Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy

About Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy

Perumithitta Tharavad is an extremely popular traditional festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. The festival is held in Kottamkuzhy, Kasaragod District of Kerala. In popularity the festival is rated very high as large number of tourists and visitors gather here during the festival.This annual festival pulls a huge number of crowds every year and hence is rated as one of the top most popular festival of the state also. Perumthitta Theyyam festival is the festival where most of the Theyyam forms are on display and is truly a grand affair.

The main attraction at the festival celebrations includes Grand performances of different variety of Theyyam Dances. Theyyam dance is not a single dance form rather a collection of about 400 dance forms each representing a mythological, historical character.Varieties of theyyams are presented at the festival like Elayor theyyam, Chamundi theyyam, Panchoorla theyyam, Muthor theyyam etc.

Theyyam is not only high on entertainment value but also has great religious significance. Throughout the festival a number of rituals are performed according to the traditions of the state.These dances are among the oldest forms of art in India.The dance carnival held at Kottamkuzhy is truly a visual treat for all the onlookers who gather here from across the country.The dance presentations include colorful costumes, body painting, and trance-like performances. These performances are accompanied with splendid ancient shrines and temples contributing to the atmosphere.The festival is generally lasts for ten days spreading across December-January.

This festival ends on December 16, 2006. Varieties of theyyams are presented at the festival like Elayor theyyam, Chamundi theyyam, Panchoorla theyyam, Muthor theyyam etc. The annual ten-day Theyyam festival held at Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy is a grand affair showcasing an array of theyyams where the colorful ritual dance of
Kerala, is recognized as one of the oldest folk art forms of India. It incorporates dance, mime and music, and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures, which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and ancestral spirits. In Kerala, the festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam Calendar. Local practices also influence the dates of some traditional, customary and auspicious events. Being the case, the dates appearing in this section are approximate, which the users need to confirm with the local authorities.

How to Reach
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 26 km away.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km away.

Interesting things to Visit

Anandashramam
Is situated about five kms. east of the Kanhangad Railway Station, was founded in 1939 by Swami Ramadas, a great Vaishnava saint of modern times. The main asramam and other buildings have a beautiful setting in the midst of shady mango, coconut and other groves. There is a hill to the east of the asramam, to which the devotees retire for quiet meditation and from its west, the surrounding extensive landscape can be seen in its natural grandeur. The spot at the highest point of the hill is so fascinating that the devotees, who go up the hill and sit silently, are blessed with deep peace and tranquility.

Chandragiri Fort
Chandragiri lies three kms. south of Kasargod town. It has a large square situated high above the Chandragiri river on its southern bank. The fort it said to have been built in the 17th century by Sivappa Nayak of Bednore, who established his authority over the area and built a chain of forts. The Chandragiri river, on the bank of which it rises, marked the traditional boundary between Kerala and the Tuluva Kingdom. There is a beautiful bridge over the Chandragiri river at Thekkil, five miles from Chandragiri. A mosque is situated nearby and the view of the bridge with the mosque in the background is one of the most attractive sights on a drive along the NH 17 from Kannur to Kasargod. A longest railway tunnel in Kerala passes through Chandragiri Hills. A boat club has been recently started here.

Cheruvathur
The place of illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath Kunniyur family. The Veeramala hills at this place has the ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century, is a picnic spot.

Edneer Mutt
It is 10 Km. North East of Kasargod. This Mutt belongs to the Sankaracharya tradition, presently renowned as a seat of art and learning.

Bellikoth
Another centre in Ajanoor village renowned as the birth place of Poet P.Kunhiraman Nair, veteran freedom fighter and playright Vidwan P.Kelu Nair and Rasika siromani Kanan Nair. A cultural centre of the district.

Kariangode River
Running through the hills and dales of Hosdurg Taluk. Immorlised as Tejaswini by great novelist Niranjana laps on its shore. The famous village of Kayyur - the cradle of agrarian revolutions where the farmers and farm workers staged a historic battle against feudalism and the British imperialism.

Ajanoor
The famous Madiyan Kulom temple is situated in Ajanur village. It is about five kms. from Kanhangad, the headquarters of Hosdurg taluk. The main deity of the temple is Bhadrakali; but there are also other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi and Bhairavan. A peculiarity of this temple is that a Brahmin priest performs pooja only in the noon, while the morning and evening poojas are performed by a sect called Maniyanis. The festivals in the temple fall during the months of Edavam (May, June) and Dhanu (December, January) and on these days all the poojas are performed in connection with this festival.

