SCOPE OF PILGRIM TOURISM AT ALUVA MANAPPURAM, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA

(Research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the award of Degree in

B.Sc. of Hotel Management and Catering Science, University of Calicut) RESEARCH REPORT

Submitted By: AJMAL K B

B.Sc. HM &CS (2018-2021)

REG.NO: CCASSCT002

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF Prof. JENNY THOMAS

(Assistant Professor, Department of Hotel Management)

CHRIST COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS)

Irinjalakuda, Thrissur Dist.:680125 (Affiliated to the University of Calicut)

SCOPE OF PILGRIM TOURISM AT ALUVA MANAPPURAM,

ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the research submitted on the topic “SCOPE OF PILGRIM TOURISM AT ALUVA MNAPPURAM, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA” is a bonafede record of work done by Mr. AJMAL K B, Reg.No: CCASSCT002 Final year B.Sc. HM & CS student towards partial fulfilment of his final year Bachelor Degree in Hotel Management at Christ College (Autonomous), affiliated to the University of Calicut during 2018-2021 academic year.

Prof. JENNY THOMAS Prof. Toybe Joseph (Research Guide) (H.O.D) Submitted on for the research Viva-Voice held at Christ College Autonomous,

Irinjalakuda Internal Examiner External Examiner

CERTIFICATE OF THE RESEARCH GUIDE

This is to certify that the Research work titled “SCOPE OF PILGRIM

TOURISM AT ALUVA MNAPPURAM, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA” is a bonafide record of work done by Mr. AJMAL K B, Reg. No: CCASSCT002 for the partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Degree in Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management, under University of Calicut, carried out his study under my guidance. This research work is original and has not formed any basis prior to this for the award of any Diploma/ Degree under this University/ Institution. Therefore, this Research Work is completely currently and correct.

Prof. Jenny Thomas (Research Guide)

DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this research work to God almighty, my parents, my

teachers, my friends and those who all supports me and help me to this research. Without their support this project would not have been completed. I would like to extent my heartiest thanks to all those who have inspired me, helped me to make this research works a dream come true.

Thanking You...........

STUEDENT'S DECLARATION

I, AJMAL K B, hereby declare that the research work titled “SCOPE OF PILGRIM TOURISM AT ALUVA MANAPPURAM, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA” is the original work done by me and submitted to the University of Calicut in partial fulfilment for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management, is a record of original work done by me under the supervision Ms. JENNY THOMAS, Assistant Professor, Department of Hotel Management, Christ College Autonomous Irinjalakuda.

Date: Signature of Student Irinjalakuda AJMAL K B

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Ms. JENNY THOMAS for being my research guide and for being my coordinator for their timely valuable contribution and keen observation in the completion of my research, which would not have been completed without their help and assistance. I also would like to utilize this opportunity to thank our Principal Rev. Dr. Jolly Andrews, H.O.D Mr. Toybe Joseph, and all faculty members of Dept. Of Hotel Management for their timely contribution and co-operation given to me and at the last not the least would also thank all the respondents who contributed their valuable time to answer my questions, thus helped me to take my research to suitable conclusion

CONTENTS

SL NO NO PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

1 Introduction and Abstract 1-6 2 Objectives of the study 7-8 3 Scope of the study 9-10 4 Review of Literature 11-29 5 Research Methodology 30-63 6 Data Analysis 64-65 7 Findings of the Research 66-67 8 Suggestions and Recommendations 68-69 9 Limitation 70-71 10 Conclusion 72-73 11 Bibliography 74-75

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Tourism is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and a major foreign exchange and employment generation for many countries. It is one of the most remarkable economic and social phenomena. The word ‘tour’ is derived from the Latin word tornus, meaning ‘a tool for making a circle’. Tourism is the activities of people traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business or other purposes for not more than one consecutive year, also the theory and practice of touring, the business of attracting, accommodating, and entertaining tourists, and the business of operating tours. The World tourism Organization defines tourism more generally, in terms which go "beyond the common perception of tourism as being limited to holiday activity only", as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure and not less than 24 hours, business and other purposes. "Tourism can be domestic (within the traveller's own country) or international, and international tourism has both incoming and outgoing implications on a country's balance of payments. Tourism numbers declined as a result of a strong economic slowdown between the second half of 2008 and the end of 2009, and in consequence of the outbreak of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus but slowly recovered. Thus we can believe that tourism will overcome this current scenario (covid 19). Globally, international tourism receipts (the travel item in balance of payments) grew toUS$1.03 trillion (€740 billion) in 2005, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 3.8% from 2010.International tourist arrivals surpassed the milestone of 1 billion tourists globally for the first time in 2012, emerging source markets such as China, Russia, and Brazil had significantly increased their spending over the previous decade. The ITB Berlin is the world's leading tourism trade-fair. The tourism industry, as part of the service sector, has become an important source of income for many regions and even for entire countries. The Manila Declaration on World Tourism of 1980 recognized its importance as "an activity essential to the life of nations because of its direct effects on the social, cultural, educational, and economic sectors of national societies, and on their international relations." September 27 is celebrated as world tourism every year. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of UNWTO were adopted. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the role of tourism within the international community.

Tourism brings large amounts of income into a local economy in the form of payment for goods and services needed by tourists, accounting as of 2011 for 30% of the world's trade in services, and, as an invisible export, for 6% of overall exports of goods and services. It also generates opportunities for employment in the service sector of the economy associated with tourism. The hospitality industries which benefit from tourism include transportation services (such as airlines, cruise ships, trains and taxicabs); lodging (including hotels, hostels, homestays, resorts and renting out rooms); and entertainment venues (such as amusement parks, restaurants, casinos, shopping malls, music venues, and theatres). This is in addition to goods bought by tourists, including souvenirs. Tourism has two types and many forms on the bases of the purpose of visit and alternative forms of tourism. Tourism can be categorized as international and domestic tourism. When people visit a foreign country, it is referred to as International Tourism. In order to travel to a foreign country, one needs a valid passport, visa, health documents, foreign exchange, etc. International tourism further divides into two types; Inbound Tourism & Outbound Tourism. Tourism has various forms on the basis of the purpose of visit and alternative forms. These are further divided into many types according to their nature. Forms of tourism are following as :adventure tourism, bicycle tourism, beach tourism, cultural tourism, eco tourism, pilgrimage tourism etc. Right now the tourism industry is in a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the major tourist hubs are at loss due to the decrease in the number of tourists. The tourism industry is on the verge of a financial breakdown. While countries like New Zealand is recovering at a small rate compared to their previous rate with the help of domestic tourism. Countries like New Zealand were able to control the coronavirus by limiting the entry to their country. To a great extend this was a success and domestic tourism is turning back to normal. While other European, American and Asian countries are still struggling to survive the virus attack. The international travel is mostly restricted and the financial meltdown in different sectors of the world has put the people in a position where they are not ready to spend their income or saving on tours or travel. This will continue until the effective removal of the virus from the world or until an effective vaccine is discovered. Still, it might take one or two years for the tourism industry to reach its normal state due to the previous economic impact. It will take planned and new ideas to help the tourism industry from recovering this situation.

The Indian tourism industry is one of the most affected tourism industry in the world. The nation is closed down for international travellers and domestic travellers. This removes the possibility of international travellers arriving for both leisure or pleasure purpose for some time. The Indian tourism industry is at a point where almost 38 million lost their jobs which around 70percentage of the total of the workforce. This along with wage cuts and decreased working days for staff due to the less business is also affecting the lives of all those are dependent on the industry. The business around the tourism sector is one of the main important sectors of the economy. The immediate and most visible impact of Covid-19 is seen within the tourism and hospitality sector. The pandemic disaster is one of the worst crises ever to hit the International, Indian tourism and hospitality industries by impacting all its geographical segments like inbound, outbound, and domestic, international almost all tourism verticals. The tourism industry has a worth chain with hotels, restaurants, travel agents, tour operations, destinations, and family amusement venues, and sea, land, and air transportation which have been afflicted by a coronavirus because of the restrictions impose by the government on travel. In March 2020, various travel restrictions were imposed by the Indian government as well as governments across the globe like forwarding bookings for various conferences and leisure travel bookings to foreign destinations that have been cancelled. The cancellation of visas for foreigners therefore the robust recommendation issued to Indians to avoid unnecessary travel will have worse results within the upcoming years. Pilgrimage tourism is the type of tourism that entirely or powerfully motivates tourists for the achievement of religious attitude and practices. One of the oldest types of visiting the attractions and a global experience in the olden times of spiritual growth, it can be differentiated into different forms. The temporary religious sightseeing is well-known by excursions to close by pilgrimage centres or religious conferences. The durable implies visits of quite a few days or weeks to nationwide and worldwide pilgrimage sites or conferences. Religious tourism, spiritual tourism, sacred tourism, or faith tourism, is a type of tourism with two main subtypes: pilgrimage, meaning travel for religious or spiritual purposes, and the viewing of religious monuments and artefacts, a branch of sightseeing. In other words, Pilgrimage tourism is the type of tourism that entirely or powerfully motivates tourists for the achievement of religious attitude and practices. ...

