Location: Kollam, Kerala,India

Destination type : Cultural Destination

Probably this is the only South Indian Hindu temple dedicated to Duryodhana the antagonist in Hindu epic Mahabharat, Malanada temple draws thousands of devotees. Unlike other Hindu temples, there is no deity, nor a ‘Sreekovil’( sanctum sacntorum ) as such in Malanada temple. Only a platform is there where the deity is supposed to be there in invisible form . The annual Kettukazhcha festival where structures of 80ft tall are made is the main festival here. The offering here is Toddy ( the naturally alcoholic sap of some kinds of palm or coconut tree) which is rare in Hindu temples.

History of  Malanada Kettukazhcha

1. The mythology says the King Duryodhana came here searching for Pandavas
2. Centuries back a small temple was raised at the place King Duryodhana worshiped Lord Shiva
3. Traditionally the administration is done by people belonging to Kurava caste
4. Even now the land tax of the property belonging to the temple is being levied in the name of ‘Duryodhanan’

Activities for tourists during Malanada Kettukazhcha

1. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the Kettukazhcha structures
2. Watch out for huge man made bulls and horses being carried to the temple during the festival
3. Enjoy the traditional Kathakali performance
4. Enjoy the folk dances and traditional songs
5. Try out famous Kerala food

How to reach there

Air

Trivandrum International airport 87 kms away is the nearest airport. It has flights to international destinations like:

1. Dubai
2. Singapore
3. Sharjah
4. Kuwait
5. Male
6. Colombo

There are domestic flights available to :

1. New Delhi
2. Mumbai
3. Kochi
4. Chennai
5. Chandigarh and
6. Bangalore

Train

Kollam Junction is the nearest railway station 31 kms away. It has trains to domestic destinations in India such as:

1. New Delhi
2. Mumbai
3. Chennai
4. Bangalore
5. Hyderabad
6. Jammu
7. Kochi etc

Climate

Winter months of October to February is the perfect time for visiting Malanada

Nearby destinations for tour operators / travel agents

1. Thiruvananthapuram (86.6km away)
2. Gavi (123 kms away)
3. Kollam (31 kms away)
4. Kumarakom (78kms away)
5. Konni Elephant Camp (36kms away)