Sabarimala, the sacred abode of �Lord Ayyappa", is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centers in the country. The shrine is located amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of Western Ghats. Millions of pilgrims assemble here during the festivals of Vishu Vilakku (April), Mandalapooja (Nov � Dec) and Makaravilakku (mid Jan) coinciding with Sankramam. The traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli (40 kms). Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara and Chalakkayam via Plapally. These routes are famous for their scenic splendor and mythological value. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here, one has to trek 4 km to reach the temple.

Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle containing traditional offerings called Irumudi kettu. On Makara Sankranthi, Makarajyothi a divine glow will light up the horizon. Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed and the temple is open to males of all age groups and females who have either reached menopause or not attained puberty.

It is the most conspicuous landmark of the city. Lord Vishnu is represented as Sri Padmanabha or �Lotus Navel" and is depicted reclining on the coil of Sri Anantha, the sacred snake. The temple is a fine example of Kerala & Dravidian architecture and was rebuilt by Raja Marthanda Varma in 1733.

This is the only lake temple in Kerala and believed to be the Moolasthanam (original place) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami Trivandrum. There is a strong local belief that Ananthapadmanabha had settle down here originally.

Famously known as the �Dwarka of the south", Guruvayoor is one of the most important pilgrim centers of Kerala. It is believed that Guru, the preceptor of Devas and Vayu (the Lord of Winds) had built the Sree Krishna temple here. Lord Krishna, the presiding deity of the temple is also known as Guruvayoorappan or the Lord of Guruvayoor. The elaborate rituals performed here are said to have been prescribed by Adi Sankaracharya, the philosopher saint of Kerala.

The temple is said to have healing powers and is the best place to witness Hindu marriages and Annaprasanam, the first feeding ceremony of the child. Ekadasi (Nov/Dec) is the most important festival of the temple.

This was originally a Mahalingeswara (Shiva) Temple. The Idol of Ganapati was discovered by an old lady. The statue was not made by human. This statue later installed in the temple and the temple becomes popular in the name of Madhur Maha Ganapathy temple.

This Temple of Karthik Swami (Subramanniya), is believed to be constructed by Lord Parasurama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There are references in Hindu Puranas about this Subramanian (Karthikeyan) temple. In Brahmanda Purana the temple and its town is being mentioned while Muni Garga explains about Kerala to the Pandavas during their exile (vanavasa).

This was originally a Mahalingeswara (Shiva) Temple. The Idol of Ganapati was discovered by an old lady. The statue was not made by human. This statue later installed in the temple and the temple becomes popular in the name of Madhur Maha Ganapathy temple.

This temple is treated as one of ancient �Shakti Peedams". The Shiva Linga here is believed to be thousands of years old. It is believed that Sri Rama during his victorious return from Lanka, stopped here to offer worship to Lord Shiva. In honour of his presence, devotees are not allowed into the namaskara mandapam even today.

Here Lord Siva is being worshipped as Vaidya Nathan, (Curer of all diseases). Thousands of devotees visit this temple for getting rid of their uncured diseases. Brahmin ladies are not allowed to enter the temple.

It is believed that Shiva at Rajarajeswara temple assures the child a high status, Sri Krishna of Trichambaram bestows it with good nature and mental qualities and the deity at Kanjiragat temple with long life.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Muthapan, believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. This is the only one temple in Kerala where the Folk art form of North Kerala 'Theyyam' is presented daily. Toddy and dried fish are the main offerings in this temple.

It is a very popular temple in Kerala and presiding deity is Subramanian. Mainly offerings are made here for serpent God.

The Siva temple in Thodikkalam is on an elevated terrace with 18 laterite steps leading up to it and the mandatory temple tank below. There are exquisite murals on the outside temple walls, including episodes from the Ramayana and Rukmini Swayamvara and some rare ones of Sankaracharya in beautiful earth tones of rust, terracotta, bronze, copper and red.

An important Pilgrim Centre of North kerala dedicated to Lord Siva, is often described as the �Varanasi of South". There are two temples here- Ikkara kottiyoor and akkara kottiyoor- both in deep forest. A sword from another temple brought to ikkara kottiyoor marking the beginning of the festival is believed the one with the mythical character Dakshan was hacked to death.

The Jagannatha Temple, set up by Sree Narayana Guru in 1908, is another important temple. The scheduled caste and tribe men were admitted to this temple in 1924. Pooja is performed here by non-Brahmins, according to ancient Hindu rites. Presiding Deity is Siva.

Presiding deity is Sri Rama Swamy. The Thiruvangad temple, dedicated to Sree Rama, is an important temple. The temple is generally known as the Brass Pagoda from the copper sheeting of its roof. A part of the temple was damaged by Tipu's troops in the 18th century, but the temple itself is believed to have been saved from destruction by a miracle.

Presiding deity is Bhagavathy. This temple is frequently alluded to in the northern ballads or the 'Vadakkanpattu' of Kerala. The three rock cut caves in the temple premises are artfully engraved with beautiful carvings and fascinating murals. The main temple, according to legend, is more than 1500 years old. The main deity here is Goddess Durga, with two adjacent shrines dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Siva.

Kollam Pisharikkavu Siva and Devi Temple in two Sreekoils and with other sub shrines. This well maintained temple has exquisite wood-carving and mural paintings.

Built in the 14th century by Swamy Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex, this temple dedicated to Lord Siva was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the annual cultural and intellectual event.

The Temple for Sreeparvathi at Kadampuzha, dedicated to Goddess Vana Durga, is one of the most prominent Devi temples in Kerala. Legend about the origin of the temple is associated with the popular episode in the Mahabharata where Arjuna does penance to appease Lord Siva to obtain the divine weapon Pasupathastram.

Legends say that Adi Sankaracharya was born after his parents, who were childless for many years, prayed at the Vadakkunnathan temple, where presiding deity is Lord Siva. This temple is world famous connected with Thrissur Pooram.

Presiding deity is Bhagavathy. This temple is having connection with Vadakkunnathan temple. Thousands of years ago a mighty goddess resided under a tree that still stands (it is said) in what is now the compound of the Vadakkunnathan temple. When Shiva's devotees decided to enlarge his small shrine into a grand temple they moved the goddess, conceived of as his daughter, eastwards and down a slope to a temple of her own. She is there still, the Paramekkavu Devi.

Famous for its legendary Shiva temple believed to be built by Lord Parasuram. The 12-day Ashtami festival held in Nov/Dec is known for its elephant processions, religious discourses and traditional dance & music.

A 9th century temple set in a rock cut lake is the only lake temple in Kerala. It is the moolasthanam or the original seat of Ananthapadmanabha of Sree Padmanabha Swami of Thiruvananthapuram.

In the first century itself Christianity took roots in the Malabar cost. St. Thomas established first few churches there and now 11 of the 23 dioceses in India are in Kerala. St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in Cranganore in 52 AD and established seven Christian communities or churches in Kerala. They are in Cranganore, Paravur (Kottakavu), Palayoor, Kokkamangalam, Malayattoor, Niranam, Chayal (Nilackal) and Kollam (Quilon). When the Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama landed in Kerala there was 1500 East Syrian Church.

The Europeanization process led to divisions in the Church, as there was considerable resistance against Western domination. The Christian communities then split into many groups - East Syrian Catholics, West Syrian Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Jacobite Syrian Orthodox, Marthoma (those who accepted the Anglican Church but with the Eastern Liturgy), Church of the East (those who accepted the Nestorian Patriarch), and the Latin Church.Kerala has one vocation (priest brother, sister) for every 70 Catholics. No other community in the world has so many vocations.

	St. Thomas Church, Palayur This is one among the Seven Church built by St. Thomas and considered as the oldest Church in India.Palayur was the stronghold of the Nambudiri Brahmins when St. Thomas arrived from Kodungallur. Israelites had a settlement at Palayur, two thousands years ago. Ruins of an ancient Jewish Synagogue are still seen outside of a Brahmin temple about a furlong away from the Church.

	Lourdes Cathedral in Thrissur Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral is the most famous large church in Thrissur and the tallest Church tower in Asia. The exterior features an Indo-European facade with pink spires.The Centenary of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Trichur in 1986. The attractive underground shrine is also a big attraction.

	Puthanpalli (New Church) at Thrissur This is the largest Syrian Catholic church of Asia as a gothic and historic style of architecture with 25,000 Sq.feet.

	St. Thomas Church in Kodungallor Kodungallur is considered as the cradle of Christianity in India. In AD 52, the very first Christian church in India was constructed by Saint Thomas at a palace called Maliyenkara in Kodungallur. It is said to be the place where St. Thomas first preached Christianity in India. Azheekode is the present harbour area near Kodungallur, which recalls the ancient Muziris harbour.In the year 345 A.D., Knai Thoma, a rich merchant, and 72 families from Edessa (or modern Urfa), immigrated to Malabar (presently Kerala) and established their colony. In the group there were also priests, deacons and their bishop, Uraha Mor Ouseph (Bishop Joseph of Uraha/Urfa). Knai Thoma and his people were welcomed by Cheraman Perumal, the Emperor of Kerala, and were given permission to settle down in Kodungallor. They built a town in Kodungallor with a church and 72 houses.

	Angamali St. George Forane Church. The newly built St. George Forane Church is one of the largest churches in South India. It is situated at Angamali � where the histories of Christian Beliefs are engraved in golden letters. The Church covers an area of 24000 sq. ft. Below the Church, is situated the 16000 sq. ft. Main Parish Hall and above which two mini Parish Halls, each covering about 3500 sq. ft. is located.The old Church was renovated and blessed by His Grace Mar Varkey Vithayathil on December 31st, 2006.

	Malayattoor Church Malayattoor is known for the Catholic Church, dedicated to St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ. The annual festival of 'Malayattoor Perunnal', during the months of March /April. This hill shrine at Malayattoor has emerged as the largest pilgrim centre. The biggest and most auspicious occasion here is the feast of St. Thomas, which is observed on the first Sunday after Easter, when thousands throng the shrine.The church has a combination of Greco-Roman architecture with the altar designed in traditional Greek style, and the front portion of the church following the traditional Roman Catholic Church architecture. Behind the central altar, one can see the carvings, designs and paintings, which include the five joyful mysteries of Jesus Christ. The church also has separate facilities for confession and adoration. Devotees who arrive at the shrine make several types of offerings. Some of them climb the hill carrying cross in their shoulders; women folk would carry long brooms with them with prayers for prosperity. Some pilgrims carry stones on their heads, a gesture meant to remove burdens from their lives.

	Arattungal Church. This church is one of the most famous Christian pilgrimage centers in Kerala, and has a distinguished history of tolerance, faith and charity. Officially known as St. Andrew's Forane Church at Arthunkal. It is one of the sacred churches in Kerala that attracts hundred thousands of devotees both Christians and non-Christians every year from all parts of the State.On the 18th day of January at the day dawns and the gates of the church are opened, thousands of pilgrims who return from the Sastha temple of Sabarimala throng to this sacred place, take bath from the tank attached to the church and pay their homage to the Saint.

	Edathua Church. Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. The massive shrine on the banks of the river Pamba is modeled on the medieval churches of Europe. The festival at Edathua commences on the 27th of April. The idol of St. George is placed on the central dais of the basilica during the festival days.

	Manarcad St. Mary's Church Manarcad cathedral is the most important church among the ancient churches of Malankara. The stone inscriptions found at the church reveal that the church was built more than 1000 years ago. The unseen presence and blessings of Virgin Mary, the Manarcad Church, the 8 day Fast and other observances have withstood the passage of time and attained international reputation.

	St. Mary's Forae Church, Bharananganam. This is the place where the mortal remains of Blessed Alphonsa of India are kept in a chapel next to St. Mary's Church.

	St. Francis Church,Fort Kochi. St. Francis Church, originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the Patron Saint of Portugal, is the first European Church in India. The history of this ancient church reflects the colonial struggle of the European powers in India, from the15th through 20th century. The church was originally a wooden structure dedicated to St Bartholomew within the fort built in 1503, by the Portuguese. The protestant Dutch captured Kochi in 1663 and in 1779 they renovated this Church. In 1804, the Dutch voluntarily surrendered the church to the Anglican Communion. It is believed that the Anglicans changed the name of the patron saint to St. Francis. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains.

	Santa Cruz Cathedral. This Roman Catholic Cathedral close to St. Francis Church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795, the British demolished the original building. Nearly a hundred years later in 1887, Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building which was proclaimed as a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. Built in the neo-classical style the pulpit is carved on wood and has a fantastic pastel-coloured interior. This church has some very beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

	St. Mary's Church, Vallarpadam. A major pilgrim center for Christians, St. Mary's church is located in the middle of Vallarpadam island across the backwaters from the mainland Ernakulam This popular shrine was built by the Portuguese missionaries in 1524. The church has the famous picture of the 'Blessed Virgin Mary' which the Portuguese brought from their native land. History has it that the old church, which was then known as the Church of the Holy Spirit, was destroyed in floods in the 17th century and a new church was built on the same spot in 1676. It was declared a special church by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. The church was declared the status of a basilica on February 12, 2005.

	CSI Immanuel Church The Immanuel Church Ernakulam, which is now under the North Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India was established 99 years ago under the Diocese of Travancore-Cochin, on 56 cents of land that was bought in 1905 by the Rev. J.H. Bishop, who built the Church as a memorial for two eminent missionaries, the Rev. E.B. Russell who had served the Church of England in Travancore-Cochin during 1897-99 and the Rev. A.B. Sealy, the first Principal of Maharaja's College, Ernakulam who had served in that capacity from 1875 to 1892 and as Director of Education, Cochin State. The Church was, accordingly known as the Russell Sealy Memorial Church.

Well known for the 12th century mosque built by Malik Iban Dinar.

The 500-year-old Pazhayangadi mosque here is known for its Valia Nercha festival held in Feb � Mar.

The Jama-at mosque here is known for its Nercha festival in April. Adjacent to the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds, whose brave exploits have been immortalized in the Mappilla ballads.

The Vavar mosque, a beautiful ash grey structure with latticework on its walls and railings, is an enduring symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. It is surrounded by wide corridors, with a site for breaking coconuts, and teems with Ayyappa devotees in the Sabarimala season. It's believed that Vavar, a Muslim, was a friend and guide to Lord Ayyappa. It was the former's good counsel that helped the Lord obtain the milk of a tigress, which was necessary to kill the demon buffalo. Pilgrims visit the Vavar mosque to celebrate the friendship of their Lord and �Vavar Swami". In fact it is mandatory for all Sabarimala pilgrims to visit the mosque.