Festival Calendar 2014-2015

In Kerala, festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs. We have calculated the festival dates based on these. But there can be changes in the dates according the customs and rituals associated with each place of worship. As such, these should be considered only as approximate dates and have to be confirmed with the local authorities.

Festivals	2014	2015
Elephant Pageants
Adoor Gajamela Adoor - Pathanamthitta Dist	9 Feb 2014	30 Jan 2015
Pariyanampetta Pooram Kattakulam - Palakkad Dist	19 Feb 2014	19 Feb 2015
Guruvayoor Aanaottam Guruvayoor - -Thrissur Dist	12 Mar 2014	2 Mar 2015
Chinakkathoor Pooram Palappuram - Palakkad Dist	14 Mar 2014	4 Mar 2015
Uthralikavu Pooram Wadakkancherry - Thrissur	25 Feb 2014	24 Feb 2015
Parippally Gajamela Parippally - Kollam  Dist	2 Mar 2014	1 Mar 2015
Peruvanam Pooram Peruvanam - Thrissur Dist	8 April 2014	29 Mar 2015
Arattupuzha Pooram Arattupuzha - Thrissur Dist	11 April 2014	1 Apr 2015
Kottakkal Pooram Kottakkal - Malappuram Dist	27 Mar to 1 Apr 2014	17 to 22 Mar 2015
Thrissur Pooram Thrissur Town -Thrissur Dist	9 May 2014	28 Apr 2015
Thutha Pooram Thutha - Palakkad	13 May 2014	12 May 2015
Boat Races
Champakkulam Boat Race Champakkulam - Alappuzha Dist	11 July 2014	1 July 2015
Nehru Trophy Boat Race Punnamada - Alappuzha Dist	9 Aug 2014	8 Aug 2015
Payippad Boat Race Payippad - Alappuzha Dist	8 Sep 2014	30 Aug 2015
Kumarakom Boat Race Kumarakom - Kottayam Dist	8 Sep 2014	30 Aug 2015
Aranmula Boat Race Aranmula - Pathanamthitta Dist	10 Sep 2014	31 Aug 2015
Onam
Athachamayam Thrippunithura - Ernakulam Dist	29 Aug 2014	18 Aug 2015
Thiruvonam  Celebrated all over Kerala	7 Sep 2014	28 Aug 2015
Pulikali Swaraj Round - Thrissur Dist	11 Sep 2014	1 Sep 2015
Temple Festivals
Neroth Peratoor Sri Bhagavathy Kshethram Utsavam	19  to  24 Jan 2014	20 to  25 Jan 2015
Avoor Utsavam Avoor - Kollam Dist	14  to  23 Jan 2014	15  to  24 Jan 2015
Thaipooya Mahotsavam Koorkancherry - Thrissur Dist	17 Jan 2014	3 Feb 2015
Thaipooya Mahotsavam Harippad - Alappuzha	17 Jan 2014	3 Feb 2015
Chettikulangara Bharani Chettikulangara - Alappuzha Dist	6 Mar 2014	24 Feb 2015
Kidangoor Balasubramaniya Swami Temple Kidangoor - Kottayam Dist	7 to 16 Mar 2014	25 Feb to 6 Mar 2015
Machattu Mamangam Wadakkancherry - Thrissur Dist	18 Feb 2014	17  Feb 2015
Chottanikara Chottanikara - Ernakulam Dist	8  to  17 Mar 2014	26 Feb  to 7 Mar  2015
Ettumanur Utsavam Ettumanur - Kottayam Dist	10 Mar 2014	28 Feb 2015
Jaganadha Temple Thalassery - Kannur Dist	11  to 20 Mar 2014	1  to10 Mar 2015
Guruvayoor Utsavam Guruvayoor - Thrissur Dist	12  to   22 Mar 2014	2  to  12 Mar 2015
Attukal Pongala              Attukal - Thiruvananthapuram Dist	15 Mar  2014	5  Mar 2015
Ananthapuram  Lake Temple Ananthapuram - Kasaragod Dist	26 Feb 2014	26 Feb 2015
Puthoor Festival Puthoor - Palakkad	21 Mar  to 11 Apr 2014	20 Mar  to 10 Apr 2015
Aluva Sivarathri Aluva - Ernakulam Dist	27 Feb 2014	18 Mar 2015
Thirunakkara Arattu Thirunakkara - Kottayam Dist	15 to 24 Mar 2014	15 to 24 Mar 2015
Valliyoor Kavu Valliyoor Kavu - Wayanad Dist	15 to 28 Mar 2014	15 to 28 Mar 2015
Konganpada Chittoor - Palakkad Dist	10 Mar 2014	2 Mar 2015
Loganarkavau Vadakara - Kozhikode Dist	4  to 12 Apr 2014
Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram Angadipuram - Malappuram Dist	5  Apr 2014	26 Mar 2015
Cherthala Karthiyayani Temple Cherthala - Alappuzha Dist	5  to  13 Apr 2014	26 Mar  to 3 Apr  2015
Malanada Kettukazhcha Poruvazhi - Kollam Dist	28 Mar 2014	27 Mar 2015
Chamayavilakku Kottankulangara - Kollam Dist	24 to 25 Mar 2014	24 to 25 Mar 2015
Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple Painkuni Utsavam East Fort - Thiruvananthapuram Dist	14 Apr 2014	4 Apr 2015
Ambalapuzha Festival Ambalapuzha - Alappuzha Dist	18 to 27 Mar 2014	4 to 13 Apr 2015
Nenmara Vallangi Vela Nenmara - Palakkad Dist	3  Apr 2014	3 Apr 2015
Attuvela Mahotsavam Vadayar - Kottaym Dist	1 Apr 2014	22 Mar 2015
Kodungalloor Bharani Kodungalloor - Thrissur Dist	2 Apr 2014	23  Mar 2015
Chamakkavu Kettukazhcha Mavelikkara - Alappuzha Dist	15 Apr 2014	15 Apr 2015
Thirunelli Thirunelli - Wayanad Dist	15 Apr 2014	15 Apr 2015
Mathoor Vinayaka Temple Thottakara - Thrissur  Dist	14 to 18 Apr 2014	14 to 18 Apr 2015
Kudal Manickam Iringalakuda - Thrissur Dist	10 to 20 May 2014	29 Apr to 9 May 2015
Kottiyoor Utsavam Kottiyoor - Kannur Dist	10 June to 7 July 2014	31 May to 27 June 2015
Vettikode Ayilyam Vettikode - Alappuzha Dist	11 to  18 Oct 2014	1 to 8 Oct 2015
Panachikadu Festival Panachikadu - Kottayam Dist	25 Sep to 4 Oct 2014	14 to 23 Oct 2015
Navarathri Festival East Fort - Thiruvananthapuram Dist	25 Sep  to  3  Oct  2014	15 to 23 Oct 2015
Mullackal Utsavam Mullackal - Alappuzha Dist	25 Sep  to 4 Oct 2014	15 to 23 Oct 2015
Urakam Urakam - Kottayam Dist	4 Oct 2014	23 Oct 2015
Thiruvullakavu Cherpu - Thrissur Dist	4 Oct 2014	23 Oct 2015
Thripoonithura Poornathrayesha Temple Thripoonithura - Ernakulam Dist	26 Oct 2014 24  to  31 Oct 2014	26 Oct 2015 8 to 15 Dec 2015
Mannarasala Ayilyam Mannarasala - Alappuzha Dist	14 Nov 2014	4 Nov 2015
Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple Alpashy Utsavam East Fort - Thiruvananthapuram Dist	31 Oct 2014	18 Nov 2015
Kalpathi Ratholsavam Kalpathi - Palakkkad Dist	14 -16  Nov 2014	14 - 16 Nov 2015
Payyannoor Subramaniya Swami Temple Payyannoor - Kannur Dist	17 Nov 2014	17 Nov 2015
Kadampuzha Devi  Temple Kadampuzha - Malappuram Dist	5 Dec 2014	25 Nov 2015
Parassinikadavu , Kannur Parassinikadavu, Kannur	2 Dec 2014	2 Dec 2015
Vaikathashtami Festival Vaikom - Kottayam Dist	29 Nov 2014	19 Nov 2015
Guruvayoor Ekadasi Guruvayoor - Thrissur Dist	2 Dec 2014	22 Nov 2015
Mullackal Cherappu Mullackal - Alappuzha Dist	16  to  26 Dec 2014	17 to 27 Dec 2015
