Kottayam

Kottayam, seventy six kilometres from Kochi, is a place strangely ancient in spirit but fairly modern in atmosphere. This land, located in the erstwhile Central Travancore, is remarkably fertile and brilliantly green. A true topical diversity adorned with backwaters, green paddy fields, rubber plantations and palmgroves as far as the eye can see. The land is also rich in varieties of vegetables, cardamom, pepper, coffee and spices. The people are healthy, hard working and educated. This is Kottayam, the Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes.

Land of letters, because as a district Kottayam has the highest literacy in India. The town of Kottayam is also the birth place of the publishing industry and the home of the Fourth Estate in Kerala. Land of Latex because the district abounds in extensive rubber plantations which earned for its headquarters the sobriquet. A trip from Kottayam to Thekkady, along the zig-zag Kumily road, offers breath-taking views of rubber, coffee and tea plantations.

Land of Lakes because of the different lakes forming in great expanse of water called the Vembanad into which a network of rivers like Manimala, Pamba, Achankovil empty. These and various canals provide for boating, canoeing, fishing and sight seeing, experiences that are unforgettable. The vivid blue and green palmfringed backwaters of Kottayam is a perennial source of attraction to the tourists.

Pathiramanal

A unique back water spot accessible by boat from here is 'Pathiramanal' a lonely island in the lake ideal for the honeymooners and modern holiday tourists. Tourists come here in search of sun and water, tropical scenery and a change from the din of city life and Pathiramanal can provide all these in plenty.


Boat Race In Kottayam

Every year, during Onam season, Kavanattinkara and Kumarakom Boat Races are conducted at Kavanar and Kottathodu River respectively. About 50 boats including a few snake boats participate in these races. With fun, frolic and fanfare on the banks of the back waters, it is thrill and entertainment galore for the tourist to see these long bedecked boats surging forward propelled by hundred oars to the rhythm of country, folk beats. A ride by boat or by country craft from Changanacherry to Alappuzha through Punnamada Kayal will provide an unforgettable sight of some of the paddy fields and stretches of coconut palmgroves.

Elaveezhapoonchira  

Elaveezhapoonchira, in the border of Kottayam-Idukki districts, is a picturesque stretch of land 3000 ft above sea level. During monsoon season, the water that gets accumulated over a wide area looks like a placid lake reflecting the rain clouds and the majestic mountains. The pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact in this small region

Temples

Kottayam town is the gateway to pilgrim centres of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Kuruvilangad, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcadu, Aruvithura and Athirampuzha. The famous Vaikom Siva Temple, associated with the legendary Parasurama, is just 40 km north of Kottayam town and is a typical example of Kerala Temple Architecture. So also are the Temples of Perunna, Vazhappally and Thrikkodithanam near Changanachery. There is a school imparting training in Temple art forms like Panchavadyam, (orchestra of five musical instruments) Sopanasangeetham, Nagaswaram etc at Vaikom in connection with Siva Temple.

The temple at Ettumanoor about 12 km north of Kottayam is famous for the exquisite samples of ancient murals and 'Ezharaponnana' or the 7  ½ elephants finished in gold. In the St. Mary's Church at Kuravilangad built in 355 AD. There is an old bell which bears a hitherto undeciphered inscription. The mortal remains of the Blessed Sister Alphonsa and Blessed Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara are entombed at the St. Mary's Church at Bharannganam and the St.Joseph's Monastry Church at Mannanam respectively.