Temples & Theyyam
Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple
The one temple in Kerala where Theyyam is performed every single day.
- 31.2 km from Nesma Palace
- 38 min drive
- Best: October to March
- Ideal for anyone interested in culture, ritual and Theyyam
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 31.2 km
- Drive time
- 38 min
- Best time
- October to March
- Time to allow
- 2 hours including the ritual
- Category
- Temples & Theyyam
- Ideal for
- Anyone interested in culture, ritual and Theyyam
About Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple
On the banks of the Valapattanam river, the Parassinikkadavu Muthappan temple is the only temple in Kerala where the Theyyam ritual is performed daily, in the early morning and again in the evening. The deity, Muthappan, is worshipped in a form that welcomes everyone regardless of caste or religion, and the temple has no dress code.
Free prasadam is served, and a temple dog is treated with reverence as part of the tradition. Watching the Muthappan Theyyam here, with its drums, fire and painted performer, is one of the most direct experiences of North Malabar's living ritual culture.
Things to see and do
Daily Theyyam
The Thiruvappana and Vellattam forms are enacted every morning and evening, so you do not need to time a festival to see Theyyam here.
Open to all
There are no caste or religion restrictions and no dress code, which is unusual and central to the temple's character.
The setting and prasadam
The temple sits by the river, and free prasadam, including steamed green gram, is offered to visitors.
Best time and tips
October to March. Come for the morning or evening Theyyam ritual.
- Check the daily Theyyam timings, roughly early morning and around dusk.
- Photography rules vary, so ask before shooting the ritual.
- Dress modestly out of respect, even though there is no formal code.
- Pair it with the snake park and Vismaya park nearby.
Local tip
This is the most reliable way to see Theyyam if you are not visiting during the December to April festival season.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
31.2 km · about 38 min
- Time to allow there
- 2 hours including the ritual
- 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 38 min away at Nesma Palace
The temple is about 38 minutes from Nesma Palace, close enough to reach for the morning ritual before the day heats up.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Nearby places to explore
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
3.2 km · 7 min from Parassinikkadavu
Vismaya Water Theme Park
2.1 km · 5 min from Parassinikkadavu
Rajarajeswara Temple, Taliparamba
12.9 km · 20 min from Parassinikkadavu
Make a day of it · Full day
Theyyam & Temples
North Malabar’s ritual heartland, a serpent shrine, daily Theyyam on the riverbank, and the great Shiva temple at Taliparamba.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
22.9 km · 24 min drive
Peralassery Sree Subrahmanya Temple29.9 km · 35 min drive
Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple (you are here)
3.2 km · 7 min drive
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park9.2 km · 12 min drive
Rajarajeswara Temple, Taliparamba
Frequently asked questions
When is Theyyam performed at Parassinikkadavu?
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Daily, in the early morning and again in the evening. It is the only temple in Kerala where Theyyam is a daily ritual, so you do not need to wait for a festival.
Can non-Hindus visit Parassinikkadavu Muthappan temple?
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Yes. The temple welcomes everyone regardless of caste or religion and has no dress code, which is part of its tradition.
Where to stay near Parassinikkadavu temple?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 38 minutes away, which makes the early-morning Theyyam easy to reach.