The sleepy town of Vaikom is situated on the western side of Kottayam district and shares its border with Vembanattu Kayal (Vembanad lake). Vaikom is the oldest township in Kottayam district and amongst the oldest in Keralam. Its importance in Indian history is ‘Vaikom Satyagraham’ against untouchability and as venue for achieving for the lower castes the right to walk on the roads surrounding the temple. Leader of the Indian Freedom Movement Mahatma Gandhi participated in this struggle.
It is easily accesable from:
- Ernakulam,
- Alappuzha and
- Kottayam.
Vaikom Temple Entrance
Mahadeva temple is famous for Ashtami (vaikattamshtami), and the temple also known as Thekkan Kashi (Southern Varanasi) is the heart of the town, and is remarkable for the Vaikom Ashtami celebrations during November.
This temple, along with Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is considered a powerful trisome. The belief is that if a devotee worships at these three temples before ‘Ucha pooja’, all the wishes are fulfilled.
Ashtami
The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is one of the few temples which is held in reverence by both Shaivaites and the Vaishnavaites. Vaikom’s Shiva is fondly called Vaikkathappan. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be from the ‘Treta yuga’ and considered as one of the oldest temples in Kerala where pooja has not been broken since inception.
Mixture of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim residents lead peaceful life in this beautiful place.
The Vaikom temple is famous for the Vaikom Ashtami, one of its main festivals, which is held in November–December. The exact date of the festival is determined by the Malayalam calendar. Vaikathashtami is celebrated on the day of Krishna Ashtami.
Temple’s Official Site:
http://vaikomtemple.org/
Coconut and rice are the major crops and these used to be backbone of Vaikom economy along with Fishing. More recently spices like Nutmeg, Black Pepper have also caught the attention of Vaikom farmers. Another recent addition is Latex.
Palaikari farm,Chembu near Vaikom, Kottayam.
125-acre Palaikari padasekharam was located at a distance of 22 km from Kochiand 12 km from Vaikom, held immense potential for the venture and emerged as a front runner in the promotion of aqua tourism in the Kottayam district.
Designed as an aqua-tourism enterprise it combines a working fish farm with an eco-tourism experience in a way that the adventurous and unpretentious are sure to enjoy.
Welcome Drink - 1 Per Head
Palaikari farm in Kottayam district is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places in Kerala, God’s own Country.
Rs200 = Entry, Speed Boat Ride to & fro, Welcome Drink, Ice Cream & Lunch
Boat
Peddle Boat
The Palaikkari farm is famous for its lush coconut groves in the bund area and the presence of bountiful variety of fish from nearby Vembanadu lake.
Beautiful View
The scenic backwater tourism destination,it offers visitors exotic sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences.
Hammock
One can have a close view of the countryside, fishing activity, coconut palms lining the waters and also relish the fresh fish delicacies, is truly a beautiful experience.
A Beer House in Vaikom (Patronised by Gents only):
Vaikom Beer Hall - Good place to argue about local polical parties or the world in general
