mangala Devi Temple – This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337m above sea level. It’s a traditional Kerala style of architecture. From the peak one can view the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu.

Peeru Hills – A favourite haunt of trekkers and picnickers, the hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi Saint, who spent his last days here. The Mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit.

Pattumala – Lofty peaks, little streams and ever-expanding tea plantations are the attractions of this place. The Velankanni Matha Church, built entirely of granite at the top of the hill is a famous pilgrim centre.

St. Francis Church – India's oldest European Church, which was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is at present used by the Church of South India. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. His tombstone still remains.

Santa Cruz Basilica – This monumental Church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

Jewish Synagogue – This oldest synagogue in the commonwealth was constructed in 1568, destroyed during the Portuguese raid in 1662 and was rebuilt two year later by the Dutch. It is known for mid 18^th century hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.

Vamanamoorthy Temple – Inscriptions from the 10^th to the 13^th century are found in this temple in Thrikkakara near Ernakulam.

Kaladi – The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great ‘Advaita’ philosopher of the 8^th century, Kaladi is 10kms away from Aluva. Temples dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna adds to the sanctity of the destination. A place called crocodile ghat is where Sri Sankara took his vows of renunciation. According to legends, a crocodile caught hold of him and refused to release him until Sankara’s mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas (renunciation).

Malayattoor – Malayattoor is famous for the Catholic Church on the 609m high Malayattoor Hill (dedicated to St.Thomas). March/April are the months for the annual festival – ‘Malayattoor Perunnal’ where thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the shrine. St.Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.

Vadakkumnathan Temple – One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan temple is a classical example of Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the World famous ‘Pooram’ festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the ‘Pooram’ are a spectacular sight. Non-Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.

Arattupuzha – This village is known for the annual 'Pooram' festival. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring temples to this village.

Christian Divine Retreat Centres – They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi-Thrissur route.

Guruvayoor – Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna Temple. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of 'Guru', the preceptor of the Gods and 'Vayu', the God of winds. In the 'chuttambalam' (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold-plated 'Dwajasthambham' (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple – Situated 10 km away from Irinjalakuda railway station, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Sri Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity. The colourful eleven day annual festival with a pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants is held in April/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala.

Ariyannoor temple – This temple has a carved entrance gable, which has been compared to the wooden sculptures of American artist Louise Nevelson. The Siva temple and Sri Krishna temple are believed to be monuments from the 9^th century. 

St. Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor – St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the Apostle houses holy relics from the olden days.

Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungalloor – Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town, this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in 629 AD, this is the first mosque in India and second in the world where Juma prayers were started. Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathy Temple and the Portuguese Fort are located nearby.

Jain Temple of Jainimedu – Situated on the western suburbs of Palakkad town, not far from the railway station, this historic 32-ft long, 20-ft wide granite temple displays images of the Jain Thirthankaras and Yakshinis. The region around the temple, known as Jainimedu, is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived. It is at a Jain house here that poet Kumaranasan wrote his monumental poem 'Veenapoovu' (The fallen flower).

Thiruvengappura Sankaranarayana Temple – This temple dates back to the 14^th century and its 'Koothambalam' (temple theatre) was probably added in the 15^th or 16^th century.

The Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple – Situated near Pattambi, this temple has some of the most intricate laterite sculptures in Kerala.

Thirumandhamkunnu temple, Angadipuram – This is an important pilgrim centre dedicated to Goddess Durga. The annual 'Pooram' festival celebrated in March/April attracts large number of devotees.

The Jama - at Mosque – This 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 immortalized in the Mappila ballads.

Pazhayangadi Mosque – The three-day long 'Valia Nercha' feast at this 500-year-old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February/March, is more of a local cultural event with people from all communities participating.

Kadampuzha – Famous for its Bhagavathy temple said to have been set up by Sree Sankaracharya, the philosopher.

Mamburam – The shrine and mausoleum of the Thangals (the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims) is a major pilgrimage centre.

Lokanarkavu Temple – This temple that is associated with the heroes and heroines of the 'Vadakkanpattu', combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura. The candid murals and carvings here are a delight to art lovers.

Tali Temple – Built by Swamy Thirumalpad, the Zamorin, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanan, the annual cultural and intellectual event of the Zamorin's Court. The Tali Temple is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style of architecture.

Ponmeri – The Karatt Temple of Sri Krishna and the Shiva Temple in Ponmeri have flamboyant paintings depicting the story of the churning of the ocean of milk from the Puranas.

Kuttichira – The stone inscriptions found in the Muccunti Mosque at Kuttichira reveal an interesting aspect in the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their patronage of Islam in Kerala. The architecture of this and other old mosques in Kozhikode bear great resemblance to the typical Hindu Temple Complex with pillars, ventilators and huge tanks, as well as decorative features such as the stylized carvings of flowers and geometrical designs.

Thirunelly Temple – The Thirunelly Temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini River running down hill add to the enchantment of the place.

The Glass Temple of Kottamunda – The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

Parassini Kadavu – Famous for 'Sri Muthappan Temple'. This pilgrim centre is famous for the 'Muthappan Theyyam' performed every morning and evening. Boating is allowed on the river near the temple. The Snake Park here is the only one of its kind in the State and perhaps the whole of India. Snake demonstrations are also conducted here.

Trichambaram Temple – The deity of the temple is Sree Krishna. The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are in a class by themselves.

Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangad – The exquisite carvings in the temple are said to have been done nearly 400 years ago and one of the most important temples in Malabar.

Madayi Para – The Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadukunnu Temple and the 12^th century mosque built with white marble imported from Arabia are the major attractions here.

Thodeekulam Siva Temple – Constructed 2000 years ago is famous for its mural paintings.

Anandasram – This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual studies.

Ananthapura Lake Temple – This is the only lake temple in Kerala of the 9^th century and is the 'moolasthanam' (original abode) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.

Manjiswaram – A number of temples and fifteen mosques make this cashew-growing town a prominent pilgrim centre. There are two important Jain temples; churches that are 100 year old and Roman Catholic Church built in the Gothic style. Our Lady of Sorrows Church constructed in 1890 is the oldest in the district. The memorial of the late Govinda Pai, the grand patriarch of Kannada literature is also located at Manjiswaram.

Madiyankulam Durga Temple – Famous for its Bhutha dance performed in connection with the annual festival.

Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Adoor – This ancient Siva temple located in wooden surroundings contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script, which has been ascribed to the western Chalukya King Kirthi Varma.

Madhur Temple – Famous for its rich architecture and copper plate roofing.

Nileswaram – The cultural centre of the district. The Nileswaram palace today functions as the folklore centre of the Department of Archaeology. The town is famous for its numerous Kavus (shrines), temple festivals and the Kavil Bhavan Yoga & Cultural centre which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments like mud baths and herbal baths.