Kottayam Tourist Attractions

Kottayam

Kottayam, is one of the districts in the southern part of Kerala which is formed on 1 Nov 1956 and has an area of about 2204 sq. Km. It lies on the latitude 9.595°N and longitude 76.531°E. Kottayam consists of 3 taluks, Changanasserry, Kanjirappally, Kottayam, Meenachil and Vaikom. The district Head quarters is also in the same city, Kottayam. The border of the district includes the Western Ghats on the east and Kuttanad on the west.

The town is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber. It is believed that the name "Kottayam" is derrived from the [Malayalam / Tamil] words "kotta" (fort) and "akam" (inside), and can be roughly translated as "the interior of the fort".

Tourist Attractions

Vembanad Lake: People can enjoy the back waters as well as the beauty of the place on travelling by the luxurious cargo boats known as Kettuvallams.

Pathiramanal: Near to the Vembanad Lake there located a small beautiful island which is known as Pathiramanal (the midnight sands) . We can get down there only by boat.

Kumarakom: This is a beautiful village located on the Coast of Vembanad Lake. We can see thick coconut groves, mangroves and lush green paddy fields all over the place. A bird sanctuary is also there at Kumarakom where we can see a wide variety of birds.

Bharananganam: Nowadays it is one of the famous pilgrimage centres in Kerala. The place is now nicknamed as the “Lisieux of India” since it is blessed with the tomb of St. Alphonsa.

Vennimala - The hill of victory: This beautiful hill top destination is located 15 km from the Kottayam town. The major attractions at Vennimala are its age old Lord Sreerama and Lekshmana temple. It is believed that Lord Rama as well as Lakshmana came to this spot during their exile. Cheraman Perumal illustrated emperor of ancient Kerala consecrated this temple and stayed in this place. The temple celebrates twenty Eight days of annual festival every year. The place also was the residence of Tekkumkoor dynasty. The place is covered by lush green vegetation and rubber plantations. There were numerous big and small fresh water ponds in this hill.  Another major attraction here is a huge cave on one side of the hill, half a km from the temple. It is believed that this cave, runs for over a kilometer to the temple premises, though it has been closed by fallen rocks.

2. Matrumala: Matrumala is located in Kooropada village. It is about 8 km from Vennimala. This hill top offers stunning views of the entire surroundings. The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here.

3. Kallara: This little village is located about 20 km from Kottayam town. The neighboring villages of Kaduthuruthy and  Thalayolaparambu has unending stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad lake. In ancient days, large barge like country boats transported goods from Alapuzha to Thalayolaparambu and Kaduthuruthy through these intricate networks of waterways. The waterways also connect Kallara with Vaikom and Kumarakom. Scenic stretches in the village include Ayamkudi, Kapikkad, Mundar,Pulithuruth, Erunthuruth, Pazhampetti, Ponnurukkumparaand Karikkal. There are ancient temples and churches scattered in the village. The backwaters of Ezhumanthuruth have many attractive small islands in them. The unique attraction here is the concentration of screw pine product making in this little village. Screw pine Products range from table mats, purse, file holders, mirrors, chapels, waste box, cushions, hats, kitchen pouches, decoration items etc. Kallara also produces bamboo products, rubber wood items and wood products.

4. Alapra: Alapra is located 45 km from Kottayam. The serene forest, pretty cascades, small streams, rocks offering stunning views add symphony to this village. The unique feature of Alapra is the small temple in the forest. The Thacharickal Bhagavathi temple is the only place in Kottayam district where the folk art of Padayani is performed.

5. Ramapuram: Ramapuram is a beautiful village located 15km from Pala town. This small village was the birth place of Ramapurathu Warrier, the profounder of Vanchipattu. Ramapuram also is blessed with its old church and its famous missionaries-paramekkal Thoma Kathanar and Daivadasan Thevarparambil Kunjachan. The word 'Ramapuram' means 'the abode of Lord Rama'. True to its name the village has its Chief deity Lord Sreerama. Ramapuram is unique in the sense that it houses the temples of Rama as well as his three brothers in its vicinity in a radius of just three kms- Lord Bharata at Amanakara, Lakshmana at Kedapuiam and Sathrughna at Methiri.

