Kerala ·
Vaikom
Vaikom is a town of 23,000 people (2011) in Kerala in India.
Vaikom at a Glance
Why Vaikom?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple
- St. Thomas Church
- Pundareekapuram Temple
- Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple
- Karthyayani Devi Temple
Vaikom at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Vaikom before planning your visit.
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Places to Visit
- Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple: The Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala, India. The temple, along with the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple is considered a powerful place of Shiva.
- St. Thomas Church: St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kokkamangalam, popularly known as Kokkamangalam Church, which holds a midway position among the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, is in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, in the South Indian state of Kerala.
- Pundareekapuram Temple: Pundareekapuram Temple is a small Hindu temple atop a little rise called Midayikunnam near Thalayolaparambu in Kottayam. A tiled and saddle roofed square "Chuttambalam" encloses a square sanctum sanctorum.
- Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple: Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Cherthala in Alleppey district in the Indian state of Kerala. Believed to be constructed in the 7th century by Azhvanchery Thamprakkal.
- Karthyayani Devi Temple: Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala is a famous Hindu temple located at Cherthala. Iratti and Thadi are the famous vazhipadu, Cherthala pooram is the second famous pooram in Kerala.
- Thuravoor: Thuravoor commonly refers to: Thuravoor, Cherthala Thuravoor, Angamaly
Things to Do
- Udayanapuram: Village backwater cruise, Visit different villages and village activities, ayurvedic treatment centre, Home stay with traditional Kerala food, night fishing etc.
- Vaikom Mahadeva Temple: Famous for Prathal (mid-day food offering by individual to others) and also Annathanam (served by the temple). Having this full fleged meal is very sacred too.
- St.Joseph Forane Church: A centuries old Roman Syrian Catholic Church with ancient and rare interior architecture near the Vembanad Lake shore
- Visit Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple: Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Cherthala in Alleppey district in the Indian state of Kerala. Believed to be constructed in the 7th century by Azhvanchery Thamprakkal.
- Visit Karthyayani Devi Temple: Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala is a famous Hindu temple located at Cherthala. Iratti and Thadi are the famous vazhipadu, Cherthala pooram is the second famous pooram in Kerala.
Sightseeing Places
- Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple: The Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala, India. The temple, along with the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple is considered a powerful place of Shiva.
- St. Thomas Church: St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kokkamangalam, popularly known as Kokkamangalam Church, which holds a midway position among the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, is in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, in the South Indian state of Kerala.
- Pundareekapuram Temple: Pundareekapuram Temple is a small Hindu temple atop a little rise called Midayikunnam near Thalayolaparambu in Kottayam. A tiled and saddle roofed square "Chuttambalam" encloses a square sanctum sanctorum.
- Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple: Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Cherthala in Alleppey district in the Indian state of Kerala. Believed to be constructed in the 7th century by Azhvanchery Thamprakkal.
- Karthyayani Devi Temple: Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala is a famous Hindu temple located at Cherthala. Iratti and Thadi are the famous vazhipadu, Cherthala pooram is the second famous pooram in Kerala.
- Thuravoor: Thuravoor commonly refers to: Thuravoor, Cherthala Thuravoor, Angamaly
Places That Define Vaikom
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple
The Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala, India. The temple, along with the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple is considered a powerful place of Shiva.
St. Thomas Church
St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kokkamangalam, popularly known as Kokkamangalam Church, which holds a midway position among the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, is in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, in the South Indian state of Kerala.
Pundareekapuram Temple
Pundareekapuram Temple is a small Hindu temple atop a little rise called Midayikunnam near Thalayolaparambu in Kottayam. A tiled and saddle roofed square "Chuttambalam" encloses a square sanctum sanctorum.
Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple
Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Cherthala in Alleppey district in the Indian state of Kerala. Believed to be constructed in the 7th century by Azhvanchery Thamprakkal.
Karthyayani Devi Temple
Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala is a famous Hindu temple located at Cherthala. Iratti and Thadi are the famous vazhipadu, Cherthala pooram is the second famous pooram in Kerala.
Thuravoor
Half Day
Maravanthuruthu
Half Day
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Explore Vaikom on Map
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Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 45 km from Vaikom.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Vayalar railway station, about 9 km from central Vaikom.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam and Cochin. However during peak hours (8-10AM and 3-6PM) it may take an hour to reach Vaikom town from Cochin.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Vaikom (Apr, May, Jun) averages 25–32°C with about 272 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Vaikom (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 24–30°C with about 345 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Vaikom (Oct, Nov) averages 24–31°C with about 230 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Vaikom (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 23–32°C with about 36 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C.
Local Transport
- By bus: Vaikom has an excellent local bus service system and it is cheap.
- By taxi: Local taxis are also available at cheap rates. There are many car rental companies offering cars with drivers or self-drive.
- By boat: When you are visiting places like Kumarakom, it is better to opt for boats, as many places in Kuttanad are inaccessible by road. There are also good ferry services between places that are widely used by the locals, a cheap and scenic way of getting around.
- By walk: Many attractions are near by one another so you could walk between them.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Vaikom trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Vaikom is a town of 23,000 people (2011) in Kerala in India.
- Overview: Vaikom is a town of 23,000 people (2011) in Kerala in India.
- Ancient History: Vaikom was believed to be a part of a kingdom called Venmalanadu in the past. When Venmalanadu was split into Vadakkumkoor and Thekkumkoor, it became part of Vadakkumkoor dynasty. Vadakkumkoor kingdom spread along the path of Muvattupuzha river towards the north east side from Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom, Piravom, Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam and Thodupuzha. There was an important port at Chemmanakary, near Vaikom during the Vadakkumkoor era.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Vaikom is a town of 23,000 people (2011) in Kerala in India.
- Accommodation: Karithanam Ayur Farms, www.karithanam.com Devaswom Guest House Vaikothappan Tourist Home Kalakkal Tourist Home Kailas Lodge Listed options include Nalukettu Homestay.
The Sacred Heart of Vaikom
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Vaikom was believed to be a part of a kingdom called Venmalanadu in the past. When Venmalanadu was split into Vadakkumkoor and Thekkumkoor, it became part of Vadakkumkoor dynasty.
Spiritual Significance
Vaikom was believed to be a part of a kingdom called Venmalanadu in the past. When Venmalanadu was split into Vadakkumkoor and Thekkumkoor, it became part of Vadakkumkoor dynasty.
Pilgrimage Traditions
Vaikom is the second major tourist spot of Kerala State as per the People's participation for participatory planning and empowerment through responsible tourism scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vaikom is most comfortable in January and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is April (average high 34°C) and the wettest months are May, June, July, August, September, October and November.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 45 km away. The nearest railway station is Vayalar railway station, about 9 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple, St. Thomas Church, Pundareekapuram Temple, Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple and Karthyayani Devi Temple.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 30°C to 34°C over the year, with about 2485 mm of rain in total.
Taxi to Vaikom
Outstation cabs with fares for every vehicle — sedan, SUV and Tempo Traveller.
Tour Packages for Vaikom
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Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.