The temporary religious sightseeing is well-known by excursions to close by pilgrimage centers or religious conferences. The durable implies visits of quite a few days or weeks to nationwide and worldwide pilgrimage sites or conferences. Pilgrimage Tourism to Shrine constitutes an important component of total tourism in and has contributed effectively to the growth and development of the place. Every year around 7 million pilgrims visit the Shrines in India which is influencing the socio-economic environment of the region. Pilgrimage Tourism promotes international understanding and gives support to local handicrafts and cultural activities. Religious tourism has been characterised in different ways by researchers. Gisbert Rinschede distinguishes these by duration, by group size, and by social structure. Juli Gevorgian proposes two categories that differ in their motivation, namely " pilgrimage tourism" for spiritual reasons or to participate in religious rites, and "church tourism" to view monuments such as cathedrals. The Christian priest Frank Fahey writes that a pilgrim is "always in danger of becoming a tourist", and vice versa since travel always in his view upsets the fixed order of life at home A pilgrim (from the Latin peregrinus) is a traveler (literally one who has come from afar) who is on a journey to a holy place. Typically, this is a physical journey (often on foot) to some place of special significance to the adherent of a particular religious belief system. Pilgrims and the making of pilgrimages are common in many religions, including the faiths of ancient Egypt, Persia in the Mithraic period, India, China, and Japan. many pilgrims travel toward a specific location, a physical destination is not always a necessity. One group of pilgrims in early Celtic Christianity were the Peregrinari Pro Christ, (Pilgrims for Christ), or "white martyrs", who left their homes to wander in the world. This sort of pilgrimage was an ascetic religious practice, as the pilgrim left the security of home and the clan for an unknown destination, trusting completely in Divine Providence. Besides its famous backwaters, rice paddy fields, coconut grooves, elegant houseboats and figure licking cuisines, Kerala is home to some of the vibrant spiritual places. Kerala has a remarkable collection of historic and contemporary architecture that draws inspiration from a variety of religious dominations. Considered to be the heavenly domain of God, Kerala is evidently home to the most beautiful churches, temples, mosques and Gurudwaras. God is everywhere in Kerala! Spiritual Kerala, rich in holy places, traditions and rituals, offers much to explore and soak up for those seeking knowledge and awareness. More than just being a beautiful place, however, Kerala is a spiritual center. Kerala is a surprisingly relaxed state that offers plenty in terms of spiritual enlightenment Defying long drawn-out wars and the ruthless

passage of time, the remarkable architectures of the temples of Kerala remain in their remarkable shape. Here temples are part of a 2000-year history, but still today first glimpses inside the ancient temples can leave anyone speechless. A spiritual tour to Kerala will take tourist to all the eleven Divya Desams and will bring them closer to tranquillity. The traditional architecture and craftsmanship of the temples in Kerala is commendable and hence attract a large number of visitors. Kerala is home to the richest shrine in India, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The structure of the temple is a true amalgamation of Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture. Kerala has much to offer in terms of its hoary temple traditions. Kerala provides a pure and serene atmosphere where devotees can chant prayers, invoke the deities and participate in temple festivals. When it comes to antiquity, every nook and corner of Kerala have a timeless past. As a colonial-era state, Kerala has several historical churches. Kerala, Kochi has the maximum number of Sikhs. Hence, this is the only place in Kerala where a Gurudwara is situated. Established in the year 1955, the Gurudwara is architecturally a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. Anybody can walk into a Gurudwara, irrespective of their caste, colour and financial status, barefoot and head covered. Kerala is known to be one amongst the rare places where all major religions have coexisted peacefully for centuries. Each have left their own mark on the culture of the State. You can witness the same by visiting the various religious institutions here. From Hindu temples, churches and mosques to Jain temples, synagogues and Buddhist monasteries, there are various centers of pilgrimage for our visitors.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY To know the history and myths related to the Aluva Mahadeva Temple.

To study the geographical location, the festivals conducted and other features of this destination that would help promote pilgrim tourism there.

To design a circuit pilgrim package with Aluva manappuram as the major destination.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

SCOPE OF THE STUDY: It helps to increase the tourism value of the place. It helps to get job opportunities to the local citizens. It helps to increase the revenue income to the government municipality.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

REVIEW OF LITERATURE Tourism Tourism as an industry has been travelling with the wild pace of technological advancements and aboard are people from different places and cultures interacting with

increasing ease….since, the globe had been shrunk into a village. The word ‘tour’ is derived from the Latin word tornus, meaning ‘a tool for making a circle’. Tourism is the movement of the people from their normal place of residence to another place ( with the intention to return) for a minimum period of twenty-four hours to a maximum of six months for the sole purpose of leisure and pleasure. Traveling is a tiring and difficult thing and not everyone is able to travel. But at the same time, it’s a fun activity that takes your tiredness away. Travelling adds flavor to life as you travel to different places that have a different culture and lifestyle. Also, it’s an easy way to learn about the culture and tradition of a place. Besides, for many areas, tourism is their main source of income. Tourism not only benefits the government but also the people that live in the local area. It also creates a business as well as employment opportunities for the local people which ultimately help the government to earn income.

The positive effects of tourism on a country’s economy include the growth and development of various industries directly linked with a healthy tourism industry, such as transportation, accommodation, wildlife, arts and entertainment. This brings about the creation of new jobs and revenue generated from foreign exchange, investments and payments of goods and services provided. Though improvements in the standard of living of locals in heavily visited tourist destinations is usually little or non-existent, inflation of the prices of basic commodities, due to visiting tourists, is a constant feature of these areas. The nature of the world economy dictates that it’s mostly people from developed nations who travel as tourist to

the developing ones, much more than do people from developing nations visit as tourist the developed ones. This results in a downward stream of cultural influences that in cases have proven to be detrimental, as they were not in cohesion with the environment, economy and culture of these hosts, who cannot in that same capacity exchange influences. For example, it is common knowledge that most tourist destinations are plagued with prostitution; this has had dire consequences for the culture, economy and health of these tourist coveted nations, but is reported to be a major boost for tourism. PILGRIM TOURISM

From ancient times onwards religion has motivative force of tourism. Every religion has cast upon its followers some duties that involve travel and tourism.In recent years, pilgrimage tourism has become very popular among pilgrims. Pilgrimage Tourism to Shrine constitutes an important component of total tourism in and has contributed effectively to the growth and development of the place. Pilgrimage Tourism has emerged as an instrument for employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. Pilgrimage Tourism promotes international understanding and gives support to local handicrafts and cultural activities. It is an important segment of the country’s economy, especially in terms of its contribution towards foreign exchange earnings, generation of additional income and creation of employment opportunities.

The foreign exchange earnings from tourism during the year 2000 were estimated at about Rs. 14,408 crores with an estimated direct employment of about 15 million, which is about 2.4% of the total labor force of the country. Pilgrimage Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner for India. The International tourist traffic in the country is estimated to be 2.64 million during the year 2000. However, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), India’s share in world tourism arrivals is only 0.38%, accounting for 0.62% of the world tourist receipts. This indicates that much of the tourist potential is yet to be tapped. With rapid advances in Science & Technology, tourism has acquired the status of an industry in all industrialized countries. The high influx of foreign tourist traffic has accelerated demand for certain economic production and distribution activities.

Pilgrimage Tourism has emerged as an industry next in importance only to Information Technology industry in the Services sector. By 2012, the contribution of pilgrimage Tourism to the world economy will be doubled. The economic liberalization in India and consequent foreign investment opportunities, development of tourist facilities including expansion in air-line services, etc. provide an impetus for a spurt in tourist arrivals as in South Asian regions.

