Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Region
Central Kerala
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
About This Pilgrimage
Discover Kottayam district's temple heritage, from two of Kerala's most revered Shiva shrines to important Devi and Saraswati temples nearby.
Destinations You'll Visit
The Destinations on This Route
A little background on each place this pilgrimage takes you to.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
A Shiva temple in Kottayam town, built roughly 500 years ago after a self manifested lingam was discovered locally. It is known for one of Kerala's largest Koothambalams and an annual festival re-enacting the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the most ancient and revered Shiva temples in Kerala, associated with the sage Vyasa in local tradition and referred to as Dakshina Kashi, the Varanasi of the South. It was also the site of the landmark 1924 Vaikom Satyagraha for temple-entry rights.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, a short distance from Vaikom, is celebrated for its intricately carved gopuram and a set of centuries-old mural paintings considered among the finest examples of the Kerala mural tradition. Its annual Arattu festival draws large crowds each spring.
Panachikkadu Dakshina Mookambika Temple
Panachikkadu Dakshina Mookambika Temple near Kottayam enshrines the goddess Saraswati and is regarded as a southern counterpart to the original Mookambika Temple in Karnataka. It is especially popular for Vidyarambham, the ceremonial initiation of young children into writing and learning, held every Vijayadashami.
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple near Kottayam is dedicated to the goddess in her Durga form as Mahishasuramardini, and is one of central Kerala's well known Devi shrines. Devotees visit for its Bhagavathy Seva rituals, traditionally sought for wellbeing and prosperity.
Highlights
- Two of Kerala's most revered Shiva temples
- Centuries-old mural art
- Devi and Saraswati temples known for their own distinct rituals
Includes
- Hotel stay
- Private cab
- Local sightseeing
- Breakfast