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Pillared front mandapam and tall brass lamp towers of Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Home › Sacred places › Vaikom, Ettumanoor & Kaduthuruthy

Pilgrimage & heritage route · from Kottayam or Kochi

Vaikom, Ettumanoor & Kaduthuruthy route, cost & what to book

Three of Kerala's most important Shiva temples sit within about 20 km of each other near Kottayam: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple (one of the '108 Shiva temples' of Kerala tradition), Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, known for its mural paintings, and the older Kaduthuruthy Thali temple.

Photo: Georgekutty · Public domain · source

Duration1–2 days
Starts fromKottayam or Kochi
Cost from₹1,800 each
Stops5
Best timeOctober to February
Good forFamilies, Solo, Couples

Three of Kerala's most important Shiva temples sit within about 20 km of each other near Kottayam: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple (one of the '108 Shiva temples' of Kerala tradition), Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, known for its mural paintings, and the older Kaduthuruthy Thali temple. A compact circuit that can be done in a single long day from Kottayam.

Step 2 of 6Next: Route
Your trip plan · PDF

Vaikom, Ettumanoor, planned for you

Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.

  1. Day 1 Kottayam to Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple to Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
    • TravelKottayam₹250
    • TravelEttumanoor Mahadeva Temple₹30
    • TravelVaikom Mahadeva Temple₹30
  2. Day 2 Kaduthuruthy to Return to Kottayam

₹49 once, 5 pages. Secure payment by Razorpay, instant download. Already bought? Get your download

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The route, stop by stop

The whole route first. Tap any stop and the map zooms to just that place.

Route

Stops

Kottayam → Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple → Vaikom Mahadeva Temple → Kaduthuruthy · Directions in Google Maps ↗

  1. 1
    Base. Train from Kochi (1 h 30 m) or Thiruvananthapuram (3 h) Map ↗
  2. 2
    12 km, bus or auto Map ↗
  3. 3
    18 km further, bus Map ↗
  4. 4
    10 km from Vaikom Map ↗
  5. 5
    Bus Map ↗

Travel legs add up to about ₹370 per person.

Step 3 of 6Next: Cost

What it costs

Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.

Your group₹3,600
Couple · from Kottayam or Kochi
Per person₹1,800

A do-it-yourself budget: trains and buses, simple lodges and temple meals. Paid darshan and donations are extra.

Step 4 of 6Next: What to book

What to book ahead

Step 5 of 6Next: Stay & food

Where to stay and eat

Stay

Kottayam has hotels across every budget and is the natural base — all three temples are day-trip distance.

Food

Kottayam town has good Kerala meals houses. Try the local toddy-shop food culture if you eat fish and meat.

Local tip: Ettumanoor's murals are among the finest surviving temple paintings in Kerala — allow extra time there rather than rushing to the next stop.
Step 6 of 6Next: FAQ

Photos

Questions people ask

How many days do you need for Vaikom, Ettumanoor?

1–2 days, starting from Kottayam or Kochi.

What is the best time for Vaikom, Ettumanoor?

October to February. Vaikom Ashtami (December–January) is a major festival at the main temple and draws large crowds.

How much does Vaikom, Ettumanoor cost?

From about ₹1,800 per person doing it yourself, with the travel legs adding up to roughly ₹370.

What needs to be booked in advance?

Trains to Kottayam: Frequent from both Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram; no advance booking usually necessary outside festival season. Vaikom Ashtami: If travelling in December–January, check the festival dates, as the town becomes very crowded.

Where do pilgrims stay?

Kottayam has hotels across every budget and is the natural base — all three temples are day-trip distance.

What about food?

Kottayam town has good Kerala meals houses. Try the local toddy-shop food culture if you eat fish and meat.

Guides for Vaikom, Ettumanoor & Kaduthuruthy

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Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.

By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Georgekutty · Public domain · source · Photo: Ms Sarah Welch · CC0 · source · Photo: T M Cyriac · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Ganesh Mohan T · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

1–2 days · —
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