By: Travel and Food Network

Kochi, a busy port town on the southwest coast of India, is not only a hub of commerce and cultural life but too a blend of diverse religions and contemplative ways of life. The city's layered history, shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange, has given rise to a distinct tapestry of religious and contemplative sites that attract pilgrims, visitors, and seekers alike. Join us on a tour through the sacred gems of Kochi, that stand as testaments to the city's religious diversity.

In Mattancherry, the Tirumala Devaswom Place of worship, dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapathy, is a key religious site. The sanctum sanctorum showcases idols of the lord with consorts Sreedevi and Bhoodevi on either side. Devotees can pay homage to shrines of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Mahalakshmi, and Garuda, the mythical bird and Lord Vishnu's vehicle. Within the place of worship yard, statues of Swami Vijayendra Theertha, a philosopher and Vijayanagara king, are present, along with a holy tank. Notably, a sizable bronze bell, approximately four ft in diameter and six ft high, holds long-standing significance. In ancient times, its chimes could be heard from afar.