Situated at a distance of about 15 km from Kochi, the Sree Rajeshwari temple, Chottanikkara is unique in its own right. Here the Goddess is worshipped as Sarawati in the morning, Bhadrakali at noon and Durga in the evening. This temple has the reputation as a place of redemption from evil spirits. The temple has a pond known as Rakthakulam. A dip in that 'kulam' is believed to remove the evil sprits from posseessed individuals.
The annual nine day festival is marked by Aarattu, performed everyday unlike other temples. Large number of devotees come to this temple especially on Makam Thozhal on the 7th day, which is considered to be auspicious for women following a belief that it gives the unmarried women mangalya (matrimonial bliss), Caparisoned elephants line up for Pooram, on the eight day and a spectacular display of the fireworks marks the conclusion of the festival. Navarathri is also celebrated with emphasis on musical concerts.
Siva temple - Ernakulam
The deity of this ancient temple situated at the heart of Kochi city, is popularly known as Ernakulathappan. The annual festival is an eight day event and on all these days inside the temple the Seeveli procession with 9 tuskers and the Panchavadyam is held twice a day. On the seventh day evening, Pakalpooram is conducted. Kathakali, Ottanthullal, music concerts are presented by renowned artists. The festival concludes with the 'Arattu'.
Bhagawathy temple - Puthiyakavu
This temple is located near Thripunithura, 11 km from Ernakulam. It celebrates a seven day festival every year. The third and fourth days are very auspicious for unmarried women and they come to offer 'thalams'. On the last night Thookam is performed followed by a fire works display to conclude the festival.
Sree krishna Swamy temple - Chittoor
This temple 8 km from Ernakulam celebrates an 8 day festival Ezhunullathu procession in which the deity is ceremoniously taken around the temple in a specially decorated chariot. Garuda Vahanam takes place from the second day. Kathakali dance is presented on the first five evenings.
This popular shrine situated at the top of a hill nearly 2000 ft. high at Malayattur, 52 km from Ernakulam is believed to be one of the seven churches built by St. Thomas, Apostle of Christ. It is believed that the Apostle, who came to India in the first century A.D, visited Malayatoor twice. The annual feast of this church is observed on the Sunday after Easter (April or last week of March), on the day of the 1st moon after the Vernal Equinox. The Octave is celebrated on the following Sunday. Pilgrims of all faiths from far and near proceed uphill, chanting the name of the Apostle.
Sringeri Madam Adhi Sankara Janma Bhoomi - Kalady
This is the birth place of Adhi Sankara, the Advaitha philosopher and is on the banks of river Periyar, formally known as Poorna river. It celebrates a ten day festival during Navarathri and procession lead by a decorated temple chariot is conducted. Eminent artists present classical music concerts during the festival days. On Sankara Jayanthi, the birthday of Sankara, a Vedic discourse and debate is conducted in which Vedic scholars from all over the world participates.
St. Mary's Church - Vallarpadam
This Catholic Church situated in a small island of Ernakulam is believed to have been established in 1676 by the Portuguese. The annual feast of Vallarpadathamma (St. Mary) lasts more than a week. A fair is conducted here at this time.
Kanjiramattam Mosque
This mosque 25 km from Ernakulam is said to have been erected over the mortal remains of Sheik Faridudeen and it is believed that the great Muslim saint Vaver prayed here and attained Eternal bliss. The Kodikuthu festival is observed on the 14th of January every year and famous Chandanakuda Mahotsavam is celebrated during night. The procession with six caparisoned elephants and folk arts such as Aravanamuttu, Chendamelam, Doobakali etc is the main attraction. Cultural fare includes Oppana, Mappila Pattu etc.
Azhakiyakavu Bhagavathy temple - Pallurthy
This temple celebrates a twenty two day long festival. On the last three days, grand processions led by decorated elephants are held to the accompaniment of Panchavadhyam. Various temple art forms are performed during the festival. The festival concludes with a magnificent display of fireworks. Pulavanibham, a trade fair will be held here which attracts many people.
