Photo spot in Thekkady
Mangala Devi Temple
Thekkady, Kerala
An ancient hill temple deep inside the reserve near the Tamil Nadu border, opened only on Chitra Pournami, with sweeping views over the Ghats.
Best time
Morning on the festival day, before the heat and the biggest crowds, when the hills are usually clearest.
Best angle
Walk to the edge of the hilltop and take a wide photo of the old stone walls with the Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains behind, and ask before photographing near the shrine.
Entry fee
Permit required
Opening hours
Open on Chitra Pournami (permit)
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Mangala Devi Temple
Morning on the festival day, before the heat and the biggest crowds, when the hills are usually clearest. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Mangala Devi Temple
Walk to the edge of the hilltop and take a wide photo of the old stone walls with the Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains behind, and ask before photographing near the shrine. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the ancient shrine
At the border viewpoint
Outfit guide
What to wear at Mangala Devi Temple
For photos at Mangala Devi Temple, saffron, white and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Thekkady.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Mangala Devi Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Mangala Devi Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for kappa & meen curry nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Plan your visit for Chitra Pournami, as the temple is usually closed the rest of the year.
Check the year's jeep and permit arrangements with the authorities before you go.
Start very early, as queues for the jeeps from Kumily can be long.
Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, as the hilltop is open and hot.
Dress modestly and be ready to remove your shoes near the shrine.
Stay with the crowd and follow the forest officials' instructions, as this is a tiger reserve.
Keep your camera for the views and avoid photographing people during worship.
About the Mangala Devi Temple
The Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple is an old stone temple on a hilltop about 1,300 m high, inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve and right on the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Kannagi, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappatikaram. The temple is now largely in ruins, but its old stone walls and the wide views over the Western Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains make it a striking place.
The temple usually opens to the public only on Chitra Pournami, the full moon in April or May. On that day, devotees from both states travel up from Kumily in authorised jeeps along a forest track of about 15 km. For the rest of the year, the area is part of the protected forest and closed to visitors.
Questions
Mangala Devi Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Mangala Devi Temple?
Morning on the festival day, before the heat and the biggest crowds, when the hills are usually clearest. Walk to the edge of the hilltop and take a wide photo of the old stone walls with the Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains behind, and ask before photographing near the shrine.
Is there an entry fee at Mangala Devi Temple?
Entry to Mangala Devi Temple requires a permit.
What are the opening hours of Mangala Devi Temple?
Mangala Devi Temple is open on Chitra Pournami (permit).
What should I wear at Mangala Devi Temple?
Saffron, white and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Mangala Devi Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: morning on the festival day, before the heat and the biggest crowds, when the hills are usually clearest.
What food should I try near Mangala Devi Temple?
Try kappa & meen curry at spots close by.
What is the Mangala Devi Temple famous for?
It is famous as an old stone temple to Kannagi on a hilltop on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, open only for the Chitra Pournami festival, and for its wide views over the Western Ghats.
Can I visit Mangala Devi Temple on other days?
Usually not. The temple is inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve and opens to the public only for Chitra Pournami. On other days the area is a protected forest.
How do I reach the Mangala Devi Temple?
On the festival day, authorised jeeps run from Kumily along a forest track of about 15 km. Private vehicles need a permit, so check the arrangements for the year before you travel.
Is it safe to visit the Mangala Devi Temple?
Yes, on the festival day, when forest officials and police manage the crowds. Stay with the group, carry water, and follow instructions, as the temple is in a wildlife area.