The famed temple town of Vaikom greets one with a rustic beauty unparalleled. This abode of Lord Shiva is a quiet little town on the way from Cochin to Kottayam. Situated at the foothills, it is easily accessible by road, rail and inland waterways.

Other famous temple at Vaikom is the Udayanapuram Subramanyam temple and the backwater ride from Vaikom to Chertala is a rewarding experience.

Vaikom made its way into modern history with the path breaking Vaikom Satyagraha that eventually opened up the temples to the untouchables and lower castes.

Home to famous writers like Vaikom Mohammed Basheer and Vaikom Chandrashekharan Nair, the town encourages art and culture.