Kottayam is a compound word- kotta+akam which means the interior of a fort. Rulers of Munjanad and Thekkumkur had their head quarters at Thazhathangadi in the present Kottayam town. Marthanda Varma of Travancore attacked Thekkumkur and destroyed the palace and the Thaliyil fort. The remnants of place and forts are still seen here.
The present district of Kottayam was previously a part of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Earlier, the Travancore state consisted of two revenue divisions viz. The Southern and Northern division, under the administrative control of a ‘Diwan Peshkar’ for each. Later, in 1868, two more division, Quilon and Kottayam, were constituted. The fifth division - Devikulm , came next but for a short period, which in course of time, was added to Kottayam.
At the time of the integration of the State of Travancore and Cochin in 1949, these revenue division were renamed as districts and the Diwan Pashkars gave way to District Collectors, marking the birth of the Kottayam District.
The beginning of the 9th century AD is the age of the Kulasekharas. At that time, Kottayam was a part of the Vempolinad, which belonged to the Kulasekhara Empire (1090-1102 AD). The Vembanad lake itself, derives its name from Vempolinad.
The Kingdom of Vempolinad, split itself into the Kingdoms of Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur by about 1100 AD and later these two kingdoms were annexed by Marthanda Varma of Travancore (between 1749 and 1754).
The Portuguese and the Dutch had their business relations with both Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur kingdoms, pepper and other spices, being the main attractions. In addition to Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur, Marthanda Varma brought two more petty principalities in Kottayam under his control. These were Poonjar and Meenachil. After Marthanda Varma, Dharma Raja (1758-1798) placed Kottayam in a key position in the new defiance strategy against Haider Ali and Tippu Sultan of Mysore. Apart form this, Kottayam afforded asylum to a number of refugee princes who left Malabar in the wake of Mysore invasions.
Kottayam occupied a pre- eminent position in the cultural life of the Travancore princely court, the main reason being the migration of Ramapurathu Warrier, the famous poet of Vadakkumkur to Thiruvananthapuram, following the annexation Kottayam by Marthanda Varma.
Kottayam has played its role in all the political agitating of modern times. The "Malayali Memorial" agitation may be said to have had its origin in Kottayam. The Malayali Memorial sought to secure better representation for educated Travancoreans in the Travancore civil service against persons from outside. The Memorial, which was presented to the Maharaja Sri Mulam Thirunal (1891)was drafted at a public meeting held in the Kottayam Public Library. The event made the beginning of the modern political movement in the state.
It was here that the famous Vaikom Satyagraha, (1924-25) an epic struggle for eradication of untouchability, took place. Scheduled castes and other backward classes in Travancore were not only denied entry into temple, but also access to temple roads. Vaikom, the seat of a celebrated Siva Temple, was the venue of the symbolic satyagraha. It is of immense historic significance that national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari, Acharya Vinoba Bhave and E.V. Ramaswami Naykar, associated with this struggle. The ‘Nivarthana’ agitation of the early thirties to secure adequate representation for the non-caste Hindus, Christians and Muslims in the State Legislature, enjoyed considerable support from this district.
The district was also a centre of the agitation led by the State Congress for responsible Government in the erstwhile state of Travancore. The agitation had a triumphant end, with the overthrow of Sir. C.P.Ramaswami Iyer, the Dewan of Travancore.
Lying a little south to central Kerala, Kottayam district is bordered on the north by Eranakulam district, on the east by Idukki district and on the south by Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. The Vembanad lake forms the western boundary. Kottayam lies between Latitudes 9° 15` and 10° 21` and Longitudes 76° 22` and 77° 25`. The district is naturally divided into highland, midland and lowland; the bulk being constituted by the midland regions. Taluks of Meenachil and Kanjirappally have highland and midland areas, while the other three taluks have Midland and Lowland areas. Kottayam district has a total area of 2,204 sq.km, which forms 5.7% of the total area of the State.
The district has a tropical humid climate with an oppressive hot season in the plains and plenty of rainfall throughout. The hot season from March to May, is followed by the Southwest Monsoon form June to September. October and November constitute the post-Monsoon or retreating Monsoon season, when day temperature increases gradually and the heat is nearly as intense as in summer. December to February forms the Northeast Monsoon. Rains cease early in January.
The important rivers of the district are the Meenachil River, the Muvattupuzha River and the Manimala River.