6. Kudamaloor: This ancient village is located on the banks of river Meenachil. The Valiyamadom Nalukettu stands in the locality where the old palace of the kings once stood. This residence is today inhabited by the royal family. The village has a number of old nalukettus and mansions that survive even to this day. A part of the remains of the fort of the kings still stands near Eraveeswaram Temple in the village. The holes where canons were fixed in the wall and the raised platforms can be seen even today in this fort wall. The Kings had a fleet of naval vessels - the chundan valloms which were anchored at Kottakadavu near the palace. Kudamaloor was a cradle of traditional Kerala art and architecture. The village is a land of temples. The Vasudevapuram Temple here has numerous mural paintings. The religious harmony of this village is personified by the 800 year old St. Mary's church that was built by the Hindu King. The ritual offering here is a traditional water bag and rope used to draw water from the well.

7. Ithipuzha: Ithipuzha is a village where the river Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake giving a scenic view. There are few houseboats, no resorts and hence charming and serene waterways all round the village. The various distributaries of the river create numerous beautiful islands in its course. Here there are endless stretches of coconut palms and vast green paddy fields.

8. Pallam: Pallam is located 5km from Kottayam town. The setting is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax. Another unique feature here is the old light house put up at this site in 1813 A.D. by the British resident of Travancore, Col. Munroe. The light house still stands intact facing the placid backwaters providing an excellent view of the lush green paddy fields and swaying coconut palm.


9. Aruvikuzhy Waterfalls: The waterfalls is located amidst shady rubber plantations, streams tinkle as they make their way through the rugged landscape and roars down cascading from a height of hundred feet. This beautiful picnic spot is located at Pallickathodu 25 km from Kottayam town.

10. Aruvikachal: This is one of the highest waterfalls in Kerala gushing down from a height of 235 feet. Aruvikachal is located in Poonjar Thekkekara village and can be accessed from Erattupetta. Adivaram, Ummikunnu, Puliyallu, Muttanallu, Parayambalam etc. are some of the scenic spots scattered around Aruvikachal. The 3500 ft high Mutukoramala offers spectacular views. The Poonjar Palace is also noteworthy.

Other famous tourist places include Ilaveezhapoonchira, Maramala Waterfalls, Panchalimedu, Parunthumpara, Wagamon, etc.

How to reach Kottayam

By Air

Kochi international airport is located around 93 km from Kottayam is nearest one.

By Train

Kottayam railway station is the nearest railhead.

By Road

State owned and private run buses are available to reach major cities of Kerala.

Weather

In Summer 22-35°C, in winter 22-25°C. Best visited during September to April.

For more information

fasilanchal@gmail.com

Kerala

The state of Kerala is one of the most popular tourist spots in India.Its truly named as the one of the ten paradises of the world by the National Geographic Traveler

Kerala has a rich history of art and culture. Glorious and vibrant classical dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Theyyam, Thiruvathirakali and more than 30 varieties of folk dances and tribal arts form an integral part of the intricate Kerala culture that ornaments this beautiful and scenic land sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the vast Arabian Sea.

The traditional Kerala handicrafts, folk and classical music, gold jewelry and paintings form an inseparable part of the Kerala culture. Shop for bamboo and coir artifacts at the local bazaars located in different parts of Kerala, South India and be captivated at the intricate skill and artistic acumen of the locals. Woodcarving is an important Kerala craft that provides livelihood to the people of Kerala, South India.


 Kerala is famous to be the land of spices. Foods, that you have will be tasty, delicious and mouth watering. Veg and non-veg cuisines are available in lower prices in compare to the other states in India. Without foods and beverage, no trip is good. Kerala has plenty of dishes to offer you. Choose anyone of them and relish the taste of being in Kerala.
 Kerala, the “God’s own country” has many things to offer for the visitors, tourists, and travelers from all over the world. It has temples, sea beaches, hill stations, flora and fauna, luxurious landscape, and many other things but what makes it most famous is the backwaters

Some majour attractions of kerala

Alapuzha-the Venice of the East

 

Alappuzha also known as Alleppey is the Venice of the East and rightly so. Swaying palms, silver beaches, charming lagoons and canals make it a charming sight. It is one of Kerala’s most popular tourist destination and attracts a steady inflow of tourists all around the year.

