Chettikulangara Bharani Festival in Kerala

Interesting things to Visit

Sreekrishna Temple:

Arthunkal:

Arthunkal is a famous pilgrim center, known for the St. Andrew’s church. The Portuguese missionaries set up this Church 1851 AD. The church is popularly known as St. Sebastian’s.

Kayamkulam Thermal Power Plant:

Kayamkulam Thermal Power Plant with a capacity of 350 MW commenced its commercial production in 1999. The plant is situated at Choolatheruvu village in Kayamkulam, which is about 54 km south of Alappuzha on the National Highway 47.

Krishnapuram Palace:

Krishnapuram Palace is located Kayamkulam, 47 km from Alappuzha (Alleppey), Alappuzha district. Built in the 18th century by Marthanda Varma, This two-storied Krishnapuram Palace was once the residence of the Maharajas/rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom. This palace features narrow corridors, saddled roofs and dormer windows. This palace is under the supervision of Archaeology department and is one of the brilliant Kerala highlights.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Kayamkulam Police Station
SH6, Kayankulam
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Mavelikara Police Station
Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
Kerala.

Police Station
Karunagappally, Kollam
Kerala.

Thrikkunnapuzha Police Station
Thattarambalam Thrikkunnapuzha Road
Alappuzha.

Nearest Hospital:

Primary Health Centre
Mavelikara Kattanam Rd
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Sovereign GEMS Hospital
Krishnapuram Mavelikkara Road
Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
Kerala.

V Sukumara Pillai Memorial Hospital
Kerala.

St. Thomas Mission Hospital
Kannanakuzhi - Meppallilkutty Rd
Alappuzha, Kerala State.

Govt Hospital Vallikunnam
Kerala.

Polachirackal
Mavelikkara
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Useful Links

http://topics4all.blogspot.com/2008/03/chettikulangara-bharani.html
http://indiandream.blogspot.com/2009/03/another-year-another-kumbha-bharani-at.html
http://chettikulangaradevitemple.blogspot.com/2009/04/bharani-ezhunnallathe.html
http://jornalismos.blogspot.com/2008/10/kuthiyottam-and-kettukazhcha.html

Location info

Address: Chettikulagara, Near Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district, kerala.
District: Alappuzha District.
Nearest City: Pazhaveedu, Kottayam, Allepey and Kalavoor.
Best time to visit: February and March.

History of Chettikulangara Bharani

Many centuries ago, some local chieftains went to witness the annual festivities at the Koypallikarazhma Bhagavathi temple situated a few kilometers from Chettikulangara. According to a popular legend, a group of village chieftains and their workers went for civil works to construct the Kollam – Chavara Thodu (canal), about 50 kms away from Chettikulangara, in accordance to the decision from the then ruler of the region.

Things to do at Chettikulangara Bharani

You can see Very famous Sabarimala temple nearby this temple, and also The main rituals of the festival are the ‘Kuthiyottam’ and ’Kettukazcha,Traditional drums, music and glittering ornamental parasols. All the night during the festival you can see Kathakali performance.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Chettikulangara Bharani

Chettikulangara Bharani takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Chettikulangara Bharani

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Chettikulangara Bharani — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.