Kerala     
                                                                                                                 
  
   Places of Interest:

Thiruvananthapuram

Kochi

Munnar

Ponmudi


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Temples
Kerala is a land of temples. Many temples attract devotees from all over India and even abroad. But the religious tolerance of the people of Kerala is reflected in the presence of a large number of Churches, Mosques and even a Synagogue.  
Some of the most prominent temples are -

The Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple
celebrates Makara Vilakku Festival.
Vadakkunnatha Temple in Trichur
The most important festival celebrated here is the Pooram Festival in April. A procession of richly caprisoned elephants and an unrivalled display of pyrotechnics are the highlights of this celebration.
Padmanabhaswami Temple in Trivandrum

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Some scholars trace its date of construction to 3000Bc. It is a fine example of South Indian temple architecture. It has a seven story Gopuram (tower). Non Hindus are not allowed entry to the temple complex. A strict dress code applies. Entry is from sunrise to 12.30pm and in the evening from 4.30 PM to 9.30 PM.

Twelve km North of Kallayam is the Shiva Temple At Ettumanur. Especially notable about this temple are the murals and exquisite woodcarvings. The annual festival at this temple takes place in Feb/March.
Synagogue

Kerala has one of very few synagogues in India. It serves a very small Jewish population, as most of them have left India for Israel. It is believed that the Jews first migrated to the state in the 6th century BC. In 1st century AD a large number of Jews settled in Cranganore. They came from Jerusalem and were fleeing persecution by the Romans. However when they were again persecuted by the Portuguese who destroyed the city of Cranganore. The Jews then settled in Mattancherry and it was only when the Dutch arrived that they were able to live without fear.
The synagogue in Mattancherry was built in 1568 when the Jews settled here after they were expelled from Cranganore Ezekiel Rababi further embellished the synagogue in 18th century. He added a clock tower and paved the floor with Chinese hand painted tiles. It also houses the decree engraved on copper plates which granted them domain over Cranganore by King Bhaskara Ravi Varma. These copper plates date back to the 4th century
.
Churches
St Francis Church

It is located in Fort Cochin. When Alfonso Albuquerque came here in 1503, he was accompanied by 5 friars. They were instrumental in building this church in 1510- the first European church in India. The grave of Vasco Da Gama can be seen here, though his remains were later shipped back to Portugal.
Santa-Cruz Cathedral

This too is located in Fort Cochin. It was completed in 1907. Compared with the St Francis Church, which is built in the sedate Portuguese style, this church displays a rather flamboyant even gaudy style of construction and embellishment.
Christ Church

Built of stone, this church located in Munnar has five stained glass works. There are brass plaques honoring the memory of tea planters.

 

 

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