
Kerala is famous for its numerous places of worship that hold year-round festivals and celebrations. Be it temples, churches or mosques, each district in the state has important pilgrim centres that are visited by devotees all through the year.
Of these the most famous pilgrim centre is the Sabarimala Temple in Pathanamthitta district. Mandalapooja (during November) and Makaravilakku (during January) are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, Thrissur, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Cochin, Sree Padnamabha Temple, Trivandrum, Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur are some of the famous temples in Kerala among many others.
Christianity in Kerala is believed to be as old as the Christian era itself thus giving some ancient churches to Kerala. The Mary’s Forence Church – the oldest church in Kerala, Malayattoor Church – bearing the footprints of St Thomas or St Francis Church – the first European church in Kerala are some of the most well-known churches here.
It is believed that the Arab traders introduced Islam to Kerala, during the eighth or ninth century. The mosques in Kerala are generally covered structures comprising a large prayer hall in the centre with covered verandhas on all the sides. The mosques at Patalayini, the Jama-Masjid at Tannur, and the mosques at Ponnani, Malappuram, Jami-Masjid at Baypore in Kozhikode district, Mithqual mosque in Calicut, are some of the famous mosques.
Click to view places within each district.
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple , Alappuzha
A temple dedicated to infant Krishna, this temple draws thousands of devotees during the month of April, which is when the annual festival is held. The Pallipana ceremony held once in 12 years witnesses performances by sorcerers. The temple is famous for its offering of Palpayasam, a milk and rice pudding....
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Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathi Temple , Alappuzha
Located on the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts, this shrine is open to people of all religions. The temple that stands between the Pamba and Manimala Rivers, is particularly popular among women devotees. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Vanadurga.
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St Mary's Church, Champakulam , Alappuzha
The church draws hundreds of devotees during the annual feast held in the month of October. The feast of St Joseph in March is also an important event. The church is built on the site which is believed to be one of the seven sites on which St Thomas had built churches. Wooden statues of Christ which
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Bhagavathi Temple , Alappuzha
The deity of this temple is Bhadrakali who is believed to confer devotees with blessings of health, wealth and peace of mind. The temple in Chettikulangara has the largest stone lamp in the country – 11 feet high with 13 tiers. The Kettukazhcha festival held at the temple is a colourful affair
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Mannarassala Snake Temple , Alappuzha
Worshippers of the Naga (Serpent God) have always built their temples in groves where serpents are aplenty. Mannarassala is the largest serpent temple with 30,000 images of serpent Gods and has hundreds of snakes living around the temple. Childless women come to the temple and pray to be blessed with...
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Edatuya Church , Alappuzha
| Situated 24 km away from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road, Edatuya Church was established in 1810. The church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help cure all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th, 7th of |
Mullackal Rajarajeswari Temple , Alappuzha
| Mullackal Rajarajeswari Temple is located in the heart of Alleppey town. The presiding deity is Goddess Rajarajeswari. The temple celebrates two festivals every year. The nine-day 'Navarathri' festival is very popular. The last two days of the festival are considered very auspicious. A colourful procession... |
Shiva Temple , Ernakulam
Known as the Ernakulathappan Temple, the God of this temple is named after the city (Ernakulam). The deity Shiva, faces the west towards the sea which is a rarity. The idols of Lord Shiva and Parvathi found in the temple are believed to be self created. The Arattu procession where the deity is taken
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Chottanikkara Temple , Ernakulam
About 16 kms away from Ernakulam, the Chottanikkara Temple enshrines the Goddess Bhagavathi in three forms: Saraswathi (the goddess of learning), Bhadrakali (the fierce form of the goddess Kali), and Durga (the divine mother). Worshippers throng the temple throughout the year and the nine-day Makam Thozhal...
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Santa Cruz Basilica , Ernakulam
The Santa Cruz Basilica was built by the Portuguese in 1506 and recognized as a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. It was demolished by the British in 1795 and a new building was erected at the same site in the year 1887. It is a brilliant structure with a blue dome.
