Situated on the banks of the river Manimala, Kaviyoor
is known for its temples. The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple, also
known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple, is of great historical importance and
is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological Department. It bears
close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and according to
the archaeologists, it dates back to the eighth century AD. The
engravings at this temple are among the earliest specimens of stone
sculptures in Kerala. Enshrined in a square cave is the main deity of
the shrine Lord Siva represented in the ' Sivalinga', which is about
three feet high and carved out of rock. The shrine also has idols of
Maharshi, Ganapathy and Dwarapalakas. The Hanuman Temple is another
noted shrine in Kaviyoor, which stands on a small hillock and is built
in the gable style architecture uncharacteristic to Kerala.