Alappuzha – formerly known as Alleppey is one of the 14 districts of the state of Kerala coming 4th from the southern tip - that is Trivandrum. Alappuzha is the oldest town in Kerala with rich history .Alappuzha had trade relation ship with Greece and Rome in ancient times. The present town was built by Sri Raja Kesavadasan.about two centuries back
Alappuzha is now the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. House boats locally called "Kettuvallam" are the famous attraction there. Kettuvallam?s are huge boats equipped with hall facilities.
Kuttanadu in Kerala, India, is the region with the lowest altitude in India, with 500 square kilometres of the region below sea level. Its elevation ranges from 0.6 m above to 2.2 metres below sea level. Most of the area is covered with water throughout the year. Kuttanadu is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea 
Nehru trophy boat race on the punnamada lake, near Alappuzha held on the second Saturday of august every year.
 There is a lot more to see and experience in Alappuzha:
Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple

The highlight of this magnificent temple is its massive oil lamp made from granite. This lamp can hold up to 1,000 wicks. When they are lit together, it truly creates an unforgettable sight. The best time to visit the temple is February and March when a special festival is held for the Bhadrakali deity who is known with her miraculous healing powers.

Eddakal Caves
Located in the Ambukuthis hills, these caves were formed by a massive split in the side of a cliff. The two natural rock formations that resulted are a repository of well-preserved pictographs dating back to ancient times. These caves are considered to be among the finest in the world. You have to hike about half a mile along a trail to reach them.

Kanakakkunnu Palace

The Travencore Kings lived in this spectacular palace dating from the 1800s. It has crystal chandeliers and ornate furniture that take you back to these regal times. It has a red brick exterior and has gables and pagoda shape. The palace comes alive at dusk when lights turn the palace into a work of art.

Karaumadikuttan

Here you can witness the 11th century statue of the Buddha. It is the source of many historical legends. Just two miles east of Alleppy, a visit to this site is worth a quick stop, as the atmosphere is positively magical.

Pathiramanal - According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanadu lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of (sands of midnight) Pathiramanal . This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessable only by boat.
R-Block. - These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering kow-how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of Land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around . Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below Sea Level. A leisurely cruise along the Canals that surround these Kayals is a memorable experience.
Karumadikuttan -Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.
Kumarakodi - 20 km south of Alappuzha, Mahakavi Kumaranasan, one of the greatest poets of modern Kerala is laid to rest here. He was the P.D Shelly of Malayalam Literature. As an brought great changes in literature and could give the clarions call for changing the society also.
Saradha Mandiram, Mavelikkara - A.R Rajaraja Varma was a great poet and grammerian, The Malayalam literature is much indebted to Sri. A.R Thampuran. Saradha Mandiram was built by him as his residence. Now it is bought by the State Govt. & kept as his memorial.
Krishnapuram Palace - Built by Marthandavarma, this place at karthikappally in Kayamkulam is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala. This palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Alappuzha Beach - This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old light house which is greatly fascinating to visitors

How to reach ?

About Alappuzha Places To See

Alappuzha or Alleppey (as it was known earlier) is one of the top backwater destination of Kerala. Although this city is famous for Alappuzha beach which is its prime attraction. Beside being a beach destination Alappuzha is also a famous backwater destination of Kerala. It is these backwaters that make Alleppey boat house ride an experience of a lifetime. The natural beauty that one can see during Alleppey houseboat trip is impossible to explore any other way.

Ambalapuzha (Pilgrim Centre)

The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 km from Alleppey is among Kerala`s more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectrual style of the State. It is equally famed for its palpayasam -a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple`s main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.

Pathiramanal (An Island)

This is a small beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake and is accessible only by boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma. You can also take Alappuzha house boat ride.

Punnapra

A short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police in the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 194 6.

Arthunkal Palli (Pilgrim Centre)

Arthunkal Palli known for the St. Andrews church established by Portuguese missionaries is near Sherthallai, 33 km north of Alappuzha. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January.

Karumadi

Close to Ambalapuzha, the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan, a black granite figure of Budha said to belong to the 9th or 10th century.

Krishnapuram Palace

The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures 14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 km from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either town.

Houseboats In Alleppey

Alappuzha boat house take the tourists through the beautiful lakes and lagoon of this serene town. Based in the heart land of backwater tourism of Kerala, houseboat in Alappuzha are a perfect way for a romantic gateway with your partner. Take a trip of the Lake Palace Alleppey in one of the houseboat Alleppey and let the magic of this place sweep you off your feet. But before you go there just make sure to know about the Alleppey houseboat rates so that you do not have to face any problem there.

• Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport - 70 km
• Nearest Railway Station : 4 km away from the center of the town

Best time to Visit

• October to March