KeralaTimings 2026Free Entry

Mangala Devi Temple, Idukki: History, Timings & Visitor Guide

By Kishan Rajyaguru|Updated 18 October 2026

Location Idukki, Kerala

Entry Fee Free

Best Time October to February

Railway Station ~41 km

Nearest Airport ~99 km

About Mangala Devi Temple

Mangaladevi Kannagi Temple is a Hindu temple located at Mangaladevi, near the present-day border of Theni District (of Tamil Nadu) and Idukki District (Kerala), about 7 km from Pazhiyankudi in Theni District and 15 km from Thekkady in Idukki District. The temple is situated at an altitude of about 1,337 m or about 5,000 feet above sea level (within the Periyar Tiger Reserve on the Western Ghat mountains). The temple is dedicated to goddess Mangaladevi, also known as Kannagi-Pattini. Secondary shrines are dedicated to Karuppa Swamy, lord Shiva and Ganapathy.

The temple is open for worship only during the time of "Chitra Poornami Festival" (in the April/May months). Entry to the temple for worshipers is allowed only on "Chitra Poornami Day" each year. Devotees usually trek to the temple during the "Chitra Poornami Day" every year (private vehicles are prohibited; only taxis with special permissions are allowed, and visitors usually wait in long queues to see the goddess). The number of pilgrims to the temple is estimated to be around 25,000.

The temple is usually open for visitors (in addition to worshipers) also. Visitors require prior permission from the Wildlife Warden at Thekkady.

Mangala Devi Temple: Key Facts

TempleMangala Devi Temple
LocationIdukki, Kerala
StateKerala
Entry FeeFree (general darshan)
Best Time to VisitOctober to February
Nearest Railway StationRajapalayam railway station, ~41 km
Nearest AirportMadurai (IXM), ~99 km
GPS9.59806, 77.22194

Mangala Devi Temple Timings 2026

Mangala Devi Temple is open every day, usually from early morning to late evening with a break in the afternoon. Darshan and aarti timings change with the season and on festival days.

MorningOpens early morning (around 5 to 6 AM)
AfternoonShort break around midday at many temples
EveningEvening aarti around sunset, closes by about 8 to 9 PM

Ask the temple office on arrival for the day's aarti schedule.

Dress Code & Temple Rules

DressModest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees
FootwearRemove before entering; use the shoe stand
PhotographyNot allowed inside the sanctum
Not AllowedLeather items, tobacco, alcohol, non-veg food
QueueFollow queue lines and staff instructions on festival days

How to Reach Mangala Devi Temple

LocationIdukki, Kerala
By AirMadurai (IXM), about 99 km
By AirKochi (COK), about 109 km
By TrainRajapalayam railway station, about 41 km
Major StationAlappuzha railway station, about 99 km
By RoadTaxis, autos and state buses from the railway station and nearby cities

Distance from Nearby Cities

From	Road Distance (approx.)	Travel Time (approx.)
Madurai	129 km	3 hr
Kochi	142 km	3 hr
Thiruvananthapuram	167 km	4 hr
Tuticorin	171 km	4 hr
Coimbatore	209 km	5 hr

Best Time to Visit

October to February. The weather is cooler and drier. April–May is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain to the coast. Weekday mornings are the least crowded; expect long queues on weekends, holidays and festivals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mangala Devi Temple located?

Mangala Devi Temple is in Idukki, Kerala, India. GPS location: 9.5981, 77.2219.

What are the timings of Mangala Devi Temple?

Mangala Devi Temple is open daily from early morning to evening, usually with an afternoon break. Timings change on festivals, so confirm with the temple office before you go.

Is there an entry fee at Mangala Devi Temple?

General darshan is free. Special pujas, sevas or quick darshan may have a separate fee set by the temple.

What is the best time to visit Mangala Devi Temple?

October to February. The weather is cooler and drier. April–May is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain to the coast.

Which is the nearest railway station to Mangala Devi Temple?

Rajapalayam railway station is the nearest railway station, about 41 km away. The nearest major station is Alappuzha railway station, about 99 km away.

How far is Mangala Devi Temple from Madurai?

Mangala Devi Temple is about 129 km by road from Madurai (approx.).

Which is the nearest airport to Mangala Devi Temple?

Madurai (IXM) is the nearest major airport, about 99 km away in a straight line. Kochi (COK) is the next option.

What is the dress code at Mangala Devi Temple?

Wear modest, traditional clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Remove footwear before entering. Shorts and sleeveless tops are best avoided.

Is photography allowed inside Mangala Devi Temple?

Photography is usually not allowed inside the sanctum. Outer areas may allow photos; follow the signs and staff instructions.

Which other temples are near Mangala Devi Temple?

Sabarimala temple complex, Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kerala are close by and can be covered on the same trip.