Kottayam is a district known for its religious harmony. There are over 50 temples, 70 churches and a number of mosques including one  1000 years old. Besides, Kottayam is also the gate way to the piligrim centres of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Kaduthuruthy, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcad, Aruvithura and Athirampuzha.

Erumeli       Erumeli is the biggest piligrim center in the district.There is an ancient temple where Sri Dharma Sasta is the presiding deity. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar, who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa. During Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons in December and January respectively, lakhs of piligrims arrive here on their way to Sabarimala. Erumeli is famous for Pettathullal. Before the devotees start Pettathullal they offer prayers at the mosque of Vavar. Thus Erumeli portrays a spiritual picture of Hindu-Muslim harmony. Vaikom

      Associated with the legendary Parasurama, Vaikom Siva temple is a typical example of the Kerala style of temple architecture. More popular as the Kasi of the South, this temple is famous for its elephant pageants and traditional art performances. Here two Ashtami festivals are held annually one in Kumbhom (Februvary- March) and the other in Vrischikam (November-December) of which the latter is more famous. The celebrations last for 12 days and end with an Arat at the Subrahmania temple at Udayanapuram, on the day after Astami. Panchavadyam is an attractive item of the festival .Prathal is the main Vazhipadu here. Vadakkupurathupattu being held in every 12 years attracts many devotees. There is a school for teaching temple arts - Kshethra Kalapeedom -attached to the temple.

Ettumanoor      The Siva temple here is famous for its murals, especially the paintings of Nataraja in the Gopuram and the golden elephants- Ezharaponnana. The elephants, seven large ones and a small one, are well known. Though actually eight in number, these are only considered as seven and a half. These were presented to the Lord by Sri Karthika Thirunal, Maharaja of Travancore. The Ezharaponnana Ezhunnallathu festival here is in Kumbhom (Februvary- March). On the eighth day of the festival, the golden elephants are taken out of the temple in a procession, which attracts thousands of devotees.

Panachikkad

       Saraswathy (Goddess of learning and the arts) temple at Panachikkad, also known as Mookambika of the South, is famous for Saraswathy pooja in the month of Thulam (October-November). On the day of Durgashtami, the Poojaveppu is performed with books arranged in a decorated room and all sorts of study and work are given up for the day. The Mahanavami day is devoted to the worship of Saraswathy, the Vijayadasami day is observed as the day of the conclusion of the Pooja (Poojaeduppu). On that day thousands of children are initiated into the world of letters at the Vidyarambom held here.

Thirunakkara

       In the heart of Kottayam town is this 500 years old Siva temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharaja. This temple built in the Kerala style of architecture has colourful murals on its walls which are worth exploring. The Koothambalam, the special building in the temple premises used for cultural purposs, is one of the best in Kerala. Three festivals are celebrated here-in Thulam (Octobetr- November).

Adithyapuram The Sun temple here is dedicated to Adithya, the Sun of God. The first and last sundays of the Zodiacs Scropio (November-December) and Aries (April-May) are considered auspicious. Pallippurathukavu Situated in the southern part of Kottayam town, this temple is devoted to Devi. The Kumbhakuda Mahotsavam here attracts large crowd. It is held on the day of Pathamudayam (10th day of the month of Medam). The Garudan Thukkam at night is also famous.

Thiruvarppu

Situated six kms. away from Kottayam town, this temple is devoted to Lord Krishna.Offerings start as early as 3 o' clock in the morning. The festival here, is in the month of April which lasts for 10 days. The Vilakkeduppu ie, carrying  lamps by virgin girls during the festival is famous. Thiruvarppu is also famous for Usha (Payasam) which is the main Vazhipadu.

Kidangoor

Twenty three kms. northeast of Kottayam, the Subrahmaniya Swamy temple here attracts a large crowd of worshippers on the day of Shasti every month. In Kumbhom (Februvary- March) a 10 day long festival is celebrated here. The Chakkiarkooth performed here is a speciality.

Perunna

Situated about 20 kms. south of Kottayam town, this is also one of the famous Subrhamanya temples. The festival in Dhanu which lasts for 10 days .Hundreds of worshippers especially ladies attend the Shashti here.


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