Parippally Gajamela Festival in Kerala

Palakkunnu Sree Bhagavathy Temple is located at Palakkunnu, Near Trikkannad on the Kasargod- Kanhangad road.The deities of the nearby temples are taken to the temple in a procession (Kazhcha) during the festival time. After the offerings and the procession, there is a splendid display of fireworks.Important deity is Mootha Bhagavathy (Kurumba Bhagavathi). Ilaya Bhagavathy, Dhandan, Ghandakarnam,Vishnu Moorthy and Gulikan are the sub deities. Padinhatta Chamundi, and Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi, are…

About Parippally Gajamela

Palakkunnu Sree Bhagavathy Temple is located at Palakkunnu, Near Trikkannad on the Kasargod- Kanhangad road.The deities of the nearby temples are taken to the temple in a procession (Kazhcha) during the festival time. After the offerings and the procession, there is a splendid display of fireworks.Important deity is Mootha Bhagavathy (Kurumba Bhagavathi). Ilaya Bhagavathy, Dhandan, Ghandakarnam,Vishnu Moorthy and Gulikan are the sub deities. Padinhatta Chamundi, and Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi, are also worshipped in the Treasure House. This festival is usually held in March. Another festival known as Maruputhari Festival is held in the Palakkunnu Sree Bhagavathy Temple during December-January. Few other festivals like Kalam Kanippu Maholsavam and Poorolsavam are also held at this temple.Of the numerous festivals that are held in Palakkunnu Sree Bhagavathy Temple the Bharani Maholsavam festival is the most important. It starts on the next day after the commencement of the Arattu Festival at Trikkanad Temple. This is because Trikkanad temple is located just a few kilometers from the Palakkunnu Sree Bhagavathy Temple.

During the festival people wear colorful dresses and celebrate the festive mood is observable from the faces of the young and old alike. A brilliant display of fireworks is another feature of this Festival.These offerings are carried with great joy and enthusiasm in a procession. These donations consist of expensive jewelry and cash money also. Therefore the Palakkunnu Sree Bhagavathy Temple is one of the richest temples at Kerala.

Interesting things to Visit

Bekal Hole Aqua Park:

Bekal Hole Aqua Park is located near Valiyaparamba in Bekal. It is the perfect place water sport freaks who wish to chill out amidst an array of unique water sports.

Mapilathody Jama Masjid:

This masjid is very old and run by Ansarul Islam Committee. The reconstruction in the year 2005.

Bekal fort:

The longstanding and the most familiar Bekal fort is located in the Kerala, covering more than 40 acres. The excelling features of the Bekal fort are the tanks that hold a flight of steps and the tunnel entrancing towards the south. The Bekal fort is 300 years old above and it is conceived that they might have been constructed during the period of Sivappa Nayak in 1690’s. Also, there is a belief that, the Bekal fort was initially constructed by the Kolathiri Rajas and further captivated by Sivappa Nayak.

Madhur Sreemad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple:

The madhur Sreemad Anantheswara Temple is located 8 kilometers northeast of Kasaragod town on the banks of the Madhuvahini River. The main attractions in the temple are its unique three-tiered dome, copper-plated roofing and a cloistered court rises. This temple is dedicated to Mahaganapathi. The idol here made of alluvial soil. This idol was later installed in the temple and thats how the Madhur Mahalingeswara Temple (dedicated to Lord Siva) became Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple. It is one of the most important Ganapathy temples in South India. People from all over South India throng in to the temple during the time of festivals happen here. The temple offers Veda classes to young students.

Ajanur:

Just 5 km away from Kanhangad town known as Madiyam Kovilakam Temple - dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The ancient temple has intricate wood carvings on Palazhimadhanam, Sitaswayamvaram and Dakshayagam. During the annual nine day festival of ‘pattutsavam’, various cultural and religious programmes are held.

Malik Dinar Mosque:

The mosque, Juma Masjid, which is one one of the best kept and mosque attractive in the district, is located at Thalankara. It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the places is sacred to Muslims. Another notable mosque, in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the centre of the town. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Bekal police station
Bekal, Kerala.

Police Station
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Police Station
Ullal, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Police Station
Bantwal, Karnataka.

Kadri Police Station
Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Nearest Hospital:

Government Hospital
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala

Care & Cure Hospital
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Care & Cure Hospital
Kanhangad
Kasaragod, Kerala.

Government Hospital
Kanhangad
Kasaragod, Kerala

SIMS
ANADASHRAM ROAD
MAVUNGAL,KANHANGAD, Kerala 671531

Malik Deenar Charitable Hospital
Kasaragod, Kerala.

Location info

Address: Palakkunnu, Near Trikkannad, Kasargod District, Kerala, India.
District: Kasargod District
Nearest City: Kanhangad, Kudlu, Mangalore, Hosdurg and Thiruvallam.
Best time to visit: Dercember To January.

Things to do at Parippally Gajamela

Watch all the festival of this temple, deities of the nearby temples are taken to the temple in a procession (Kazhcha) during the festival time

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Parippally Gajamela

Parippally Gajamela takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Parippally Gajamela

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Parippally Gajamela — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Sabarimala Temple, Aranmula Temple, Perunthanaruvi Waterfall, Gavi, Konni Elephant Camp, Pampa River, Kaviyoor Rock Cut Cave Temple

Nearest airport, railway & bus

History of Parippally Gajamela

Parippally Gajamela is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.