Theyyam
Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam Kuttikkol - Kasaragod Dist	23 to 26 Feb 2014	23 to 26 Feb 2015
Muchilottu Kavu  Theyyam Muchilottu - Kannur Dist	3  to 11 Apr 2014	24 Mar   to 1 Apr 2015
Perumthitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy Kottamkuzhy - Kasaragod Dist	7 to 16 Dec 2014	7 to 16 Dec 2015
Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam Kanathoor - Kasaragod Dist	28 Dec  2014 to 01 Jan 2015	29 Dec 2015 to 2 Jan 2016
Rituals
Othara Patayani Othara - Pathanamthitta Dist	6 Apr 2014	27 Mar 2015
Kadammanitta Patayani Kadammanitta - Pathanamthitta Dist	14 to21 Apr 2014	15 to 22  Apr 2015
Njangattiri Aanayoottu Pattambi - Palakkad Dist	18 July 2014	17 July 2015
Neelamperoor Patayani Neelamperoor - Kottayam Dist	23 Sep 2014	13 Sept 2015
Attangyeru at Thirumandhamkunnu Angadippuram Malappuram Dist	18 Oct 2014	18 Oct 2015
Christian Festivals
Feast of St. Sebastian St. Mary’s Forane Church Athirampuzha - Kottayam Dist	19  to  25 Jan 2014	19  to  25 Jan 2015
Arthungal Perunnal  Arthungal - Alappuzha Dist	20 Jan 2014	20 Jan 2015
Palm Sunday Celebrated all over Kerala	13 Apr 2014	29 Mar 2015
Easter Celebrated all over Kerala	20 Apr 2014	5 Apr 2015
Puthunjayar St: Thomas Church Malayattoor - Ernakulam Dist	27 Apr 2014	12 Apr 2015
Edathuva Edathuva - Alappuzha Dist	27 Apr to 27 May 2014	27 Apr to 27 May 2015
Palayoor Church Palayoor - Thrissur Dist	6  to 7 May 2014	6  to 7 May 2015
Puthupally Perunal St George Orthodox Church, Puthupally - Kottayam Dist	6  to  7 May 2014	6  to  7 May 2015
Manarcad Perunnal, Kottayam Manarcad - Kottayam Dist	1 to 8 Sep 2014	1 to 8 Sep 2015
Feast of Vallarpadathamma Vallarpadam Church, Kochi Vallarpadam - Kochi, Ernakulam Dist	16 to 24 Sep 2014	16 to 24 Sep 2015
Aduppootty St. George  Orthodox Church Perunal Kunnakulam - Thrissur Dist	27 to 28 Oct 2014	27 to 28 Oct 2015
Parumala Perunnal Parumala - Pathanamthitta Dist	2 Nov 2014	2 Nov 2015
Vettukadu Perunnal (Feast of Christ the King) Vettukad - Thiruvananthapuram Dist	14 to 23 Nov 2014	13 to 22 Nov 2015
St Mary’s Church Parel Changanassery - Kottayam Dist	30 Nov   to 8  Dec 2014	30 Nov   to 8  Dec 2015
Christmas Celebrated all over Kerala	25 Dec 2014	25 Dec 2015
Muslim Festivals
Kanjiramattom Nercha Kanjiramattom - Ernakulam Dist	14 Jan 2014	15 Jan  2015
Pattambi Nercha Pattambi - Palakkad Dist	2 Feb 2014	1 Feb 2015
Other Festivals
Swathi Sangitholsavam East Fort - Thiruvananthapuram Dist	6  to  12 Jan 2014	6  to  12 Jan 2015
Vishu Celebrated all over Kerala	15 Apr 2014	15 Apr 2015
Navarathri Sangitholsavam Thiruvananthapuram East Fort - Thiruvananthapuram Dist	25 Sep  to  3  Oct  2014	15 to 23 Oct 2015
Vallathol Jayanthi Varshikam, Kalamandalam Kerala Kalamandalam - Thrissur Dist	9 to 10 Nov 2014	9 to 10 Nov 2015
Chembai Sangitholsavam Guruvayur - Thrissur Dist	18 Nov  to  2 Dec  2014	8 to 22 Nov 2015

