Kulathupuzha, Kollam | Sastha Temple, Pooja Timings, Photos

Kulathupuzha, Kollam Overview

Kulathupuzha is a small village located in the district of Kollam in God's own Country, Kerala, India. It is located on the Kollam-Shenkottai highway and is barely 59 kilometres away from Kollam and 64 kilometres away from Thiruvananthapuram. The village river, River Kulathupuzha, is home to numerous species of fishes and the region is as rich and dense forests and rubber plantation.

The Myristica Swamps and the forest region form the Kulathupuzha Reserve Forest and the Kulathupuzha Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the oldest tea estates also is located in the village. Tourists not only get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the villagers but also experience it as they explore the village.

Places To Visit in Kulathupuzha

Kulathupuzha Temple
Kulathupuzha is a famous pilgrimage centre because of Sastha Temple which is located on the banks of River Kulathupuzha. It is dedicated to Bala Sastha and Ayyappa and is of great religious importance to the believers and followers of Bala Sastha. According to a legend, the temple was built by Raja of Pandalam, but it was only years later that the Idol was discovered by a Brahmin. The temple architecture is a perfect illustration of ancient Kerala architecture. Feeding the fish (in the pond surrounding the temple) puffed peanuts or rice is believed to be customary. The temple also arranges an annual procession during Vishnu Mahotsavam. Thousands of devotees flock the village to become a part of this auspicious festival.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Dairy Farm
The Dairy Farm at Kulathupuzha is a high tech farm that was launched as the Indo-Swiss Modern Dairy Farm Project. The farm uses new end technology and modern machinery for their daily activities of feeding, milking and shed management.

Kulathupuzha Forest Reserve
The forests reserve expands over an area of over 1000 square kilometre and come under the southern reserve forests of the South-Indian state of Kerala. They are classified as tropical-wet, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. A major area of these reserves is also used for teak, eucalyptus and acacia plantations.

Kattilapara
Kattilapara is an attraction apt for adventure freaks and offers some adventure and recreational sports like trekking, wildlife safari, jungle safari etc.

Bharatheepuram Oil Palm Plantations
They are located very near to the Sastha Temple. The plantations are about 40 years old and are considered as an agricultural asset in Kerala.

Best Time To Visit Kulathupuzha

The best time to visit Kulathupuzha is between October and February as the weather is quite pleasant with the maximum temperature going as high as 32 degrees Celcius and the minimum as low as 22 degrees Celcius. March to May are summer months when the maximum temperature could go as high as 37 degrees Celcius with a minimum temperature of about 25 degrees Celcius. June through September are monsoon months that receive an average annual rainfall of over 598 mm.

Tips For Visiting Kulathupuzha

1. Parking space is available near the temple area.
2. The river current could be strong, be careful while entering the river water.
3. Wear appropriate gear suitable for the adventure activities.
4. While visiting the temple, follow a conservative dress code.

Attractions at Kulathupuzha

Kulathupuzha is renowned for its ancient Sastha Temple and an Indo-Swiss Modern Daily Farms Project. The Sastha temple is dedicated to Bala Sastha who is considered an avatar of Lord Hariharaputra and is situated on the banks of River Kulathupuzha. The most important event in Kulathupuzha is the annual festival of Vishnu Mahotsavam which is celebrated during the months of April and May.

The festival attracts tourists from all over the world. The village has a lot in store for tourists including the culture, the colours, the local cuisine and the lifestyle. Devotees on their way to Sabarimala often halt here and offer their prayers to Bala Sastha. Kulathupuzha is must-see for one and all.