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St Francis Church , Ernakulam
It is India’s first European church built in 1503 by a group of Portuguese. The Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524. 14 years later his remains were taken back to Lisbon, however, his tombstone remains intact. Regular services are conducted on all days of the week in English...
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Kalady , Ernakulam
| Kalady is the birth place of Sri Adi Sankara, the great Indian philosopher who lived in the 8th century. Kalady is situated on the banks of River Periyar and there are two shrines in memory of Sree Sankaracharya. One is dedicated to him as Dakshinamoorthy and the other to the Goddess Sharada. Adi Sankara's... |
Malayatoor , Ernakulam
| On the slopes of the picturesque Western Ghats, 52 Kms from Kochi and 8 Kms from Kalady is the famous Malayatoor Church visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. This church is believed to have been blessed by the Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas. The church atop the hill was established in A.D. 900.... |
Kallil Temple , Ernakulam
| Kallil Temple is situated 22 Kms away from Kalady. A ninth century temple, it is believed to have been built by Jain monks. The temple is cut out from a huge rock approximately 23m X 14m X 8m. and a climb of 120 steps leads to the temple. The temple at Methala is 8 km away from Kuruppampady and 53 kms... |
Parassini Kadavu Temple , Kannur
Located 18 km northeast of Kannur, the Parssini Kadavu temple is one of the most important shrines of the region. Also known as the Parassini Madapura, this temple is open to people of all religions. It is a three tiered temple and is painted in white. Devotees follow the unusual custom of offering dried...
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Rajarajeshwara Temple , Kannur
The Shivalingam in this temple is believed to be thousands of years old. The temple has a very usual custom of allowing women into the temple only after 8 p.m. It is believed that Lord Shiva is with Goddess Parvathi at that time and he would grant all the wishes of the women devotees at that time. The...
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Kottiyoor Shiva Temple , Kannur
Also known as the Varanasi of the South, the Kottiyoor Shiva Temple is located in a forested area on the banks of the River Bavali. There are actually two temples here- Akkara and Ikkara, that draw pilgrims from far and wide. A 28 day festival in the months of May-June, involves a lot of rituals such...
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Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque , Kasargod
The mosque located at Thalangara, Kasargod, is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. The mosque has the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims.the original mosque built by Dinar was a small structure with a thatched roof,
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Ananthapura Temple , Kasargod
The only lake temple in Kerala, the Ananthapura Temple was built in the 9th century. Located on the Kumbla-Badiyadka Road, about 14 km north from Kasargod Town, the sanctum of the temple situated in the middle of a scenic lake, can be reached only by a bridge. The walls of the sanctum are covered with...
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Madhur Sree Madananteshwara Vinayaka Temple , Kasargod
One of the four temples built by the Mypadi Kings of Kumbla, , the 10th century temple of Madhur Sree Madananteshwara Vinayaka is the most renowned in terms of architecture and importance. The temple was renovated in the 15th century and built in a very unique style. The three storied oval structure
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Anandashram , Kasargod
| A spiritual centre founded in 1931 by Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai, who devoted their lives to spreading the message of love and peace. This Ashram is located in an internationally known spiritual centre which has prayer halls and visitor cottages within the large compound. |
Bela Church , Kasargod
| Our Lady of Sorrows Church, constructed in 1890 AD, is the oldest church in the district. Situated 15 km north of Kasargod, this Gothic style Roman Catholic Church is under the Mangalore Diocese. The church which recently celebrated its centenary was renovated too. |
Trikkanad & Pandyan Kallu , Kasargod
| A famous temple on the sea shore near the Bekal fort, dedicated to Lord Siva Trikkanad and Pandyan Kallu is also known as Dhakshina Kashi. Pandyan Kallu, a rock standing in the sea about 2 km from Trikkannad is an ideal place for adventurous swimmers. Legend has it that a ship of one of the Pandya Kings... |
Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram , Kollam
Amritapuri, earlier known as Vallikavu, is the birth place of the eminent spiritual guru, Matha Amritanandamayi. The ashram built in a five acre plot holds a township that includes a post office, bank and library.
