Panachikkadu Temple: One Of The Most Revered Temples In Kerala

The Panachikkadu Temple in Kerala, also known as Dakshina (southern) Mookambi. There is a worshipping order prescribed here wherein you have to offer your prayers to Lord Vishnu and then go to the pond where Goddess Saraswati’s idol is placed. This is a unique temple with no inner sanctum or surrounding buildings. A small rectangular pool is there, covered with evergreen vines, while the original idol of the Goddess is hidden inside a grove of vines. The sacred water that flows washes the feet of the idol and never dries up. It is truly a divine place to visit.

About

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In the sixth century, a head of the Kizhuppuram household was longing for a male child, so he set out on a journey to attain peace by taking a bath in the River Ganga and worshipping the goddess of Mookambika. One day the goddess appeared in his dream and told him about a Brahmin lady in Karunad who would deliver twins and asked him to legally adopt one of the twins. Happily, he went to bathe in a pond and kept his coconut-leaf umbrella. But after taking a bath he was not able to lift the umbrella. The goddess was residing on the umbrella and was then placed in a stone figure lying in the nearby forest.

Suggested Read: Vishnu Temples In Kerala For A Spiritual Experience

Places To Visit Near Panachikkadu Temple

Discover the top places to visit near Panachikkadu Temple, from serene and scenic viewpoints to historic temples and lush hills – perfect for a peaceful and culturally rich getaway.

1. Alleppey Beach

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Alleppey Beach is a commercial beach that is very famous for its natural beauty, an ancient pier, and a lighthouse. It is an ideal place for adventure and fun. This large and sandy beach’s pier is around 150 years old. Tourists come here to relax, indulge in water sports, stroll along the shore, and sunbathe amidst the swaying palm trees. They can also wander around the market, and enjoy some local delicacies.

Distance From Panachikkadu Temple: 42km
Top Experiences: Jetski, paragliding

2. Nadukani

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Nadukani is a beautiful place nestled in the wilderness of nature and densely wooded hills. This place offers a perfect trekking background for adventure lovers. It lies at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level, atop a hill. The mesmerizing view of the mountains and River Muvattupuzha. Tourists love to visit this tranquil hill station to enjoy in the lap of nature. Take some breathtaking photographs and refresh your mind and soul.

Location: Idukki, Kerala, India

Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kerala

3. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple

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Chhotanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most celebrated Hindu temples in Kerala. This temple is unique as the goddess here is worshipped in three forms – Saraswati, Durga, and Lakshmi. People believe that this temple cures the mental illness of people who come to pray here. The goddess is worshipped in a white Sari in the morning as Saraswati, in a bright red Sari in noon as Mahalakshmi, and in a blue sari in the evening as Durga. The temple is built in typical Kerala architecture, using wood.

Location: Ernakulam, Kochi
Timings: 4 AM – 12 pm, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

4. St. George Orthodox Church, Puthuppally

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St. George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally is a peaceful and historic site worth adding to your trip through Kottayam. Over 400 years old, this church is known for its grand annual feast in May and its stunning mix of Kerala and Persian architecture. The calm surroundings, colourful murals, and detailed altar offer a glimpse into the region’s cultural past. For anyone exploring places to visit in Kerala with family, this church provides a thoughtful blend of heritage, art, and spiritual tradition.

Distance From Panachikkadu Temple: 6 km
Top Experiences: Church architecture, Puthuppally Perunna

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kottayam For Your Next South India Trip

5. Marmala Waterfalls

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Tucked away in Teekoy village near Erattupetta, Marmala Waterfalls is a peaceful retreat for those who enjoy nature and quiet spots. The water falls from nearly 60 metres and winds through rubber plantations before meeting the Teekoy River. Getting here involves a short trek, which adds a touch of adventure. With its untouched surroundings and gentle roar of water, it’s one of the more offbeat places to visit in Kerala. The monsoon season brings out its full charm, though it’s lovely year-round.

Distance From Panachikkadu Temple: 58 km
Top Experiences: Trekking, Photography, Bird Watching

6. Bay Island Driftwood Museum

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Tucked away in Kumarakom, not far from Panachikkadu, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum showcases a rare collection of driftwood sculptures shaped by nature and preserved with care. These unique pieces, collected from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, were curated by Mrs Raji Punnoose, a former teacher with a deep passion for art and nature. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring cultural or offbeat things to do in Kerala. The museum also offers guided tours that bring each sculpture’s story to life.

Distance From Panachikkadu Temple: 26 km
Top Experiences: Driftwood sculptures, Guided tour/explanations by curator, Photography

Suggested Read: Best Museums In Kerala To Plan Your Next Cultural Visit

7. Clay Art Cafe

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Clay Art Cafe offers a refreshing break for travellers who enjoy creativity with their coffee. This cosy space blends a casual cafe vibe with hands-on clay art and pottery sessions. You can sip on a hot brew while trying your hand at shaping clay or simply admire the art around you. With its earthy decor and calm setting, it’s a great spot for families, solo explorers, or anyone keen to enjoy something different while in Kerala.

Distance From Panachikkadu Temple: 32 km
Top Experiences: Clay modelling (live/on-demand), Art gallery (paintings & pottery)

Panachikkadu Temple Location

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The Temple is located in the Kottayam district, Kerala. It is 11 km from the Kottayam district headquarters of southern Kerala.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kottayam For An Offbeat Experience

How To Reach Panachikkadu Temple

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Reaching this temple is very easy as it is near Kottayam district. Tourists can reach this temple via road by hiring a local cab or autorickshaw. The nearest airport to this temple is the Cochin International Airport, at a distance of 70 km.

Where To Stay

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Tourists can stay at some good hotels located near the temple. They lie approximately 6-8 km away from the temple and are ideal for the night stay. Some of the best hotels near Panachikkadu Temple are – Hotel Mali International, Hotel Aida, Hotel Arcadia, and Hotel Icon Classic. They offer great comfort and facilities.

Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Kerala For An Amazing Getaway

Where To Eat

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Tourists can halt at some good restaurants near the temple, in Kottayam, for a scrumptious meal. Some good restaurants here are Thali Restaurant, Wheels Restaurant, Favourite Pizza, 12 to 12 Barbeque, Karimpumkala Restaurant, and many more. Tourists must try the authentic Kerala thali to feel the real essence of the place.

Best Time To Visit

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Tourists can visit this temple anytime during the year, but the best time is during the Saraswati Pooja in the month of Thulam, i.e. in September-October. The nine days of Navratri are also a good time to seek the blessings of the Goddess here.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kerala

Other Factors To Consider

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Average Cost Of The Trip

There are no entry charges to visit the temple. You will only need to bear the transportation cost to reach this divine temple. It turns out to be a very pocket-friendly trip.

Panachikkadu Temple, Kerala is a temple that will make you awestruck with its divinity and beauty. The creepers and immaculate spring are the two main attractions to notice here. The Saraswathy leaves cover the idol and the water touches the feet of the idol. It is one of the most scenic temples of Kerala, so you must plan a trip with TripXL and visit this serene temple.

Cover Photo: Manojk / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions