Kottiyoor shiva temple #kottiyoor #kerala #riding #pahad #friends #travel

The Kottiyoor Shiva Temple is located in Kannur district, Kerala, roughly 300 km from Bengaluru. Driving or taking a bus usually takes 6 to 8 hours. The temple is a sacred Yaga Sthala set in a dense forest, famous for opening only 28 days a year. [1, 2, 3, 4] Road Ride & Drive Details from Bangalore Distance: Approximately 295 - 310 km depending on your route. [1, 2, 3] Travel Time: Usually takes about 4 to 6 hours when driving a car directly, while bus rides can take between 6.5 to 8 hours. [1, 2, 3] Routes: The most scenic and common route for riders and drivers passes through Mysuru, Gundlupet, the Bandipur/Wayanad forest reserves (NH 766), and then through Mananthavady or Iritty toward Kottiyoor. [1, 2, 3] Pro Tip: If you are riding a motorcycle, expect a beautiful but challenging ride through the winding ghat sections. Users on Reddit suggest carrying plenty of water, watching out for wildlife crossing in the forest reserves, and ensuring your vehicle has ample fuel before entering remote stretches. [] Temple Information & Visiting Guidelines Significance: The Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple (also known as Ikkara Kottiyoor or Akkare Kottiyoor) is an ancient shrine situated on the banks of the Bavali River. It is unique because it is considered a Yaga Sthala (sacrificial site) rather than a regular built temple. [1, 2, 3, 4] Seasonality: The temple only opens its doors for a 28-day annual festival (Vysakha Mahotsavam), which typically falls between May and June. [1, 2, 3, 4] Attire & Etiquette: Traditional dress is recommended for temple visits. As a consensus, visitors on Reddit suggest packing light, leaving excess personal items in your vehicle to save time at the temple, and ensuring you leave no trash behind in this ecologically protected area. [] Booking Options & Packages If you prefer a hassle-free, organized pilgrimage rather than an independent ride, several local tour operators run buses and customized packages directly from Bengaluru: One-Day Tours: Packages like those offered by Arathi Travels or TripGaadi start around ₹2,799 - ₹2,999 and include round-trip AC transportation, fresh-up rooms, and meals. [1, 2, 3] Private Cabs: Car rentals can be booked through aggregators like MakeMyTrip for a private, direct ride. [1] Public Transit: State transport buses operated by KSRTC are a budget-friendly way to reach the region, generally dropping you at nearby Mananthavady. [1, 2]