Yoga

Yoga

A series of physical and mental disciplines, Yoga is a meditative practice believed to have been originated in India. Vedic Literature contains references to ascetics, as early as 900 to 500 BC. Some of the seals discovered from the Indus Valley Civilization sites have figures in postures resembling the ones in Yoga. According to the Katha Upanishad, Yoga refers to the control of the senses and mental equilibrium. The Upanishads, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Mahabharata and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are the most important textual sources about the concept of Yoga.
The goal of yoga is the attainment of a sound mind in a healthy body. It helps one become aware of the self, control one’s emotions and to think straight. Yoga is also believed to help one achieve Moksha-the liberation from all worldly sufferings and the phases of birth and death. Though the postures of Yoga are designed to give mental and spiritual well being, it also improves ones physical health.
The most noted propagator of Yoga was the great sage Patanjali who wrote the ‘Yoga Sutras’. He spoke about an eight fold path from suffering and pain through Yoga. Of these, the first five elements are known as External (Bahiranga) Yoga or Hath Yoga while the last three are referred to as Internal (Antaranga) Yoga or Raja Yoga.
Kerala has a number of Yoga and meditation centres where experts guide you through the entire process of learning Yoga. They train you after completely understanding your pace and learning ability. Your present medical condition, the difficulty you have with certain poses and what is most comfortable for you are studied by these professionals. Kerala, with its pollution-free environment and tranquil surroundings is the idyllic place to practice Yoga and seek peace of mind. 

Ayurveda

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is not just about good physical health. It is a therapy that promises holistic wellness. The natural herbs and oils used in the therapy are of great medicinal value as is said in the Vedic literature on Ayurveda. The history of Ayurveda which can be traced back to the Vedic Ages clearly lays out instructions to maintain health as well as fighting illnesses through therapies such as massages, herbal medicines, diet control and exercise.

Elimination of toxic elements from the body is the primary function of this curing remedy. The system gets purified when the poisonous elements are removed from the body. As a result, the chances of falling ill are largely zeroed down which makes one feel tension-free. It rejuvenates the mind, body and soul.

Charaka Samhitha (Treatise on Medicine), Susrutha Samhitha (Treatise on Surgery) and Ashtanga Samgraha (Treatise on the basic principles) are the three major treatises in Ayurveda. These treatises tell us that every individual has a unique constitution. Every organ or system has an energy related to it and there has to be equilibrium between them. The balance generally gets affected when we fall ill. The objective of Ayurveda is to reestablish this equilibrium in order to maintain good health.

Kerala has a number of Ayurveda treatment centres which offer various packages. From treatments like uzhichil and pizhichil to curing illnesses like arthritis to beauty massages for the skin and hair; there is no place better than Kerala to seek the benefits of Ayurveda. Kerala has a number of natural herbs such as Aswagandha, Amalki, Katphal, Brahmi, Bharangi, Yashtimadhu, Shankhupusham to name a few. Turmeric, Cinnamon, Keezharnelli (Phylantus Amarus), Kilukillapa (Crotalaria Retusa Linn), Koduveli (Plumbago Zeylanica Linn) and many more herbs with medicinal values are found in Kerala.

