Achankovil Sastha Temple: Ancient healing temple located in pristine forest of the Western Ghats
This place is located in the middle of forest heaven. Dense jungles, vast mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, lush rivers and waterfalls and diverse flora and wildlife make up this pristine ecosystem. Tucked amidst all of this stunning nature is one of the five important temples (the others being Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala and Kanthamala) dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. In this temple, Lord Ayyappa is depicted as a family man (living the grihastha asharama life with his two wives Purna and Pushkala). I am talking about the Achankovil Sastha temple where the Sastha wears a smiling face and enjoys living in one of Kerala’s most scenic and biodiverse ecosystems.
The Achankovil Sastha temple is an ancient healing temple that is famous for curing poisonous snake bites and where the deity is considered a maha vaidya (great physician). The left hand of Lord Ayyappa holds Chandan (sandalwood paste) and Theertha (holy water) that is believed to have medicinal properties that cure snake bites. People who get bitten by snakes are welcomed at all times, given sandalwood paste as prasadam, medicines and allowed to stay at the temple for a period of three to five days.
Located next to the lovely Achankovil river inside a dense forest that is contiguous with Agastyamalai biosphere reserve, the Achankovil Sastha temple is situated about 950 metres above sea level. Achankovil, which literally translates into the ‘shrine of Achan’ or ‘the supreme deity’, is the only Ayyappa temple where females of all ages are allowed to enter the temple and climb the 18 sacred steps. It is believed that Lord Parashurama consecrated the idol of Lord Ayyappa here.
The famous festivals celebrated at this temple are the Mandala Puja (held every year from the first to the tenth day of the Dhanu month - December 15 to January 15), Rvathi puja (held in the Makaram month (January 15 to February 15th) and the annual therottam (chariot festival).
The journey to Achankovil temple is as enchanting as the destination itself. The heavenly forest highway between Konni and Mekkarai, Manalar Falls – the jungle waterfall, Kambhavurutty Falls – the scenic waterfall holiday destination of Kerala and the meandering Achankovil river with multiple banks perfect for a swim are multiple reasons for you to visit this temple often. Whether you visit this place for the allure of nature beauty, the promise of adventure or the divine ambiance and spiritual heritage, Achankovil temple is bound to mesmerize you with its sacred charm and beautiful landscapes. It has offbeat and hidden charm written all over it.
Temple timings:
All days: 5 AM to 12 noon and 5 PM to 8 PM.
Best season to visit:
Achankovil Sastha temple is open all year round, but it looks its liveliest self during the monsoon months from June to October when the surrounding forests and mountains are lush green. The winter months from November through February are pleasant months with mist covering the forest roads during the early morning and late evening hours. The summer months from March through May would be warm and humid, so you can plan to visit the temple during the early morning or late evening hours.
How to reach there:
If you are traveling from Konni, take the forest route to Achankovil via Kalleli and Chempanaruvi falls and temple.
If you are traveling from Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur or Kollam, take the road via Punalur –> Vettithitta –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil.
If you are traveling from Thenmala, take the road via Ottakal –> Edamon –> Valcode –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil.
If you are traveling from Shencottai, Tenkasi or Tirunelveli direction, take the road via Shencottai to Elathur –> Panboli –> Mekkarai –> Kerala Forest Check Post –> Manalar Falls –> Kambhavurutty Falls –> Achankovil.
Where to stay:
There are a few budget hotels in and around Achankovil for those looking to stay close to the temple. There are a few resorts and homestays in and around Mekkarai (about 16 kms away) that offer simple accommodation with the best views. For a diverse range of decent hotels, head to Tenkasi (about 33 kms away).
If you wish to stay amidst nature, try the resorts in and around Courtallam, the accommodation inside Thenmala Eco Zone (Kerala) or the forest accommodation inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
For luxurious options, head to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu or Kollam/Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
Where to eat:
The nearest place to eat would be Achankovil where you can find basic tiffin items and simple lunches. For more diverse options, Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu would be your nearest hub.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycle route through pristine forest
2) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages
3) Kambhavurutty Falls: Scenic waterfall holiday destination of Kerala
4) Manalar Falls: The herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala
5) Rosemala View Point: Gorgeous motorcycling route inside Shendurney wildlife sanctuary, Kerala
6) Ottakkal Weir View Point: Lovely pit stop on the Thenmala – Kollam highway
7) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that drops like milk from the sky
8) Aryankavu Sastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats
9) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways
10) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala
11) Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers
12) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view
13) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
14) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely Brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views
15) Puliyarai View Point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway
16) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
17) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India
18) 13th century Kasi Visvanathar Temple at Tenkasi
19) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: World’s richest Hindu temple
20) Shangumugham Beach: The tranquil and divine beach of Thiruvananthapuram
21) Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous monsoon spectacle near Kanyakumari
22) Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari
23) Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters
24) Varkala Beach: The stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins
25) Meenmutty Falls inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful tropical jungle trail
26) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree mountain panorama
27) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India
28) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway
29) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon
30) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
31) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
32) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
33) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu
34) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
35) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded
36) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep South
37) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
38) Hidden pristine waterfall inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
39) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana
40) 10th Century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of South India
41) 1000 Year Old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away
42) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season
43) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli
44) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder
45) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village
46) Thamirabharani River Delta: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness
47) 10th Century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu
48) Tiruchendur Murugan Temple: Sea shore magic
49) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
50) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi
51) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
52) The festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
53) The exotic tropical fruits of Puliyarai
54) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu
55) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature
