Situated in the central Travancore area of
Kerala, Mavelikara was the sub-capital of the erstwhile Travancore state. This ancient town of
Alappuzha District is on the banks of Achankovil River. Mavelikara is about 18 km south of
Thiruvalla and is 13 km from
Kayamkulam.
Mavelikara is a land of rich and diverse traditions in the field of culture, religion, art forms and festivals from very ancient time. It is famous for the Government Hospital, one of the oldest medical institutions in Kerala, which was started in the year 1863. Bishop Moore College, Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts and IHRD College of Applied Sciences are the main institutions at Mavelikara.
Always in the forefront of art and culture, this place has given birth to several eminent musicians and singers.
Sree Krishna Swami Temple, located at the heart of the town, is a major shrine of Travancore. The Buddha Statue at Mavelikara is a famous tourist attraction in Alappuzha District. Discovered in 1936, this statue dates back to the ninth century and is well preserved within a shrine as an archeological monument. Lord Buddha is in meditation with closed eyes and is in lotus position.
Chettikulangara, famous for a devi temple, is 5 km from Mavelikara. Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, 3 km east of Mavelikara, is another major shrine.
Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport are at equal distance. Mavelikara Railway Station is on the Kollam-Kottayam line.
