Search results for: Kerala Map - Kottayam

HISTORY

Since ages, Kottayam has been regarded as one of the most important places of Kerala both politically and otherwise because of its significant history from the time of the second Chera Empire who once had a great influence on the region. Having conquered the Vembolinadu established by his former rulers, Maharaja Marthandaverma had an immense power over the state of Kerala as a Ruler.

GETTING AROUND

While journeying the land of Kottayam, an inviting hill resort with an altitude of 1066 meters, known as Peermed is a place worth visiting. The Thirunakkara Shiva Temple is also a famous must-see spot which resembles the typical Keralan temple culture. The walls of the temple are festooned with beautiful paintings and The Kootiattam or the Sanskrit dramas are also an event of attraction. During the month of March one may catch a glimpse of the celebration of Phalguna Utsav. Another temple that depicts the typical Kerala temple culture is located forty kilometers north of Kottayam. The Vaikom temple, which is another important Shiva temple, is associated with the legendary Parasurama.

Nature loving tourists find the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary a truly enchanting experience. A glimpse of the spotted dear, tiger, elephants and bison’s in their natural habitat while cruising on the lake has been known to leave an imprint in the hearts of the people. An ideal romantic destination for the newly married couples is a nearby place known as Kumarakom which is in the west of the Vembanad Lake Pathiramal, which literally means 'the midnight sand,’ is a lonely island in the lake with romantic backwater cruises. The beauty and romantic atmosphere found in Kumarakom attract a number of visitors to this place during the tourist Season

Sixty kilometers from Kottayam town is Wagamon. Yet another place to visit while going for excursion in and around Kottayam, this place has good spots for trekking and so the place is called the trekkers’ paradise. A few other holy places worth visiting while at Kottayam are St Mary's Church (Valiapally), St Mary's Orthodox Church (Cheriyapally), and St Joseph's Monastery (Mannanam). 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. 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

Although the nearest airport is at Kochi, which is about 80 kilometers away, Kottayam is very well connected by train. As well as having trains for transportation, 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 because of its reasonable cost and the easy availability. It runs number of boats and ferries to connect to the nearest small and big ghats and make the backwater cruises a favorite hunting pastime and means of communication. The trains, buses, and the boats and ferries have frequent and easy accessibility making traveling easier.