Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku Night Trip

The night men become women at Kottankulangara, Chavara — thousands in saris and jewellery carry lamps to the goddess until dawn. Your own vehicle there, a driver who waits, and a ride home. Event dates: ≈24–25 Mar 2027 · Meenam 10–11 (Estimate — confirm with the temple).

Itinerary

• 7:00 PM — Pickup
  Home, hotel, station, KSRTC bus station or Trivandrum Airport.
• 7:30 PM — Drop near Kottankulangara
  14 km up NH 66 to Chavara. We drop you as close as the police allow. (Walk the last stretch)
• 8:00 PM — Dressing up, if you take part
  Green rooms and make-up artists near the temple — men dress in saris and jewellery for their vow. (Own expense)
• 9:00 PM — Chamayavilakku procession
  Devotees carry lit lamps round the temple to the temple orchestra; it goes on until dawn. (Very crowded)
• 1:00 AM — Home
  Pickup at the meeting point; back home, to your hotel or the station.

Good to know

• 🪔 The ritual: On the last two nights of the festival men dress as women and carry lamps to the goddess — a vow for a job, health, marriage or family. It is also the largest gathering of Kerala's transgender community. Everyone may watch.
• 📸 Respect: Ask before you photograph anyone — this is worship, not a show. Inside the temple, follow the temple's dress and entry rules.
• 📅 Dates: Chamayavilakku falls on Meenam 10 and 11 — about 24 and 25 March 2027. We confirm the nights with the temple before your trip.
• 🚧 Roads & crowds: Police close roads around the venue on the main days. Your driver drops you at the nearest open point and you walk the last stretch. Agree a meeting point and time with the driver before you get out — phone networks jam in big crowds.

Included

• Private vehicle and driver for the day
• Door-to-door, in Kollam or from your city
• Driver waits through the event — no waiting charge
• Driver bata (+ night allowance on late or 2-day trips)

Not included

• Food and stay
• Tolls and parking
• Costume, make-up and offerings

What to carry

• Sari or costume if you take part
• Water bottle
• Cash for make-up and offerings
• Phone, charged, with our number saved

Cancellations follow our cancellation & refund policy.

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