Matrumala is located in Kooropada village in Kottayam. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings for miles around. The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess Annapoorna and is considered one among the 108 shrines of Kerala. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here.

The trip to Matrumala from Kottayam can be combined with visits to the famous Manarkad Church and temples of Manarkad and Areepparambu. The St. Mary’s Church at Manarkad is one of the most important churches of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christians. The ettunompu (eight day fasting) is the main annual event when devotees from far and wide congregate to participate in the prayers and rituals. The church is located just 8 km from Kottayam town. Manarkad has a famous century old temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Main events in the temple are Kalamezhuthumpattu, Kumbha bharani, Meena bharani, Patham udayam and Mandala chirappu. The Garudan parava display here is famous.

Another major temple here is Areepparambu located in between Manarkad and Kooroppada. The Lord Siva Temple here has two separate temples inside with separate kodimarams for each.


How to access:
From Kottayam follow the route: Kottayam – Manarkad (K.K.Road) – Oravakkal – Areepparambu – Kooroppada. The place is nearly 20 km from Kottayam and frequent buses are available. A muddy winding road leads to the hill top that can be approached by either vehicle of on foot about one km from Kooroppada. The Aruvikuzhi waterfall is located 4 km further from Kooroppada.