KOTTAYAM - An important tourist place in Kerala
Kottayam is located in central Kerala in India. It is believed that the name Kottayam originated from the Malayalam words 'Kotta' meaning fort and 'akam' meaning 'inside', giving the word meaning 'interior of the fort'. The town is an important trading center of spices and predominantly known for its commercial crop rubber. Rubber trees are extensively cultivated in central Kerala, especially in vast areas of Kottayam District, in plantations, both large and small. Interspersed with a network of canals and lakes, Kottayam is also known for its toddy tappers. This is one place where you will find that even one person is not illiterate. The beautiful Vembanand Lake and its associated backwaters border Kottayam district on the West. There are many famous churches in Kottayam including the St Mary's church and the St Joseph's monastery. Some of the famous temples in Kottayam are the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple known for its paintings and sculptures and the Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple. You can see the historic churches and temples of Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
The temples of Kottayam like thes Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple boast of a magnificent architecture along with a rich historical past. There are more than 50 temple shrines located in Kottayam each one unique in its architectural style. Some of the other tourist places of Kottayam like Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid, are located near Kottayam, while others such as Pallipurathu Kavu temple are situated within the geographical premises of this district of Kerala. Apart from religious places, Kottayam is also popular for many cultural events like boat racing. Boat racing has become one of the annual events of Kottayam which is attended by many tourists from different parts of India and even from other countries. The bird sanctuaries, enchanting backwaters and the lush green plantations offer an ideal framework for eco tourism and features as one of the prominent tourist attractions of Kottayam. Blessed with a natural splendor and religious bliss, Kottayam tourist attractions captivate the imagination.
What to See in Kottayam
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - It is the place to go if one wants to have a look at the natural habitat of elephants, the tiger and the bison.
The Thirunakkara Shiva Temple - It is also a famous must-see spot in Kottayam. The temple is a storehouse of the typical Kerala temple culture. The walls of the temple are decorated with beautiful paintings. Phalguna Utsav is celebrated here every March. The Kootiattam or the Sanskrit dramas are also an event of attraction in Kottayam.
Vembanad Lake: It is a great water-body which is part of Kerala's famous interconnected Kerala Backwaters that run virtually the length of the state. Vembanad Lake is 52 miles (84 km) in length and 9 miles (14 km) in width. Traditional cargo boats called Kettuvallams have been modified into luxurious cruise boats and house boats for the convenience of the tourists. These boats gracefully move around the back waters, enabling its passengers to enjoy the beauty of the Vembanad Lake in a relaxed pace.
Pathiramanal: Translated as the midnight sands, Pathiramanal is a small yet beautiful island located within the Vembanad Lake that is accessible only by boat.
Kumarakom bird sanctuary: Kumarakom bird sanctuary is home to migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen and other common varieties like the woodpecker, sky lark, crane and parrot can also be spotted here. Approximately 91 species of local and 50 species of migratory birds are found here making it a bird watchers paradise.
Vagamon: is a hill station in the Kottayam-Idukki district.
How to reach Kottayam
By Air - The nearest international airport is at Cochin, located at a distance of around 80 kilometers.
By Rail - The railway station of Kottayam is located at a distance of just 2 kilometers from the bus station. There are regular trains from major cities of Kerala that come to Kottayam.
By Road - Kottayam is well connected to the rest of Kerala and India by a wide network of motorable roads.
