The Cave Temple

Rare entities among the temple architecture of Kerala, cave temples are few. This one is at Ittiva at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district. Separated from Chadayamangalam by a mere 11 km on the M.C.Road between Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam this temple is an excellent specimen of rock cut architecture. Hundreds of visitors come stand and admire. It is carved out from a gigantic piece of rock, lying in the middle of a paddy field. From a distance this architectural wonder gives the impression of a sleeping elephant. This rock cut temple represents the ambiance of an ancient culture and also the traditional artistic excellence prevalent during that period. The temple, known as Kottukal Kal Thrikovil Cave Temple, has two square rooms with the main deity, Lord Ganapathy in between. The other deities at the cave temple include Lord Siva in the form of Siva Lingam, Hanuman and Nandikeswara. A Mandapam in front of one of the rooms stands testimony to the skills and genius of sculptors and architects who build this temple from a single piece of rock. The temple premise also has a perennial well that never dries up.

Air: The nearest airport, Thiruvananthapuram, is 72km away from Kollam.

Rail: Kollam is connected by rail with several important cities.

Road: 10 km East of MC Road from Chadayamangalam.