The famous Vadakkunathan temple in Kerala has brought international fame by winning the UNESCO's 2015 Asia-Pacific award for conservation efforts, the temple in Thrissur is more than 1200 years old, but has still preserved itself in its original form. Lakhs of devotees and tourists gather every year to witness the famous "Thrissur Pooram" at the temple premises, where ceremoniously decorated elephants are paraded amidst much fanfare and reverence.