Temples & Theyyam
Kottiyoor Temple
A forest temple with a 28-day monsoon festival held across a river, deep in the eastern hills.
- 36.7 km from Nesma Palace
- 37 min drive
- Best: During the annual festival
- Ideal for pilgrims and travellers drawn to unusual temple traditions
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 36.7 km
- Drive time
- 37 min
- Best time
- During the annual festival
- Time to allow
- Half a day with the drive
- Category
- Temples & Theyyam
- Ideal for
- Pilgrims and travellers drawn to unusual temple traditions
About Kottiyoor Temple
Kottiyoor is a pair of Shiva temples set in forest by a river in the eastern hills of Kannur, tied to the story of Daksha's sacrifice. For most of the year the main shrine across the river, Akkare Kottiyoor, is quiet and undeveloped, with no permanent buildings.
Once a year, for 28 days around the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (usually late May to June), the site comes alive for the Vaisakha Mahotsavam, one of the most important temple festivals in North Kerala, when thousands cross the river to worship at the forest shrine.
Things to see and do
The 28-day festival
During Vaisakha Mahotsavam the forest shrine across the river opens and draws huge crowds. This is when most people come.
The forest and river setting
The temple sits among trees by the Bavali river, a very different feel from a town temple.
A living tradition
The rituals here are old and specific, tied to the legend of Daksha's sacrifice.
Best time and tips
During the annual festival, usually late May to June. Outside it, the main shrine is closed.
- Time your visit to the festival if you want to see the main shrine, it is closed the rest of the year.
- It is in the hills, so plan a longer drive.
- Facilities are basic during the festival, so plan ahead.
- Respect the forest setting and the rituals.
Local tip
The road runs through Iritty and the Ghats, one of the prettiest drives in the district, whatever the temple calendar says.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
36.7 km · about 37 min
- Time to allow there
- Half a day with the drive
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 37 min away at Nesma Palace
Kottiyoor is about 37 minutes from Nesma Palace, one of the more reachable eastern-hill sites from Mattannur.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Make a day of it · Full day
Dams, Forests & Hills
The eastern half of the district, and the side of Kannur most visitors never see. Everything here is closer to Nesma Palace than it is to Kannur town.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
18 km · 19 min drive
Pazhassi Dam & Gardens26.8 km · 28 min drive
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary15.5 km · 16 min drive
Kottiyoor Temple (you are here)
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kottiyoor festival?
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The Vaisakha Mahotsavam runs for about 28 days, usually from late May into June. The forest shrine across the river is only open during this period.
What is special about Kottiyoor temple?
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It is a forest Shiva temple by a river, tied to the legend of Daksha's sacrifice, with a shrine that opens only for its 28-day annual festival.
Where to stay near Kottiyoor?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 37 minutes away and is a practical base for the eastern-hill temples.