Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple

Vizhinjam is a seaside hamlet, and one of the earliest rock-cut caves in Kerala is very close to the scenic Kovalam Beach. It is situated 17 km from Trivandrum.Vizhinjam Caves have rock cut sculptures from the 8th century that houses one-celled shrine of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi with the outer wall depicting an unfinished statue of Lord Shiva holding a bow and Parvathi on either side. The icon of Tripurantaka with a bow and arrow in two of his four hands, with his left foot resting on Apasmara, the crown of his head that's elegantly carved and highly ornate is a beautiful model of the 8th-century art. It is incomplete yet mesmerising to see.

With two zones of north and south that concentrates on the Chera and Ay community, the oldest rock-cut cave is an intrusive element in Kerala. The nearby attractions of this place are Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium and the Fishing Harbour. Since 1965, Vizhinjam Caves is a protected monument under the control of Archaeological Survey of India. Although it went unnoticed for many years, it's structure holds great significance. It is arguably the smallest rock-cut shrine in southern India.