The Meenachil River flows through the taluks of Meenachil, Vaikom and Kottayam . It is formed by several streams originating from the Western Ghats in Idukki district. At Erattupeetta, Poonjar River also joins it, takes a sharp turn and flows towards the west. At Kondur, it is joined by the Chittar and at Lalam it receives the Payuapparathodu and flows in a south- west direction till it reaches Kottayam . Here, it branches into several streams before emptying into the Vembanad Lake. The important town in the basin are Pala, Poonjar, Ettumanoor and Kottayam.
The Muvattupuzha River originates from Ernakulam district ,flows through Vaikom taluk and empties into the Vembanad Lake. The most important town in the basin is Vaikom , the famous pilgrim centre. The Manimala River flows through Kanjirappally and Changanasserri taluks. The Chittar joins it on its course further down the west as it flows to Alappuzha district. The important town in the basin is Mundakayam.
There is a total population of 1952901 according to the Census of 2001. Male population is 964433 and female population is 988468. The density of population is 884 per sq.km.
Kottayam District has two Revenue division viz., Kottayam and Pala, each under the control of a Revenue Division Officer. Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanasseri, Meenachil and Kanjirappallly are the taluks in the district. There are four municipalities, 11 development blocks and 73 panchayats. Kottayam,Vaikom,Pala and Changanasserri are the municipalities . Madappally, Pallom, Ettumanoor, Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom, Uzhavoor, Lalam, Erattuppetta, Kanjirappaly, Vazhoor and Pamapady are the development blocks.
In the 17th Century, a Dutch school was started at Kottayam, which however proved to be short-lived. The first English school in Kerala was started by the Missionaries of the Church Mission Society (CMS), at Kottayam, in the beginning of he 19th century, To this humble beginning, can be traced, the preeminence of Kerala, in education. The Mahatma Gandhi University is at Kottayam. Rajiv Gandhi Technological Institute was started at Puthupally in 1991. Lal Bahadur Sashtri Science and Technology sub-centre and the south India branch of the Indian Institute of Mass communication have also been started at Puthuppally and Vadavthoor respectively. The Nair Service Society, founded in 1914, which run several educational institutions in the State, has its head quarters in Changanasserri. Kottayam is the first town in India to achieve cent percent literacy.
In the history of Journalism, Kottayam occupies a prominent place. The origin of Journalistic activity in the district can be traced back to the middle of the last century. Jnananikshepam the first newspaper published by the natives, was brought out from CMS press at Kottayam in 1848.
Vidyasamgraham a publication of the CMS college, was started in 1864. Many of the famous writers had contributed to this publication. In 1867, Sandishtavadi another newspaper, was started at Kottayam by W.H.Moor, which was later banned. Malayala Mithram, started in 1878, was in circulation for about 12 years.
In 1887, Nasrani Deepika was started at Mannanam near Kottayam by the Carmelities of Mary Immaculate(CMI) missionaries, which later became the Deepika and continues to be one of the leading vernacular dailies of the State. The Malayala Manorama, the largest circulated daily in India, was started at Kottayam in 1890 by K.C. Mammen Mapila. Bhashaposhini, the literary magazine, was also started by K.C. Mammen Mapila in 1892. After a long break, this publication has been revived by the Malayala Manorama group of publications. Contributions of veteran like Kerala Varma Valiya Koyi Thampuran. Mooloor S. Padmanabha Panicker, Katakayathil Cheriyan Mapila and Moorkothu Kumaran, had appeared in the pages of these publications.
Kottayam is the centre of newspapers and periodicals. Four major dailies; Viz Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Deepika and Mangalam are being published from here. The number of periodicals come about thirty.
The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), a Central Government Institution, with its headquarters in New Delhi, has opened its second branch at Kottayam. The site of the Kottayam branch is at Vadavathoor, 3 km. away from Kottayam town. IIMC is engaged in improving professional Knowledge and technical skill of the personnel working in various media, information & publicity departments of the Government and Public Sector undertakings.
Kottayam has its place of honour in the cultural map of Kerala. Kunchan Nambiar, the father of Thullal, a popular temple art form, was supposed to have lived at Kidangoor.
Unnineeli Sandesam, the exquisite Malayalam poetical work, is supposed to have been written by one of the Vadakkumkur Rajas. Ramapurathu Warrier (1703-53) is one of the celebrated names in Malayalam literature. The Christian missionaries enriched Malayalam literature by their valuable contributions, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Varthamana Pusthakam (1778), written by Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar, on a travel to Rome, is the first travelogue in Malayalam. The first autobiography in Malayalam, by Vaikom Pachu Moothatu was published from Kottayam in 1870.
