Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Iringole Kavu – Temple Inside a Forest

Around 35 km from Ernakulam in Central Kerala is a temple right in the middle of the forest. Iringole Kavu Bhagavathy Temple near Perumbavoor town abounds in myths and mystery. Hemmed in by giant trees, a walkway strewn with dry leaves leads to this temple. This is not a tourist spot, and local residents demand, and rightfully so, that we treat this place with honour and respect.

A quiet air pervades the temple surroundings. Low-hanging creepers and giant trees are believed to be the guardians of the temple. Not even a broken twig is removed. It is left to merge with the soil. Narrow paths crisscross the premises and it is advisable to take the most-frequented walkway with the steps.

The temple opens at 05.00 am and closes at 11.00 am. It opens for evening rituals at 05:00 pm and closes at 08:00 pm. There is no entry after the temple is closed. The place is hemmed in by dense trees, and it is not advisable to enter here after evening.

Goddesses Saraswathi, Vanadurga and Bhadrakali are the deities here. It is believed that Sage Parasurama founded this temple and it is learnt to have a history of over 2000 years. There is a pond on the premises, with plenty of fish. Local residents say that the pond doesn`t dry up even during harsh summer. 

Contact:
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Opp. Rajendra Maidan, Park Avenue Road, Cochin-11, 682011
Phone : +91 484 236 7334, +91 98473 31200
Email: info@dtpcernakulam.com

Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction, about 38.5 km
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, 17 km