The rainy season, from June to September, is the ideal time for Ayurvedic treatments because the atmosphere remains cool, moist, and dust free. This opens up the body’s pores, making it receptive to herbal oils and therapy. The places offering the best packages in Ayurveda in Kerala are : Somatheeram Ayruveda Resort near Kovalam, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala which is a hospital, Beach and Lake Ayurveda Resort and Surya Samudra Spa Niraamaya at Tivandrum, Keralyeem Ayurvedic resort near Allepey and Ayurkshethra at Kumarakom. 

Popular Destinations

Kerala BackwatersOne of the most tranquil and relaxing things you can do in Kerala is take a trip in a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals, known as the backwaters. Freshly cooked Indian food and chilled beer on board the boat make the experience even more enjoyable. You can even spend the night out on the middle of a lake. Bliss!
Fort Kochi Knownas the "Gateway to Kerala", Kochi is an enchanting city that's had an eclectic influence. Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark on the city. The architecture and historical sites in Fort Kochi attract most of the visitors to the area. There you'll find the Saint Francis Church, said to be the oldest European built church in India. Fort Kochi is an excellent place to explore on foot. In the late afternoon head to the waterfront, where the Chinese fishing nets line the shore, and relax in one of the many casual restaurants as the sun sets. You can also catch a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Center. Interested in an Ayurvedic treatment? Agastyatheeram Ayurvedic Center is the place.
Periyar National ParkKerala's Periyar National Park is one of the most popular national parks in southern India. One of the best things about the park is that it stays open all year round, even during the monsoon season. Periyar is known for its elephants, and 30 minute elephant rides through the jungle are offered. Safaris are carried out by boat, with the lake being particularly captivating at sunset. Visitors can also take part in an excellent variety of eco-tourism activities there.
VarkalaThe setting of this Varkala beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guest houses. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is a long stretch of sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top. It's not surprising that Varkala is one of India's best beaches. If you're there during late March/early April, try and catch the temple festival.
MunnarIf you like tea, a visit to Munnar is a must! The surrounding region is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations. The Kundale Tea Plantations, which surrounds a picturesque lake, offers the best opportunity to see the tea being picked and processed, and to try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam National Park, or go rock climbing and para gliding. If you want to relax away from it all, try a homestay at one of the many plantation bungalows. Mahindra Homestays have a couple of excellent homestays in Munnar.
WayanadWayanad is a bright green mountainous region that stretches along the Western Ghats. It has a great deal of scenic appeal. Abundant coconut palms, thick forests, paddy fields, and lofty peaks form the landscape. Due to the nature of its terrain, the area also has much to offer adventure enthusiasts. Popular attractions include trekking to Chembra Peak and Meenmutty Falls, exploring old Jain temples, climbing to Edakkal Caves, and wildlife spotting at Muthanga and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuaries. Another highlight of Wayanad is the many delightful homestays in the area.

south indian tourist places

Welcome to South India,

South India is a region in the southern part of India. It includes the states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. It also houses the Union Territory Pondicherry(Puducherry) and Lakshadweep Island in the Arabian Sea. The Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra and Kaveri rivers are important non-perennial sources of water. Southern region speak one of the Dravidian languages: Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Tulu. The classical dances of India like "Bharat Natyam" and "Kathakali" have South Indian origin.

This part of India has enormous beaches, water falls, forests, lakes, backwaters, Wild Life Sanctuary etc. The famous cities in this region are Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad, Mysore, Bangalore (Bengaluru), Kochi (Cochin), Trivandrum (Thiruvananthpuram), Chennai (Madras), Kanyakumari (Nagercoil)etc. Some of the famous hill stations in this region are Kodaikanal, Ooty (Ootacamund), Munnar etc.