Domestic pilgrimage tourism plays a vital role in achieving the national objectives of promoting social and cultural cohesion and national integration. Its contribution to generation of employment is very high. With the increase in income levels and emergence of a powerful middle class, the potential for domestic pilgrimage tourism has grown substantially during the last few years. Realising the importance of pilgrimage tourism, the Government of Tamil Nadu has accorded high priority to pilgrimage tourism promotion and has taken initiatives to improve/ create infrastructure in tourism potential centres and geared to encourage private sector investment in this regard.

Many religions attach spiritual importance to particular places: the place of birth or death of founders or saints, or to the place of their "calling" or spiritual awakening, or of their connection (visual or verbal) with the divine, to locations where miracles were performed or witnessed, or locations where a deity is said to live or be "housed", or any site that is seen to have special spiritual powers. Such sites may be commemorated with shrines or temples that devotees are encouraged to visit for their own spiritual benefit: to be healed or have questions answered or to achieve some other spiritual benefit.

The Holy Land acts as a focal point for the pilgrimages of the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. According to a Stockholm University study in 2011, these pilgrims visit the Holy Land to touch and see physical manifestations of their faith, confirm their beliefs in the holy context with collective excitation, and connect personally to the Holy Land.

Pilgrimage tourism in India

India is well known for its temples and that is the reason that among the various types of tourism in India, pilgrimage tourism is increasing most quickly. The different places for voyagers to visit in India for pilgrimage are Vaishno Devi, Golden sanctuary, Char Dham, and Mathura Vrindavan. India is an endless nation, with various cultures and ancient civilization, India is a land of holy cities. Most of the important places of pilgrimage in India are located along the banks of the great rivers like the Ganga, Brahmputra, Godavari and Kaveri. Bathing in these rivers is considered a meritorious act. With the expansion of public transportation in the 20th century, it has become now easier for the people to visit these spots to partake of the divine. In fact, in India pilgrimage is the preferred form of tourism, which may be called religious tourism. There are various religious groups living in India. In India we locate the oldest pilgrimage tradition in the entire world. The practice of pilgrimage journey in India is so deeply embedded in the cultural psyche of pilgrimage locales is large to the point that the whole subcontinent may really be viewed as one thousand and constant holy place. The earliest wellsprings of information on the matter of sacred Places originate from the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. Taking after the Vedic period the practice of pilgrimage appears to have turned out to be quite common, as is obvious from areas of the great epic, the Mahabharata (350 BC), which specifies more than 300 hallowed locales spreading over the sub-mainland. When of the Puranas, the quantity of holy sites had become impressively, reflecting both the progressing digestion of native sacrosanct spots and the expanded significance of journey as a standard religious practice. Hindus call the sacred spots tirthas and the activity of going on a pilgrimage journey is called Tirtha Yatra. The word Tirtha implies river ford, ventures to a river, or place of pilgrimage journey. In Vedic times the word may have concerned just those holy spots connected with water, yet when of the Mahabharata, Tirtha had come to mean any blessed place, be it a lake, mountain, forest, or cave. Tirthas are more than physical areas, locations, however. Devout Hindus believe them to be otherworldly portages, the meeting spot

of paradise and earth, the areas where one crosses the endless cycle of birth, death and resurrection to achieve the shore of freedom.

The pilgrims generally keep fasting and travel on foot in group in the process of getting to their destination. They sing devotional songs throughout the way. On arrival at pilgrimage sites, they often make contacts with priests who instruct them to do their rituals. At the major pilgrimage sites, the families of priests have served as hereditary guides for the pilgrims over many generations.

The devotees wait in line to have a elimpse of the deity’s image. This is done to maintain peace around the temples. There are numerous pilgrims who visit different religious fairs e.g. Kumbh mela, Puskar mela etc. Kumbh mela which is held at Allahabad at the interval of every ten years attracts thousands of devotees.

The devotees take holy dip into the sacred waters of the rivers which is the confluence of three rivers-Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Outside these religious sites one can see several hawkers and shopkeepers, selling various articles of need.

There are amusement parks too in the surrounding area of such religious sites. They make the atmosphere lively and attractive and amuse the pilgrims in different ways.

Pilgrimage tourism in Kerala Since years, Kerala has been described by philosophers and historians as God’s Own Country’. It seems true when one looks at the number of places of worship and pilgrimages situated here. It isn’t the fact that the pilgrimages located here belong to a particular religion. You can see from the cultural and religious diversity in the state, which India is so proud of. ‘God’s Own Country’ hosts a number of religious festivals throughout the year. Almost every Temple or Mosque in Kerala has its own festival, which are celebrated annually by the devotees with much pomp and show.

Elephants decorated with traditional patterns and adorned with gold and silver ornaments are a common sight at such festivals. These animals have a special place in the hearts of people of Kerala. The presence of a number of temples along with mosques and churches at close proximity gives this state a wholesome feel, which can only be felt after visiting this place. Kerala can truly be called a secular state of India. One during his/her stay at Kerala is touched several times by the enigmatic feeling of refinement and spirituality; and this feeling is such that one cannot be left untouched of the sanctity of this place.

Kerala is blessed with world renowned pilgrim centres such as Sabarimala, Malayattoor, Cheraman Masjid and a host of other famous pilgrim centres which are a source of attraction to the tourist community. Apart from being a tourist destination, the most striking feature of Kerala is that it is India’s most literate, advanced peaceful and cleanest State. Pilgrimage is a major part of its cultural tourism in Kerala. Though thousands of pilgrims had been visiting these centres from time immemorial, the potential of these centres as tourist destinations had not been recognized properly and no effort had been taken to tap and market the potential of pilgrim tourism so far. With the immense developments in the transport and communication sectors, increase in the disposable incomes and various other reasons, the number of tourists visiting these centres has multiplied over the years. But the tourists who come to these

destinations are seldom satisfied with the infrastructural and other facilities as well as services provided to them. In order to reap full benefits from pilgrim tourism, plans, policies and strategies have to be formulated at the administrative level

Major pilgrim centres in Kerala Padmanabhaswami Temple

The Padmanabhaswamy temple is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital of Kerala, India. The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Malayalam translates to "The City of Lord Ananta", (City of the Divine Serpent) [1] referring to the deity of the Padmanabhaswamy temple. The temple is built in an intricate fusion of the Chera style and the Dravidian style of architecture, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century gopura.[2][3] While the Ananthapura temple in Kumbla is considered the original seat of the deity ("Moolasthanam"), architecturally to some extent, the temple is a replica of the Adikesava Perumal temple in Thiruvattar.

Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple Guruvayur Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Guruvayurappan (four-armed form of the Lord Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunta (Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth). The presiding deity of the Guruvayur Temple is Guruvayurappan (Vishnu, worshipped in the form of his avatar Krishna). The central icon is a four-armed standing Vishnu carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki, and a lotus with a Holy basil garland. This image represents the majestic form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishna's parents Vasudeva and Devaki around the time of Krishna's birth. Worship proceeds according to routines laid down by Adi Shankara and later written formally in the Tantric way, the inter-religious spiritual movement that arose in medieval India, by Chennas Narayanan Nambudiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Nambudiris are the hereditary tantris (high priest) of the Guruvayur Temple.

Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple is located in the heart of the Thrissur city. Its located in Thrissur round is the second-largest roundabout in ASIA. That itself depicts the importance of the

temple to the people of the city. Vadakkumnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva . This temple is a classical example of the architectural style of Kerala and has one monumental tower on each of the four sides in addition to a kuttambalam. Mural paintings depicting various scenes from the Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple. The shrines and the Kuttambalam display vignettes carved in wood. The temple, along with the mural paintings, has been declared as a National Monument by India under the AMASR Act. The Aanayoottu, the feeding of elephants, is the second biggest festival held in the temple. The devotees refer to elephants as Lord Ganesh's incarnation. The festival falls on the first day of the month of Karkkidakum which coincides with July. It has been the regular annual practice at the temple for the last 20 years to conduct a large-scale Ashta Dravya Maha Ganapathy Havana and Aanayoottu on the first day of the Karkidakom month of the Malayalam calendar. It involves several unadorned elephants being positioned amid a multitude of people for being worshipped and fed. A large number of people throng the temple to feed the elephants. Gajapooja also is conducted once every four years. Thrissur Pooram is called the mother of all Poorams in Kerala. In Malayalam it's called "poorangalude pooram". This is conducted in the Malayalam month of Medam. The deities from Parmekavu and Thiruvambady temple along with other small poorams come engage in festivities in front of Vadakkumanathan. It's a 36 long hour festival which attracts thousands of enthusiasts from all over the state as well as visitors from other regions and abroad. The main attractions of Pooram are Madathilavaravu panchavadhyam, Elanjithara melam, Kudamattam and Vedikettu. The festival is a visual feast for all those who enjoy it.

