A 1000-year-old temple hidden in the dense forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the temple’s rich historical background and architectural brilliance has made it a site for pilgrimage tourism. Located at an altitude of 1340 metres on the northern boundary of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady, the temple is dedicated to the deity of Mangaladevi, better known as Kannaki.

Although run-down, visitors cannot but marvel at the magnanimity of the effort involoved in transporting the huge blocks of granite up the mountain to construct this once properous structure. Architecture fanatics will fancy a visit to the temple considering it's construction in line with the Pandyan architecture. A 12-kilometre strech from Thekkady through trecherous terrain needs to be covered by jeep to reach the temple. A sense of unpredictability navigating the path leading up to the temple is highly exciting. So is the possibility of catching a glimpse of the highly endangered Nilgiri Tahr and other endemic floar and fauna.

Note : Mangaladevi Temple is closed throughout the year except during the Chitra Pournami festival. At other times tourists can visit Mangaladevi Temple after seeking permission from government authorities.