Kottayam

Kottayam

Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. It is located in central Kerala and is also the administrative capital of Kottayam district. Bordered by the lofty and mighty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations, places associated with many legends and a totally literate people have given Kottayam District the enviable title: The land of letters, legends, latex and lakes. Other interests are Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in the heart of the town, which was built in the early 16th century by the Raja of Thekkumkur. The interior murals depict themes from Hindu epics. Thazhathangady Juma Masjid by the Meenachil river is one of the oldest mosques of India and famous for its wooden carvings and architecture. Some beautiful Syrian Christian churches are worth seeing. Of them, St. Mary's Orthodox Church, known as Cheriapally has old murals which date back to 1600s.

Sightseeing in Kottayam

St. Mary's Orthodox Church
Kottayam is the centre for the Syrian Christians of Kerala. This church, also known as"Cheriya Palli" or little church belongs to the Malankara orthodox Christians and was built in the year 1579 by the Raja of Tekkumur for his Christian subjects. The church features temple architectural influences and has an architectural blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with splendid murals on biblical and non-biblical themes.

Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
This is one of the famous Shiva temples of Kottayam. It is located in the heart of the town and attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the annual festival. The 10 day annual festival is a grand affair, which displays a music and folkdance extravaganza. The festival is called"Aaraattu" and gives you glimpses of Kerala's traditions, rituals and world famous art forms. You are also bound to see a lot of colour, enthusiasm and elephants in the processions during the fest. The temple is a good example of Kerala style of architec ture. The interior murals depict themes of Hindu epics. It was built at the beginning of 16th century by the then Raja of Thekkumkur.

Thazhathangady Juma Masjid
Thazhathangady Juma Masjid situated on the banks of the river Meenachil and is one of the oldest mosques of Kerala. This is also called as the"Taj Juma Masjid". The ancestors of this Masjid came and settled in Kottayam, from different parts of Kerala. The Muslims who lived here played an active role in Freedom Struggle and other National Movements. This mosque is known for its wooden carvings and architecture. The environs of this Masjid are clean and sparkling. The Masjid looks particularly beautiful on a moonlit night.

Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a small village 14km. west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, which is a ' wonder land ', lying below sea level, comprising of a number of islands, in the back waters. Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, this small water world has plenty of traditional country boats, crafts and canoes which will take you in to the heart of scenic Kerala. The resorts near by offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massages, Yoga and meditation besides boating, fishing, angling and swimming.

Vemabanad Lake
Kottayam has a vast nertwork of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake, a fast developing backwater tourism destination. Vembanad Lake is having 83.72km. length and 14.48km. Width. Traditional Cargo boats called Kettuvallams are modified into Cruise boats and House boats, with all basic facilities like kitchen, toilet, bathrooms, sit outs etc. These boats gracefully move around the back waters, providing facilities to tourist to enjoy the beauty of the Vembanad Lake in a relaxed pace. The Kumarakom tourist village offers house boat cruises and holiday packages. In the Vembanad Lake there is a small beautiful island called Pathiramanal or the Midnight sands. This lonely island in the Vemabanad Lake is accessible only by boat.

Kottayam Boat Races
In the festive months of August and September, the rivers in and near Kottayam are turned into festival centers. The serene lakes come alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing. In the Kumarakom boat race conducted at Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers, about 50 types of boats viz veppu, ody, churulan and few snake boats participate.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
An attraction of Kumarakom is the Bird sanctuary spreading over 14 acres of land. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen, other common varieties like the wood pecker, sky lark, crane and parrots can also be spotted here. 91 Species of local 50 species of migratory birds are found here. The best time to bird watch is June-August and migratory birds during November-February. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. House Boats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises in the Lake.

Things to do in Kottayam

Bird Watching
An attraction of Kumarakom is the Bird sanctuary spreading over 14 acres of land. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen, other common varieties like the wood pecker, sky lark, crane and parrots can also be spotted here. 91 Species of local 50 species of migratory birds are found here. The best time to bird watch is June-August and migratory birds during November-February. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. House Boats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises in the Lake.

Houseboat Ride
The traditional Kerala rice boat called Kattuvallam cruise is another which you can not miss. Cruises can be tailored to your needs from hourly basis to overnight cruises. These boats are up to 100 feet long and equipped with all modern amenities like bedroom, attached toilet, kitchen, sitting area etc. Enjoy the Kerala villages when these boats cruise through small canals and an unforgettable local cuisine from its kitchen.

Feel Ayurveda
Kottayam has a number of Kerala Ayurvedic centers out of which some are run by traditional ayurveda vaidyar families. The packages varies from rejuvenation body massage to treatment for your diseases.

Picnic to Elaveezhapoonchira
Elaveezha poonchira, a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60kms from Kottayam is gaining tourist importance. Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali the legendary heroine of Mahabharata. The D.T.P.C. is developing this place into a trekking spot. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira are spread across thousands of acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft. is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Elaveezha poonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sun rise and sunset.

Visit Poonjar Palace
The Poonjar Palace in Meenachil taluk is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. With the palace walls, is an extra ordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palanquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, a variety of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva ), grain measures, statues and weapons. A unique couch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes. Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple have sculptures with war fare stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India). However the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stonewalls of the Sastha Temple nearby. Such rocks cut lamps are rare in India.

Trip to Vagamon
Situated 64kms from Kottayam, this enchanting hill station at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's paradise. This enchanting hill station on the Idukki-Kottayam border dotted with tea gardens and meadows will soon be one of India's foremost Eco tourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala Live stock Board is located here.

How to reach Kottayam

Nearest bus stations: Kottayam has both private and KSRTC bus stations in the town itself.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, in the town itself.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 93 km away