Kottayam was once the capital of the Thekkumkur Kings before the annexation of the kingdom by Marthandavarma. The existence of the ancient religious shrines of different communities in close proximity is proof of the glorious tradition of religious toleration of the people. Kottayam tourism is commercially important because of the extensive rubber plantations, system of transport based on a network of inland lagoons wind streams with ferry boats, backwaters and lushy paddy fields. This district is first in India to attain 100% literacy. All this has given this district the enviable title - the Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes. One can find large number of Syrian churches and Community in this district. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is in Kottayam. Kumarakom is an attractive places of tourists from several country. In kottayam tourism Kumarakom is the important tourist place.
District Area
2204 sq.km.
Taluk's
Meenachil, Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery, Kanjirapalli
Municipalities
Kottayam, Vaikom, Pala, Changanassery
Altitude
Sea Level
Tourist Season
September to March
Peermed, a snug little hill resort tucked away in the folds of the lovely High Ranges, is a veritable haven of the rest at 1066 metres above sea level in ldukki District.The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary of Thekkady, the domain of the elephant, the tiger and the bison amidst the grand heights and the deep shades of giant trees is on the blue Periyar Lake. Cruising on the lake watching herds of elephants, spotted deer, wild pigs, a few bison and perhaps having a glimpse of a tiger or a leopard is an enthralling experience. Here in the vastness of the jungle you will find bliss and peace, and be at one with pristine nature.
Birds in Thekkady
Migratory birds White Ibeesat Kumarakom
A short distance west of Kottayam lies Kumarakom, on the vast Vembanad Lake, boasting of a well known bird sanctuary. Egrets, darters, herons and teal please the ornithologists during their respective migratory seasons. A cruise on the lake, gently rocked by the waves rippling to the rhythm of the swaying coconut palms on the distant banks, could be truly exhilarating. Backwater spot accessible by boat from this place is 'Pathiramanal', or the midnight-sands, a lonely island in the lake, ideal for the honeymooners, to get away from it all.
In the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple. Thali Kotta Temple is the ancient Royal temple of Thekkumkoor Principality. Kudamaloor is equally famous.
The Thazhathangadi Mosque, one of the oldest in India, is on the Meenachil river which girdles the town like a silver band. Valliapally (built in 1550) has a historic Persian Cross. Cheriyapally still preserves the ancient Church architecture. The C.S.I. Cathedral Church built about 175 years ago is a monument of the British Era.Old Seminary, Mar Thoma Seminary and Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman traditions. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has its head quarters at Devakolam, Kottayam.
IPC Church
Kottayam town is the gateway to pilgrim centres of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcadu, Aruvithura and Athirampuzha. The famous Vaikom Siva Temple, associated with the legendary Parasurama, is just 40 km. north of Kottayam town and is a typical example of Kerala Temple Architecture. So also are the Temples of Perunna, Vazhappally and Thrikkodithanam near Changanacherry. The Temple at Ettumanoor about 12 km. north of Kottayam town is famous for murals and 'ezhara ponnana' or the 7½ elephants finished in gold. The Mosque at Erumeli about 60km north-east of Kottayam town is dedicated to Vavar, a contemporary and companion of Lord Ayyappa, a Hindu deity. Every year the unique sight of multitudes of Hindu pilgrims worshipping at this mosque before their trek to Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa is remarkably spectacular. What better example for Hindu Muslim amity over centuries in this country than this!
The Sacred 18 stepsbefore Shabari Mala Temple
Kottayam town is readily accessible by road, rail and backwaters from Kochi and Alappuzha. It is just 160 km. north of Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital and is on the railway line from Kanyakumari through Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi and beyond.Palatown and Kanjirappally, nourished by the Meenachil and Manimala rivers respectively are centres of rubber plantations. Wagamon, 60 km. from Kottayam and 30 km. from Pala. situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level is a trekker's paradise.Elaveezhapoonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hillocks.Come! Visit Kottayam! the Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes; the Land which epitomises the perfect blend of the trendy and the traditional. Leave behind reality for a while and walk into a historic past nestled nature's exquisite splendours.
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