KOTTAYAM TOURISM - Top Attractions

            The town of Kottayam is located in central Kerala and it 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. The city is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board. Kottayam is also called as "Akshara Nagari" which means the "city of letters"  considering its contribution to print media and literature

TOP ATTRACTIONS

 Kumarakam

Kumarakom is one of the fast developing backwater tourism destinations in Kottayam. Located near the Vembanad Lake, the place promises exciting sightseeing vistas with its numerous lakes dotted with houseboats and canoes. The serenity of Kumarakom has made it the ideal destination to spend a vacation rich with Ayurvedic massages and treatments. Centers for yoga, meditation can also be found in plenty. 

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

                   Ornithologist’s delight - Kumarakom Bird sanctuary spreading around 14 acres is anchored on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary serves as a favorite haven for the migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, Egret, Darter, Heron and Teal. To add more fun-factor to the trip, one can also go cruising along the lake. This could fetch you a spectacular view of Pathiramanal – a small island anchored on the Kumarakom – Muhamma water route. 

Vembanad Lake

                    Kottayam packs in a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the enormous stretch of water called the Vembanad Lake. This is an enchanting picnic spot where traditional Cargo boats (also known as Kettuvallams) are modified into cruise boats and house boats, with all the facilities of a luxury hotel including kitchenette, bathrooms and sit-outs.  “The midnight sands” or Pathiramanal, the only island in the Vembanad Lake, can also be visited by boat.


Elaveezhapoonchira

                   This is yet another slice of nature for tourists where the subtle charm of nature is reflected in every detail.  Elaveezhapoonchira, a valley where leaves don’t fall, got its name with its lack of trees. The place is accessible from Pala and is located amidst fine-looking hillocks. This hill station (3000 m above sea level) near Melukkavu Mattom, 60 km from Kottayam, is punctuated by gigantic hills. A haven for mountaineering and trekking, this place is also a hotspot to witness sunset and sunrise. Set amidst the beautiful hillocks of Mankunnu, Kudayatoormala.

Kurisumala

Kurisumala is located on the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts. The place is renowned for the Christian pilgrims who flock to here during the Holy week. Devotees climb this rocky hill carrying a small wooden cross on their hands which they believe will reduce their burden of sins and cure diseases.

Vaikom

Vaikom has its name inscribed in the chronicles of Indian freedom struggle as the place where Mahatma Gandhi took part in the sathyagraha. Located on the western side of Kottayam and sharing borders with Vembanad Lake, the place is also renowned as “Thekkan Kashi” (southern Varanassi) for the Mahadeva Temple here. The temple is famous for Ashtami (Vaikkathashtami) Celebrations. With vast emerald backwaters and lush green nature, the place has a high potential for tourism.

Wagamon

Dotted with tea gardens, meadows and majestic waterfalls, this fantastic strip of land is on Idukki - Kottayam border. Located 64 km from Kottayam and 65 km from Idukki, Wagamon is set at an altitude of 1100 meter above sea level, making it the trekker’s paradise. The 3 hills - Murugan Mala, Kurisumala, And Thangal Hill, further accentuate the beauty of Wagamon. Though making a visit during the monsoons could surprise you with heavy downpours, it is the right time for ayurvedic therapies and treatments. 

Kottathavalam

This is a magnificent cave set in the Murugan hills at Kurishumala, welcoming the visitors with a series of steps cut in rocks. Once inside the cave, one gets the rare glimpses of the rocks carved like chairs and couches. There are also figures of Ayyappa, Murugan, Kannaki and Madurai Meenakshi inside the cave. The legend attached to the history of the cave says that the royal family from Madurai took rest here in this cave during their journey to Poonjar.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

Set amidst rough rocks and rubber plantations, this waterfall falls down from an astonishing height of 100 feet. This sparkling waterfall is just 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom and 18 km away from Kottayam.

Temple

Erumeli

                   Portraying a spiritual picture of Hindu – Muslim harmony, Erumeli is fabled for its Sastha Temple and Vavar Mosque. The presiding deity at the temple is Sri Dharma Sasta. Pilgrims flock in thousands during the season of Mandala and Makaravilakku. Erumeli is famous for the Pettathullal ceremony – a Hindu religious practice the devotees perform as a part of their Sabarimala pilgrimage. The pilgrims who visit the Sastha temple also pay a visit to the Vavar mosque and offer dakshina to a mosque representative. 

Ettumanoor

                  The Siva temple in Ettumanoor is famous for its murals, especially the paintings of Nataraja in the Gopuram. The temple, considered to be the wealthiest Devaswom in Kerala, has many priced possessions. The place gets packed with devotees during the Ezharaponnana Ezhunnallatthu festival in Khumbhom (februvary-march). On the 8th day of the festival seven and half elephants (ezharaponnaana in Malayalam) will be displayed for public view.

Panachikkad

                 Acclaimed as the Mookkambika of the South, the Saraswathy Temple (Goddess of learning and arts) is known for the Saraswathy pooja held in the month of Thulam (October-November).

Thirunakkara

             The old Siva temple here is 500 years old and is built by the Thekkumkoor Maharaja. The Koothambalam (theatre hall where ancient dramatic art forms are perfomed) of the temple is renowned for “Chakkiyar Koothu” performances. The temple celebrates its major festival with full glory in Thulam (October –November).

Thiruvarppu

              The Thiruvarppu Sri Krishna Temple is noted for its 10 day long festival celebrated in the month of April. The temple, located 10 km from Kottayam town, is also known for Usha (sweet porridge) which is the main offering to God.

 Kumaranelloor

             Kumaranellor temple is dedicated to Karthiyayani Devi and is noted for the Thrikkarthika Day celebrated in the month of Vrishchikam (November - December). The temple and the premises will be lit up with lights and more lights on this special day. 

Churches:

Bharananganam St.Mary’s church

            Known as Anakkallu Palli, the place is an important pilgrim center for Christians. Mortal remains of the blessed Sister Alphonsa (the first female saint from India), are entombed here. Thousands of pilgrims gather at the church during the month of July when the annual festival – Feast of the Blesses Alphonsa is celebrated.  The church is located at a distance of 5 km from Pala.

Aruvithara St.George church

         One of the old churches in India, Aruvithara St George Church is believed to be established by St. Thomas and is situated near Erattupetta. The church was reconstructed in the 16th century and the feast here is celebrated in the month of April.


Manarcad St.Mary’s Church

        This is a significant one among the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Churches in Kerala. Main annual event is Ettunompu (8 day fasting) when devotees from far and near assemble in thousands for prayers and rituals.

Mosques:

Changanassery

        The mosques Pazhayapalli (more than 1000 years old and donated by king of Thekkumkur) and Puthiyapalli (400 years of old) are noted for the Chandanakkudam festival held in the month of January. The grand community festival as part of Thangal Adiyanthiram is marked with delicious Biriyani made of two tones of rice and meat donated by devotees.

Erumeli

        Exuding the spirit of Hindu and Muslim community, the mosque is in the name of Vavar (a great friend of Ayyappa). January is marked with the famous Chandanakkudam festival when people from every walks of life flock here for celebration. The celebration here coincides with the Makaravilakku festival of Sabarimala. Attractive processions with Panchavadyam and caparisoned elephants add on to its charisma.

Thazhathangadi

        What makes this mosque acclaimed is its artistic value. The mosque is one of the oldest in India and is anchored on the Meenachil River. The mosque is believed to be built by Malik Dinar about 1000 years ago.