Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to know before visiting the sacred Vishwanagayakshi Temple
Darshan Timings
Open all days of the year
Temple Darshan
Main temple sanctum for deity darshan
Kavu (Grove) Access
Visit all seven sacred Sarpa Kavus for prayers
⚠️ Important Notes
- Timings may vary on special occasions and festival days
- The inner sanctum is open on Ayilyam Nakshathra and Malayalam month 1st date every month
- Temple may be closed temporarily for special ceremonies - call ahead if traveling from far
How to Reach the Temple
Temple Address
Pulikkal Shankarodath Kovilakam
Door No 13/444
Puduppariyaram Grama Panchayath
Thekkumpuram, Kavilpad, Olavakkode
Palakkad District - 678012
Kerala, India
By Air
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)
Distance: ~55 km (approx. 1.5 hours)
Taxi Fare: ₹1,200-1,500
How to reach from airport:
- Exit Coimbatore Airport
- Take taxi/cab (pre-paid or app-based like Ola/Uber)
- Route: Coimbatore → Palakkad → Olavakkode
- Journey time: 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic
By Train
Nearest Station: Palakkad Junction (PGT)
Distance: ~8 km (approx. 20 minutes)
Auto/Taxi Fare: ₹150-250
Major trains to Palakkad:
- From Chennai: Chennai-Alappuzha Express, Trivandrum Mail
- From Bangalore: Kochuveli Express, Island Express
- From Mumbai: Netravati Express
- From Delhi: Kerala Sampark Kranti Express
From station to temple: Auto-rickshaw or taxi available outside station
By Road
Temple is well-connected by road from major cities
Driving distances:
- Coimbatore: 55 km (1.5 hours) via NH544
- Thrissur: 85 km (2 hours) via NH544
- Cochin: 130 km (3 hours) via NH544
- Bangalore: 350 km (6 hours) via NH275
- Calicut: 110 km (2.5 hours) via NH966
Google Maps: Search "Pulikkal Shankarodath Kovilakam" for turn-by-turn directions
By Bus
Nearest Bus Stand: Palakkad KSRTC Bus Stand
Distance: ~7 km from temple
Regular bus services from:
- Coimbatore (every 30 mins)
- Thrissur (every hour)
- Cochin (multiple daily)
- Bangalore (overnight buses)
From bus stand: Local buses to Olavakkode or auto-rickshaw (₹100-150)
Accommodation Near Temple
Options for all budgets within 5-10 km of the temple
Budget Options (₹500-1,500/night)
Lodge/Guest Houses in Olavakkode
Simple, clean rooms near temple area
📍 2-3 km from temple
KSRTC Yatri Nivas
Government-run lodge in Palakkad town
📍 7 km from temple
Mid-Range Options (₹1,500-3,500/night)
Hotels in Palakkad Town
Comfortable hotels with AC rooms and dining
📍 7-10 km from temple
Examples: Hotel Fort Palace, Hotel Indraprastha
Budget Resorts near Malampuzha
Scenic locations with garden views
📍 15 km from temple
Premium Options (₹3,500+/night)
Kairali Heritage, Palakkad
Premium hotel with traditional Kerala architecture
📍 10 km from temple
Resorts in Coimbatore
Luxury resorts (if combining with other travel)
📍 55 km from temple
💡 Booking Tips
- Book in advance during festival seasons (especially October-November for Kala Sarpa Bali)
- Contact temple for accommodation recommendations: +91 9946373522
- Many devotees prefer staying in Palakkad town (more options) and traveling to temple
- For budget stays near temple, call ahead - not all are listed online
What to Expect
Arrival & Parking
- Limited parking available near temple premises
- Auto-rickshaws can drop you at the entrance
- Remove footwear before entering temple compound
- Footwear stand available (free)
Temple Entry
- Enter with clean body and pure mind
- Men: Dhoti or traditional wear preferred (pants acceptable)
- Women: Saree or traditional Kerala dress preferred (salwar also fine)
- Photography inside sanctum is NOT allowed
- Mobile phones on silent mode
Darshan Process
- Proceed to main sanctum for deity darshan
- Offer your prayers silently
- You can offer flowers, coconut (available at temple counter)
- Priest will perform archana and give you prasadam
- Take prasadam with both hands, consume a small portion
Visiting the Seven Kavus
- After main temple darshan, visit the seven sacred Kavus
- Each Kavu has specific spiritual powers
- Offer prayers at each grove
- Respect the natural sanctity - do not pluck leaves or flowers
- The complete Kavu circuit takes 30-45 minutes
Making Offerings
- Offerings available at temple counter: coconuts, flowers, oil for lamps
- You can sponsor daily poojas or special abhishekam
- Donation box available for temple maintenance
- For booking specific poojas, contact the temple office
Temple Etiquette
- Maintain silence in sanctum area
- Don't touch the deity idols
- Follow priest's instructions during rituals
- Do not litter temple premises
- Show respect to other devotees
Temple Entry Restrictions
Please observe these rules to maintain the sanctity of the temple
Death in Family
Those who have experienced a death in the immediate family must observe a 14-day period of mourning before entering the temple premises.
Menstruating Women
Women observing their menstrual cycle are requested to refrain from entering the temple for 7 days. Entry is permitted from the 8th day onward.
After Non-Vegetarian Food
Devotees who have consumed non-vegetarian food should not visit the temple on the same day. Please plan your visit accordingly.
After Consuming Alcohol
Entry to the temple is strictly prohibited for anyone who has consumed alcohol. This applies on the same day of consumption.
No Footwear on Premises
Footwear (chappals, shoes, sandals) must not be brought inside the temple — this includes footwear kept inside bags. Please leave all footwear at the designated area outside.
No Other Spiritual Practices
Other spiritual practices are not permitted inside the temple. This includes loud chanting, recitation, or any practice that produces sound and may disturb the sanctity of worship.
Temple Facilities
Available
- Parking space
- Footwear stand
- Drinking water
- Washrooms
- Pooja materials counter
- Prasadam distribution
Not Available
- Food/Meals (bring your own or eat before/after)
- Accommodation at temple
- ATM nearby (use in Palakkad town)
- Wi-Fi
Need Help Planning Your Visit?
Call Us
+91 9946373522
+91 491 2552910
Available during temple hours
Email Us
pulikkalvishwanagayakshitemple@gmail.com
Response within 24 hours
+91 9946373522
For quick queries and directions