In the closing decades of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Kottayam shot into limelight as the nerve centre of all literary and cultural activities in the erstwhile Travancore State. Kottarathil Shankunny, Kandatthil Varghese Mappilai and Kerala Varma Valiya Koi Thampuran are dignitaries worth mention. K.C Mammen Mappilai, Kattakayathil Cheriyan Mappilai, Vaikom Muhammed Bashir,Vadakkumkur Raja Raja Varma, Ponkunnam Varkey, Karur Neelakanta Pillai and M.P. Paul, are some among the many notable personalities from the district. The great film maker, late G. Aravindan, also belongs to Kottayam. Kottayam can claim many firsts: - in the field of education, mass communication printing, book publication etc. The first English school in the state was started here. The first printing press was set up here by Rev. Benjamin Beily in 1821. The part played by Deepika, Malayala Manorama and Bhasaposhini for the cultural and literary development, is of imme nse significance. There are many printing presses and book publishing companies in Kottayam.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located about 16 km away from Kottayam town, central Kerala.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort. The Kumarakom Tourist Village Complex of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stills, set among coconut and banana plantations. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 16 km. and nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 76 kms from Kottayam town.
Ilaveezhapoonchira, located about 15 km from Thodupuzha, Kottayam district, spread over a thousand acres, this beautiful land locked by green hillocks skirts the Kottayam district. The place gets its name from the fact that there's not a single tree in the vicinity and hence no leaf falls there (literally ila - leaf; veezhuka - fall; chira - height).
The verdant landscape, punctuated by four gigantic hills named Mankunnu, Kadayathoormala, Thanippara etc., each rising to around 3200 feet, is ideal for trekking. During the monsoon when the valley gets filled up to form a scenic lake, Ilaveezhapoonchira unveils yet another beautiful slice of God's Own Country. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. A DTPC rest house nearby offers comfortable accommodation.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 57 km from Thodupuzha.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam town.
Poonjar Palace at Poonjar is located on the Pala-Erattupetta route, Kottayam district.
Attractions: Royal collection of antiques, rock cut lamps, sculptures etc. The Poonjar Palace is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture including a palanquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, varieties of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Siva), grain measures, statues and weapons.
A unique conch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes.Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple bear sculptures that narrate stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India). However, the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stonewalls of the Sastha Temple nearby. Such rocks cut lamps are rare in India.
Getting there:
Nearest major railway station: Kottayam, about 30 km from Pala.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam town
The Arattu ritual of the Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple takes place here. Festival: Vishu (April/May).
Centuries old temple dedicated to goddess Bhadrakali. Main events: Kalamezhuthupattu, Kumbha bharani, Meena bharani, Patham udayam, Mandalam chirappu
This is one of the important pilgrim centers of the Christians in Kerala. The mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa (1916-46), who was pronounced as blessed is kept in St. Mary's Church here. This 1000 yrs old church features an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary.
It is believed that this is one of the five temples where the original Vishnu image worshipped by the Pandavas is kept. 'The Deepam" festival is celebrated here with great joy in the month of November or December.
This is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to lord Ayyappa and there is also an ancient mosque dedicated to 'Vavar' who is considered to be the friend of lord Ayyappa. 'Petta Thullal' of Kanni Ayyappa is an important festival held in December or January.
12 kms north of Kottayam, is the ancient Shiva Temple, which attracts many devotees. There are exquisite mural paintings and sculptures inside the temple. The Ramayana scenes from Santhana Gopala Krishna Leela and Bhagavatham are beautifully carved round the shrine. The state Archaeological dept. has opened a mural art centre near the temple. The annual festival of the temple is held in February or March and it lasts for 10 days.
This temple is famous for its Mudiyeduppu utsavam (festival) celebrated once in 12 years and the rare art forms connected with it. The procession carrying madhu (honey), kulavazha (plantain tree with the fruit), bhairavi purapadu and darika vadha purappadu etc. is a grand affair.
Built by one of the Thekkumkoor Maharajas. Festival: Kavil chirappu (December - January).
