Ertiga / Carens
👥 5–6🧳 3 bags
Family with elderly parents; 2–3 day circuits
Tour Overview
The temples of north Kerala's Malabar — the Kadampuzha and Rajarajeshwara shrines, the ancestral-rites temple of Thirunelli and the unique Muthappan theyyam shrine of Parassinikadavu.
Kadampuzha BhagavathyThirunelli (Wayanad)Rajarajeshwara (Taliparamba)Parassinikadavu MuthappanMadhur
📍 Speciality & significance
Malabar's temples carry a character all their own. Thirunelli, ringed by the Brahmagiri hills of Wayanad, is one of Kerala's foremost sites for Pithru Tharpanam (ancestral rites) at the Papanasini stream; the Rajarajeshwara temple at Taliparamba is an ancient and powerful Shiva kshetram of the region.
Parassinikadavu is renowned for the Muthappan Theyyam, a nightly ritual dance-worship found nowhere else, while Kadampuzha Bhagavathy and Madhur add the Devi and Ganapathy dimensions — a circuit that reveals Kerala's living folk-devotional traditions.
🛕 Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple
Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple in Malappuram district is a revered Devi shrine where the goddess is worshipped in a form traditionally connected to Parvati, believed to be linked to the legend of her penance and her encounter with Shiva as a hunter. Distinctively, the temple has no fixed idol in the usual sense, with worship offered at a sacred spot, and its origins are often associated in tradition with the sage Adi Shankara. It is widely visited by devotees seeking fulfilment of vows.
The temple is especially known for the Poomoodal offering, in which the deity is covered with flowers, and for the Muttarukkal vow undertaken by devotees seeking to overcome difficulties. Worship follows traditional Kerala customs, with modest, respectful dress expected. The temple is on generally level ground and accessible to elderly pilgrims. It draws steady crowds through the year, and its location in the Malabar region makes it a convenient devotional halt when travelling between the temple towns of northern Kerala.
🛕 Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple, Wayanad
Thirunelli Temple, set amid the forested hills of Wayanad, is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, revered for its serene mountain setting encircled by the Brahmagiri ranges. Often called the Kashi of the South, it holds special significance for ancestral rites, and the nearby Papanasini stream is traditionally believed to cleanse sins and is used for offerings to departed forebears. The temple's antiquity, granite construction, and remote natural surroundings lend it a distinctive spiritual and scenic character.
Devotees observe traditional Kerala temple customs, dressing simply and respectfully. The temple's hill setting involves some travel through forest terrain and a degree of walking, so elderly pilgrims should plan for the approach, though the main shrine is manageable. Many visit specifically to perform ancestral rituals at the Papanasini. The cool climate makes visits pleasant for much of the year. Given its Wayanad location, it is often combined with the region's scenic attractions and other Malabar shrines on a wider circuit.
🛕 Sree Rajarajeswara Temple, Taliparamba
The Sree Rajarajeswara Temple at Taliparamba in Kannur district is among the most ancient and eminent Shiva temples of Kerala, revered as one of the great Shiva kshetrams of the region. The presiding deity is worshipped as Rajarajeswara, and the temple is noted for its imposing traditional architecture and its long-standing spiritual authority, with a tradition that devotees historically sought its counsel through a ritual of divine consultation. It commands deep reverence across the Malabar region and beyond.
The temple follows a strict dress code in keeping with Kerala custom, with men required to remove their shirts and wear a mundu; there is also a well-known tradition regarding when women are admitted for worship during the day. The temple is on level ground and accessible to elderly devotees. Special offerings such as the lighting of lamps are cherished here. Being in the Kannur region, it is readily combined with Parassinikadavu and other northern Kerala shrines on a devotional tour.
🛕 Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple
The Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, on the banks of the Valapattanam river in Kannur district, is dedicated to Muthappan, a distinctive deity revered as a manifestation associated with forms of Shiva and Vishnu, and beloved as a protector of the common people. The temple is uniquely known for its inclusive traditions, welcoming devotees across communities, and for the daily performance of the Muthappan Theyyam, a vivid ritual dance considered a living embodiment of the deity, which sets it apart from most other Kerala temples.
Unlike many temples with strict dress codes, Parassinikadavu is known for its openness, and the daily Theyyam performances are a major draw for devotees and visitors alike. The customary prasadam here reflects the deity's folk character. The temple is on level, accessible ground beside the river, comfortable for all ages. Its welcoming ethos and the spectacle of the Theyyam make it a memorable stop, easily combined with Taliparamba and other Kannur-area attractions on a Malabar circuit.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: → Kadampuzha → Thirunelli
Kadampuzha Bhagavathy, then the Wayanad hills to Thirunelli.
Day 2: → Taliparamba → Parassinikadavu
Rajarajeshwara temple and the Muthappan theyyam shrine.
Day 3: → Madhur → return
Madhur Ganapathy temple, then return.
Vehicles for this yatra
Recommended for this circuit — we finalise by your group size and luggage.
Satvik / pure-veg stopover friendlyTemple-timing & dress-code aware driversAll-inclusive tolls, parking & permitsRegional-language drivers (Tamil / Kannada / Telugu / Hindi)
Frequently asked questions
Which temples does the Malabar Devi & Shiva Kshetram Circuit cover?
The Malabar Devi & Shiva Kshetram Circuit covers Kadampuzha Bhagavathy, Thirunelli (Wayanad), Rajarajeshwara (Taliparamba), Parassinikadavu Muthappan, Madhur, driven from Kozhikode / Kannur over 3 Days / 2 Nights.
How do I travel for the Malabar Devi & Shiva Kshetram Circuit?
This is a direct road trip — a SARA CAB chauffeur-driven vehicle departs from Kozhikode and runs the entire circuit.
Which vehicle is best for the Malabar Devi & Shiva Kshetram Circuit?
We recommend Ertiga / Carens, Innova Crysta / Hycross, Tempo Traveller (12–20), chosen by your group size and luggage.
How much does the Malabar Devi & Shiva Kshetram Circuit cost?
This circuit is quoted on request — airfare, season and permits vary — so share your dates and group size for an exact, all-inclusive quote.
Fare on request
Quote on request
Share your dates & group for an exact, all-inclusive quote.
Get your yatra fare
Pick your dates and vehicle for an exact cab fare.