The Guruvayoor Temple is located at a distance of 29 kilometers to the west of Trichur. The Kerala Guruvayur temple is one of the most respected and popular pilgrim centers. The Guruvayoor Temple Tour will enlighten you about religious beliefs and traditions of the people of Kerala. The origin of the temple goes back to 16th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Brahma himself worshiped this very idol at Dwarka. One can find idols of Lord Ganapati, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy also in this temple.

Legends say that the temple at Dwarka, dedicated to Lord Krishna was destroyed when the holy city of Dwarka got submerged under the sea. Guru, the preceptor of Gods and Vayu, the God of Winds were bestowed with the task of finding a similar sacred site for constructing a new temple. When the place was finally selected, it was named Guruvayoor and the deity came to be known as Guruvayoorappan.

In your Guruvayoor Temple Tour, you will see a 33.5 meter high gold-plated 'dhwajastambham' or flag-mast in the 'chuttambalam' or the outer enclosure of the temple. The 7 meter high 'dipastambham' or pillar of lamps has 13 circular receptacles, which glows beautifully in the evening when the diyas are lit. After this comes the entrance to the main shrine. The inner sanctum has ten pillars on the two raised platforms with beautiful carvings, on either sides of the main aisle. The square shaped Sri Kovil is the sacred sanctum of the temple where the main deity can be seen. The temple walls are adorned with exquisite paintings and huge murals. The temple is well-known for its magical healing powers. The temple only allows Hindus to enter. Guruvayoor is the only temple in Kerala where wedding ceremonies and annaprasanam (the first rice feeding ceremony of child) are held.

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Sabarimala Temple

Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrim centers in India. Sabarimala is located on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The Sabarimala temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season, which falls during the months of October and November. The Sabarimala temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu.

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is one of the few examples of a pilgrimage where pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go with one thought and one `mantra' dreaming continuously of the darshan of the presiding deity at the temple. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. The Sabarimala temple is unique in many respects it is open to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion.

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Jain Temple of Jainimedu

Situated on the western suburbs of Palakkad town, not far from the railway station this historic 32 feet long, 20ft. 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).

Oachira Parabrahma Temple

Oachira Parabrahma Temple Karthikavilakku, Vrichikom 1 to 12, Oachirakkali of Midhunam 1 and 2, to commemorate the battle between Chempakassery and Kayamkulam Rajas (The earstwhile principalities) are famous.

On the side of Alappuzha- Kollam route 34 kms from Kollam town. Dedicated to the universal supreme power, this temple has no particular idol or deity. Yet it is a famous pilgrim centre. Oachira Kali in June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku Ulsavam (twelve lamp festival) in November-December are the two annual festivals. Oachira Kali is a mock festival enacted between two groups of men dressed as fighters. on the padanilam (battle field). They perform a martial art dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction

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