One of the oldest temples in Wayanad, Thirunelli Temple is named after a tree. After all, the Lord manifested himself in a tree here! As the legend goes, Brahma was flying over these hills when he stopped to rest, attracted by the lush greenery and the cool river flowing through. Here, on the trunk of a Nelli or Amla (Gooseberry) tree, he saw the image of Lord Vishnu and established the first temple here. Later, Shiva too stopped here to meditate in a cave nearby, and the shrine was blessed by the presence of the divine trinity. It is believed even today that the last prayer of the day is offered by Lord Brahma himself! The mountain stream passing by the temple is considered especially sacred, and scores of pilgrims come here to offer prayers to their ancestors.

The temple is built in the typical Kerala style, with tiled roofs. A local ruler began building a stone structure, but he was interrupted by a war, and a few pillars stand in solitude in memory of the attempt. An impressive structure from that period is an aqueduct, bringing water from the hill streams to the temple.

More than the temple, it is its location which is a lot more interesting. The route to the temple takes us through a dense jungle, filled with the calls of birds. The drive is a pleasant one, and the temple is still peaceful and serene in spite of the pilgrim crowds which throng the place.

Additional information: The Thirunelli Temple is located at a distance of about 60 km from Kalpetta. There are regular buses from Kalpetta to the temple.