Koodalmanikyam Temple

One of Kerala's most ancient and powerful Shakti temples, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali in her most fearsome form. Famous for the unique Bharani festival — where devotees sing crude folk songs (Bharanippatu) to provoke the Goddess's anger and power. Considered one of the original 18 Shakti shrines of Kerala.

An ancient Shiva temple in the historic port city of Kodungallur (the former capital of the Chera kings). One of the 108 Shiva temples glorified in Tamil literature. The temple is associated with Cheraman Perumal, the legendary Chera king who is said to have sailed to Mecca. The nearby Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is equally famous.

One of the two principal temples of the world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival. Goddess Paramekkavu is brought out in procession on 30+ caparisoned elephants on Pooram day (Thrissur Pooram). The 'Kudamattam' (umbrella exchange between the two Pooram groups) is one of the most photographed events in Kerala's culture.

The second principal temple of the Thrissur Pooram, competing with Paramekkavu Bhagavathy in the grandest elephant procession in Kerala. The Thiruvambady Sri Krishna's elephant procession and the climactic 'Kudamattam' (umbrella exchange between the two groups) is the centrepiece of Thrissur Pooram festival.