The kerala Hotels


Pathanamthitta:
Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple
	A well-known pilgrim centre, Sabarimala is situated amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. The temple is situated 5 km away from Pamba and can be reached only by trekking. The main festival is during December/January this period is called as 'Mandalakalam'. The pilgrims will take fenance which is called as "Mandalavritham". It is 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). November to mid January is the season which is called as "Mandalakalam". Mandalapooja & Makara Vilakku 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). Nearest railway station is Thiruvalla (102 Km). 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. Pilgrims will go with their "Erimudikettu" which contains ghee filled coconuts. "Neyyabhishekam" is the main offering.
Thiruvananthapuram :
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
	Sri Padmanabhaswamy 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.
Alappuzha :
Arthunkal Church
	The St. Sebastian's Churc h here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint (January).
Cochin :
The St. Francis Church
	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
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.
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.
	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.