Kottayam - The Land of Letters Latex & Lakes
Kottayam, located in the southern part of Kerala is an important commercial centre of India, producing a large chunk of cash crops. A beautiful town situated in the hills, most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: 12 km west of Kottayam town, on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, at Kumarakom is the Bird Sanctuary known for local varieties of Waterfowl, Cuckoo, and Water Ducks, as well as for the migratory Siberian Storks.
Vembanad Lake, one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia, is 12km west from Kottayam. Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called Vembanad Lake.
Temples
Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple:
The temple built in the indegenous style is situated in tht heart of the town of Kottayam. It features several murals and is thronged by a large number of devotees during the annual festival held in the third week of March.
Ettumanoor Temple:
Famous for its legendary 16th century Shiva Temple, Ettumanoor is a Hindu pilgrimage. The Shiva temple is a specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of temple architecture, incorporating clear-cut wood carvings and murals, including an exceptionally striking one of Shiva as Nataraja, where he trampled underfoot the evil spirit represented by a demon. Every year in February and March, a 10- day long festival is held at the temple.
Erumelli:
60 kms form Kottayam, its an important pilgrim centre of both the Muslims and Hindus. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayappa and a mosque of Vavar, his Muslim ally, are both located here. The pilgrims to the holy shrine at Sabbatical also pay obeisance to Vavar, an enduring custom, which brilliantly exemplifies the communal harmony of the land and its people.
Pundareekapuram Temple:
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.
Churches
Valiyapalli Church:
Dedicated to St. Mary, the Valia Palli is a church built in 1550 for the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians situated in Thazhathangadi, 2 km from the centre of the town. It is famous for its 8th century Persian cross and the Pahalavi inscription on the cross.
Cheryapalli:
Located near the Valia Palli, the smaller church of Cheria Palli, also dedicated to St. Mary, built in 1579, has some Murals and paintings of Biblical and other themes.
Ayyampara:
43 km from Kottayam, Ayyampara, a good base for trekking expeditions is a little-known scenic spot of rocky plains where a 100-acre area of flat rock makes a natural granite stadium to enjoy the sunset and the view of the town below.
Bharananganam:
An important Christian pilgrimage centre, the town of Bharananganam is known as the site of the internment of Sister Alphonsa (1916 - '46) in a chapel next to the St. Mary's Church. This millenium-old church features an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary.
Mannanam:
Housing the famous St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam is an important Syrian Christian centre. The town is assosiated with the name of Father Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805 - 1871), one of the saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. Established in 1844, St. Joseph's Press is one of the oldest printing presses in India, where one of the oldest of Kerala's newspapers was printed.
Manarcadu Church:
A very Famous church of St Mary located 6 Km East of Kottayam. The main feast is "Ettu noyambu" From September 1st to 8th
Kudamaloor Church:
One of the oldest church and it is located 6 km from Kottayam. Main attraction is in holy week.
Hill Stations
Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve at Kumily):
Established in 1934 as Nellikkampatty wild life sanctuary; the area was declared a project Tiger reserve in 1978 and it was notified as a national park. India is the only country, which protects the five big wild cats of the world namely, the Lion, the Tiger, the Leopard, The Snow Leopard and lauded Leopard; Periyar Tiger reserve in Thekkady is the one, which is the favourite haunt of European tourists. The winding roads that snake the mountain ranges, the mist-covered cliffs and the vast expanse of tea plantations on both sides leads to Thekkady, is the largest and also the best known wild life sanctuary in Kerala. Spread across 777 sq. Km. of which 360sq. Km. is the ever green forest, the sanctuary is noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wild life at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.
Kurusumala Ashram:
This is a Christian Pilgrimage Center and a Monastery. The large prayer Hall here is used for prayer and meditation. Attached to it here are a few spectacular Diary Farms.
Munnar:
One of the most popular hill stations in India, is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts. above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
Peerumedu
is a small hill station, snuggled at an altitude of 914 m above sea level, on way to Thekkady. The famous plantation town takes its name from Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint and close associate of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore.
Grampi:
The picturesque hill station of Grampi, situated 5 kms from Peerumade is also known as the Parunthupara, meaning the eagle rock.
Ilaveezhapoonchira:
Located at distance of 55 kms from Kottayam and 20 kms from Thodapuzha, this is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar.
Wagamon:
Located 64 kms from Kottayam and 65 kms from Idukki town, Wagamon is a hill station perched at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level.
