THE CITY The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes. | |||||||||||||
Having all the three types of land composition like low, middle and high, this place is a rich panorama of natural beauty. The land is situated on the southern side of Kerala with beautiful landscape surrounding the city. It has Ernakulam on its north while the east is protected by Idukki district. The exotic Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts signify the southern part, whereas Vembanad Lake makes the western side of Kottayam even more striking. Kottayam is also connected with picturesque Vembanad Lake with a canal.
THE PAST
The history of Kottayam is significant from the time of the second Chera Empire who used to have a great influence on the region. Maharaja Marthandaverma had a great influence on the state of Kerala as a ruler. He conquered the Vembolinadu established by his former rulers. Since ages, Kottayam has been regarded as one of the most important places of Kerala both politically and otherwise.
IN AND AROUND
Peermed, an inviting hill resort with an altitude of 1066 meters, is a place worth visiting while going to Kottayam.
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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to go if one wants to have a look at the natural habitat of elephants, the tiger and the bison. A glimpse of the spotted deer, wild pigs, bisons, tigers and the leopard by cruising on the lake is truly enchanting. The Thirunakkara Shiva Temple is also a famous must-see spot here. The temple is a storehouse of the typical Keralan 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. One of the nearby places to visit near Kottayam is Kumarakom. It is in the west of the Vembanad Lake. This lake is also famous for the seasonal migratory birds that come to this bird sanctuary in their respective seasons. Pathiramal, which literally means 'the midnight sand,' is a lonely island in the lake. Backwater cruises are accessible from this spot. A number of visitors flock to this place during the tourist season. It is an ideal destination for the newly married couples. Forty km north of Kottayam is another important Shiva temple known as the Vaikom Temple. This temple is associated with the legendry Parasurama. This temple also depicts the typical Kerala temple culture. |
A few other places worth visiting while at Kottayam are St Mary's Church (Valiapally), St Mary's Orthodox Church (Cheriyapally), and St Joseph's Monastery (Mannanam).
BARGAINS
Kottayam, along with most of the other parts of Kerala, is a big producer of spices and condiments. Eco-friendly rubber products also attract tourists to this place.
GETTING THERE
Kottayam is very well connected by train. However, there is no airport-the nearest airport is at Kochi, which is about 80 km away. It has government as well as private bus service operators who run number of buses to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and the nearby towns like Thekkady, Ernakulam, Madurai, and Munnar.
Kottayam is already famous for its water transport by boats and ferries. It runs number of boats and ferries to connect to the nearest small and big ghats. The reasonable cost and the easy availability make the backwater cruise a favorite hunting pastime and means of communication.
SHELTER
A number of beautiful hotels and lodges are available for lodging the tourists. One can easily go for the various options available according to the budget allotment.
WHERE TO EAT
Many eateries are available serving traditional as well as other delicacies. The traditional foods along with the local fish recipes are definitely mouthwatering. The local food is mostly based on coconut-related cuisines, which is not so common in the rest of India.
HELPING HINTS
The government-run tourist information center is the most recommended one for any information a tourist might need. The Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) has offices at the easiest proximity to help the tourists.
The trains, buses, and the boats and ferries have frequent and easy accessibility making traveling easier.
The best time to visit this place is during the months of August and March when the tropical climate is not so hot and humid. This makes traveling comfortable. Light winter sweaters and a shawl would be enough to meet the chill here.