St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church Marth Mariam (St Mary's) Major Archiepiscopal Church, Kuravilangad is a Marian pilgrim center of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church located at Kuravilangad in Kottayam district.[1] This church claims to date to 105 AD. The church has an ancient bell with the engraving on Syriac language "Mother of God." Three majestic bells were brought from Germany in 1911 and is one of the largest bells in Asia. The church is also known for its Kappalottam or "racing ship," a commemoration of the biblical story of Jonah and the whale.

St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Palayur

St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Palayur is located at Palayur (also spelt Palayoor), in Thrissur district in Kerala on the west coast of India. According to tradition, the Syrian church was established in 52 AD by St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. It is one of the oldest churches in India. It is second only to Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Church, North Paravur, and is called an Apostolic Church credited to the apostolate of St. Thomas, who preached and also introduced Christianity to the people here. It was part of the seven churches that he established in India, the others being at Cranganore, Kokkamangalam, Kottakkavu, Kollam, Niranam, and Chayal (Nilackal). The original small church structure has been retained at the original site. But substantial improvements around it were carried out during the 17th century by Reverend Fenichi, as necessary, without sacrificing the main sanctity of the place. St. Thomas traveled from Muziris (Kodungallur) and landed at Palayur by boat through the backwaters. At that time, Palayur was a stronghold of the Brahmins and also of Jews. Following the migration of the Hindu Brahmins from Palayur, the Church was built incorporating the old Hindu temple, which was deserted. The church, as built, was thus a fusion of Hindu architectural style in respect of ornamentation with a Persian church plan. The roof of the church rises like a tower above the nave. An Italian missionary built the new church around the small old teak wood church, after getting due permission from the locals who were not only superstitious but also sentimental about retaining the old Church. The original altar consecrated by St. Thomas is still retained. But during Tipu Sultan's invasion of Kerala in the 18th century, the church was destroyed by fire. Thereafter it was re-built.

Cheramaan Juma Mosque The Cheramaan Juma Mosque is a mosque in Methala, Kodungallur Taluk, Thrissur District in the Indian state of Kerala. A legend claims that it was built in 629 AD, which makes it the oldest mosque in the Indian subcontinent which is still in use. It was built by Malik Deenar, Persian companion of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, on the orders of the successor of Cheraman Perumal, the Chera King of modern-day Kerala. The mosque was constructed in Kerala style with hanging lamps, making the historicity of its date claims more convincing. The mosque was completely destroyed by the Portuguese in 1504 when Lopo Soares de Albergaria attacked the port of Kodungallur.

The old building was built sometime after the 1504 de Algabaria attack. Modern corridors and halls were built in 1984. Story goes that Cheraman Perumal was visiting the King of Maldives and they discussed the splitting of the moon, both men deciding to visit Mecca to find out the truth. S. N. Sadasivan, a social historian, believes that it wasn't the Cheraman Perumal of Malabar in the tale at all, but instead the King of Maldives, whose capital city "Malé" was confused for "Malabar". Pilgrimage tourism in Aluva

Aluva is a municipality and a northern suburb of the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. It is a part of the Kochi Metropolitan area and is situated around 15 km from the city center on the banks of Periyar River. A major transportation hub, with easy access to all major forms of transportation, Aluva acts as a corridor which links the highland districts to the rest of the state. Aluva (formerly Alwaye) is the second largest town in Greater Kochi City and an important commercial town in Kerala. The town is famous its festivals, large river banks and temples

Aluva is a destination famous for its Mahasivarathri festival held annually at the Shiva Temple. People from all over the state gather here for the same. Aluva is well connected from other major towns, and it is 12kms away from Kochi. Mahasivarathri is a six day long festival. Tourist Places In And Around Aluva offers good scope for sightseeing. The Periyar River flowing through Aluva is simply scenic. The Shiva Temple and the Seminary Church beckon the religious. The Marthanda Varma Bridge offers a good view of Aluva.

Aluva, home to the summer residency of the Travancore royal family – the Alwaye Palace is also famous for the Sivarathri festival celebrated annually at the sandbanks of Periyar. The Advaita Ashrams in Aluva founded in 1913 by Sree Narayana Guru, one of India's greatest social reformers, adds to the cultural significance of the town.] Today, whilst part of the Kochi urban agglomeration, Aluva is an autonomous municipality, its civic administration conducted by Aluva Municipal Council. The town also serves as the administrative centre of the Aluva taluk. Villages from Mukundapuram, Kanayannur, Kunathunad and North Paravur taluks were combined together to form Aluva Taluk in 1956.The headquarters of the District Police Chief of Ernakulam Rural Police District, Superintending engineer, PWD (Roads) and of the District Educational Officer, Aluva are also located there. It is the starting point of Kochi Metro rail, which began its operations in June 2017.The Metro station is at Bypass, Aluva. We can reach there by any transport facilities like train flight, bus, the main pilgrim center in aluva is manappuram. Archaeologists have found evidence of settlements in Aluva as far back as 250 BC. The place used to be a continuous area of land spread across Kakkanad and Alangad; historians have recorded that it was so up to AD 1341. The town, by then thickly populated, became a holiday resort and a centre of commerce. Mangalappuzha, a branch of Periyar which bifurcates at Aluva was known to be the nerve centre of trade and commerce in this part of South India. Before Indian independence, Aluva was part of the Kingdom of Travancore and was the official summer residence of the royal family

. The etymology of the name of the town of Aluva has been the subject of speculation for centuries. One of the more accepted version relates to the story of Hindu god Shiva drinking the Kalakootam poison to save the world. It is said that Shiva with the poison 'Alam' in his mouth 'Vaa' was made into a deity which was then rested in a temple in Aluva. The Sivarathri festival for which the town is famous for is celebrated in the honour of Shiva. In the twentieth century, when there was a community of Jews in Cochin, some used to have holiday homes in Aluva on the banks of the River Periyar. It also has a name "gate way to east". Tourist attractions in Aluva Marthandavarma bridge Marthanda Varma Bridge as the name indicates is built by the great Travancore king Marthanda Varma Ilayaraja who is regarded as the founder of modern Travancore. To promote trade and business between nearby Kingdoms, the bridge was constructed during the period of 1940-42. The Marthanda Varma Bridge is known as the lifeline of the inhabitants of Aluva since then. The bridge is strategically built above the river Periyar offering the tourists a panoramic view of the city. The bridge which has 5.5 carriage way was regarded as one of the most important landmarks of Aluva. Since the bridge can’t meet the modern day heavy traffic needs, a similar

bridge was built parallel to the original one. The new bridge was opened to the public in June 2002, and it reflects the industrial growth of Aluva.

Seminary church Seminary church is popularly called the St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha. The church was offered ‘Pontifical Status’ in 1964 by the Holy See. It is one of most important and largest seminaries in the world. The church is an important theological education institute of Catholic Church. Periyar river The river Periyar flows at a stretch of 229 km through the town of Aluva and is one of the largest rivers of Kerala. Periyar that flows through Tamil Nadu and Kerala has majorly influenced the lives, customs and traditions of the inhabitants of these states. With its long stretch of smooth clean bank adorned with palm, coconut trees and a lot of temples, mosques and churches, the river is a major attraction for the tourists. Shiva temple Aluva Manappuram The shiva temple is situated in aluva manappuram .This place is earlier known as aluva manal puram (land with sand),later it reform into aluva manappuram.One of the special temple in India you have to visit .This temple lies in the bank of periyar river during rainy season the water reaches till the roof top and is very attractive to see such a phenomena can't be seen anywhere in India i think except this temple .During Karuthavavu (No Moon)in karkkidaka malayalam month and some special days people come for Balitarppanam one of the ritual performed in kerala. The grand festival called Mahashivaratri is the major attraction in this temple. People of all religion will enjoy this festival and it start in period of feb-mar on shivarathri day and it will be one month festival. The bath in periyar river is also a nice experience. In 2013 when it was heavily raining the temple was under water that is water level crossed roof top many people came to see and many news papers have reported this. Karkidaka Vavu Bali, also called Vavubali, is the sacrificial ritual performed in memory of the departed souls of ancestors. On the day of vavu or Amavasi (no moon day) in Karkidakam (which is the last month of the Malayalam calendar which falls in July- August), Hindus gather on the riverbanks and beaches to offer Bali. The bank of river Periyar in Aluva in Ernakulam

district, popularly known as Aluva Manappuram, is significant in the observance of the Karkidaka Vavu Bali.

