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Tirunelli
History and Overview of the temple
The Tiruneli temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is found at the backdrop of Brahmagiri Hills in Kerala. Standing 900m above sea level, this temple is very scenic and one of the most prominent landmarks in the north Wayanad district. Currently, renovation work is going on in the temple, as some parts of this place are almost in ruins. In the olden days, this temple was considered to be quite difficult to reach as it was located in the midst of a thick forest cover that was prone to attacks from wild animals and huge mountains on all four sides.
There are some documents to prove that Tirunelli was a very sacred town during the period between 962 and 1019CE, when Bhaskara Ravi Verma, the Chera King, ruled over the place. Detailed research reports have revealed that the coins collected from here proved that Tirunelli was indeed a crucial centre for pilgrimage in Northern Kerala during those days. Tirunelli temple has an interesting story behind it, where it is believed that that the temple was built by Lord Brahma himself. Lord Brahma found the idol of Lord Vishnu atop a Nelli or gooseberry tree many thousands of years ago. Mesmerised by the beauty of the idol and the remarkable location of Brahmagiri, He set up a temple in this place which came to be addressed as Tirunelli temple. Lord Vishnu, who became happy with this gesture by Lord Brahma, heeded to the latter’s request and gave the waters of this temple the power to wipe away one’s sins. Even today, it is believed that Lord Brahma visits the temple in the early morning hours to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. People who visit the temple take a holy dip in the Papanasini River in the temple as it is believed to wash away all their sins.
Geographical location
Tirunelli temple situated on the Brahmagiri hills is located towards the north of Wayanad district. The height of the temple is 900m and it is surrounded by immense natural beauty all around. Manathavady is located at a distance of around 32km from here.
How to reach and local transport
Air – Kozhikode airport, at a distance of 80km, is the nearest airport to Tirunelli.
Rail – Kozhikode railway junction is the closest railway station to Tirunelli.
Road – Manathavady town is well connected to Tirunelli as there are frequent government and private sector buses that operate between these two places on a daily basis. Cars and taxis are available from the railway junction and airport to Tirunelli temple.
Local transport – Jeeps and own cars are preferred by most people for driving around the temple town of Tirunelli.
Tourist Attractions and things todo
Tirunelli Temple, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam (Bird Sanctuary), Papanasini River, Kuruva Dweep (a group of islands), Koothambalam (platform of folk arts), Iruppu Waterfalls, Rameshwara Temple, Panchatheertham (temple pond with a rock in the middle, believed to be containing Lord Vishnu’s foot prints), Jaladurga Temple and remnants of Papanasini and Panchatheertam villages are some major tourist attractions in and around Tirunelli. Tourists can go trekking along the Brahmagiri Hills, take part in wildlife safaris and nature-walks along the dense forests, engage in bird-watching, bathe in the waterfalls and offer prayers at the various temples, on their trip to Tirunelli.
Places to eat and local cuisine
Café Robusta and Restaurant and Century Restaurant are some good places to eat within 12km radius of the Tirunelli temple. Malabar cuisine of hot flaky Indian breads called Parathas, vegetable stew and other regular South Indian dishes like idli, dosa and others are the specialities. Being a temple town, most of the places serve vegetarian food only.
Places to stay
The best accommodation facility for tourists who come to Tirunelli is Tamarind, operated by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. This is very close to Tirunelli temple and offers single, double rooms and dormitory facilities at very affordable rates for the comfort of the tourists. The cottages offered by Agraharam are excellent and set up in a very good ambience. Though these are quite costly, these cottages offer full value for the money spent on them.
STD, PIN and Emergency Contact Numbers
The STD code of Tirunelli is 04935 and its PIN code is 670646. The temple office can be reached at 04935 210201 for any issues or queries and the helpline numbers of 100, 101 and 102 can be dialled for continuous police, fire and ambulance services respectively.
Banks, Hospitals and Tourist Office
Banks
Tirunelli Service Cooperative Bank Limited,
Kartikulam Head Office, Wayanad, Kerala – 670646
Ph: 04935 240436
Hospitals
1 - Louise Mount Hospital,
No.5/ 241, Chennalod Post Office, Thariyode, Cherukatoor, Wayanad – 670221
Ph: 04936 250243
2 - Shrisha Hospital,
Mullankolly Road, No.4/194, Pallithara Building, Pulpalli, Wayanad – 673579
Ph: 04936 243723
Tourist Office
District Tourism Promotion Council,
North Kalpetta, Civil Station, Wayanad district – 673122
Ph: 04936 202134