The Kerala temples are entirely different in appearance from other temples in the country and almost all the temples in Kerala are ancient but most of them have undergone renovations. Out of the thousands of Kerala temples, the most famous temples Kerala in the modern years is the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, where millions of devotees from the entire Indian subcontinent, adorned only in black dhotis, throng this temple during November to January for the famous Sabarimala pilgrimage. The Ambalapuzha Temple is also one of the famous temples in Kerala dedicated to the Lord Krishna, where the popular ‘Palpayasam’ (Milk Porridge) is distributed to the devotees. The Kalapathy Temple is another famous of the temples in Kerala that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and where the tremendously popular annual Ratholsavam or the Chariot race is held for seven days. Apart from the above Kerala temples, the Chottanikkara Temple near Ernakulam is also famous among the people of Kerala, and is dedicated to the mother Goddess Bhagawati the most accepted deity in Kerala. Among the other famous temples in Kerala are the Padmanabhaswamy temple, Mannarsaala temple, The Pancha Pandava temples, Subramanya temple, Krishna Temples at Tripunitura, Guruvayur, Trichamabaram and the Triprayar Rama temple.
Apart from the temples in Kerala, the state also draws many tourists to its scenic beaches, exotic resorts and Ayurvedic treatments. Known popularly as the ‘God’s own Country’ Kerala is rich in flora and fauna. With an area of 38,863 square kilometers and a population of around 33 million people Kerala has a very wet and maritime tropical climate and heavy rainfall.
One of the most famous tourist destinations is Kochi previously called as Cochin, where the Kerala’s largest lake the Vembanad Kayal lies and is the land to most beautiful sunny beaches that are breathtaking and exhilarating. Kottayam is another place which is beyond comparison, famous for its backwaters with serene landscapes, mountains, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches. Kovalam has most exotic of the beach resorts, and the southernmost beach titled, Lighthouse Beach is a rave among many foreign tourists.
For those into sports and adventure, Kerala boat race, especially the Snake Boat Race locally called as Chundanvallams, is extremely popular and draws huge crowds and tourist form different parts of the country.
For bird lovers, Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a paradise, where different species of birds like the egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and even the famous migratory birds like the Siberian stork flock together.
For nature lovers, Palakkad is the place of destination where it is rife with beautiful valleys, hill, rivers, forests, streams, dams and irrigation projects and a major tourist attraction.