Thirunelli Temple
Kerala's Thirunelli Vishu Festival is a well-known Hindu celebration. Located about 32 km away from Mananthavady in Wayanad district, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu holding a “Shanku” and “Chakra”. The two-day event is celebrated during the occasion of Vishu, where the entire temple complex is exquisitely decked with flowers, lights, and lamps. The entire edifice is incredibly stunning when lighting effects make the architectural carvings on the temple clearer and more evident.
The festival at the Thirunelli temple features performances of a variety of Keralan traditional art forms including Ottanthullal, Kathakali, and Kolkali (a tribal art form). The temple is perched on a hill surrounded by mountains on all four sides. Within walking distance of the main temple complex is a cave shrine named ‘Gunnika’ dedicated to Lord Shiva.
