Mangala Devi Temple

Mangala Devi temple is located 15 kms from Thekkady. It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady. The upper part of the ghats consist of an undulating plateau covered with dense evergreen forests. Below it is the rocky grassland. Beneath it, is the lower slopes covered with deciduous forests. Here lies the source of Suruli River. The beautiful waterfall is a well known landmark on the road of the Periyar Lake. Legend says that Kannagi after burning Madurai, to avenge the injustice done to her slain husband Kovalan, reached suruli hills . She stood under a vengai tree. Kannagi reached heaven in a pushpaka vimana. Chera senguttuvan camping on the banks of Periyar was informed of Kannagi’s story by Koola-vanigan Sattanar. The King erected a temple for Kannagi. It is said that the stone for the idol was brought from the Himalayas. Gajabahu Lankan ruler attended the consecration of the temple.

Air: The nearest airports are at Madurai and Kochi, which are well connected to all the major cities of India.

Rail: Kottayam, Madurai, Teni, Changanaserry are the major railheads near Thekkady.

Road: The city is connected to various destinations of South India by frequent bus services.