Kerala, located on the Southwestern tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as 'God's Own Country', Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.
An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are the major attractions of this land. A unique advantage of Kerala is that most of the destinations here are just two to four hour drive from the other. |
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| Guruvayoor |
| Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods , and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. Within the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps) whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the main deity. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. |
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| Sabrimala Pilgrimage |
210 km from Kochi, 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 (4 km). The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa.
Pilgrim season:
November to mid January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age. |
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| Thrissur Pooram |
| The Thrissur Pooram festival in the Vadakkumnathan Temple is celebrated annually in April-May. It is a festival in which Gods and Goddesses from various trembles are brought in all pomp and pageantry with the play of drums and musical instruments and pyrotechnics to the Thekkinkadu Maidan. Lakhs of people attend the festival. An all India Exhibition is also conducted every year during the Pooram days under the combined auspices of the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms at the temple premises. |
