Located in the lap of serene surroundings, situated in the Wayanad district of the state of Kerala in India, is the beautiful town of Mananthavady. Not only is it synonymous with picturesque visuals of sprawling greenery, but Mananthavady has clawed its way into the heart of mass by narrating the tale of its glorious cultural past through its beautiful temples, colourful festivals, and so much more. This enchanting guide takes you through time, allowing a deeper admiration of the spirit that binds the city of Mananthavady and the cultural beauty of Kerala.
Temples Of Mananthavady
The temples at Mananthavady have turned the region into a paradise of architectural marvels symbolic of the people’s perpetual devotion. Here are some of the most prominent temples that deserve a place on your itinerary:
1. Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple
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Located adjacent to the Eravaruvi, the Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the region and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. The structure and design of the temple are mainly from the Kerala region and include beautiful sculptures, paintings, reliefs, flat terrains, and a meditative atmosphere. It is most lively in the Kumbham, the Malayalam month equivalent to February-March, when a festive atmosphere pervades the temple with processions, cultural troupes, and the like.
Entry Fee: Visiting the Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple also has no charges, meaning no entry fee is required.
Location: The temple is located in Mananthavady.
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2. Thirunelli Temple
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Located 30 km from Mananthavady in the district of Kozhikode, the Thirunelli Temple is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Brahmagiri Hills. This temple, which also worships Lord Vishnu, is more than a thousand years old and famous for being a religious temple. Tourists can swim in the Papanasini River, one of the sacred rivers believed to cleanse sins or go for a calm walk through the hills.
Entry Fee: Regarding the entry charges to visit Thirunelli Temple, there are no charges or fees that the visitors have to pay to enter this temple. Nonetheless, contributions to the maintenance of this temple are always welcome.
Location: The temple is in Pathanamthitta district, around thirty kilometres from Mananthavady.
3. Ananthanatha Swami Temple
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To learn more about Jainism and its history, you must visit the Ananthanatha Swami temple. Located in Sulthan Bathery, it is just 20 km away from Mananthavady. This Jain temple is said to have been built in the 13th century. The fine detail of the stone carvings is one of the best things to see. In fact, a granite structure at the temple houses the 2-metre-tall Ananthanatha Swami idol.
Entry Fee: Entry to this temple is free. Devotees from all over the world are welcomed free of charge. However, they can pay for donations if they want.
Location: This beautiful temple is in Sulthan Bathery town, en route from Mananthavady.
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Mananthavady’s Vibrant Festivals
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If you visit Mananthavady, you will be surprised to see the wide range of festivals celebrated here. The variety and diversity in culture are very rightfully expressed through the festivals. The two main festivals celebrated in this region are as follows:
Valliyoorkavu Pooram: The Valliyoorkavu Pooram is celebrated yearly at the Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy temple. As per tradition, the elephants, known as theyyam, are decorated and painted. This is also said to be a festival of showcasing traditional art.
Varambetta Church Festival: This religious festival, which takes place in December at the Varambetta Church, celebrates the spirit of Christianity. It involves religious processions, the grand eating of local foods and spicy fish, and cultural troupes displaying the essence of department and harmony in Keralan society.
A Glimpse Into Local Traditions
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Apart from the covered temples and celebration festivals, there is an opportunity to discover the life of the town’s people. Here’s how you can delve deeper:
- Witness a Theyyam Performance: Theyyam, a distinctive dance form, is an inseparable part of the Mananthavady cultural dance map. These performances include actors in colourful costumes and makeup, lively music, dancing, and curiae figures and phrases. This kind of dancing, or rather Theyyam performance, will help you reduce the barrier between you and the locals’ faith and understanding of spirits. While travelling to North Kerala, persons in the region or travellers could seek Theyyam performances shortly.
- Explore the Local Markets: With your feet wet, explore the noisy markets of Mananthavady, brimming with local businesses. Shop for souvenirs. Look at Keralite handicrafts marketing their products, fresh vegetables and fruits, Keralite spices that are different from the traditional ones, and traditional dresses of Kerala. Meet friendly people from street vendors and feel the welcoming atmosphere of the owners of small shops.
- Learn about Kalaripayattu: Kerala has a highly developed martial arts culture, and there are many Kalaripayattu training sections in Mananthavady. The practice of this ancient style of fighting and exercise still holds a great deal of interest as part of Kerala’s cultural wealth. It may be helpful to visit a demonstration or, even better, a basic course to better understand such a specific type of art.
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Best Time To Visit Mananthavady
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One should avoid the monsoon season when travelling to Mananthavady, as the possible rainy times are between June and September. There is a good climate for travelling, and bears are not active during this period. Also, you can avoid the monsoon time from June to September. Instead, you may consider visiting the place during winter from October to March, considering the comfortable environment of the place.
Getting There
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The city is well connected by road to the other cities of Kerala, such as Kozhikode and Kannur. Several transport types are involved, including taxis, cabs, and even public buses to access the town. Public transportation appears to be easier, as one can take a train to Thalassery station and then take a taxi to Mananthavady.
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This place is unique and well worth a visit due to the remarkable history and richness of the spiritual culture still present here. Unlike many other towns across countries that are historically or internationally significant, this inviting town will likely enhance the quality of your holiday and help you understand the essence of Kerala. Set off on your adventure, view stunning and inspiring temples, be enthralled by fascinating ceremonies and learn about the people’s traditions. So, let’s begin our journey to Mananthavady, where lots of cultural fabric is hidden, waiting to be discovered and to make memories to be remembered for a lifetime. This means prospective visitors to the cultural tourism locations in Mananthavady should plan their trip today. Search for accommodations, look at the festival calendar, and start your wonderful trip to Kerala.
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Cover Image Credit: Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Mananthavady
What is Mananthavady famous for?
Mananthavady is famous for its ancient temple, folk dance and music. It is also known for Theyyam, Varambatta church festival, and many more.
What are some prominent temples in Mananthavady?
To understand various forms of religious beliefs, try visiting the Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Thirunelli Temple, and the Ananthanatha Swami Temple located at Sulthan Bathery.
Is there an entry fee for the temples in Mananthavady?
There is no specific cost to join or enter into the various networks, although most markets do not require any fees to be paid. Nonetheless, people are welcome to give offerings for the maintenance of temples.
What are some must-see festivals in Mananthavady?
Engross yourself in the extravaganza of the Valliyoorkavu Pooram and the festive culture of the Varambetta Church Festival.
What are some interesting things to do in Mananthavady besides temples and festivals?
Visit some of the local markets, find out more about Kalaripayattu – the oldest form of martial art in the world, or take a trek to the hills of Mananthavady.
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