Thirunelli Temple At Mananthavady

About Thirunelli Temple At Mananthavady

Thirunelli Temple is located 30 kms north west of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district, Thirunelli Temple is known as the “Kashi of South”. Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.The ‘Koothambalam’ here is one of the best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls. Papanasini, the holy mountain spring believed to have divine cleansing powers to absolve the soul of all its sins is situated nearby.The Thirunelli Temple springs to life during temple festivals such as Chuttuvilakku, Puthari, Sivarthri, Sreekrishnajayanti andNavarathri.
Temple bells in sync with mountain streams make spiritual music as you meditate on the Thirunelli Temple premises in the midst of Wayanad forests.

This temple is also referred to as the ‘Kashi of South’.Towards the southern side of the Thirunelly temple, a pond called Panchatheertha is sited. This is named Panchatheertha as it is believed that five rivers met at this point. Generally, this pond has impenetrable undergrowth. pond becomes waterless.
Besides this ritual, a two day festival is conducted at this temple and during this festival art forms such as Ottanthullal and Kathakali are performed. This two day festival is done with great pomp and grandeur. Festivals such as Sivarathri, Chuttuvilakku, Navarathri, Puthari and Sreekrishnajayanti are celebrated with great pomp. Devotees flock from far and wide to visit this temple and pay their worship.The Thirunelli temple set on the Brahmagiri valley is a place of absolute peace and tranquil. Sitting in the sanctum of this temple keeps your mind relaxed. Another attraction of this temple is a sacred rock where offerings are done on the New Moon day for ancestors.On the western side of the temple there is a cave temple in which Gundiga Siva is present, and on the southern side Bhadrakali and Vettaikaren are also present.There is a guideline that the temple should use only their own elephant for taking the lords in a procession. There is no well in this temple, and in olden days water was brought from Papanashini. Now water is been drawn from a pond in the Brahmagiri girl hills through a unique way of using bamboo channels, and it is one of the ancient method and technology of water supply system.

History

According to popular legend, the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, Kerala, South India was constructed by the creator, Lord Brahma himself and dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Referred to as Thekkan Kasi, the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, Kerala, South India is a very popular South India pilgrimage center.

Interesting things to Visit

Pakshipathalam:

Pakshipathalam is 7 km towards the north-east of Thirunelli Temple, in the Wayanad district in Kerala. Pakshipathalam is snuggled nearly 1740m above the sea level and a heaven for passionate bird lovers. With moist deciduous forests traveling to Pakshipathalam is a venture. Steep hills, streamlets and trekking make this place an ideal picnic spot.

Papanashini:

Papanashini meaning “Washing of sins” is a river in Kerala. Papanashini has a story of its origin. Lord Brahma was making Vishnu’s idol and at the same time Garuda with a pot of nectar called Amrit Kumbha reached the installation place. When Garuda was completing his circling, one drop of Amrita fell into the stream, and hence the stream obtained the power of purification. After this incident, the stream was referred as Papanashini.

Mananthavady Park :

Mananthavady Park is situated on the banks of the Mananthavady puzha. The park is also known for its bat colony. The attempts by the authorities to get rid of the bats lead to protests by environmental activists.

Valliyoorkkavu :

This Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess and is worshipped in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga It is the most important place of worship for the tribal communities

Pookot Lake:

The most important tourist destination in Wayanad, Pookot Lake is a natural fresh-water lake nestled amidst evergreen forests and wooded slopes.

Nearest Visiting places

Edakkal Caves:

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located 1000 metres high on Ambukutty Mala 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India“s Western Ghats. They lie on an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the Malabar coast ports. Inside the caves are pictorical writings believed to be from neolithic man, evidence of the presence of a prehistoric civilisation existing in this region. Such stone age carvings are very rare and these are the only known examples in southern India.

Meenmutty Water Falls:

Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road.It is Kerala“s second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting.

Soochipara Falls:

The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.

Sentinel rocks falls:

Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.

Banasura sagar project:

Banasura sagar project-21 kms north east of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara. A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. The Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak.

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple:

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:

is an animal sanctuary in Wayanad, Kerala, south India. It is on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery. Wild animals such as bison, elephant, deer and tiger has been spotted. There are also quite a few wild birds in the sanctuary.Peacocks and Peafowl tend to be very common in the area. It is spread over 344 km² and is about 16 km east of Sultan Battery.

Lakkidi:

The gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 mts above the mean sea level, at the crust of Thamarassery Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

Chain Tree:

Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Green Gates Hotel
T. B. ROAD, KALPETTA,
WAYANAD,kerala
Tel: +914936202001/2/3/4.

Pepper Green Resorts
Near Kuruva Island
Palvelicham, Kartikulam Mananthavady
Wayanad, Kerala
Ph.No: +91 4935 251110.

PPS Tourist home
Kalpetta, kerala
Ph.no:91-4936-203732.

Raincountry Resorts
Lakkidi, kerala
Ph.no:9447004369 / 9447245288 / 09287576617.

Dwaraka Tourist Home
Sulthan Bathery,kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-220358.

M.G.T International, Main road
Kalpetta,kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-202705.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police station
Kalpetta-Manathavady Road,
P.O. Kaniyambetta.
Wayanad district, Kerala.

Police Station
SHO,Meenangady. P.O.
Wayanad Dist, kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Homoeo Hospital
Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala State.

Assumption Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, Kerala.

Vinayaka Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad,
Kerala
Tel: 04936 220102.

Link:

http://keralatourist-place.blogspot.com/2009/08/thirunelli-temple.html
http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/thirunelli-mahavishnu-temple.html
http://deepugeorge.blogspot.com/2006/02/wayanad-trip-part-i-thirunelli-temple.html
http://famoustemplesinkerala.blogspot.com/2008/08/thrunelli-temple.html
http://natureplant.blogspot.com/2008/08/wayanad.html
http://planeteverything.blogspot.com/2009/07/list-of-temples-in-kerala-list-of.html
http://natureplant.blogspot.com/2008/08/wayanad.html

Location info

• Address:Mananthavady, Wayanad District, Kerala, India

• District: Wayanad District

• Nearest City:Kalpetta, Meppadi, Muttil, Meenangadi, Sultan Battery, Vythiri.

• Best time to visit:August to may.

Climate & weather

Almost its a cool place,So Temparature in Summer: 37 (Max) & 21 (Min) Degrees Celsius and in Winter: 29(Max) & 10 (Min) Degrees Celsius.

Things to do at Thirunelli Temple At Mananthavady

You can attend temple festivals such as Chuttuvilakku, Puthari, Sivarthri, Sreekrishnajayanti andNavarathri, Bathing in Papanasini river.

Nearest petrol pump

• Petrol Pump
  Kalpetta,Mananthavadi Rd,
  kasargod, kerala.

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

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.

Best time to visit Thirunelli Temple At Mananthavady

The best time to visit Thirunelli Temple At Mananthavady is from November to February when the weather is pleasant for temple visits and festival participation. Major temple festivals occur between December and May. The monsoon months bring heavy rain which can disrupt travel plans.

Timings & opening hours

Most temples in Kerala open early morning around 4:00 AM–5:00 AM for the first pooja and close by 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. They reopen in the evening from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM and remain open until 8:00 PM–8:30 PM for the final pooja. Specific timings vary by temple and may be reduced during restricted days.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to most temples in Kerala is free. Special darshan tickets, if available, may cost between INR 50–200. Camera fees may apply: INR 20–50 for still cameras, INR 100–200 for video cameras. Some major temples (Sabarimala, Guruvayoor) may have specific queue ticket systems.

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour. During festival seasons, plan for 2–3 hours to witness ceremonies and processions. Major temple complexes with museum sections require 1.5–2 hours.

Safety tips

Follow temple dress codes (shoulders and knees covered). Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Respect temple customs — do not touch idols or offerings. Photography may be restricted. Beware of pickpockets in crowded temple areas during festivals. Keep your belongings secure.

Things to carry

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees (required for entry), a shawl or scarf for additional coverage, an umbrella for sun/rain, small change for offerings (INR 10–50), a phone or camera (check permissions), and a notebook if visiting historically significant temples. Remove footwear before entering — carry socks if you prefer not to walk barefoot.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for Kerala temples? — Men should remove shirts and wear a mundu (traditional wrap) or dhoti. Women should wear sarees or salwar kameez covering shoulders and knees. Some major temples provide rental clothing. Shorts, trousers (for inner sanctum entry in some temples), and sleeveless tops are generally not allowed. Can non-Hindus enter the temple? — Many Kerala temples allow entry to visitors of all faiths. Some of the most famous temples (like Guruvayoor and Sabarimala) have specific entry restrictions — check in advance. Most temples welcome visitors regardless of faith. Is photography allowed inside? — Photography inside the inner sanctum is generally prohibited. Photography of the temple exterior and architecture is usually permitted. Some temples charge a camera fee. What are temple timings? — Most temples open early morning (4:00 AM–5:00 AM) for the first pooja, close around 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, reopen at 5:00 PM–6:00 PM, and close after the final pooja at 8:00 PM–8:30 PM.