Wayanad is an important destination in Kerala with historical and cultural importance and the ancient temples in the district fascinate many pilgrims. The culture and heritage of the district mostly connected to its temples. The ancient temples, shrines, churches and mosques in the villages and hillocks of the district make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state with high importance for pilgrim tourism. The pure and pristine environment of these temples makes your body, mind and soul refreshing and rejuvenating. Make a visit to these pilgrim centers if you plan a trip to Wayanad.
Thirunelli Temple
It is one of the most popular pilgrim centers in Wayanad where thousands of Hindu devotees visit each year to offer prayers and perform rituals and rites. You can see the beauty of the traditional architecture of Kerala while visiting this ancient temple. Popularly known as ‘Thekkan Kasi’, people from the state and the nearest states visit Thirunelli temple and the nearest Papanasini River to take a dip.
Papanasini
Papanasini is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Wayanad which lies hardly 500 meters from the Thirunelli temple. A lot of devotees visit this beautiful stream to take a ritual dip as it is believed that taking in a dip in Papanasini may wash away all the worldly sins.
Thrissileri Temple
This prominent Shiva temple in Wayanad is famous for its eye catching architecture. It is believed that the religious rites carried out in the Thirunelli temple will not be completed without performing offerings at Thrissileri Temple. It is located nearly 5 kilometers from Mananthavady.
Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple
The mother goddess in this temple manifest in three major forms of Jala Durga, Vana Durga and Bhadrakali. It is the main temple for the tribal people in the district and thousands of people gather in this temple to enjoy the two-week long festival which held either in February or March. Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple is located nearly 2 kilometers from Mananthavady.
Pallikkunnu Church
Established in 1905, this church is dedicated to Lourdes Matha and lies approximately 12 kilometers from Kalpetta. A lot of devotees visit this church for the annual pilgrimage festival in the early February.
Varambetta Mosque
Varambetta Mosque is a 300-year old mosque built in traditional architectural style of Kerala. People love the large wood carvings of this mosque and it is a good example for the communal harmony as it was constructed by the Nair community. The annual Uroos Festival attracts many people from all communities.