This temple is famous for its murals, especially the painting of Nataraja in the gopuram and ezharaponnana (the 7 1/2 elephants finished in gold) Festival:Ezharaponnana ezhunallathu (10 days in February/March)
An important Syrian Christian Centre, the town of Mannanam, 8kms from Kottayam, sites the St. Joseph Monastery, associated with the name of Fr. Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805-71), one of the saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. Among renowned institutions here is the St. Joseph Press, which was established in 844. This is one of the oldest printing presses in Kerala. It printed the Nasrani Deepika, one of Kerala's oldest newspapers.
Pundareekapuram is a small temple atop a small hill called Midayikunnam near Thalayolapparambu, in Kottayam District. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu mounted on his vehicle Garuda. The temple at Pundareekapuram is famous for its Mural Collection.
This temple, also known as the Mookambika Temple of the South, holds the Saraswathi (goddess of learning and the arts) pooja every year in October/November. Children are initiated into the world of letters at the Vidhyarambham ceremony held here.
The place of worship of the erstwhile Thekkumkoor royal family. Annual festival - ten day utsavam (April-May), Sivarathri (January-February)
Associated with the legendary Parasurama, this temple is a typical example of the Kerala style of temple architecture. More popular as the Kasi of the South, this temple is famous for its elephant pageants and traditional art performances. Annual festival - Vaikathashtami (November/December).
The only temple in Kerala dedicated to Aditya, the sun god. The first and last Sundays of the zodiacs Scorpio ( November- December) and Aries (April - May) are considered auspicious.
In the heart of Kottayam town is this 500 year old temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharajah. This temple built in the Kerala style of architecture has colourful murals on its walls which are worth exploring. The Koothambalam, the special building in the temple premises used for cultural purposes, is one of the best in Kerala.
2 kms from Kottayam town, situated in Thazhathangadi these are two churches dedicated to St. Mary which were built in 1515 AD and 1579 AD respectively. The Valiapalli is well known for its Persian Cross and Pahalavi inscriptions on it. The Cheriyapalli house some of the most exquisite murals and paintings, depicting biblical and other themes.
Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a museum to display a unique collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rate and innovative modern art form, is functioning at the scenic village of Kumarakom. A visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs.
During her professional tenure in the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, a dynamic lady school teacher used to pick up pieces of driftwood deposited by the sea in the shores, comprising twisted tree trunks, stumps, roots etc. which had potential for transformation to sculptures with marginal efforts, thanks to the Bay of Bengal prune to frequent cyclones that make the sea turbulent and unpredictable. Every cyclone brought back many things to the shore as it washes away from it. Some of these wood pieces and roots were centuries old, and having drifted across the seas they became more resilient. Having traversed vast distances, what is left of a tree is its sturdiest part which has weathered much inclemency. The picked up pieces were cleansed, dead parts removed, scraped and trimmed to conform to the shape she had in mind. In the course of the process, it so happened, the Nature's original designs could come out more forcefully, evocatively and permanently. Many of these pieces closely resemble birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians and fishes. Shaping, scraping, polishing, finishing and preserving are done with fierce dedication.
The admirers and connoisseurs of this rare and innovative form of art frequent the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. The student community finds the art form adopted in the preparation of the exhibits in the museum interesting and educative as the museum inculcates in them the qualities of imagination, creativity, originality and initiation to produce useful articles out of materials normally considered waste.
Contact Address:
Bay Island Driftwood Museum,
Chakranpadi (Near Lakshmi Hotel & Resort), Kumarakom North,
Kottayam, Kerala 686 566
Museum: 0481-2525634,
The Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom:(16 km from Kottayam town)Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.
Thangalppara: The mausoleum of Sheikh Fariduddin found here makes this place a famous Muslim pilgrim centre. Nearby is the scenic hill station of Kurathikallu and the beautiful Kottathavalam
Kottathavalam: Near Murugan hills at Kurushumala, a flight of steps cut in the rocks takes one to this magnificent cave. Legends say that the royal family from Madurai rested here on their way to Poonjar. The rocks within the cave, carved like chairs and couches and the figures of Madurai Meenakshi, Ayyappa, Murugan, Kannaki and weapons sculpted on them, are all worth exploring.
Kolani Mudi: Yet another peak in the Ilaveezhapoonchira mountain range, which also has a cave
Vazhikkadavu: On the outskirts of the district is this hill station of rocky terrains sought after for its pristine nature. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers.
