Ettumanoor Temple
Located 12 kms north of Kottayam town, at Ettumanoor is an ancient Shiva temple, which was built in the 16th century. The temple, a specimen of the indigenous Kerala style of architecture, attracts many Hindu devotees from all over the state.The copper plated conical roof of the central shrine,is in itself a majestic structure.The shrine is inlaid with beautiful carvings of scenes from the Ramayana, Bhagavatha and Krishna Leela. The temple is also endowed with an exquisite collection of Mural paintings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology.

The Mural Art Centre, near the temple is preserved by the Archaeological Department of the state. The ten-day annual festival, 'Ezharaponnaana Ezhunallathu' falls in February/ March. The last day 'Arathi' falls on the day of Thiruvathira.

Location : 12 Kms North Of Kottayam Town, Kerala.

Deity : Lord Shiva.

Attraction : Mural Art Centre.

Mannarshala Temple
Mannarshala covers an area of 16 acres of dense green forest grove devoted to serpent worship. The temple here is unique in that the holy rites are presided over by a priestess. The grove is dotted with the granite idols of serpents. There are 2 main idols: 'Nagaraja' or the serpent king and his consort, Sarpayakshini.

The priestess lives in the 'Illam' on the north side of the temple. 'Uruli Kamazhthal' or the placing of a bell metal vessel upside down in front of the deity is the most popular offering believed to restore fertility to childless couples. Mannarshala temple at Harippad is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-gods and this is the largest of its kind in the state.

On the day of 'Ayilliam' asterism in the Malayalam months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to illam ( the house connected with the temple) where 'Nurum Palum' (rice flour and milk), 'Kuruthi' (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime), offerings are made.

The procession is conducted with great pomp and gaiety in which the oldest female member of the family carries the Nagaraja idol. During the festival days, thousands throng the temple to worship the hooded gods.

The offerings include coins and snake effigies made of gold, silver and copper, grains of all kinds, pepper, tender coconuts, plantains, melons and sandalwood.

Significance : The Largest Snake Temple in Kerala

Location : 32 Kms South Of Alappuzha, Kerala

Oachira Temple
Oachira is unique place of worship with neither a structure to house an idol nor an idol around which temples are usually built. The presiding deity at this sanctum-sanctorum is the abstract principle of the 'Parabrahmam' or the 'Divine Omnipresence' or 'Universal Conciousness'.

The main events at the temple, 'Oachirakkali' festival falls in mid-June, while the 'Panthranduvilakku' or the twelve-day festival of lights gets underway in November/ December.

'Ochirakkali' is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors in the 'padanilam' (fighting arena). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water every direction.

Fairs & Festivals : Panthranduvilakku, The Twelve-Day Festival Of Lights

Location : 34 Kms North Of Kollam Town, Kerala

Thiruvalla Temple
Thiruvalla temple is one of the largest temples of Kerala and a fine specimen of its traditional style of temple architecture. The temple has many shrines though it is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The 50- feet high flag post is of granite. An idol of garuda, vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is fixed atop the flag post. A unique attraction of this temple is the Kathakali performance staged every evening, as ritual offering. It is believed that Vishnu, the principal deity, watches the performance from his abode.

Ladies are allowed entry to the sanctum sanctorum only on two days; 'Vishu'and 'Thiruvathira'. Annual festival, 'Uthraseeveli' is celebrated on the 'Makayiram' asterism in 'Meenam' (March - April). Apart from the religious ceremonies, cultural programmes are also held.

Fairs & Festivals : Uthraseeveli

Location : 2 Kms From Thiruvalla Town, Kerala

Deity : Lord Vishnu.