Mangala Devi Temple is tucked in at the hills of Thekkady, beckoning travel enthusiasts from all over the world with a treasure trove of architecture, history, and culture. As you walk along the terrain, your senses delight with the magical ambiance that blends the wilderness and silence of the thick forests in the hills of Thekkady. Dating back to around the 1st century CE, the ancient temple lies on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, around 15 km north of Thekkady.
Mangala Devi Temple is one of the most revered and worshiped shrines to the goddess Kannaki, a savior of justice and strength in Tamilian lore, built from thick, heavy granite boulders. According to the story, Kannaki burned Madurai after her husband was wrongly accused, later finding peace in these quiet hills. Though the temple dates back to the ages, the stones, sculptures, and views remain magnificent for centuries to come.
Much more than history; it’s a chance to explore nature, capture beautiful views, and feel something ancient. Do visit Mangala Devi Temple if you are ever visiting Thekkady. This is the place for any history lover, naturalist, or adventurer looking for something offbeat.
Credits – Tourism Kerala
What is the best time to visit Mangala Devi temple?
The best time to visit the Mangala Devi Temple would be during the annual Chithra Pournami Festival, which usually takes place in April or May. At this time, the temple alone opens to the visitor to experience the whole spiritual and cultural vibrancy of the place. It is possible to appreciate the lovely woods, scenery, and tranquility of this place at your convenience; seeing it during the festival makes the temple a landmark event with folk ceremonies and community functions in the local settings. There is no entrance fee, which makes it an accessible adventure for people eager to explore.
Things to do at Mangala Devi Temple
Experience the Festival of Chithra Pournami
Despite being closed throughout the year, the Mangala Devi Temple does come alive on one particular day in March, April, or May when the temple celebrates its annual festival of Chithra Pournami. On this very special day, the ambiance becomes lively with priests performing elaborate rituals, and devotees worship and commemorate the aura of the goddess Kannaki, more popularly known as Mangala Devi. At this time, the goddess is dressed up in colorful flowers and a silk saree, making the scene not easily forgettable. Have you ever attended a temple festival like this?
Enjoy the Scenic Climb to the Temple
The adventure to the temple itself is a journey! A long drive and then a short trek up to this hilltop sanctuary takes you to marvelous views of the hills all around it.
Grasp Ancient Architecture and Panoramic Scenaries
Mangala Devi Temple is an example of early Pandyan architecture built from massive granite stones. During a visit to the temple campus, one can see stone-carved sculptures and the imposing stone steps and walls as testimony to the builders’ skills. Have you ever seen such an antiquity so well preserved?
Worship and Prayers
This temple of Mangala Devi is a perfect place for spiritual worshipers to pray and seek peace. Many devotees find solace in this temple’s tranquility, pray to the goddess, and beg her for their blessings. On festival day, women typically prepare sweet Pongal as an offering, a beautiful tradition worth witnessing.
Get into a Spiritual Calm
Let the serenity of this historical place calm your soul, guiding your spirits. The surroundings and the presence of the goddess evoke a sense of serenity in which visitors can relax and connect with the sacred energy of the place.
Shopping
Temple Offerings (Prasad) and Flowers. Though not a famous shopping center, it has prasad and fresh flowers available to the deity during Chithra Pournami. These are souvenir tokens filled with a touch of the goddess’s blessing.
Temple Timing
6:00 AM – 10:00 AM , 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM , 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Trek to Mangala Devi Temple
You can visit the temple and admire the ambiance and architectural excellence any day. The temple is open to devotees only once a year, and it falls on Chithra Pournami, usually in either April or May. You would have to climb by private vehicle through a stony path and then trek a little distance through the beautiful forest to reach the temple. Are you ready to go on a journey that combines adventure, spirituality, and nature?
Nearby Attractions
Let’s explore the beautiful destinations near Mangala Devi Temple that constitute nature, wildlife, and sceneries as set for a one-day excursion.
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Credit – Vajiram & Ravi
Periyar Tiger Reserve is a paradise for wildlife lovers. There are options for guided safaris and nature walks where many rare animals, including tigers and elephants, can be found in their natural settings.
Periyar Lake
Credit – Tripadvisor
Surrounded by thick forests, this lake is a peaceful and beautiful spot for boat rides. Take your breath while you seamlessly glide through the lake to watch wildlife along the forests on the shore.
Elephant Junction
It’s one fantastic destination for family-friendly fun with an opportunity to stay with and play with elephants, have elephant rides, and even bathe the friendly giants for a great time.
Chellar Kovil
Chellar Kovil is known for its breathtaking waterfalls and scenic viewpoints; it is an ideal site for a peaceful escape because it offers beautiful views of the valley, and seasonal waterfalls can easily be spotted.
Travel Tips
- Plan your visit during April/May since the temple opens only on these special days of the year.
- Get prior permission from Thekkady Wildlife Warden since the temple falls within a protected forest area.
- Wear comfortable dress and footwear for trekking as a short walk is to be undertaken from the jeep to the temple.
- Make a reservation for the jeep at the entrance of Periyar Tiger Reserve and take this 12-km scenic route to the temple.
- Take water and light snacks.
- Keep your camera ready as the surrounding forest is full of diverse flora and fauna so that you can get some brilliant wildlife and nature photography opportunities.
- Don’t carry plastic of any form, and leave nothing behind.
- Reach early as temple times are a little different during the festival; it is usually crowded on this day.
Where to Book Your Stay in Thekkady
Booking your stay in a good resort can add more to your trip than you can imagine. Vacations are not just about exploring – they are also about unwinding from the stress of daily life and relaxing in a beautiful place. Rainwood Hotels presents four top-class resorts in Thekkady, allowing you to explore the destination with comfort and ease. Browse through these beautiful destinations in Thekkady to choose the one that best matches your interests, budget, and purpose of visit:
Book your stay with Rainwood Hotels
Experience the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and nature in Thekkady!