Wagamon: This enchanting hill station on the Idukki - Kottayam border, dotted with tea gardens and meadows, will soon be one of India's foremost ecotourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala Livestock Board is located here.
Kurisumala: 3km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastry at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul.
On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva). The road to Kurisumala offers some real sightseeing opportunities in a European model house and the beautiful artificial lake, both designed by the renowned architect, Laurie Baker.
Anchuvilakku:(22 km from Kottayam)This stone lamp post, a typical example of Kerala architecture, was built near the Changanacherry boat jetty by the renowned freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalawa. The Changanacherry market, one of the largest in Kerala, was also established by him. The five lamps on this post are lit using kerosene.
Pathiramanal: (sands of midnight).This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat.
Adding to the charm of these quiet villages are their scenic reservoirs escorted by 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 from Kodoorar in Panachikad to Kumarakom is a great way to relax and enjoy nature's bounties. Facilities here cater to the recreation needs of tourists, from soothing Ayurvedic massages to boating, fishing and swimming.
Tourist Land, Vaikom: This is a quaint picnic spot ideal for a langorous break. Tourists can avail of recreation options at this place too. Boat cruises are available on the Vaikom Lake.
(18 km from Kottayam town)2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. Tourists can also enjoy the shade of the rubber plantations here.
This quaint spot on the Manimala River that flows between the Kanjirapally (a plantation town) and Erumeli panchayats is much sought-after for its natural splendours. However what makes the place really popular are the occasional exotic water fiestas on the reservoirs organised by the enthusiastic people.
(60 km north-east of Kottayam town): Nestled in the lush green Western Ghats is this nature-rich village. This is also the entrance point to South India's most prominent pilgrim centres - the Sabarimala Temple. At Kanakapalam nearby, teak plantations dot the landscape.
Vavarambalam, Erumeli: This mosque is dedicated to Vavar, a companion of the deity - Sree Ayyappa - of the Sabarimala temple. The mosque is unique in that Hindu pilgrims customarily worship here before their trek to Sabarimala. Festival: Pettathullal (January).
An enchanting landscape formed by a chain of green hills at the Bharananganam panchayat. A shrine dedicated to the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha is found here. As in the famous temple at Sabarimala, only ghee is used to light the lamps here. Women are not permitted inside the temple.
Numerous mountain streams in this peak, 6000 ft. above sea level, flow down to form the serene Meenachil River. The solitude, the tranquility, the gentle breeze and the star spangled sky here are all enchanting beyond words. Tourists have to trek up 3 km to reach the top of the hill. And if you so wish, you could even spend the night on the heights.
Illickal Kallu:Three hills, each rising to 4000 ft. and above, together form this huge hill. Each of the hills have a peculiar shape. One of them resemble a mushroom owing to which it gets its name Kuda Kallu (umbrella shaped rock). It is said that the medicinal herb Neela Koduveli, which bathes the hillsides in blue, grows here. This flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest. The second hill, has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Kuunu Kallu (hunch back rock). Across this rock is a 1/2 ft. wide bridge called Narakapalam (bridge to hell). From the hilltops, the Arabian Sea can be seen in the distant horizon as a thin blue line. The sunset on a full moon day is sensational, when the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.
The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resemble a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds
This scenic stream and its breathtaking waterfalls are together referred to as the enchantress of the jungle. Sliding down numerous hillocks from a height of 200 ft., the gushing water has etched out over the years a deep pond in the rocks. Right under the waterfalls is a natural bridge.
Nadukani: A picturesque location at the top of a hill with endless stretches of meadows girded by huge rocks. A bird's eye view of the low lying places can be enjoyed from here.
Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east, and the Vembanad lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.
Vembanad Lake: Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake,is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary
As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Ilaveezhapoonchira. 3 km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash. On the eastern side of Kannadipara is a natural fort set amidst steep rocks.
Ayyappara: According to legends, the five Pandava brothers - epic heroes of the Mahabharatha - stayed near this rock, 2000 ft. above sea level and spread over 20 acres, during their exile. The name of the rock is said to be a modified version of the original term Anchupara (five rocks). However, some say that the name owes its origin to the Ayyappa Temple here. This temple has four pillars which support a flat piece of rock that forms the roof. On one side of the rock is a cave that can accommodate over 15 people. The sunset is beautiful from here. Above all, the cool mountain breeze does wonders to your mind and body.
An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accomodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming