A foggy highway at Kulamavu, Idukki

A view of Siruvani Hills, Palakkad

Kanthanpara Water Falls at Kalpetta, Wayanad

Vaikom

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

Vaikom

Vaikom, a quaint town located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, is a destination that offers a perfect blend of rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. This charming town is nestled on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala and a prominent tourist attraction in itself. Vaikom is renowned for its religious significance, as it is home to the famous Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, one of the oldest and most important Shiva temples in Kerala. The temple's architecture, intricate carvings, and religious rituals attract devotees and history enthusiasts from far and wide.

Apart from its religious prominence, Vaikom also holds a significant place in India's freedom struggle. The historic Vaikom Satyagraha, a mass movement for the rights of the lower castes, took place here in the 1920s, spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi. This event marked a turning point in the history of social reforms in Kerala and India as a whole.

Vaikom is also blessed with captivating natural beauty. The serene backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and swaying coconut palms, offer a tranquil and picturesque setting. Travelers can indulge in boat rides, explore the intricate network of canals, and witness the daily lives of the locals, deeply intertwined with the backwaters.

For those seeking a cultural experience, Vaikom hosts the renowned Vaikom temple festival, known as the Vaikkathashtami, which attracts a large number of devotees and tourists. The festival features vibrant processions, traditional music and dance performances, and a mesmerizing display of fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and immersive.

Pre-Planning:

The best time to visit Vaikom is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities and during the monsoon season (June-September), when the backwaters are at their fullest and the weather is pleasant. However, the town can be visited year-round.It is advisable to plan your visit in advance, especially if you wish to attend the Vaikom temple festival or other major events, as the town can get crowded during these times.

While no specific permissions are required to visit Vaikom, it is essential to adhere to the customs and regulations of the temples and other religious sites in the area. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow the guidelines provided by the temple authorities.

When packing for your trip to Vaikom, it is recommended to carry comfortable clothing suitable for the tropical climate of Kerala, along with sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or cap for protection against the sun. Don't forget to carry a camera to capture the scenic beauty and memorable moments of your trip.

Stay:

Vaikom offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are a few notable choices:

1. Budget Category:

  • Vaikom Backwater Homestay: Experience the warmth of traditional Kerala hospitality at this homestay located near the backwaters.

2. Deluxe Category:

  • Waterscapes KTDC Backwater Resort: A government-run resort offering well-appointed rooms, scenic views, and facilities like a swimming pool and Ayurvedic spa.
  • Club Mahindra Kumarakom: Located nearby, this premium resort provides luxurious accommodation, a wide range of amenities, and stunning views of the backwaters.

3. Premium/Luxury Category:

  • Kumarakom Lake Resort: Situated in Kumarakom, a short distance from Vaikom, this award-winning luxury resort offers plush villas, a private pool, and a host of recreational activities.
  • Zuri Kumarakom: Known for its opulence, this  5-star resort features elegant rooms, fine dining options, a spa, and a beautiful lakeside location.

Things to Do:

  • Vaikom offers a variety of activities and experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty. Here are some recommended things to do in Vaikom:
  • Explore the Backwaters: Embark on a boat ride or a houseboat cruise to navigate through the enchanting backwaters of Vaikom. Admire the picturesque landscapes, observe the local life, and witness breathtaking sunsets over the tranquil waters.
  • Visit Vaikom Mahadeva Temple: Explore the ancient Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance. Witness the daily rituals and experience the spiritual ambiance of this revered shrine.
  • Attend Vaikkathashtami Festival: If your visit coincides with the Vaikom temple festival, immerse yourself in the festivities and witness the grandeur of processions, traditional music and dance performances, and cultural programs.
  • Explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Located nearby, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. Take a stroll through the lush greenery and spot a variety of migratory and local bird species.
  • Indulge in Ayurvedic Therapies: Kerala is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage or wellness therapy at one of the reputable wellness centers in Vaikom.
  • Visit the Vaikom Satyagraha Memorial: This memorial commemorates the Vaikom Satyagraha, a major protest movement that took place in Vaikom in the early 20th century.
  • Go shopping for spices: Vaikom was once a major center of the spice trade, and you can still find a number of spice shops in town.
  • Sample the local cuisine: Kerala is known for its delicious food, and Vaikom is no exception. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as fish curry, appam, and idli.
  • Visit Illikkal Kallu which is a popular trekking destination located near Vaikom.

How to Reach:

  • By Road: Vaikom is well-connected by road. The nearest major city is Kochi, which is approximately 33 kilometers away. Regular buses and taxis are available from Kochi to Vaikom, making it easily accessible.
  • By Rail: Vaikom has a railway station by name Vaikom Road that is connected to all major cities in Kerala. The next nearest railway station to Vaikom is the Kottayam Railway Station, located about 20 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Vaikom.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located around 56 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to reach Vaikom.

Other Info:

  • Coordinates: 9.7522° N latitude, 76.3880° E longitude
  • Weather: Vaikom experiences a tropical climate throughout the year. The average temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C, with higher humidity during the monsoon season.
  • Elevation: Vaikom is at an elevation of approximately 6 meters above sea level (MSL).

Trivia:

  • The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is believed to be more than 800 years old and is one of the rare temples where all castes of Hindus are allowed to enter.
  • The Vembanad Lake, which surrounds Vaikom, is the longest lake in India and one of the largest in Asia.
  • Vaikom is a popular shooting location for movies due to its scenic beauty and cultural significance.
  • A 1968 Malayalm movie Bharyamar Sookshikkuka has this famous song starting with Vaikkathashtami Naalil sung by iconic singer K.J Yesudas which famous for its melodius music and soothing vocals.
  • The backwaters of Vaikom provide a serene and picturesque setting, making it a preferred destination for honeymooners and nature enthusiasts.
  • Vaikom was once a major center of the spice trade.
Things to Do

  • Canoe thru backwater Channels

    Embark on a boat ride or a houseboat cruise to navigate through the enchanting backwaters of Vaikom. Admire the picturesque landscapes, observe the local life, and witness breathtaking sunsets over the tranquil waters.

  • Visit an ancient temple

    Explore the ancient Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance. Witness the daily rituals and experience the spiritual ambiance of this revered shrine.

  • Attend a Religious Festival

    If your visit coincides with the Vaikkathashtami festival, immerse yourself in the festivities and witness the grandeur of processions, traditional music and dance performances, and cultural programs.

  • Spot a bird

    Located nearby, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. Take a stroll through the lush greenery and spot a variety of migratory and local bird species.

  • Get a relaxing Ayurvedic Massage

    Kerala is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage or wellness therapy at one of the reputable wellness centers in Vaikom.

  • Visit a Heritage Monument

    Visit the Vaikom Satyagraha Memorial: This memorial commemorates the Vaikom Satyagraha, a major protest movement that took place in Vaikom in the early 20th century.

  • Enjoy a local shopping

    Go shopping for spices: Vaikom was once a major center of the spice trade, and you can still find a number of spice shops in town.

  • Cook & Dine with a native family

    Sample the local cuisine: Kerala is known for its delicious food, and Vaikom is no exception. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as fish curry, appam, and idli.

  • Trek to a mountain

    Trek to Illikkal Kallu which is a popular trekking destination located near Vaikom.

Create My Trip