8.889576.9053Kollam, Kerala

CAVE

Kottukkal Cave Temple - Ancient Rock-Cut Shrine in Kollam

An ancient rock-cut temple from the 7th-8th century, carved from a single massive rock, located in a quiet village setting in Kollam.

Kollam, Kerala30 minutes8:00 AM – 6:00 PMFree EntryNo Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to visit is from September to March. During these months, the weather in Kerala is pleasant, with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures, making it suitable for exploring the outdoor site. The monsoon season, from June to August, transforms the landscape into a lush green, but heavy rains can make the rock surfaces slippery and travel challenging. Summer months from April to May can be quite hot and humid.

Duration:30 minutes

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Kottukkal Cave Temple?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Kottukkal Cave Temple is an impressive example of rock-cut architecture, dating back to the 7th or 8th century. Located in a quiet village setting, the entire temple complex is carved out of a single, massive piece of granite. The site features two distinct caves of unequal size. The main cave houses a Shiva Linga, while the smaller one contains a monolith of Nandi, Shiva's bull mount. A prominent carving of Lord Ganapathy is situated right at the front, guarding the entrance to the caves.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Weekends and major Hindu festival days like Mahashivratri.

Moderate

Weekday afternoons and during school holidays.

Low Season

Weekday mornings and during the monsoon season (June to August).

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

8:00 AM — 6:00 PM

Open all days. It is advisable to visit during daylight hours. Timings might vary slightly on special festival days.

Free entry for all visitors.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Kottukkal, Ittiva Grama Panchayat, Near Anchal, Kollam, Kerala 691538

Coordinates

8.8895, 76.9053

Nearest City

Kollam

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport, approximately 55 km away. A taxi from the airport to the temple takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

By Train

Kollam Junction (QLN) is the closest major railway station, located about 45 km from the temple. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus towar...

By Road

The temple is accessible by road from major cities like Kollam (45 km) and Thiruvananthapuram (55 km). The route typically involves driving on the Main Central ...

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are the most common form of local transport from nearby towns like Anchal or Kadakkal. Taxis can also be hired. Ride-hailing apps have limited se...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Believed to have been constructed between the 7th and 8th centuries AD, the Kottukkal Cave Temple shows architectural similarities to the Pallava style. While its exact patronage is not confirmed, local traditions and its design suggest influences from the Pandya or Ay dynasties. Local legends somet...

Significance

The primary significance of Kottukkal Cave Temple lies in its unique rock-cut architecture. It is one of the few examples of this style found in Kerala, making it an important archaeological site. The entire temple, including its two shrines and deities, is carved from a single boulder, showcasing r...

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