Alappuzha Pilgrim Centre

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

At this temple, Krishna is worshipped in the infant avatar. Paintings of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu adorn the inner walls of chuttambalam. The temple complex also houses a small structure called the Guruvayur temple where the deity of Lord Krishna of Guruvayur was kept in safe custody during the 1790 invasion of Tipu Sultan.

This Kerala temple abounds in legends. During the annual festival, which falls in April, thousands of devotees frequent the temple and partake in the feast. And once every 12 years, sorcerers perform the pallipana ritual. This Kerala temple is also renowned for its Palpayasam, the daily offering of milk rice, the legendary gift of a Brahmin to the poor.

Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathi Temple

This temple in Kerala is a model of religious amity, allowing all people, irrespective of their religion and caste, entry within. Situated on the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, the famous rivers Pamba and Manimala flow on either side of the temple. This temple, which has Goddess Vanadurga as the presiding deity, has a special affinity for women and children and is popular with women devotees. Every year hundreds of devotees witness the ritual of feet washing that upholds the Manusmriti verse, ‘wherever women are being worshipped, there will be glory and prosperity’.

Bhagavathi Temple

Chettikulangara is the site of this famous Bhagavathi Temple. The deity, an incarnation of Bhadrakali, is supposed to possess miraculous powers and there are many leading legends relating to the favors conferred by the deity on her devotees.

The kettukazhcha festival at this Kerala temple draws large crowds of devotees. Tall structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses, larger than life figures of epic characters and decorated chariots are brought to the temple in a spectacular procession. Ritual and folk art are performed alongside. An all-night Kathakali performance marks the conclusion of the cultural fare.

The one-day annual Bharani festival at this temple in Kerala is also popular event in this temple and is a must visit destination when on Kerala pilgrimage tour.

St George Orthodox Syrian Church

This church considered to be one of the oldest Syrian churches in Kerala and has been constructed partially with portions of an old 13th century church located at Haripad. The striking feature of this Kerala church is its porches and porticos, fashioned after typical temple architecture. The frescoes are example of Christian mural art of the late medieval period. The themes are all Biblical ranging from the annunciation of Mary, Jesus’ birth the flight unto Egypt, the Last Supper and the crucifixation of Christ. However, the most remarkable ones here are those of Noah and his Ark, Judas’ betrayal of Christ and Jesus with his disciples.

Mannarassala Snake Temple

Traditionally, Hindu naga (serpent) worshippers had the temples in serpent groves. Of these, Mannarassala is the largest with 30,000 images of snake gods along the path and among the trees, and many snakes living around the temple. Childless women came for blessings and return for a thanksgiving ceremony afterwards when the child born to a couple is placed on special scales and gifts in kind, equaling the weight, are donated.

Subrahmanya Temple

Haripad has one of Kerala’s oldest and most important Subrahmanya Temples. The largest temple in Kerala dedicated to Sree Murugan (Subrahmanya) in Kerala, this temple of Kerala is renowned for its architectural splendour-the tall flag mast, the large temple tank and the koothambalam (theatre), which has some exquisite wooden carvings on its ceilings.

It is believed that the four-armed idol, fashioned after the sculptured pattern of the Buddhist period and worshipped by Lord Parasurama was found in a river. The boat race at Paripad, three kilometres away, for three days commemorates the rescue of this idol and subsequent building of the temple. Boat processions on the first two days are followed by competitive races on the third day. Takes place in August and November-December and should not be missed when on a Kerala pilgrimage tour.

St. Mary’s Church

Though this Kerala church dates back only from 1870, it is said to be on the site in Champakulam where St Thomas the apostle is believed have established one of his seven churches. The church annual feast falls in the third Sunday of October but the feast of St Joseph, celebrated on March 19th, is also a big event.

Nearby, there is a place that makes wooden statues of Christ for export around the world. Also, not to miss a snake boat, in its thatched shed, tucked away inside a narrow inlet. Measuring 130 feet long and manned by more than 100 rowers during the races, it is the pride of the community.

St George Forane Church

Established in 1810, this massive Kerala church is located on the banks of the Pamba. St. George is credited with many miracles and it is believed that prayers offered at this church help to heal mental disorders and other ailments.

During the annual feast, pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of creed, visit the church to seek blessings of the saint. They bring images of human organs and serpents, made of gold and silver, as votive offerings.