Kalady, 48 kms north-east of Cochin, is the birth place of one of Indias foremost philosophers Adi Sankaracharya who preached advaita or monotheism. The Adi Sankara shrine is situated right on the banks of river Periyar (poorna). The temple also encloses the samadhi of Sankaracharyas mother Aryamba.
Sabarimala
Sabarimala, 210kms south-east of Kochi, is home to arguably the holiest Hindu temple in Kerala, receiving millions of pilgrims from all over India and abroad every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is located in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 1250m.
The temple is open only during certain periods of the year - 41 days for Mandalapooja Nov 15 - Dec 26, Makaravilakku Jan 15, Vishu Apr 14 and the first day of every Malayalam calendar month. The journey to the summit where the temple is located involves a 5km trek, which is traditionally done barefoot.
sabrimala temple
Chennamangalam Synagogue
Chennamangalam, situated 40kms north of Cochin near North Paravur, is home to a synagogue that is based on traditional Kerala architecture. The major attractions of this synagogue are the intricate artwork and the majestic altar. This 175 year old synagogue was recently renovated to its old glory. The oldest Hebrew inscription in India, dated 1269, can be found on a tombstone near the synagogue. Chennamangalam is also a village that splendidly displays religious tolerance with a church, synagogue, temple and mosque located close to each other.
chennamangalam synagogue
Kalil Temple
Kallil Temple is 22 km away from Kalady, the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya. It is a 9th century Jain Temple in Kerala.
The temple, located in 28 acre (113,000 mē) plot, is cut from a huge rock and a climb of 120 steps leads to the temple. To reach the temple one has to travel a distance of about 2 km from Odakkali, on the Aluva Munnar Road and 10 km from Perumbavoor. The temple is under the administrative control of Chenkottukonam Sree Ramadasashramam. Earlier the temple was owned by the Kallil Pisharody family.
Durgadevi is the main deity of the temple. The idol of Brahma is seen carved at the top of the rock. Brahma is also worshipped along with Siva and Vishnu. The temple closes after Poojas at noon every day and poojas are not being done at night. The annual festival of the temple is conducted eight days starting from the Karthika day in Vrischikam (November-December). The procession is being conducted by carrying the idol of the deity on a female elephant.
Religious : Guruvayoor Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Cheraman mosque, Ernakulam Shiva Temple, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
