Known for its luxuriant foliage, cascading waterfalls, and exotic fauna, Wayanad is a heavenly abode for travellers struck by wanderlust. For all the history buffs, Wayanad is home for Edakkal Caves that are engraved with ancient petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic age.
Apart from the wonders the place has to offer; one must visit the stunning temples in Wayanad to experience divinity and tranquillity in the ‘God’s Own Country’.
9 Temples In Wayanad
Wayanad is a serene hill station located in Kerala that is famous for its wildlife, the lush green hills that are a perfect escape to unwind and catch some respite from the urban chaos. Let’s check out some of the best temples in Wayanad that you must visit to enhance your holiday experience. Have a look!
1. Seetha Devi Temple
2. Anantnath Swami Temple
3. Thirunelli Temple
4. Valliyoorkavu Temple
5. Ganapathi Vattam Temple
6. Pazhur Vishnu Temple
7. Thrikkaipetta Shiva Temple
8. Thrissilery Shiva Temple
9. Devgardha Temple
1. Seetha Devi Temple
Situated at a distance of 25 km from Sulthan Bathery and 32 Kms from Kalpetta, the temple is known for its unique location and is the only temple known to house the deities of Lava and Kush, Children of Lord Ram and Devi Seetha. Often a famous legend, associating the temple, is foretold that Sita spent her days of exile at this place, in the Valmiki Ashram.
The idol of Sita is worshipped as Jadayatha Amma. It is believed that Sita birthed Lava and Kusha here followed by their progression towards adulthood. Originally, the place was regarded by the name Sisumala which later changed to Sasimala. It is also believed that the name Pulpally is linked to the bed of grass (Dharbha) on which Lava is believed to have played during his childhood.
Location: NH212, Ponkuzhi, Kerala 673592
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
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2. Anantnath Swami Temple
Located in Kalpetta, the mountainous region of Wayanad, Anantnath Swami Temple, also known as the Puliyarmala Jain Temple Wayanad, is a monumental architectural piece for the Jain heritage. The temple is surrounded by alluring gardens, making the place an eminent tourist attraction.
The Dravidian style temple houses the deity of Lord Anantha Natha who was the 14th Jain Tirthankara. Featuring intricately carved lofty pillars, pyramid-shaped sculpted panels and a carved statue of Lord Mahavir, the temple is truly a work of supreme craftsmanship.
Location: Kalpetta – Mananthavady Road, Puliyarmala, Kainatty Junction, Kalpetta, Kerala 673122
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3. Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli Temple is another masterpiece surfacing from the list of eminent temples in Wayanad. Stationed on the foot of the Brahmagiri hills, Thirunelli Temple Wayanad is known for its enchanting and delightful aesthetics. Dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, Thirunelli Wayanad encloses lush greenery and towering hills, adding to its quaint and picturesque motif.
While descending towards the place, he noticed an idol resting on a Gooseberry tree. Recognising the idol as Lord Vishnu, Brahma installed the idol on the Brahmagiri hills. Lord Vishnu accepted Brahma’s plea with the promise that the stream surrounding the temple will wash away all sins, thus giving birth to famous, Gooseberry) and came to be known as Thirunelli.
Location: Thirunelli Temple post, Mananthavady, Kerala 670646
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 8 PM
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4. Valliyoorkavu Temple
The origin of the temple can be dated back to the 14th century, making it a timeless work of art and heritage. The main attraction of the temple is the vibrant 15 days festival, held during the months of February, March and April. The shrine is paramount for the tribal community of Wayanad.
The temple’s inner sanctum is closed to non-Hindus. The spellbinding performances such as the traditional ritual arts like Kalamezhuthum pattum, Eedum koorum (a special dance performed by oracles) and Sopana Nritham are sure to make one gasp with wonder and excitement. One of the many highlights of the festival includes the incorporation of folk percussion instruments in the tribal performances.
Location: Valliyoorkkavu, Mananthavady town of Wayanad district, Kerala
Timings: 6 AM – 2:00 PM; 5:30 – 8 PM
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5. Ganapathi Vattam Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Ganapathi Temple is a spiritual abode, known to be one of the oldest temples to exist in the history of Wayanad, the origin of which can be chronicled to eight centuries ago. Residing at the heart of the historic Sultan Bathery Town, the place is a heavenly retreat for history buffs.
