Kalpathi Ratholsavam

About Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Kalpathi Ratholsavam is held in Kalpathi, Palakkad District, Kerala.Perched on its lush green banks is the ancient Kalpathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A pilgrim centre steeped in antiquity, the temple dates back to 1425 A.D. and is as revered in South India as Benares in the North India. This temple is believed to be over 700 years old. The festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the presence of the lord.Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately grandeur.The week-long annual festival of Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival) begins in the month of November, every year. Thousands of devotees haul the huge, intricately carved temple chariots through the streets. Kalpathy, an early Tamil Brahmin settlement is also known as Dakshina Kasi (the Varanasi of the south). Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a 10-day festival and begins with the Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting) and ends with Rathasangamom.Vedic ricitals are held in the temple throughout the festival. Throbbing with the Vedic chants sonorously recited by the Vedic scholars escorting the god, Kalpathy comes alive with the spirit of true devotion and joyous celebration.Kalpathy Village attracts thousands of visitors and the major highlight of the festival is the pulling of huge chariots or Rathas.

On the last three days of the festival it is beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air.The festival is also noted for classical music concerts and other traditional cultural programs.

Interesting things to Visit

Malampuzha:

Malampuzha has an aerial ropeway across the garden, a telescope tower, boating and fishing facilities, a swimming pool, fresh water aquarium and a snake park. Fantasy Park is a good spot for children. At Dhoni you can go on a 3-hour trek from the base of Dhoni Hills to the waterfall at the reserve forest area.

Dhoni Hills:

The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of 3 hours from the base of the Dhoni Hills. Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains.Its lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch. Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harbouring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety.

Kottayi:

Kottay is 15 kms from Palakkad via Poodar, this village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Palakkad Fort:

One of the best-preserved forts in Kerala in the heart of Palakkad town, which dates back to 1766 A.D. It was built by Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore, supposedly to facilitate communication between Coimbatore and West Coast. In 1784, after a siege lasting 11 days, the British colonel Fulletron stormed the Fort. It latter fell into the hands of the Zamorins troops but was recaptured by the British in 1970. The Archeological Survey of India now preserves it.

Kollengode Palace:

19 Kms. South of Palakkad, Kollengode (the abode of blacksmiths), enriches the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair memorial, are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamali hills, near Kaachanakurichi are ideal and for adventurous trekkers.

River Kanjirapuzha:

Kanjirapuzha (River Kanjira) is a magnificent lake. An evergreen forest, the ‘Vettilachola’, provides the backdrop to the lake, surrounded by hillocks. During the rainy season, the mist-draped mountains create a picturesque landscape.

Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre:

Mailadumpara, in Chulannur situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Mannarkkad, Palakkad
Kerala.

Narashimapuram Police Station
Narashimapuram
Palakkad main road
CoimbatoreTamil Nadu.

Wadakanchery police station
Wadackanchery, Thrissur
Kerala- 04884 233100.

Nearest Hospital:

Lakshmi Nursing Home
Kenathuparambu
Palakkad, Kerala

Madhavi Amma Hospital
Sultanpet, Palakkad
Kerala.

Kerala Nursing Home
Court Road, Palakkad
Kerala

Thankam Hospital
Palakkad, Kerala

Trinity Eye Hospital
Stadium Byepass Road
Palakkad, Kerala.

Location info

• Address: Kalpathi Palakkad District , Kerala, India.

• District: Palakkad District.

• Nearest City: kalapathy, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Dindigul, Madurai and Mannarkkad.

• Best time to visit: Month of November.

Things to do at Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Watch the Kalpathi Visshwanath Temple amd its diety, You can take part in Ratholsavam by pulling of huge chariots or Rathas.

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 Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Kalpathi Ratholsavam 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 Kalpathi Ratholsavam

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 Kalpathi Ratholsavam — 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.

History of Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Kalpathi Ratholsavam is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

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.