KOTTANKULANGARA DEVI TEMPLE

A Hindu temple, devoted to goddess Durga Bhagavathy or Aadi Shakthi- popularly symbolised as the supreme mother of power. The tourists are attracted by its unique architecture, where the temple has no roof above the sanctum. The sole temple in India that holds a unique ritual of men getting dressed in female attire at the Kottankulangara Festival. The cross-dressing is encouraged not only by the local people but also by the tourists visiting during the annual festival. You can encounter men dressed as women who will be marching to the sanctuary holding traditional lamps as the lamp holds great significance in this temple. Devotees visit the sanctuary to look for the attributes of the goddess and give the offerings of payasam, aravana, iratti madhuram and ornaments, silks etc.

Location - 17 km from Kollam city center.

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 5:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year, Visit in mid of March to join the annual function.