You should never miss this splendid temple festival if you are in Kerala this November. Vaikom, a town near Kottayam, is known for its Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The annual festival here, known as Vaikkathashtami is celebrated here in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. On the day of Ashtami, the most prominent day of the festival, the Thidampu ( an idol in which the presence of the deity is invoked) of Lord Shiva (known here as Vaikom Mahadevar) is taken out in procession. On its way, many deities from nearby temples join the procession. The cultural fare includes classical music and dance performances including night-long Kathakali performances.

Getting there:

Nearest railway stations: Ernakulam, about 36 km towards the north; Kottayam, about 40 km towards the south.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 56 km away.