4000 years old Srivallabha temple. On the banks of Manimala river in Thiruvalla. The temple complex is very large. The Garuda Stampa, flagmast, is unique. The 54-ft flagmast is made of a single block of granite and crowned by an idol of Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu. Another 54-ft is buried underground. Only top of the flagpole is seen now as it is encased in a structure following tilting. The idol of Vishnu within the shrine is 8-ft long. The god, Sudarshana Murthy, is also housed here. This is the only temple in India where Kathakali is performed daily. The 10-day annual festival is held in the month of Kumbham(February-March). The favorite food of the god is padatti pazham, a yellow coloured banana. The first day’s offer alone is a whopping 12000 bunches.

Getting There:

Air  : Nedumbassery Airport. Rail  : Thiruvalla Station