KOTTUKKAL ROCK CUT CAVE

At a distance of 44 Kms from Kollam, Rock-Cut Cave Temple located in Kottukal is a magnificent temple situated at a distance of 10 Kms from Ayur junction on Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam.

This rock-cut temple has a ShivLinga & sculptures of Nandi & Hanuman. This temple has similarities with Mahabalipuram temple (near Chennai) and is believed to belong to Pallava period - 8th Century. There are two 10 ft x 8 ft rooms cut through rocks and covered by a single rock overhead. The temple would appear like an elephant's back from outside.

A rectangular carved area in the center of cave has the image of Ganapati carved on the rock. On either sides of it are two larger structures. Inside of each structure are the entrances to the inner shrines. One of the entrances has a Nandi carved in the portico and the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.The rock cut temple with the Shiva linga flanked by Nandi and Sri Hanuman is believed to belong to the Pallava period (8th century BC) and contemporaneous with the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram near Chennai. There are two 10 ft x 8 ft rooms cut into the rocks and covered by a single rock overhead. The temple would appear like an elephant's back from outside. The combination of Shiva linga , Nandi and Hanuman is found nowhere else in India.

Best Season:

The best season to visit Kottukkal is December to May.