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