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Ochira Parabrahma Temple , Kollam
This temple is one of its kinds because it neither has a main shrine nor an idol to be worshipped. This temple is dedicated to the ‘Para Brahma’, the supreme principle. Ochirakali, is the temple’s annual festival that honors the big battle between the Kayamkulam and Chempakasseri Kings....
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Sasthamkotta Dharmasastha Temple , Kollam
This is a temple dedicated to lord Ayyappa. The monkeys in the surrounding woods are respected by the devotees as they were once believed to be the loyal followers of Dharmasastha, the ruling deity. The ten day annual festival celebrated by the temple includes the colourful Kettukazhcha parade and an...
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Achenkovil , Kollam
| Situated about 80 kms from Punalur is an important pilgrim center. The Sastha temple, Achenkovil, is situated amidst a dense forest. The idol of Sastha is believed to have been installed several centuries before the Christian Era. The two important festivals of this temple are Mandala Pooja (December-January)... |
Valiyapalli , Kottayam
Valiyapalli, meaning ‘big church’ was built in 1550. The church built entirely in wood was demolished in the year 1577. The church built later was done fully in stone. The church is known for its Persian crosses, woodcarvings, Syrian inscriptions and mural paintings.
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Cheriyapalli , Kottayam
The Cheriyapalli or the ‘small church’, was built in 1579. An extensive restoration work was carried out which got over in 1993. The restoration work was done to retain the original beauty of the church. Hence, the architectural details are same as that of the church built in 1579. Granite...
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Thirunakkara Temple , Kottayam
This temple is famous for its low roofed stage or Koothambalam which is decorated with carved windows. The festivals held in the months of October-November, June-July and March-April see the performance of folk arts such as Mayilattom (Peacock dance) and Velakali. The all-night Kathakali performance
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Erumely , Kottayam
A region for its communal harmony, Erumely is a town that has Hindu and Muslim shrines built close to each other. The Vavar mosque dedicated to Vavar, Lord Ayyappa’s Muslim friend, is visited by pilgrims going to Sabarimala. The Kochambalam opposite the Vavar Mosque is known for the Petta Thullal...
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Kumaranelloor , Kottayam
| Kumaranelloor is famous for the Karthyayani (Devi) temple. Here "Trikarthika" day is important which is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December). The display of lights in the evening (Karthika Vilakku) is the highlight of this celebration. |
Pallippurathu Kavu , Kottayam
| Situated in the southern part of Kottayam town this temple is devoted to Goddess Devi. The 'Kumbhakuta Mahotasva' here attracts a large crowd. It is held on the day of Pathamudaya (Tenth day of the month of Medam). The 'Garudan Thukkam' at night is also famous. |
Saraswathy Temple, Panachikkad , Kottayam
| Saraswathi is worshipped as the goddess of learning. On the day of Durgasthami, pooja veppu is performed with books arranged in a sanctified room and all activities related to education and work are given up for the day. Thousands of pilgrims come to the temple to initiate their children to learning,... |
Vimalagiri Church , Kottayam
| Vimalagiri (Ankathattu Palli) is the cathedral of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1956 and the construction was completed in 1964. The church constructed in the Gothic style is a fine example of the architectural excellence of that period. The main tower of |
Bay Island Driftwood Museum , Kottayam
| A display of a unique collection of superior quality driftwood articles prepared in a rare and innovative modern art-form awaits you at Bay Island Driftwood Museum. |
Mishkal Mosque , Kozhikode
The mosque reminiscent of Kerala’s Temple Architecture is a grand affair built out of wood, supported on 24 carved pillars. The mosque with 47 doors has intricately carved ceilings, Gopuram style arches and unlike other mosques, does not have minarets. The 700 year old mosque was constructed by...
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Mother of God Cathedral , Kozhikode
The 18th century Gothic Cathedral, believed to have been designed by Italian architects, has a 200 year old portrait of St Mary. The cemetery adjoining the church holds old gravestones such as that of the first Catholic missionary of Kozhikode, Rev Pedro de Covilhany, who arrived here on May 20, 1498....
