Arrival - you will be well-received at Kochi, the starting point of your much awaited pilgrimage tour. Soon, your road drive to Pampa begins... On the way, pray at some of Kerala's most famous shrines, starting with:

• Devi Temple, Chottanikkara

A prominent one among the most sacred Goddess Temples in South India! Here the deity is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the morning, as Bhadrakali at noon and as Durga in the evening - all major 'bhavas' (qualities) rolled in one! Moreover, worship in the adjoining Keezhkaavu Shrine is believed to rid devotees of evil influences, psychological ailments and evil spirits. Overall, a place of unmatched divine elegance!

Widely regarded as the largest and the oldest of all Temples in Kerala, this Shrine is believed to be built by Parashuram - the mythical founder of Kerala. One of the few Temples held in high regards by Shaivas and the Vaishnavas (Worshippers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively), Vaikom Temple is very well-known for the gorgeous Ashtami festivals.

A much admired Temple of Lord Shiva... The imposing Temple sanctum bears woodcarvings of superior workmanship, portraying legends from epics - Ramayana and the Bhagavatam. Also of note are the murals on the western entrance. On the 8th day of the Temple festival, a unique treasure of the Temple - the seven and half golden elephants (Ezhara Pon Aana - offered by the Maharaja of Travancore) are displayed to the devotees..

After several hours of delightful ride, stop for a while to offer worship at Erumeli - a holy place that prepares you for the Sabarimala exposure. Say your prayers at:

This temple of Lord Ayyappa is an important meeting place in the pilgrimage trip to Sabarimala. There is also a mosque - Vavar Palli (dedicated to Vavar who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa) located close to the Temple. Thus, Erumeli is a place which is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Its special feature is 'Petta Thullal' (mass frenzied dancing accompanied by loud music) - a ceremony during the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage.

(Prior to Petta Thullal, the pilgrims smear color on their faces and bodies. It is said that smearing of colors and taking part in this sort of a dance is a symbolic step towards shedding one's ego which is an essential pre-requisite before undertaking the pilgrimage.)

• Lord Ganapathy Temple, Pamba

A Temple located atop 102 steps; this is the main halting point in the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Breaking of coconuts is the main offering here.

Afterwards, proceed to the ultimate destination - Sabarimala. An energizing climb of the Sabari Hills brings you at:

• Sree Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala

Arguably the most important Temple of Lord Ayyappa in the world, Sabarimala is thronged by millions of devotees from all part of the country and abroad - throughout the year. The pilgrims usually take a dip in the holy river Pamba, before proceeding to the Sabari hills - the sacred aboard of Lord Ayyappa.

The unique aspect of this Temple is that, it is open to people of all faiths! Many Non-Hindus conduct pilgrimages to Sabarimala. This secular aspect of Sabarimala is best exemplified by the existence of the 'Vavar Nada' (in honor of a Muslim, who was Lord Ayyappa's best friend), in close proximity to the main Temple. There is no other Temple in the world in which the pilgrims are called after the deity 'Ayyappa' - underlining the fact that all pilgrims, in whichever class or background, are equal before the Lord.

After a satisfying worship, settle yourself in the Temple premises. Spend the night in an atmosphere of pure devotion.

Rise early in the morning to experience the enlightening early-worship-schedules of the Temple like 'Ghee Abishaka Darshan' (Lord taking bath in Ghee). Thoroughly refreshed; climb down the hills and proceed to Pamba. Afterwards, the drive to Guruvayur begins. En route, halt occasionally and pay offerings (as time permits) at some of the highly regarded Temples in Kerala.

First, offer prayers at:

• Bhagavathy Temple, Kodungalloor

Believed to be the oldest Goddess Temple in Kerala, the Kodungalloor Temple boasts of rich cultural tradition. The 'Bharani festival' at this Temple is one of the grandest in the State!


Drive along... On reaching Thrissur; seek blessings from,

• Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur

A huge Temple of Lord Shiva, nestled in the heart of Kerala's cultural capital - Thrissur. A Shrine that was held in high esteem by the former Maharajas of Cochin and its fame still remains intact. Also, the venue of the classical 'Thrissur Pooram' - Kerala's biggest festival.


After reaching Guruvayur, visit its most celebrated Temple...

• Lord Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur

This 5000 years old abode of Guruvayurappan ranks amongst the holiest in India! Lord Guruvayurappan (Lord Krishna in child-form) is not just a deity, but is part of a spiritual culture of the whole Keralites - irrespective of caste or creed. This priceless Temple holds many prestigious laurels such as, the launch-pad of noted art forms & literary classics, a major venue of classical music, etc. Majority of Kerala's revered sages were associated with this abode. Not to mention its significance as a venue of Hindu marriages and Annaprasanam (feeding rice to a child for the first time). Only a few Shrines match in ambience and heritage!


At Guruvayur, continue your worship by visiting other noted Temples viz.,

• Lord Shiva Temple, Mammiyoor (Guruvayur)

A legend of a Temple - an abode of Lord Shiva, in fact, older than the celebrated Guruvayurappan Temple! Though somewhat overshadowed by its mighty neighbor, Mammiyoor Temple owns a special slot in legacy as an instrumental abode in establishing the Guruvayurappan Temple. (Devotees who come to Guruvayurappan Temple customarily visit this Temple too.)

• Lord Parthasarathy Temple, Guruvayur

Another noteworthy Temple, lying close to the Guruvayurappan Temple.. The deity here is Lord Krishna as the Charioteer of Arjuna - e la epic Mahabharata.

Conclude this day's worship... Check in to your Hotel - wash off the journey hangover and relax. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Guruvayur.

Start this day with an early morning worship (as time permits) at:

• Lord Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur

Now, it's the climax of your precious trip! Check out from the Hotel and drive to the Airport / Railway Station. Depart as a happy and contented one.