CENTRES OF WORSHIP IN WAYAND

Thirunelli Temple :Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala Temple Architecture. The temple is dedicated by Brahma to Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuja. Often referred to as Dakshina Kasi (the Kasi of South), this temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites. A short walk from Thirunely temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash away all the sins. The two main festivals here are in April and August/September. The temple is 64 Kms. away from Kalpetta, 71 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 29 Kms. away from Mananthavady.
Valliyoorkavu Temple: This Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess, mainfest in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga is an important place of worship for the tribal communities in Wayanad. The annual 15 day festival is in March/April. The temple is 24 Kms. away from Kalpetta, 31 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 5 Kms. away from Mananthavady.
Sita Lava-Kusha Temple: This is the only known temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths. The temple is 50 Kms. away from Kalpetta, 25 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 41 Kms. away from Mananthavady.
Thrissilery Shiva Temple: This stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions, is inextricably linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelly. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thirunelly ramain unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple. Within the premises there is also a shrine devoted to Jala Durga, believed to have been installed by no less a personage than the legendary Parasurama. There are many myths connected with the temple tank here, which curiously enough never dries up! The temple is 50 Kms. away from Kalpetta, 25 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 41 Kms. away from Mananthavady.
Pallikkunnu Church: Dedicated to the Lourdes Matha, Pallikkunnu Church was established in 1905 at the initiative of a French Missionary Fr. Jeffrine. An interesting aspect of this church is that it has several rituals and practices similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples. The annual two week "Perunnal" festival in early February draws large number of devotees from other parts of Kerala, as well as outside. The temple is 19 Kms. away from Kalpetta, 38 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 23 Kms. away from Mananthavady.
Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple : This Temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sulthan's marching armies. Apart from this temple, there are other significant jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples at Punchavayal and Puthenangadi are the best known of these. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a peculiar airomystery. The temple is 24 Kms. away from kalpetta, 12 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 41 Kms. away from Mananthavady.