THIRUNAKKARA UTSAVAM

The celebrated Mahadeva Temple at Kottayam, on the Thiruvakkara Hill at the very centre of the town is one of the important Siva temples. The grandest festival of this temple is the "Arattu Utsavam" lasting for ten days from the 1st Meenam (March-April) which is attended by hundreds of thousands of people, irrespective of caste or creed.

THRICHAMBARAM UTSAVAM

Thrichambaram temple dedicated to Sree Krishna is located at the Taliparamba village, about 14 km from Pappinisserry railway station. The annual festival at this temple lasts for 14 days from 22nd Kumbaham (February-March).

UTHRA SEEVELI

Situated about 3 km from the Thiruvalla railway station, the Sree Vallabha temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The large tank near the temple is believed to have formed naturally. Five other deities have also been installed here. The granite flag-staff of the templeis 50 feet tall. It is believed that its bottom touches the water table. On the top of the flag-staff has been installed a three-feet high idol of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.

VARKALA JANARDHANASWAMY TEMPLE ARATTU

The Janardhanaswamy Temple is about 3 km form the Varkala railway station. The Arattu festival is celebrated every year in Meenam (March-April) commencing with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting) of Karthika day ending with Arattu on Uthram day. The festival lasts for ten days. On an average more than ten thousand people gather everyday to attend the festival. A colourful procession led by caparisoned elephants in which ornamental silk umbrellas, peacock fans etc. are carried, is one of the prominent features of the festival.