Bela Chruch
Our Lady of Sorrows Church - oldest in the district constructed in 1890 AD. 15 KM north of Kasargod. This Gothic style Roman Catholic church which is under the Manglore Diocese, has celebrated its centenary recently and also renovated.

Valiyaparamba
5 KMs south west of Cheruvathur separated from the mainland by back waters. One of the main tourist spots of the District. This is an island in the Arabian Sea. An ideal place for picnic also a fishing centre.

Hosdurga Fort
The fort with its round bastion looks imposing from a distance. Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty built the fort. The place made well known by the Nithyanandasram with 45 caves.

The Nityanandasramam
Is situated on the hillock about half a km. south of the Hosdurg taluk office, was founded by Swami Nityananda. The spot was at first part of a forest area. Here Swami Nityananda constructed 45 guhas (caves) in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963, after the style and design of the famous Somanatha Temple in Gujarat. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the asramam.

Adoor:
45 KMs east of Kasargod town. Famous for its ancient Siva Temple belonged to have been founded by Arjuna. The place where the Kiratha Yuddham battle between Arjuna and Lord Siva took place according to legend. The adjacent forest not frequented by men is considered the abode of Lord Siva and his divine consort. The stream below the valley is nature bounty.

Trikkanad & Pandyan Kallu
A famous temple on the sea shore near the Bekal fort, dedicated to Lord Siva. Also known as Dhakshina Kashi. Pandyan Kallu, a rock rising in the sea about 2 KM from Trikkannad is an ideal place for adventurous swimmers. It has the legend that ship of one of the Pandya King who attacked the Trikkannad temple was converted into a rock by Lord Siva. Palakkunnu Bhagavathi Kshethram, one KM north of Trikkannad is famous for annual Bharani festival, which attracts thousands.

Kasargod Town
The Municipal town is situated on the bank of river Chandragiri. The confluence of several languages and culture where eight languages are spoken. The splendor of Kasaragod Saree comparable to that of Kanjeepuram is a cynosure of the market.

Ananthapura Lake Temple
The only lake temple in Kerala and the Moolasthanam (original seat) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Sri Padmanbha Swami Temple) Thiruvananthapuram. is 5 km. from Kumbla. Local belief is that Ananthapadmanabha had settled down here originally. The industrial park of KINFRA is situated here.

Bekal Fort
The largest and best preserved fort in the State. The alluring scene of the sea shore and its exhilarating natural scenery and beauty attracts the visitors. Fast emerging as an International tourist centre.

Govinda Pai Memorial In Manjeswar
Is the native place of M.Govinda Pai (1883-1963), one of the greatest Kannada poets of modern time. He was conferred the title of “Poet Laureate” by the erstwhile Government of Madras. He is known as Rashtra Kavi Govinda Pai.

Veermala Hills
Is situated at Cheruvathur. Hill top with ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century. A picnic spot from where the natural beauty of Kariangode river and surroundings can be enjoyed.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Bekal police station
Bekal, Kerala, India

Police Station
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India

Kadri Police Station
Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India

Nearest Hospital:

Malik Deenar Charitable Hospital
Kasaragod, Kasaragod, Kerala, India

Government Hospital
Kasaragod, Kasaragod, Kerala, India

KIMS
Kasaragod, Kasaragod, Kerala, India

AJ Hospital
Kuntikana, Bejai, Mangalore, Karnataka 575004, India0824 2225533

EK Nayanar Memorial Co-Operative Hospital
Chengala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India

Primary Health Center Kalanad
Kerala, India

SCS Hospitals Pvt Ltd
Upper Bendoor, Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka 575002, India0824 2225201

Athena Hospital
Athena Hospital Complex, Falnir Road, Falnir, Mangalore, Karnataka 575001, India0824 2421976

Vishal Children’s Hospital
Mannagudda Road, Kodialgattu, Mangalore, Karnataka 575003, India0824 2493935

Indira Hospital Research & Diagnostic Centre
Mother Teresa Road, Falnir, Mangalore, Karnataka 575002, India0824 2430111

Location info

• Address:Kottamkuzhy, Kasaragod District of Kerala

• District: Kasaragod

• Nearest City: Kottamkuzhy

• Best time to visit: December-January

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 Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy

Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy 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 Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town 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 Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy — 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

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy

Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy 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.

Things to do at Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy

Witness the grand procession of caparisoned elephants, listen to traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam, chenda melam), watch traditional performing arts (Kathakali, Theyyam, folk dances), enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays, taste festival-special food, shop at temporary festival markets, interact with local communities participating in the festivities, photograph the colourful events, and experience the unique cultural atmosphere of a Kerala festival.

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.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Kerala
• Category: Fairs And Festivals