The bricks of the temple were later used to build a fort that is an exemplary retreat of the conquest of Tipu Sultan that lead to the town’s illicit recognition as ‘Sultan Bathery Town’. Sulthan Bathery was also known as Purakizha during the reign of the Kulashekara emperors.
Location: Mutharamkunnu, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592
Timings: 6 AM – 12:00 PM; 5:30 PM – 9 PM
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6. Pazhur Vishnu Temple
As the name itself suggests, the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu accompanied by other deities that are – Bhagawathy, Ganapathy, Dakshinamoorthy, Ayyappan, Gulikan and Rakshas. Though Bhagawathy has been awarded the statue of a sub-deity, it is worshipped with the same grandeur as that of Lord Vishnu.
The temple witnesses annual celebratory rituals which kick-start on 24th & ends on the 25th of the Kumbam, i.e. from 8th-9th March. Every year, the festival corroborates a large number of attendees, making it a larger than life event.
Location: Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil, Piravom, Kerala
Timings: 9 AM to 1.30 PM; 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM
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7. Thrikkaipetta Shiva Temple
With Lord Shiva worshipped as the presiding deity, the temple houses idols of Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappan and Lord Nagam as well. In Malayalam, the word Thrikaipatta literally translates to ‘bands in three hands’. Maha Shivarathri is the cardinal festival that is auspiciously celebrated by the people visiting the temple.
Location: Palazhi, Pantheerankavu, Kerala 673008
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8. Thrissilery Shiva Temple
Built on the course of the Mananthavady-Mysore Highway, the temple is known to house Lord Shiva as the cardinal deity. This temple is situated at a distance of about 19 kilometres from Thirunelli. Featuring a small shrine of Goddess Jala Durga, it is often speculated that the shrine was originally installed by Lord Parashurama, the sixth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Being a Shiva Temple, Maha Shivarathri is auspiciously celebrated during February-March. Adorned with mesmerising verdure, the temple is an aesthetic delight. The calm and tranquil atmosphere that you find over here is bound to make your trip a memorable affair.
Location: Thrissilery Road, Thirunelly 670646, India
Timings: 5.30 am to 12noon; 5.30 pm to 8 pm.
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9. Devgardha Temple
The sacred Banyan Tree on the spot where the temple stands today was the main attraction for the devotees in the earlier age. The tree was religiously worshipped and protected by tribes. Later on, a lot of people from far-off lands migrated to the Kappiset region and the thought of building a temple here. It is also believed that a devotee named Govindan had a dream the day before Shivratri in which Lord Shiva appeared in front of him. The temple is paramount to the tribal community living in the region.
Timings: 9 am–5 pm
Location: Kappiset, Pulpally, 673579
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How To Reach Wayanad
By Air: Wayanad is situated at a distance of 100 km from the Karipur international airport at Kozhikode and has access to both domestic and international flights.
By Rail: Situated at a distance of 110km, Kozhikode railway station is the nearest railway station to Wayanad.
By Road: Possessing a good network of KSRTC buses, one can easily take a thorough scan of the district. Superfast buses are also available that connects Wayanad to Bangalore, Kochi, Mangalore and Trivandrum.
Be it the beautiful mountains or the picturesque green meadows, Wayanad is sure to leave one speechless with its timeless beauty. It is a popular choice for people looking for great adventure and spiritual retreat. So, while planning your next trip to Kerala, do visit these beautiful temples in Wayanad!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Wayanad
Which is the most popular temple in Wayanad?
Thirunelli temple, Seetha Devi temple, Thrissilery Shiva Temple, Anantnath Swami Temple, etc. are some of the most popular temples in Wayanad.
Where shall I visit in Wayanad for vacation?
Places that are a must-visit include the Edakkal caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Banasura Sagar dam, Kuruvadweep etc.
Is Wayanad safe?
Besides the monsoon season, Majority of the tourist spots are open and safe to visit throughout the year.
What is the best time to visit Wayanad?
Although the months of June and July bring forth the annual monsoon season, still one can visit the locale at any time throughout the year.
How many days are required to see Wayanad?
There’s no prescribed duration, but the majority of the essential sights can be covered in 2 nights and 3 days stay.
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Being an army kid, Yashasvi has had a fair share of traveling around the country and collecting erratic experiences in her little adventure jar. Choosing to follow her heart and combining her passion into a full-time job, she has been writing blogs about travel, lifestyle, and food for 2 years.