The main festival that held at this destination is Aluva mahashivarathri festival. The celebration of Sivarathri in Aluva is very famous in Kerala. The month of Kumbham is noted for the Sivarathri festival which falls in February – March. Aluva Sivarathri is celebrated at the Siva temple on the banks of Periyar River and this place is called the Aluva Manal Puram (land with sand). Pilgrims offer Bali (sacrifice) to their ancestors in the morning succeeding the holy night. Near the bank of periyar, Aluva Manal Puram, there will be many stalls installed for people for purchasing, shopping, exhibitions, and adventure rides for children and adults. It will remain for two weeks after the offerings of Bali (sacrifice). This festival is celebrated as a remembrance for the lord Shiva. Myths and History This is a temple with a very unorthodox structure with all sides open since it periodically gets submerged when the level of River Periyar rises especially during monsoons. The location is great right in (not by) the largest river in Kerala. This is the point where the river divides itself

in to two and the branch in the north flows to the sea after merging with River Chalakudy and the southern branch flows through the industrial area and joins the Cochin backwaters. The views are fantastic which has to be experienced than described. There is technically no restriction here-religion dress code etc. The area around the temple is where thousands congregate on the Black Moon day of the Malayalam month of Karkatakam to offer prayers to the departed ancestors. One of the best places in the city to be in on any day. This Shiva temple is located on a sandbank created by bifurcation of the Periyar river at Aluva in Kerala. At this place the river bifurcates into the Mangalapuzha and Marthandavarma branches . The temple is located on a sandbank between the Periyar river and the Manghapuzha branch. The temple is 18 kms from Kochi airport and just 1 km off NH 47. The temple is not crowded at all and has some unique features as under : - 1. The Shiv Ling ( as Lord Shiva is depicted in most temples ) is not enshrined in a shreekovil (sanctum sanctorum ), nor does it have a boundary wall . This is attributed to the fact that all attempts to either build a wall or a temple have not yielded any positive result. It has been accepted that Lord Shiva’s will to remain in the open as a swambhoo (divinely created ) lingam prevails till date. Legend has it that the Shiv Ling was installed by Parashurama and later worshipped by Lord Rama in its present location. Historical records reveal that the temple constructed by well meaning devotees Vilwamangalam and his associates was destroyed by floods in 1343 AD. 2. During monsoons the temple remains submerged and worship is done in a small shrine on the upper banks of the river. This shrine is called Bala Kshetram. Once the waters recede, the worship commences at the original temple site. 3. Only one puja a day is conducted and offerings (nivedhyam) to Lord Shiva is done using aracanut leaf only. There is an interesting anectode as to why this is unique to this temple. Too long to be told here. The most important festival is the Maha Shivarathry celebrated on a grand scale in Feb – Mar This festival is considered important for offering rites of passage to ancestors. In terms of grandeur or spectacle the temple does not have much to offer. But lack of crowds and easy access to the river banks are an attraction.

The unique feature of Aluva Mahadeva Temple is that the Shivalinga is not enshrined in a Sreekovil. The Swayambhoo Shivalinga installed by Lord Parasurama and worshipped by Lord Sree Rama rises out of the sand banks of the Periyar river. This place is called the Aluva Manal Puram (land with sand). There are many legends associated with this temple. After installing the Lingam Parasurama built a temple here but was destroyed by a flood. Lord Shiva told him that no temple structure will exist at that place because He does not want a temple structure for protecting the Lingam. Another legend goes like this. The Bhuthaganas of Lord Shiva worshiped the Lingam every night. They decided to construct a temple there. But Lord Shiva told them that they must complete the temple in a single night. Bhuthaganas agreed and started the construction. When the foundation was completed, Lord Vishnu came there, disguised as a cock and crowed to mislead the Bhuthaganas. The Bhuthaganas, fearing that dawn had approached, left the work unfinished. Sri Rama, during his search for Sitha, performed tharpana for Jadayu here. Another legend is associated with Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. One day he visited this place and realised the presence of Lord Shiva and identified the Shiva Linga installed by Parasurama. He started worshipping the Linga and Lord Mahadeva appeared in front of him and told him to start poojas there. Pottayil Ilayathu, Thottathil Nambiar and Idamana Nampoothiri made proper arrangements for Shiva Pooja and Vilwamngalam started the pooja. But there were no vessels to offer Nivedyam. So Vilwamangalam used a Kavungin Pala (aracanut leaf) to offer Nivedyam. Even today the nivedyam is offered in Kavungin Pala and is called Palanivedyam. Later Vilwamangalam and his associates – Ilayathu, Nambiar and Nampoothiri – constructed a temple but it was destroyed by flood in AD 1343. During the monsoon season the whole region gets flooded and the Shivalinga gets submerged in water. So the Ooranma Nampoothiris were decided to construct a small temple on the bank of the river in order to perform poojas during monsoon season. This temple is called Bala Kshetram. It is a fact that though unfinished in nature, this temple has withstood many a flood and still stands as an enigma to the architects, regarding its foundation and structure. The Travancore Devaswom Board authorities constructed a temple structure here some years ago. but the Deva Prasna conducted later revealed that construction of the temple structure is against Lord Shiva's wish. Another story about this place was the one of the wings of jadayu is lost here while he was in the journey for searching Seetha along with the Raman. he got a fight with Ravanan and lost

his one wing ,it is held at this place .And also raman did the funeral ceremonies of jadayu at here for his soul’s peace .Because of this belief so many pilgrims come across in this spot for their ancestors funeral ceremony ,they believe that if this ceremony held at this place their ancestors got peace and go off to heaven .So they do balitharppanam here and we can see there is a large crowd for this function . Famous pilgrim tour packages in India This wonderful country called India is known to be the hub of religious and spiritual tourism. It is inhabited by people of several religious faiths. The country, thus houses various places of worship such as temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, mosques etc. A visit to these pilgrimage sites of India is truly a divine experience. Spiritual Varanasi tour Take a tour to the holiest cities of India, Varanasi and Sarnath. Varanasi is so pure that even a dip in the Ganga River meandering across it, is believed to wash away all the sins. The city is known to be the land of moksh (freedom from life cycle). While, Sarnath is a significant pilgrim spot for the Budhhists, as it has marks of the legend, King Ashoka. You will explore these two cities and get a step closer to tranquility and soul consciousness. It covers delhi and Varanasi. Highlights Delhi- Parliament House, India Gate, Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, Laxmi Narayan temple, QutabMinar Complex, Humayun's Tomb, and Red Fort Visit Sarnath, an important pilgrimage of the Budhhists. Varanasi-banks of ganga, Bharat Mata temple, Alamgir Mosque or Beni Madhav Ka Darera, Attend the majestc Arti of Varanasi Tamilnadu Temple Tour The art and architecture connoisseurs along with devotees around the world consider South Indian Temples with high respect. The 7-day long Tamilnadu Temple Tour is designed in a manner so as to bring the best of these architectural marvels. Take a tour of these spectacular shrines not just to pay homage but also to appreciate & personify the period of Dravidian Architecture in South India. Highlights

Chennai-Kapaleeshwarar Temple, St. Thomas Cathedral Church, Parthasarathy Temple Mahabalipuram-Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Pondichery- Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Vedapureeswarar Temple Nalambala darshanam Nalambalam is a set of four Hindu temples in Kerala. In Malayalam, Nalu means "four" and Ambalam means "temple". These are the temples for the Rama and his brothers of Ramayana. There are around five sets of Nalambalams in Kerala, the most famous among them being the four temples located in Thrissur and Ernakulam districts, namely Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple, Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Temple and Payyammal Shathrughna Temple.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The methodology pertaining the study entitled ‘‘SCOPE OF PILGRIM TOURISM AT ALUVA MANAPPURAM, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA” is

being carried out under the following

Collection of data

Primary data secondary data Visiting the places books Observation newspaper journals magazines websites 1. COLLECTION OF DATA

The data collection for my research is carried out by primary and secondary data.

(a) Primary data The Primary data is collected from Aluva manappuram. Primary data are the data which the researcher collects through various methods like interviews, surveys, questionnaires etc.

(b) Secondary data The Secondary data is collected from various resources which is related to the topic. The researcher collects the data through various sources like newspapers, books, journals, magazines, websites, and government records. 2. VISITING THE PLACE For collecting data for my research, I visited Aluva manappuram, iringole bhagavathy temple. 3.OBSERVATION I observed the route and ways to reach at the destinations. It helps to assume the distance that have to travel for this circuit pilgrim tour and also time that consume for the trip. Collection and Analysis

ROUTE MAP TO REACH ALUVA MANAPPURAM FROM ERNAKULAM TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 38 Car 41 Bus 54

Distance: 19 km The table shows the distance between the Ernakulam to aluva manappuram. Those who are coming from Ernakulam can reach aluva manappuram by road and metro. Usually most persons are use metro. It helps to reduce our time loss. We can reach in aluva from Ernakulam at about 20-25 minutes through metro rail.

FROM KALAMASSERY TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM: Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 21 Car 22 Bus 26

Distance: 21 km The table shows the distance between the Kalamassery to Aluva Manappuram. The distance between from Kalamassery to Aluva Manappuram is 12 km. the time taken for the one who coming with bike is 21 km. when he used than car instead of bike, 22 minutes will be taken. When he reached by bus 26 minutes will be taken and this time will change accordingly to the traffic blocks.

FROM ALUVA METRO STATION TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 6 Car 7 Bus 11 Foot 18

Distance: 2 km The table shows the distance between the metro station to Aluva Manappuram. The distance from metro station to Aluva Manappuram is 2 km. when a person travel with a bike to the Aluva Manappuram, 6 minutes will be taken. When he used car instead of bike,7 minutes will be taken. There is no need of bus to reach the designation. As we can see only 2 km is distance. So we can also walk to reach the destination.

FROM ALUVA RAILWAY STATION TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 8 Car 8 Bus 15 Foot 22

Distance: 2.6 km The table shows the distance between the Aluva railway station to Aluva Manappuram. The distance from Aluva railway station to Aluva Manappuram is 2.6 km. when a person travel with a bike to the Aluva Manappuram, 8 minutes will be taken. When he used car instead of bike,8 minutes will be taken. There is no need of bus to reach the designation. If the bus is used, there will be 15 min taken to reach the destination. As we can see only 2.6 km is distance. So we can also walk to reach the destination and there is some short cuts to reach the destination by walking.

FROM KADUNGALLOORE TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 11 Car 12 Bus 24 Foot 48

Distance: 3.9 km The table shows the distance between the Kadungalloore to Aluva Manappuram. The distance from Kadungalloore to Aluva Manappuram is 3.9 km. when a person travel with a bike to the Aluva Manappuram, 11 minutes will be taken. When he used car instead of bike,12 minutes will be taken. If the bus is used, there will be 24 min taken to reach the destination. The distance is 3.9 km, so many devotees reach there by walking and it takes 48 minutes.

FROM NORTH PARAVUR TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 28 Car 29 Bus 40 Foot 3 hr 11

Distance: 16 km The table shows the distance between the North Paravur to Aluva Manappuram. The distance from North Paravur to Aluva Manappuram is 16 km. when a person travel with a bike to the Aluva Manappuram, 28 minutes will be taken. When he used car instead of bike,29 minutes will be taken. If the bus is used, there will be 40 min taken to reach the destination. We have to get 2 buses to reach there. When we plan to reach there by foot it takes 3 hour 11 minutes

FROM KALADY TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 29 Car 29 Bus 44 Foot 3 hr 10

Distance: 18 km The table shows the distance between the Kalady to Aluva Manappuram. The distance from Kalady to Aluva Manappuram is 18 km. when a person travel with a bike to the Aluva Manappuram, 29 minutes will be taken. When he used car instead of bike,29 minutes will be taken. If the bus is used, there will be 44 min taken to reach the destination. When we plan to reach there by foot it takes 3 hour 10 minutes.

FROM COCHIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 16 Car 16 Bus 20 Foot 2 hr 4

Distance: 11 km The table shows the distance between the Cochin International Airport and Aluva Manappuram. The distance from Cochin International Airport to Aluva Manappuram is 11 km. when a person travel with a bike to the Aluva Manappuram, 16 minutes will be taken. When he used car instead of bike,16 minutes will be taken. If the bus is used, there will be 20 min taken to reach the destination. When we plan to reach there by foot it takes 2 hour 4 minutes .

FROM ANGAMALY TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 19 Car 19 Bus 32 Foot 2 hr 32

Distance: 13 km The table shows the distance between the Angamaly and Aluva Manappuram. The distance from Angamaly to Aluva Manappuram is 13 km. when a person travel with a bike to the Aluva Manappuram, 19 minutes will be taken. When he used car instead of bike,19 minutes will be taken. If the bus is used, there will be 32 min taken to reach the destination. When we plan to reach there by foot it takes 2 hour 32 minutes .

FROM THRISSUR TO ALUVA MANAPPURAM:

Vehicle Time taken in minutes Bike 1hr18 Car 1 hr 21 Bus 1 hr 58 Foot 12 hr

Distance:58 km The table shows the distance between the Thrissur to Aluva Manappuram. The distance from Thrissur to Aluva Manappuram is 58 km. when a person travel with a bike to the Aluva Manappuram, 1 hour 18 minutes will be taken. When he used car instead of bike,1hour 21 minutes will be taken. When we travel through bus it takes 1 hour 58 minutes. These times will change accordingly due to the traffic blocks. We have to get 2 buses to reach there. When we plan to reach there by foot it takes 12 hour .

HINDU PILGRIM CIRCUIT

Fig1.1:travel route for hindu pilgrim circuit tourism

The above given map (fig 1.1) shows the route of travel from the first destination to the last destination. The highlighted area is the route selected. In this map the route from the finishing point to the starting point is not included as the route that would be selected may vary as it is selected in such a way that the guest can reach the starting point as quickly as possible.

A. Aluva Manappuram The shiva temple is situated in Aluva Manappuram .This place is earlier known as Aluva Manal Puram (land with sand),later it reform into Aluva Manappuram.One of the special temple in India you have to visit .This temple lies in the bank of periyar river during rainy season the water reaches till the roof top and is very attractive to see such a phenomena can't be seen anywhere in india i think except this temple .During Karuthavavu (No Moon)in karkkidaka malayalam month and some special days people come for Balitarppanam one of the ritual performed in kerala.The grand festival called Mahashivaratri is the major attraction in this temple .people of all religion will enjoy this festival it start in period of feb-mar on shivarathri day and it will be a one month festival.The bath in periyar river is also a nice experience .In 2013 when it was heavily raining the temple was under water that is water level crossed roof top many people came to see and many news papers have reported this. Karkidaka Vavu Bali, also called Vavubali, is the sacrificial ritual performed in memory of the departed souls of ancestors. On the day of vavu or Amavasi (no moon day) in Karkidakam (which is the last month of the Malayalam calendar which falls in July- August), Hindus gather on the riverbanks and beaches to offer Bali. The bank of river Periyar in Aluva in Ernakulam district, popularly known as Aluva Manappuram, is significant in the observance of the Karkidaka Vavu Bali.

B. Iringole Kavu Bhagavathy Temple Iringole Kavu is a Hindu forest temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, situated in Kunnathunad Taluk of Ernakulam district, 2.5 km from Perumbavoor. This is one of the 108

Durga Temples in Kerala believed to have been consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This temple is located in the village 'Pattal' 35 kilometers away from Cochin. Near iringole kavu there is a school called Government Vocational Higher Secondary School also called "Iringole School" by residents of Iringole. There's a "mana", which is nearer to the temple is a historical place. Now it is kept as a tourist spot. now a days there are so many photo shoots are occur in this place because of the greenery and eco nature of this place. There is a story behind the formation of this place. Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudevar due to the fear that their eighth son Krishna who is to be born soon would be his terminator from the earth. In fear and fury Kansa decided to kill their all sons. Vasudevar planned to save his eighth son from the danger at any cost. The parents shifted baby Krishna to Vrindavan soon after he was born and placed another girl baby (an incarnation of the goddess Yoga-Nidra or Maya) in the cradle. Kansa decided to kill the girl baby too, despite realising she was not the eight son of Vasudevar. He lifted the baby furiously above his head, but miraculously the baby became a supernatural power and remained in the atmosphere as 'IRRINNOLE'. Later this area was named as IRINGOLE. It is believed that the gods and goddesses surrounded the power in the forms of trees and plants. And later it is developed into a beautiful thick forest. It is owned by Naganchery Mana. now run by Travancore Devaswom. 'Iringole Mana' or 'Nagancherry Mana' of Perumbavoor was one old janmi family of Kerala. 102-year-old Vasudevan Namboothiri, the current 'karanavar' of the 'mana'. From owning over 15,000 hectares of land in places ranging from Aluva to Thiruvananthapuram five decades ago, the 'karanavar' was forced to sell the 'mana' for a measly Rs 1 lakh to Perumbavoor municipality in 1980. The bedridden 'desadhikari' now lives with his younger son Ganapathy in a rented house, once owned by him, at Valakkara near Perumbavoor with not an inch of land to lay claim to. The new secretariat building in Thiruvananthapuram and the EMS statue in front of it have come up on land once owned by the 'mana', once the head of 18 'desams' spread from Aluva to Thiruvananthapuram. 'Iringole Kavu', adjacent to the 'mana', is now run by Travancore Devaswom.

C. Ernakulam Shiva Temple Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan Temple is one of the major temples of Kerala, located in heart of Ernakulam,[1] the downtown area of the city of Kochi. The

temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered as the city temple, with the presiding deity as the protector of the city, as per local Hindu faiths and traditions. As per the common practice in Kerala, the deity is reverently called Ernakulathappan, which means Lord of Ernakulam. The temple is located within the Durbar Hall Ground. The temple history itself has deep association with history of the city and was one of the 7 royal temples of Kochi Maharajas. The temple is now under administration of Cochin Devasom Board. The temple in its current form was built under active patronage of Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier in year 1846 and raised it level of a Royal temple in the Kochi Kingdom. The temple is built on 1-acre (4,000 m2) land. The temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala counted along with the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Temple, Chengannur Mahadeva Temple and Vadakkunathan temple. The existence of temple was first mentioned in Sangam Literature as one of the major temples under Chera Dynasty. Cheras were adherent worshipers of Lord Shiva. When Chera dynasty ended, the place fell into the hands a few Nair nobles who renamed the place as Ernakulam (corrupt form of original word- Eere Naal Kulam meaning Pond with water always) in recognition of the famous sacred pond of this temple. Soon this area came under reign of Kochi Kingdom. The Kochi Rulers, due to the siege of Fort Kochi by the Dutch in the 17th century, moved their capital to Ernakulam and established a Palace close to this temple, facing the temple pond (The Tank Shed Palace seen behind current Durbar Hall). This helped the temple to gain prominence, due to royal patronage. The temple deity was declared as protector of Ernakulam city (Nagara Devata), The second phase of the temple came in 1842 when Diwan of Kochi, Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier felt to renovate the temple which were in dilapidated condition. Works were started in 1843. Two new Gopura Mandapams (Entrance Towers) were constructed in traditional Kerala style similar to Sree Poornathrayesa Temple of Tripunithura which was the Chief Royal temple of Kochi Maharajas. The new temple complex was opened to public in 1846. The temple was elevated to a royal temple and brought under direct administration of Kochi Government's Devaswom Board. In 1949, when Kochi acceded into India Union, the Devaswom Board came under new Government's control, which still remains. As part of increasing local participation in temple management, the Ernakulam Kshetra Kshema Samithi consisting leading Hindu members of Ernakulam city did participate in the fund collection to purchase the land adjacent to the temple. They purchased the property which was in the possession of Corporation of Kochi. The activities of Ernakulam Kshetra Kshema

Samithy did good to the overall development of the temple. The Utsavom (temple festival) of Shiva temple is one of the grandest festivals in the Kochi city, normally celebrated during Makaram month. The festivities starts with Kodiyettam (hoisting of the temple flag ) on the first day evening. On the seventh day there is Pakalpooram, when the deity is being taken out in procession with caparisoned elephants with Panchavadyam and finally terminating at Durbar Hall Ground after the famous Pandimelam and colorful fire works. On the final day around evening, in a solemn ceremony the flag is lowered and the deity is then taken for the Arattu ( holy bath ) in the nearby temple tank. After that starts the famous Arattu procession with the accompaniment of Panchavadyam. The procession terminates at Durbar Hall Ground. The grand fireworks then bring the curtain down to this week long festival. During all these days Sheeveli is arranged inside the temple and the best available Chendamelam artists are arranged for this. Special poojas connected with the festival are conducted every day by famous priests from Chennose and Puliyannur Mana. A variety of cultural programs are also arranged during these days. Special emphasis is given to promote temple arts like Ottamthullal, Paatakam, Thayambaka, Kathakali, Classical dances, Classical music concerts, Bhajans etc. Annadanam is also arranged. Thousands of people throng the temple to witness these programs. Watching the Pakalpooram and Arattu processions will be an unforgettable experience for anybody. The adjacent Durbar Hall ground becomes a beehive of activities during the Utsavom. Along with this, Maha Shivaratri in the month of Kumbham, Thiruvathira in the month of Dhanu, Pradosham, Mondays, etc. are also celebrated in a grand manner

D. Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple Sree Kurumba Bhagavati Temple (alternatively Kodungallur Devi Temple) is a Hindu temple at Kodungallur, Thrissur District, Kerala state, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, a form of Maha Kali or Parashakthi worshipped in Kerala. The goddess is known also by the names "Sri Kurumba"" (The Mother of Kodungallur). This temple is the head of 64 Bhadrakali temples in Kerala especially Malabar. The goddess of the temple represents the goddess in her fierce ('ugra') form, facing North, featuring eight hands with various attributes. One is holding the head of the demon king Daruka, another a sickle-shaped sword, next an anklet, another a bell, among others. Routine worship at the temple every day at 03:00 and ends at 21:00 local time.

The temple is often accredited as the original form of Goddess Kali. During the reign of Later Cheras, Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) was the capital of the Chera empire and one of the most important parts of the region. The temple is in the centre of Kerala and is called 'Malayala Bhagavathi' by Tamil speakers. The Temple was built in a remote past and its worship incorporates ancient Shaktyem customs which are rarely observed in contemporary Kerala temples. The people of Kodungallur believe that this temple was, in the olden days, a Shiva shrine and it was Parasurama who installed the murti of Bhadrakali close to one of Shiva. The pujas are conducted, it is said, under direct instructions from the goddess herself. Five 'Sri Chakras', said to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya, are believed to be the main source of the powers of this deity. The priests are Namboodiris and Adikas (Madhu Brahmins) who have a right to perform 'Pushpanjalis' to the Goddess. It is in this temple, Kannaki Amman, the heroine of Ilango Adigal's Tamil story Silappathikaram attained salvation.[2] She came to Kodungallur, prayed to Bhadrakali of Kodungallur and became absorbed in the murti. It is said that the temple was constructed by Cheraman Perumal. The first Shakteya Pooja in kodungallur temple was performed by a Thiyyar from Malabar. Even present day, The Thiyya thandans (An administrative position) of 64 tharas meet at Nilapaduthara at Kodungaloor in the presence of kodungallur raja. The kodungaloor meena bharani is conducted under these Thiyya thandans. In Tantric terms, the divinity is installed in what is called the "Rurujit Vidhaana" pattern, a form of installation with Shiva in one end, Ganesha in the other, with the Sapta Matrika goddesses in between. In ancient times, animal sacrifices were offered at the temple, mostly in the forms of birds and goats, by devotees seeking protection and the fulfillment of their prayers. At the intervention of many "social reformers," the government of Cochin banned animal sacrifice in any form at this place. At present, only red-dyed dhotis are offered to the deity. Many devotees offer rich presents and gold ornaments. Bharani Festival The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the major festivals of Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Kumbham to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Meenam. It normally falls between the months of March and April. The festival usually starts with a ritual called 'Kozhikkallu moodal' which

involves the sacrifice of cocks and shedding of their blood, which forms an important feature of this temple. The members of the "Kodungallur Bhagavathy Veedu" are allowed to participate in this ritual. It is to appease the goddess Kali and her demons who take delight in blood offerings. 'Kavu Theendal' is another major part of the festival. Bhadrakali being the patron of the royal family of Cranganore, the raja of Kodungallur plays an active part in the celebrations. Standing upon a platform built around a banyan tree, the Raja spreads out a silken parasol soon after the door of the Devi shrine is opened. This gesture represents a permission given for all castes to enter the precincts of the temple for worship. Devotees run round the temple three times with sticks in their hands, before entering the shrine. The ritual commemorates the slaying of the demon Daruka, and the sticks are said to be substitutes for the swords and other weapons used for the ritual in the past During this ritual, Vellichapads, (oracles of the goddess), dressed as the goddess and said to be possessed by her, run around the temple in a frenzied trance state, waving their sickle-shaped swords in the air while the members of their retinue offer reverence over the inner quadrangle of the temple. They yell out lewd, bawdy, abusive cries at the goddess, which is said to please her. This is followed by a purification ceremony the next day. 'Chandanapoti Charthal' is another festival, involving smearing the image with sandalwood paste. Thalappoli festival The Thalappoli festival is in the month of Makaram (January–February). The four-day Thalappoli commences from the evening of Makara Sankranthi with religious rituals. Big procession headed by richly caparisoned elephants are taken out to the accompaniment of Pancha Vadyam, Paancari, Paandi, etc. It is celebrated by all sections of people of Kodungalloor and adjacent areas. The first day of Thalappoli consists of many offerings to goddess. "souseeni" as it is called among the kudumbi community is one among them. This is basically mixing riceflakes with jaggery and coconut, later on this is shared among the devotees around.

TOUR PACKAGE

The above cycle show the order of the pilgrim centers that have to go by the tourists. The starting point is Aluva Manappuram in Ernakulam and the final destination is kodungalloore bhagavathy temple in Thrissur. After visiting there they will come back to the starting destination.

Aluva manappuram

Iringole kavu bhagavathy temple

Ernakulam shiva temple

Kodungalloore bhagavathy temple

Selected locations Distance from previous destination

Time taken for the travel

Aluva Manappuram _ _ Iringole bhagavathy temple 21 km 42 min

Ernakulam shiva temple 36 km 1 hr 6 min Kodungallur bhagavathy

temple 51 km 1 hr 15 min

Aluva Manappuram 36 km 56 min Total 144 km 239 min

The above given table shows how much time is required to travel from one place to another or the distance and time gap between locations. The table also gives details about the total time taken to travel as well as rough amount of distance covered. One Day Pilgrimage Package The major destinations of this tourism package is Aluva Manappuram, Iringole bhagavathy temple, Ernakulam shiva temple, kodungallure bhagavathy temple. This tourism package can be also considered as a seasonal tourism package. The best time is between February and march. INCLUSIONS TRANSFER, MEALS, SIGHTSEEING, ACCOMODATION 5.00 am check in in hotel (if needed) 5.30 am visiting Aluva Manappuram The devotees can do the rituals for their ancestors. we can spent some time there. 7.30 am Iringole Bhagavathy Temple We can walk through the dense forest area, spent some time for relaxing

8.30 am breakfast (vegetarian) 10.30 am Ernakulam Shiva Temple for attending utcha pooja Sightseeing

Kalary school Ernakulam 1.00 pm Lunch (vegetarian)

Musiris fort, musiris water view, musiris lakeshore park 5.00 pm Kodungalloore Bhagavathy Temple

Cherai beach 7.15 pm dinner (veg or non veg) 8.00 pm Aluva Manappuram They can watch and enjoy the festival that held in Aluva Manappuram. We can also provide hotel facility if they wanted We will provide snacks and tea, quiz competitions and narrating myths related to these temples. Package include: Pick up and drop, meals, one night stay if they ask earlier Vehicle Charge:

Type of vehicle Capacity Rate per km Rate for 10 km

Rate for 100 km

Additional charge per extra km

Sedan/Hatch back(min 100

km) 3 ₹15 ₹150 ₹1500 ₹12

Suv(min 100 km) 6 ₹25 ₹250 ₹2500 ₹20

Traveller(min 100 km) 17 ₹27 ₹270 ₹2700 ₹15

Bus(min 80 km) 49 ₹100 ₹1000 ₹8,700 ₹35 The above given details are the charges approved by the government of state of Kerala as well as the different organisation related to the transport organizations. The above rate is normally determined by the government and organization on the basis of fuel cost, vehicle maintenance charge as well as the labour cost and this cost is subjected to change on the basis of seasons and year as well as the facilities provided. The above given price range is of the year 2020 and during the COVID-19 epidemic. In Kerala normally the total charge for travelling decreases as the distance is increased as they get more fuel economy as well as proper working charge. The rate can also change for night drives and out of the state travel as per head tax may required to be paid. The charge may also vary as now masks, sanitizers as well as other mandatory items have to been provided during the trip as well as the danger of getting affected with the virus. The tax that need to be paid to the state government also plays a major role in the determination fair for the vehicle fare. The fare normally is at the lowest when the vehicle is booked through travel agent or if it is included in the tourist package. As the travel agencies gets a more subsidised rate for their frequent business with the tour operator.

DATA ANALYSIS

Data Analysis The analysis of data pertaining to the “SCOPE OF PILGRIM TOURISM AT ALUVA MANAPPURAM” is analyses and represented given below.

Budget Calculation When sedan used: Meal plan = ₹ 700 Labour Charge = ₹800 Total cost for one person =2076/- When SUV is used: Total cost for one person =₹1980 When traveller is used: Total cost for one person =₹1627 When bus is used: Total cost for one person =₹1602

Budget calculation: Total expense = total distance covered + Meal plan + Entry Fee + Labour Charge and other charges

FINDINGS

FINDINGS

It is found out that how Aluva Manappuram is attached to the Hindu mythology.

It is understood from the secondary data that natural aarattu take place for shiva linga

in Aluva Manappuram.

SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Take initiative to provide the quality roads to reach the destination by municipality. The municipality must take measure to ensures that the dust pollution and water

pollution to be avoided from Aluva Manappuram. The tourism sector can take initiative to include sign boards in Aluva Manappuram

which is showing important places and temples near to them. It is recommended to take initiative for making seating arrangements for the tourists by

devasam board. More investment in development of infrastructure in the locality. The municipality must be provide support to the local tourist operators by providing

tax reduction. The government have to be support to the tourist operators by providing loans for small

interest, financial support and also take measures to make new policies which is favor to the tourist operators.

It is recommended to make more investment in tourism industry by the government like shops, hotels, restaurants etc.

Meal plans may be personalized in case the guest specifies it earlier. If mentioned overnight accommodation can be included in the tour package. Luxury facilities can be provided according to the request of the guest.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations

Due to the epidemic the number of tourists visiting the places is very low so interviews could not be conducted.

Due to the epidemic certain destinations are temporally closed or visitors are not allowed.

Some section of people doesn’t support the idea of circuit tourism as they are new to this format of tourism.

Most of the destinations can only accessed by road making visiting the places time consuming.

Most of the destination selected need further development for attraction international travelers.

CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

I started my research with aim of to find the scope of Aluva Manappuram as a pilgrim center and also design a circuit pilgrim package with Aluva Manappuram as the main destination. Circuit pilgrim tourism is a form of tourism in which a tourist starts from a pilgrim center and visits at least three spots which are not too distend from each other. This study focuses on to identify the history and myths related to the Aluva Manppuram, and also develop a pilgrim tour package. As per my research I have identified the history, myth, features of the Aluva Manappuram and also I design a tour package with four pilgrim centers. Along with the cost has been calculated for the circuit and the most profitable way in which the circuit be conducted. This research also depicts the importance of Aluva Manappuram in Hindu mythology and this help to get an attraction among the pilgrimages. All the details have been details have been studied and analysed in this research.

BIBLOGRAPHY

Bibliography Tourism: By Peter Robinson, Michael Luck, Stephen L. J. Smith Tourism Planning Basics, Concepts, Cases: By Clare A. Gunn, Turgut Var https://www.go2hr.ca/getting-know-bcs-tourism-industry/what-is-

tourism https://www.toppr.com/guides/essays/tourism-essay/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_tourism https://pilgrimagetourisminindia.wordpress.com/category/pilgrimage

-tourism-in-india-essay/#:~:text=India%20is%20well%20known%20for,Char%20Dham%2C%20and%20Mathura%20Vrindavan.

https://www.preservearticles.com/how-to-write-an-essay/471-words-essay-on-india-the-land-of-pilgrimage/9000

https://www.nativeplanet.com/aluva/#overview https://www.nativeplanet.com/aluva/attractions/#marthanda-varma-

bridge https://www.nativeplanet.com/aluva/attractions/shiva-

temple/#overview https://youtu.be/EenHlFlY99o https://youtu.be/RItOSBeQUl8 https://youtu.be/G_qAVBXY5dw https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluva_Sivarathri_festival https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodungallur_Bhagavathy_Temple https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iringole_Kavu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernakulam_Shiva_Temple