Vaikom Travel Guide

Read our guide to Vaikom, Kerala to discover the best places to visit, exciting activities to do, the local cuisine, where to stay, and how to get around Vaikom.


Introduction to Vaikom

Vaikom is a picturesque town located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, Southern India. This small town is one of the busiest pilgrim centers in South India and is famous for its Shiva temple. Vaikom is situated close to two other famous temple towns, Kumarakom and Alleppey, making it an ideal destination for travelers to explore the backwaters, beaches, and other attractions in these nearby areas. Vaikom is also home to many cultural attractions, natural wonders, and remarkable landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in Vaikom

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Vaikom Mahadeva Temple: One of the most revered Shiva temples in Kerala, the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple attracts devotees from all over the country. The temple has an impressive gopuram (temple tower), and its inner sanctum houses a Shivling.
  • Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple: Another famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is located a few miles from Vaikom. The temple is an excellent example of Kerala’s traditional architecture and hosts various festivals throughout the year.
  • Vaikom Satyagraha Smarakam: A memorial dedicated to the Vaikom Satyagraha, a historic event that took place in the town in the 1920s. It marked the struggle against the denial of access to everyone to the Shiva temple, regardless of caste.
  • Thanneermukkom Bund: Located near Vaikom, Thanneermukkom Bund is a marvel of engineering. It is a man-made barrier built across the backwaters to prevent saltwater from moving further inland.

Natural Attractions of Vaikom: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Vaikom Beach: The beautiful Vaikom Beach is situated near the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. The beach is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the sunset.
  • Pallikkal Beach: A quiet beach located in nearby Kumarakom, offering breathtaking views, peace, and solitude.
  • Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall: Located in the nearby town of Kumarakom, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is a beautiful cascade of small streams with a picturesque park around it.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vaikom

  • Vaikom Trail: A beautiful trekking path that starts from Vaikom Mahadeva Temple and winds through many paddy fields and coconut groves, eventually culminating at the famous Marthanda Varma Bridge.
  • Kumarakom Villa Trail: Located in Kumarakom, the trail is a beautiful walk through the beautiful villas and beautiful backwaters.

Best Things to Do in Vaikom: Activities and Tours

  • Experience Kathakali and Kalaripayattu: Kerala’s traditional martial art form, Kalaripayattu, is a must-watch performance in the region. Another amazing performance to watch is Kathakali, a dance-drama that includes colorful costumes and intricate makeup.
  • Backwater Tours: Enjoy an idyllic boat ride with views of lush greenery on all sides, with some favorite tours such as Kumarakom and Alleppey, offering enchanting moments with nature.
  • Spice Farms Visit: Visit the nearby gardens, and explore the rich aroma of various spices that make Kerala’s cuisine so popular across the country.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vaikom

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
Visit Vaikom Mahadeva Temple & Vaikom Beach Visit Thanneermukkom Bund Visit Populated Kumarakom Visit Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall Enjoy Water Sports Visit St. Mary’s Church in Alleppey Enjoy backwaters & Fort Kochi

Food and Drink Scene of Vaikom

Must-Try Dishes

  • Appam with Stew: A traditional breakfast dish in Kerala, appam and stew is a combination of thin and fluffy rice pancakes served with a flavorful vegetable stew.
  • Kerala Fish Curry: A delicious and spicy fish curry that pleases both seafood lovers and non-seafood lovers.
  • Puttu and Kadala Curry: One of Kerala’s most famous breakfast dishes, Puttu is steamed rice cakes and kadala Curry, a spicy and tangy black-eyed peas curry.

Local Beverages

  • Chukku Kaapi: A refreshing and warming coffee-like drink made with ginger.
  • Toddy: A low-alcohol fermented beverage made from the sap of palm trees.

Where to Stay in Vaikom: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Orchard House: A quaint guesthouse located in a serene location surrounded by greenery and serene views.
  • Rainbow Homestay: A cozy homestay with warm hosts and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Vaikom: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Coir Products: As Vaikom is in the heart of Kerala’s coconut industry, coir products such as ropes, carpets, mats must be on your list.
  • Spices: As Kerala is famous for its spices, you can buy spices like black pepper, turmeric, mustard, and cardamom to bring some flavor back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Vaikom

Vaikom is a predominantly Hindu town, and as such, visitors to the town should dress modestly while visiting the temples. Smoking and drinking are not appreciated and will offend the local community.

Best Time to Visit Vaikom

The best time to visit Vaikom is from October to February. The weather is pleasant, and it’s the perfect time to explore the beaches, backwaters, and other natural attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vaikom

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions while visiting temples and places of worship.
  • Sample the delicious local cuisine and drinks.
  • Plan outdoor activities during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun’s heat.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes while visiting a temple.
  • Click photographs unless it’s explicitly allowed.
  • Enter any religious place with shoes on.

Safety and Health

Safety in Vaikom

Vaikom is a relatively safe town, but travelers should be vigilant while traveling at night and avoid walking alone in empty areas.

Health in Vaikom

Vacations can be ruined by illness, so here are some quick tips to stay healthy:

  • Drink only bottled water.
  • Carry a good-quality mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Dress according to the weather to avoid heat exhaustion or sunstroke.

Getting to Vaikom: Transportation Options and Logistics

Vaikom is well connected by roadways, railways, and airways, and here’s how you can reach there:

Airports Near Vaikom

  • Cochin International Airport(1 hour and 33 minutes)

Bus Stations Near Vaikom

  • Youth Hostel, Vaikom(10 minutes)
  • Kumarakom(on-State transport only)

Other Options

  • Taxis can be easily hired from the airport, railway stations, or bus stations, and pre-booked cabs services as well are available.

How to Get Around in Vaikom

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and private cars are available readily for tourists to get around. Travelers can also hire bicycles to explore the town and its surroundings during the day.

Where to Go Next from Vaikom: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kumarakom(13.3 km)
  • Alleppey(30.5 km)
  • Fort Kochi(53.1 km)

Conclusion

Vaikom is a charming town packed with cultural and natural attractions, and the peace-loving people make a visit to the town a great experience. The journey to Vaikom promises an exciting and tranquil break away, where you can enjoy a serene experience amidst the pristine, refreshing scenery. So pack your bags, and plan your visit to Vaikom today.