Granite pillared hall in the stone courtyard of Thirunelli Temple below the Brahmagiri hills, Wayanad

Thirunelli Temple

Located at the foot of the Brahmagiri hills, Thirunelli Temple is one of the most famous and ancient temples in Wayanad. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is a masterpiece of simple yet enchanting Kerala-style architecture.

Also known as the "Kashi of the South," Thirunelli Temple is an ancient shrine where Lord Brahma is believed to have established the idol of Lord Vishnu. According to legend, Brahma found the idol on a gooseberry (amla) tree, locally known as "nelli" — thus giving the temple its name, Thirunelli.

Thirunelli Temple is believed to be the only temple in the world where you can perform all the rituals related to one's life. It's a unique destination of religious importance where you can experience the power of divine forces amidst the beauty of nature.

Visit Thirunelli Temple on a Wayanad sightseeing taxi tour, or book your Wayanad cab any time, 24/7.

Key highlights

  • One of the oldest and most revered temples in Kerala
  • Beautiful Kerala-style temple architecture
  • Surrounded by the scenic Brahmagiri hills
  • Pilgrims visit from all over Kerala for ancestral rites
  • Idyllic and peaceful natural surroundings
Granite pillared hall in the stone courtyard of Thirunelli Temple below the Brahmagiri hills, Wayanad
Photo: Sidhin syam kodungallur, CC BY-SA 4.0Photo 01 / 05
Devotees walking towards the tiled-roof front of Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Photo: RajeshUnuppally, CC0Photo 02 / 05
Sloping tiled roofs and stone pillared hall of Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Photo: Vijayakumarblathur, CC BY-SA 3.0Photo 03 / 05
Panchatheertham, the lily-covered holy pond of Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Photo: Bobinson K B, CC BY-SA 3.0Photo 04 / 05
Ancient stone aqueduct on granite pillars beside Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0Photo 05 / 05