MAJOR RELIGIOUS PILGRIM CENTRES OF KERALA

Sabarimala
The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, 80 kms. from the Pathanamthitta district head quarters, is a National Pilgrim Centre. This famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. Devotees visit Sabarimala after undergoing 41 days of ‘Vritha’ i.e., self-imposed devotional penance. They, with irumudikettu (bundle with offerings to Ayyappa) on their head, climb the mountain ranges and cross the forest bare footed repeatedly chanting ‘Saranam Ayyappa’ which means we seek refuge in Ayyappa. This is probably the only famous temple in Kerala, which does not restrict anybody from visiting it for not being a Hindu.

Malayattoor
Malayattoor Church, a Christian pilgrim centre situated 52 kms from Kochi beside the Periyar River at the top of a hill. The pilgrims can reach the place only by foot. This church which was established in AD 900 is believed to have been blessed by St.Thomas, one of the Apostles of Christ.

Agastyakudam
Agastyakudam, near Thiruvananthapuram, a prominent peak of the Western Ghats, is a pilgrim centre of the Hindus. This place is also noted for it’s abundant Ayurvedic herbs.

Varkala
This famous Hindu pilgrim centre is situated at 48 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram. It is noted for it’s mineral springs.

Sivagiri and Aruvippuram
Aruvippuram of Thiruvananthapuram district is famous through the consecration of the 'Siva Idol' by Sree Narayana Guru. Sivagiri is a major pilgrim centre that attracts not only the local tourists but also travellers from abroad.
Ochira: A unique pilgrim centre in Kollam district known for its Advaita Philosphy. Here there is no temple or idol for the presiding deity ‘the Parabrahma’. The ritual performance ‘Ochirakali’, which is usually held in June gathers a huge crowd.

Maramon Convention
Every year in the month of February, banks of river Pamba plays host to a famous religious convention of Christians for 7 days. This convention is addressed by the speakers of international repute and attended by people from various other communities.

Cherukolpuzha Convention
The famous Hindu religious convention held on the banks of river Pamba. It is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.