subject: The Temple Town Beckons You [print this page] Located to the Southern part of India and being one of the top ten paradises listed by the National Geographic, Kerala attracts a lot of tourists year after year. The beaches, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and religious spots make the state enchanting to the tourists. The known across the world as Gods own country is surely a paradise for those who seek entertainment, peace and serenity.
Vaikom located towards the North-West of Kottayam district is an excellent tourist spot. It is bordered on the West by the Vembanad Lake and many estuaries of Muvattupuzha River cross the town. It is also the birthplace of the famous Malayalam writer Vaikom Mohammed Basheer.
Being an oldest township of Kottayam district and lying between Ernakulam and Kottayam, it is easily accessible. One of the famous temples of Kerala, Vaikom Shiva Temple is in this town. The temple is also known as TekkanKashi and is a prominent place of worship.
Vaikom Shiva temple is situated at the heart of the town near to the Vembanad Lake. The celebration in the temple known as the VaikomAshtami that happens every year attracts numerous devotees to the place. The temple and the town is also historically important as it was there that the famous and first well organized Vaikom Satyagraha, which secured freedom for the lower castes and Dalits to use of the public roads surrounding the temple. Even the Indian National Congress involved in the movement as it was for the first time the civil rights of the lower caste people became a major concern of the Indian politics.
A trip through the Vembanad Lake listening to the whistles of the wind and soft ripples of the lake would be a heavenly experience. The traditional and serene atmosphere of the temple premises will bring to you peace and serenity.
Those who need not worry about the transportation as it is accessible from Kottayam and Ernakulam. The excellent boat service makes it easy to access Alappey district in about 15 minutes. Those who wish to stay in the town and enjoy its beauty can rely on the numerous hotels and resorts which are well known for the hospitality. Homestay is also available for those who do not prefer hostels and resorts. Kerala is known for its hospitality and ensures that those who visit the Gods own country have a memorable stay which they can treasure for a life time.