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Tali Temple , Kozhikode
A 14th century temple built by the Zamorin King, Manavikraman, this site is located about one and a half kilometers east of Manachira Square. The annual cultural event, Revathi Pattathanam draws a number of pilgrims to the temple. Elaborate wooden carvings on the roof and intricate bas relief on the
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Muchundipalli , Kozhikode
Built in the 13th century, Muchundipalli is the oldest mosque in the city. It has a stone slab installed in the inscribed in the ancient Vattezhuthu script. The structure stands on a plinth, 1.5 m tall and has a double tiered roof with a decorated gable. The ceiling has intricate wooden carvings on it....
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Thirunavaya , Malappuram
Situated on the banks of Bharathapuzha, Thirunavaya is a place of great historical importance. Today Thirunavaya is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya mela and the Mamankam festival. The Thirunavaya temple is also a famous pilgrim center.
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Kadampuzha , Malappuram
| Kadampuzha is situated 3 km north of Vettichira on NH-17 connecting Calicut and Trissur. The temple is in Melmuri village of Tirur taluk and is famous for its Bhagavathi temple, said to have been set up by Jagadguru Sankaracharya. |
Thirunavaya , Malappuram
| This ancient temple on the banks of River Bharathapuzha is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was the venue of the Mamankam festival where people adept in the martial art of Kalaripayattu used to come to fight it out. |
Trikandiyur , Malappuram
| This ancient Shiva temple with an idol is said to have been installed by Parasurama. It is situated close to the town of Tirur, and attracts devotees from far and wide. |
Mumburam , Malappuram
| A Muslim shrine and receptacle for dead bodies of the Thangals (the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims), Mumburam is situated in A.R.Nagar village. It is a famous pilgrimage centre of Muslims. |
Valiya Juma Masjid , Malappuram
| This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjacent to the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalized in the Mappila ballads. |
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti , Malappuram
| 18km east of Manjeri, this mosque is on the way to Malappuram. The three day long Valia Nercha feast at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre is celebrated during February/March. |
Varahamoorthi Kshethram , Palakkad
The legend behind this temple is what makes it special. According to the myth, Perumthachan, an expert carpenter began constructing this temple after being challenged to build a temple that could challenge heaven. Lord Indra truly got envious of the temple and altered minute measurements of the temple...
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Jain Temple , Palakkad
| The 1500 year old shrine was built by two diamond traders from Karnataka. They gave the temple its name name – ‘Jainamedu’, a term still in use. The statue of the Kshetrapalan, meaning the temple guardian, is a prominent feature of the temple. Today, the temple lies in a state of ruins... |
Thiruvalathoor , Palakkad
| Situated 10 km from Palakkad, Thiruvalathoor is famous for the ancient temple that has some fine wood work and stone sculptures. |
Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayana Temple , Palakkad
| This temple in Palakkad district dates back to the 14th century while its Koothambalam (temple theatre) was probably added in the 15th or 16th century. The Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple: near Pattambi has some of the most intricate sculptures in Kerala. |
Sabarimala , Pathanamthitta
The temple dedicated to Lord Ayyapa is situated high on the Western Ghats and can be reached only by foot. The temple is thronged by thousands of pilgrims everyday, especially during the time when the Makarajyothi (a divine light that appears above the shrine) is seen. People of any religion can visit...
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Kaviyoor , Pathanamthitta
Temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman on the banks of River Manimala, make Kaviyoor an important pilgrimage centre. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, 3 km east of Tiruvalla, at Trikkakudi, is famous for its beautiful Pallava style of architecture.
