Pilgrim Centres in Kerala

Pilgrim Centres in Kerala
by: Dev Sri

Kerala pilgrim centres receive pilgrims from all over India and around the world. You feel the tout God’s own Country literally true when you see a number of pilgrim centres in Kerala. This land is interspersed with Hindu, Muslim and Christian pilgrim centres.

The most famous Kerala Hindu pilgrim centres include Sabarimala Ayyapa Temple, atop a mountain named Sabarimala, Agastyarkoodam towards the southern part of Western Ghats etc. River Pampa hosts both Christian and Hindu religious conventions in the summer. Malayatoor in Central Kerala and Kurisumala in South are pilgrim centres to Christians.

Sivagiri and Aruvippuram are now two pilgrim centers that remind us of the extra ordinary courage of a sanyasin named Sree Narayana Guru. Beema Palli at Thiruvananthapuram is an important pilgrimage center for Muslims in Kerala.

Pilgrimage to Sabarimala

Sabarimala is a pilgrim centre in Kerala in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of India. Lord Ayyappan's temple is situated here in the midst of 18 hills. The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a singular example of one where pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go with one mind and one `mantra' dreaming constantly of the darshan of the presiding deity at the Holy Sannidhanam.

Vehicles can go up to Pampa. Thereafter, pilgrims have to follow a path approximately four kilometres up a steep hill. The path, now fully cemented, with shops and medical aid by the sides, used to be a mere trail through dense forest.

Pilgrimage at Sivagiry

Sivagiri, a hillock at Varkala is the final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. This is an important centre of pilgrimage. This great soul's visions and teachings have great relevance in the modern world. The Guru throughout his life highlighted the simple truth that all human beings are equal creations of the god almighty and meticulously advocated the value of mutual respect, brotherliness and solidarity.

Guruvayoor

The Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple is one of the most important and sacred pilgrim centres of Kerala. It is located in Guruvayur town of Thrissur district in Kerala, India and is easily accessible by road and rail. The presiding deity is MahaVishnu, in the standing posture with four hands which carry a Sankhu (conch), Sudarshana chakram (a serrated disk), lotus and mace. He is worshipped as Balakrishna, the full avatar (Purnaavatara) of Mahavishnu. The idol is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjana.

The Attukal Temple

Attukal is a Hindu pilgrim center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women. In Attukal temple, the Pongala Mahotsavam is a ten-day programme which starts on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February-March) and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night.
Kerala Christian Pilgrim Centres

St. Sebastian's Aruthunkal is one of the most important pilgrim centres of the Christians in Kerala, popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, 22 kms. North of Alleppey.Blessed Alphonsa, Bharananganam is one of the important pilgrim centres of the Christians in Kerala. St. Mary's Church (Valiapally), St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi, St. George Church, Edappally, Kochi,St. Mary's Church,Vallarpadam,Kochi, Christ the King Church, Thiruvananthapuram are some of the Christian pilgrim centres.

Islamic Pilgrim Centres

Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallore, Ottapalam Juma Masjid, The Jama-at mosque, Malappuram, Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti etc are famous for Islamic pilgrimage.
Kerala also believes unity in diversity and we can come across the pilgrim centres of different religious faiths all over Kerala.

About The Author
Dev Sri invites you to try adventure tours of Kerala. With Adventure Kerala (http://www.adventurekerala.org/), you will enjoy adventure sports like mountaineering, rapelling, rock climbing, river crossing, and a whole lot of adventure activities.

Waterfalls in Kerala

Waterfalls in Kerala
by: Dev Sri

Kerala is famous for its picturesque waterfalls. The special beauty of waterfalls in Kerala is something one must experience in a life time. To spend a romantic day beside the gurgling, whispering and laughing waters of the waterfalls of the Kerala is a stunning experience.

Combined with greenery Kerala waterfalls infuse freshness into any tired soul. The cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of hick green forest and rocky terrain are a scintillating experience to visitors.

During the season of monsoon the rivers and water bodies of Kerala are experiencing a new lease of life and it is the best time to venturing out in the woods and watch a waterfall in its full glory. The forests nearby the kerala waterfalls are also a great spot to watch birds and also other species of fauna and flora. A trail along the stream to explore the sights on either side is another option while watching some of the waterfalls.

Famous Waterfalls of Kerala

Athirappally & Vazhachal - The scenic beauty of Vazhachal (63 km from Thrissur) catches your attention the moment you enter the area dominated by the Sholayar ranges. Falling from a height of 80 feet, the Vazhachal waterfall presents an awe inspiring scene for tourists to view and enjoy. Athirappally fall is 5 km away from the Vazhachal waterfall merges with the water of the Chalakudy river after falling from atop. Both these waterfalls with their pure and clean water are completely mesmerizing for visitors.

Thomankuttu - Thomankuttu is well known for its beautiful waterfalls. Lying at a distance of 74 km from Cochin, the seven steps Thomankuttu waterfalls is splendid in its beauty and charm. Each step provides a cascade and a pool beneath. Numerous caves surround the waterfall which has emerged as a hotspot for tourists wishing to chill out.

Palaruvi - At a distance of 75 km from Kollam and at the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border lies the beautiful Palaruvi waterfall. Rushing down from a height of 300 feet and with numerous other smaller cascades surrounding it, the Palaruvi waterfall appears more like a fall of milk. The pool below where the water falling down collects is ideal for swimming

Power House Waterfall - While on your way to view the magnificent wildlife of the Periyar Sanctuary from Munnar, stop by to view the Powerhouse Waterfall. They are a visual treat for eyes. Falling from a great height of 2000 m, the fall takes its spectator by surprise due its beauty. Western Mountain ranges surrounding it add to its beauty.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall - Another ideal picnic spot for the tourists, the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls falls from a height of 100 feet. The highlights of this waterfall are numerous streams that make their way through the landscape occupied with rubber plantation.

About The Author
Dev Sri invites you to try adventure tours of Kerala. With Adventure Kerala (http://www.adventurekerala.org/), you will enjoy adventure sports like mountaineering, rapelling, rock climbing, river crossing, and a whole lot of adventure activities.