Vaikom, situated 40 km away from Kottayam on the eastern side of Vembanad lake, is well known for the the ancient Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be built by Parasurama, the founder of Kerala. This is the place which had made a significance in Indian history with the 'Vaikom Sathyagraham' (1924), i.e the movement against untouchability in Hindu society. Leader of the Indian Freedom Movement Mahatma Gandhi had participated in this struggle and with his interference, all Hindus  irrespective of caste are allowed to enter the temples. Vaikom has a high potential for tourism with lots of backwater and greenery.