Famous Temples in Wayanad for a Spiritual Sojourn

Nestled in the northern region of Kerala, the tranquil hill station of Wayanad is renowned for its spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and verdant hills. It is an essential inclusion in Kerala tour packages and ranks among the notable hill stations near Bangalore. Wayanad serves as the perfect destination for all, particularly for nature lovers seeking to relax amidst the lush forests, observe remarkable wildlife, and connect with Mother Nature. Historians believe that organized human settlements existed in these hilly areas as early as the 10th Century B.C. In addition to the natural wonders the region offers, Wayanad is home to several stunning temples that are noteworthy for their architecture, historical significance, and spiritual value. Below is our compilation of prominent temples in Wayanad that should be visited as part of the Wayanad tour packages.

Thirunelli Temple

Stationed on the foothills of the Brahmagiri range, Thirunelly Temple is a 3000-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Also known as Sahyamala Kshetram, it is one of the most ancient pilgrimage sites in Kerala, and among the most popular places to visit in Wayanad. Built in the traditional Kerala architectural style, the temple was built by Chera King Kulasekharan. The temple is surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. People believe that Lord Brahma worships Perumal in the temple in the wee hours every day, hence the head priest of the temple leaves a fresh quantity of worshiping materials required for puja in the temple before closing the temple at night. The temple has a stone aqueduct that ensures an uninterrupted water supply to the temple from the forests. A cave temple called Gunnika dedicated to Lord Shiva is also present near the main temple complex. The temple draws pilgrims from all over Kerala primarily for ancestral rites.

Thrissilery Shiva Temple

Located on the main Mananthavady-Mysore Highway, Thrissilery Shiva Temple is another renowned Hindu temple in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the popular Shiva temples in Kerala and also one of the well-known places to visit as part of Wayanad packages from Bangalore. There is an interesting fact about this Thrissilery Shiva Temple. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thirunelli remains unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple. The architecture of this temple is similar to the Thirunelli Temple. The idols and carvings in this temple exhibit exemplary artwork. There is a shrine for Jala Durga in the temple premises, which is believed to have been installed by Parasurama. The calm and tranquil atmosphere of the temple is bound to make your trip a memorable affair.

Valliyoorkavu Temple

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple is a famous temple in Wayanad. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is worshiped in three different forms in this temple – Vana Durga, Jala Durga, and Bhadra Kali. 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-day festival, held during March/April. The spellbinding performances such as the traditional ritual arts like Kalamezhuthum pattum, and Eedum koorum, a special dance performed by the local tribes with the music of native instruments, are sure to make one gasp with wonder and excitement. The shrine is paramount for the tribal community of Wayanad, and the inner sanctum is closed to non-Hindus. Wayanad is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Seetha Devi Temple

Located on the Sulthan Bathery – Mysore road, Seetha Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Seetha, and her sons Lava, and Kusha. This is the only known temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama, and among the best temples to visit as part of the Wayanad Packages from Kochi. Here, Sita is revered as Jadayatha Amma. The temple is situated in a serene and peaceful atmosphere near the banks of the Ponkuzhi River. The temple structure follows the traditional Kerala style of architecture with a tiled roof. Many people think that this is where Sita gave birth to Lava and Kusha during her exile. The grass bed that Lava used to play on as a child is thought to have some connection to the name Pulpally.

Ganapathi Vattam Temple

Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple is one of the ancient temples in Wayanad and also one of the popular attractions of Sulthan Bathery. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Ganapathi Vattam Temple is believed to have been built eight centuries ago. It is commonly believed that Sulthan Bathery was previously known as ‘Ganapathyvattom’ because of this temple. The temple was under the administration of the rulers of the Kottayam dynasty. It is believed that Tipu Sultan destroyed the temple and used the stones of the temple to build a fort there. The temple organizes an annual festival that is celebrated for 8 days in January / February. Attended by a large number of devotees, the festival hosts several cultural programs, like Chakyarkoothu and Ottanthullal. The idol of Lord Ganesh is taken out in a large procession, along with decorated elephants on the final day of the festival. Apart from the main deity of Lord Ganesh, this temple also houses idols of Lord Shiva, Naga, Lord Ayyappa, and Goddess Bhagavathi. Wayanad is one of the best places to visit near Mysore.

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