Pilgrimage Tourism

Tourists are no longer restricted to visiting historical places, famous structures and nature in its most beautiful. Different people have different interests and all tourist destinations are ready to cater to these diverse tastes. Kerala has a unique position in this sector as many splendors of many diverse locations wait the visitor here. One such sector which has not been explored in many places is the Pilgrimage Tourism. Kerala has

pilgrim centres of importance to Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains and the Jews. There are ancient temples and shrines, remote places of worship in villages and hillocks as well as the popular and crowded pilgrim centres spread across the whole state. Some of the important pilgrim centres are Thiruvanthapuram, Guruvaayoor, Sabarimala, Chottanikkara, Aattukaal, Bharanangaanam, Malayaatoor, Maramon and Parappanangaadi where

thousands throng to worship and participate in the varied activities there. Thiruvanantapuram, the capital of the State may be called the city of temples with hundreds of sacred temples both big and small. There may not be any town or village without a temple, a church and a mosque, as well as other places of worship. There are a few ancient Jewish synagogues here the most important one being in Fort Kochi. Various festivals are celebrated all the year round with special religious rituals characteristic of each festival. Elephants decorated with gold and silver ornaments are a special part of almost all these festivals. Combined with the characteristic temple orchestra like Panchavaadyam the array of these caparisoned elephants is a treat to watch. With so many places of

pilgrimage, it is no wonder that Kerala is God’s own Country. The places of worship are not of one religion but the participation of the people makes it a universal festival at all places. It represents the true secularity and the unity in the diversity of cultures and religions. The traditional art forms of Kerala are mostly connected with the religious groups. Some of these like Theyyam are restricted to certain areas and are performed only at particular times but these are a must see event for all. Almost all the temples, churches and mosques have their own special rituals and ceremonies. One who visits this southern state of India is touched many times by the enigmatic feeling of refinement and spirituality and no one can be left untouched by the sanctity of the place.