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Kadammanitta , Pathanamthitta
| Kadammanitta, a village 8 kms away from Pathanamthitta is famous for Padayani, a ritual art performed in the Kadamanitta Devi Temple during the annual ten day temple festival which is celebrated from the first day of Medam (Malayalam-era). |
Kalloppara , Pathanamthitta
| St.Mary's church at Kalloppara stands in close proximity to the Bhagavathi temple as an example of the communal harmony of the place. There are two granite slabs inside the church with some inscriptions in Pali language. |
Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam , Pathanamthitta
| Chilanthiyambalam is situated in Kodumon panchayat about 15 km away from Pathanmathitta town. It is believed that this temple was built during the reign of the last king of the Sakthibhadra Kingdom. The deity of the temple, Mahalakshmi, is worshipped by all, irrespective of caste and creed. The water... |
Manjinikkara , Pathanamthitta
| Mar Ignatitus Elias 111, the holy Patriarch of Anthioch, while on his visit to India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are kept in the church at Manjinikkara. Pilgrims from other parts of India and foreigners, visit this place frequently. The Church celebrates a festival in February every... |
Maramon , Pathanamthitta
| Maramon is famous for the Christian Convention held here, on the vast sandy beds of the River Pamba. Though a religious convention of of Christians it is attended by people belonging to all communities. The seven day convention takes place in February. Addressed by speakers of international repute and... |
Niranam , Pathanamthitta
| Situated about six kms away from the headquarters of the Thiruvalla Revenue Division, Niranam is famous for the Orthodox Syrian Church here, which is believed to be one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas. |
Pandalam , Pathanamthitta
| Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala in sanctity and significance. Lord Ayyappa, in his human form was the son of the Raja of Pandalam. It is believed that the Raja constructed a temple close to his palace on the banks of the river Achenkoil, in line with the design of the Sabarimala shrine,... |
Parumala , Pathanamthitta
| It is here that Mar Gregories Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church died. The Ormapperunnal celebrated in his memory on the first and second of every November, is attended by thousands. |
Padmanabha Swamy Temple , Thiruvananthapuram
A temple dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, it was renovated by Raja Marthanda Varma in the year 1733. The idol is Lord Padmanabha reclining on Anantha (the thousand headed serpent). The sculpture is about 5.5 m long and one of the largest Vishnu Idols in India. The deity reclines in a large dimly lit room...
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Attukal Bhagavati Temple , Thiruvananthapuram
| Attukal Pongala is celebrated between the 18th and 26th of February, every year, at Attukal Bhagavati Temple. It is a ten-day festival. On the 9th day, thousands of women devotees from many parts of the state gather in the temple to prepare ‘pongala’, a dish prepared with coconut, jaggery... |
Vadakkumnathan Temple , Thrissur
The temple with four imposing Gopurams, enclosed by a lofty stone wall, Vadakkumnathan is one of the most revered temples of Kerala. In a unique ritual, ghee is poured over the idol of Lord Shiva. A classic example of the Kerala style of architecture with different sacred shrines within, the temple is...
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Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores/ Puthan Palli , Thrissur
This famed church is believed to be the tallest church in Asia. It has a three storied portico and even higher steeples. Decorated with Gothic towers, 15 altars and church bells imported from Germany, the church is a must visit destination of Thrissur.
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Kodungalloor , Thrissur
Kodungalloor is a place with a rich historic heritage. It is famous for its Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid, believed to be the first mosque in India; the Mar Thoma Pontifical shrine, which is believed to be the first church in India. This church was built to commemorate the arrival of St Thomas, the apostle...
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Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple , Thrissur
The most famous temple town of Kerala, Guruvayur is where devout pilgrims come together to seek the blessings of Guruvayurappan (meaning God of Guruvayur). The Sree Krishna temple here is Kerala’s largest shrine and has a 33.5 m tall gold plated dwajasthambha or a flagpole, which stands in front...
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Palayur Church , Thrissur
One of the oldest churches among the ones built by St Thomas the Apostle, the Palayur Church is believed to have been built in the 52 AD. Granite statues portraying the life of the saint beautify the entrance of the church.
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Arattupuzha , Thrissur
| Arattupuzha Temple, situated 16 kms away from the town on Thrissur - Kodungallor road, is known for its annual pooram festival held during April-May every year. It is one of the most colourful carnivals of Kerala. |
Koodalmanickam Temple, Irinjalakuda , Thrissur
| The Koodalmanickam temple is an ancient temple situated in Manavalassery village about 10 kms away from Irinjalakuda Railway station. Lord Bharatha is the deity of the temple. An annual 11 day festival is held in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May). |
Thirunelly Temple , Wayanad
The temple dedicated Lord Brahma and Vishnu is located in a valley surrounded by the South Brahmagiri peaks. Thirunelly literally means ‘the sacred gooseberry’. The hills around the temple provide great trekking options.
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