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Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple, or Mandaikadu Temple, a major Hindu temple, is located near the seashore of Colachel in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is a sacred place for the worship of Goddess Parvathi in the form of Bhagavathy Amman. It is regarded as the ‘Women’s Sabarimala’ by many as women devotees throng here from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala, identical to the Sabarimala tradition, for 41 days. The temple has an annual Maasi Kodai festival, and the different rites and rituals make it quite special.
Quick Facts About Mandaikadu Temple Tamil Nadu
Location: Mandaikadu, near Colachel, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu
Main Deity: Bhagavathy Amman or Goddess Parvathi.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (66 km approx)
Nearest Railway Station: Eraniel station (6 km)
Location
Photo: Suresh Babunair / Wikimedia Commons
Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple is located in the South of Colachel in the western coast of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, about 73 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 14 km from Nagercoil. The calmness of the temple, fuelled by its vicinity to the sea, attracts devotees from neighbouring states.
About Arulmigu Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Temple
Photo: Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Local legends and beliefs are associated with the genesis of Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple. One story goes that when the area was a dense forest, shepherds brought their cattle to graze there. It is said that the Goddess Bhagavathy first appeared to her devotees in an anthill. As the anthill grew, the land became a holy site, and then the anthill became the idol that is worshipped today. A second legend links the temple with a Keralite trader who was saved miraculously by an old woman (the Goddess in disguise) and later presented a portion of his wealth to the temple.
How To Reach
Photo: Speedbird’s pieces / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 73 km away. From the airport one can take taxis or buses to the temple.
By Road: Mandaikadu is well connected by road. Regular bus service is available from the major towns of Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, and Thiruvananthapuram. Special buses are also arranged to manage the influx of pilgrims during festival seasons.
By Train: Nagercoil Junction, the nearest railway station to Mandaikadu, is 14 km away and easily accessible by regular buses and taxis.
Places To Visit Near The Temple
1. Colachel Beach
Photo: Suresh Babunair / Wikimedia Commons
Colachel Beach, a short drive from the temple, is a tranquil place to take in the splendid views of the Arabian Sea. It is a popular place to walk after a spiritual visit to Mandaikadu. The historically important site of the Battle of Colachel (1741) between the Travancore and the Dutch East India Company is here. Long, quiet walks on the beach, the everyday sight of ships on the sea, the breath of fresh air, the sunsets, the local fruit sellers and the fishing village nearby are some of the attractions here.
Location: Colachel, Kanyakumari District
Distance From Mandaikadu Temple: 7 km
2. Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoli
Photo: Infocaster / Wikimedia Commons
The Nagaraja Temple, dedicated to the serpent deity Nagaraja, is one of the premier snake-worshipping sites in Tamil Nadu. A distinctive structure combining traditional Dravidian design elements with those taken from the Indian state of Kerala, the temple enshrines live snakes as manifestations of the deity. It is also one of the prominent sites in Tamil Nadu where devotees request fertility, prosperity and protection from snake bites. The ambience of the temple premises, imbued with dedication and reverence, has made it a popular site for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Location: Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District
Distance from Mandaikadu Temple: 14 km
3. Vattakottai Fort
Photo: Infocaster / Wikimedia Commons
Vattakottai Fort is a coastal fort built in the early 18th century during the rule of the Travancore dynasty. The fort was constructed using huge granite blocks of rock and had architectural influences from the Dutch and British. Due to its location on the coast, the fort overlooks the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Western Ghats on the other. This makes it an excellent place for photographers and nature lovers to visit. With lawns and a quiet environment, Vattakottai is a perfect picnic spot or a place to meditate.
Location: Kanyakumari District
Distance from Mandaikadu Temple: 22 km
4. Padmanabhapuram Palace
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Padmanabhapuram Palace in southern India is an exquisite example of traditional Kerala architecture: its buildings are carved from wood, its walls painted with vivid murals, and its corridors and courtyards are beautiful and intricately designed. For centuries, the palace served as the capital of the Travancore kings, and now it has been preserved as a protected monument and tourist destination. Inside its walls, visitors can wander from the Queen’s quarters to the Council Chamber and the King’s meeting hall, all to witness the skill of Kerala’s craftsmen and experience the region’s culture.
Location: Thuckalay, Kanyakumari District
Distance from Mandaikadu Temple: 40 km
Where To Eat
Photo: Marajozkee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple offers many nearby restaurants from which to choose your meal. Oasis Family Restaurant is a good choice for having Indian meals. They have many Indian dishes and family tradition facilities. It is a good choice for travellers because it is clean and has quality food. Hotel Astoreya in Thuckalay is 10.4 km from the temple and offers both Indian and international dishes. Lynns Fine Dine Restaurant in Nagercoil (15.5 km) is a good place for travellers who want to have Indian and Asian meals in a quiet, comfortable place.
Where To Stay
Photo: Amin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many accommodation providers nearby for pilgrims as well as tourists who visit Mandaikadu Temple. Hotel Lance International is a family-friendly hotel with comfortable and spacious rooms in Nagercoil. Estuary Sarovar Portico is a luxurious hotel 27.3 km from the temple on a beach near backwaters in Poovar. Divines Business Hotel is a mix of traditional heritage and contemporary facilities in Marthandam.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Achyuta T. Madabushi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip:
The average cost of a trip in India can vary greatly based on location, duration, and travel style. On average, a budget traveller might spend ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per day, while mid-range travellers could spend ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 daily, covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
Tips For The Travellers:
- Plan Your Visit: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
- Hydrate And Snack: Carry water and light snacks, as facilities nearby may be limited.
- Be Mindful Of Photography: Check the temple’s photography rules to ensure you respect the sacred space.
- Local Transportation: Use local transport options like auto-rickshaws or taxis for convenient access to the temple.
Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple is a major pilgrim centre for the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Because of its beauty, historical events, and festivals and rituals, the number of devotees who visit this temple is unimaginable. Come to Mandaikadu Temple for its spiritual and cultural significance. Book your holiday to Mandaikadu Temple with TripXL and enjoy a stress-free holiday there.
Cover Photo: suketdedhia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
