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Kottayam is a beautiful Kerala backwater destination. This historic town is also famous for many churches and temples and for its role in the history of Kerala. The beautiful Vembanand Lake and its associated backwaters border Kottayam district on the West. There are hill ranges to the East and the Ernakulam district to the North. Kottayam is located in an area of great natural beauty and you're sure to be enchanted by the scenery around Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
The name Kottayam is derived from Kotta and Akam and means the inside of a fort. Kottayam has a long history. The local rulers of Munjanad and Thekkumkur used Kottayam as their headquarters. Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore defeated the local rulers and annexed Kottayam. With its fertile fields and transport links through the backwaters, Kottayam was a lucrative prize. You can see the ruins of the old palace and fort of the local rulers of Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.Kottayam is an important center of Christianity in Kerala. 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.
Kottayam was the first town in Kerala to achieve 100% literacy among the adult population. Because of the many rubber plantations in Kottayam and the beautiful Vembanad Lake, Kottayam is known as the "Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes." You can tour the many attractions of Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
The temple is at 10 km north of Kottayam. It was constructed in 1542. Its murals depicting scenes from Ramayana and the Krishna legends are famous. The Arattu festival in March draws thousands of pilgrims.
16km from the Kottayam town. Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of Vembanad lake. The lake is an enchanting picnic spot. A fast developing back water tourism, provides boating, fishing and sight seeing facilities. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.
16 km from Kottayam. It is located on the banks of the lake Vembanad. The Kumarakom Bird sanctuary 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. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here.
It is on the way from Kottayam to Thekkadi (National park) route. It is surrounded by tea, rubber and cardamom plantations. It can be a pleasant brief halt.
This hill station, at an elevation of 1100 metres about sea level is a trekkers delight. It is on the Idukki - Kottayam border. The breeding centre of the Kerala Livestock Board is located here.
This is a picnic spot located in the midst of beautiful hillocks. It is easily accessible from Pala. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset.
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.
This is a 10 acre island. It is the home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.
This hill station of rocky terrains is on the outskirts of the district. 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.