At 71 kms to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, lies the town of Quilon or Quilon. A hub of the country�s cashew trading and processing industry, it was the heart of international spice trade and even till date it is a thriving commercial centre. Quilon stands on the banks of the famous Astamudi Lake. Having had several foreign tourists at various points of time in India�s history, Quilon was used as one of the earlier centres of Christian activity in the state of Kerala. The boom of Quilon tourism owes to the charming beauty, the strong historical background and its culture. You actually need to visit Quilon to feel the charm.

Apart from the traditional leisure activities of viewing cultural performances like Kathakali, Koothu, Ottamthullal, Harikatha, Pattakam, Thiruvathirakkali, Kaikottikkali, and Kolattam there are several entertaining activities and festivities that are considered to be some of the most interesting tourist attractions in Quilon. They are observed in association with temple festivals. Oachirakkali, the mock sword-fight, is one of the most noteworthy events in Quilon.


Oachira has been well-known as one of the most sacred places of Kerala. In the past too, this place was a renowned site, as it was on the very plains of Oachira that the eminent battle of Kayamkulam in Travancore, was contested between Marthandavarma, the Maharaja of Travancore and the Raja of Kayamkulam. In memory of this famous battle, Ochirakkali is observed every year on the first and second of Mithunam (June-July). This event attracts the young and the old alike.

In Chavara, in Kottamkulangara Temple a strange tradition is followed where the men dress up as women and carry lighted lamps (Thalappoli) in procession. Uriati, a characteristic festival of Quilon associated with the Krishna Temple is yet one more of the most attended Quilon tourist attractions. The twelve-monthly Uriati festival held at Vadayattukotta Temple in association with Ashtami Rohini is worth attending. At Mahadevar Temple the Kettukazhcha (exhibition of effigies) festival is observed, during the months of February-March annually. Similar kinds of festivals include the ones held in the temples of Velinallur, Chathannur, Sasthamcotta, and Chirakkara.

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