KOTTAYAM

Kottayam, among one of Kerala’s more mountainous districts, provides of Kerala’s finest natural sceneries, sandwiched between the serene backwaters of the Vembanad Lake on the west and the mighty Western Ghats on the east. Most of India’s natural rubber is grown in and around Kottayam. This peaceful town on the banks of Meenachil River has a sizeable Syrian Christian population. It is he headquarters of the largest circulated regional daily newspaper in India, the Malayala Manorama that is published in Malayalam and has a circulation of over 9 million. Kottayam was the first town in India to achieve 100% literacy and is the home town of India’s first Booker prize winner Arundhati Roy, the celebrated author of ‘God of Small things’.

Kottayam is situated about 50 Kms east of Alappuzha via Changanassery by road. There are direct buses from here to Periyar wildlife Sanctuary. Ernakulam is the nearest Airport, which is only 71 kms from Kottayam. The famous backwater village of Kumarakom is only 10 kms away by road. It is ideal for boating, fishing and for bird watching. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is famous haunt for migratory birds.

Located in the heart of the town, Thirunakkara Shiva Temple is built in typical Kerala architecture. It is well known for its traditional Sanskrit drama, Kootiattam.

The Shiva Temple at Ettumanoor, 12 Kms north of Kottayam is famous for its superb woodcarvings and murals.

Puthuppally St. George Church, one of the oldest and renowned Church of Malankara Orthodox Church is just 8 Km from Kottayam. The holy remains of St. George is kept here by the Malankara Metropolitan of Orthodox Church.

Sabarimala, one of the most famous pilgrimages of South India is situated approx. 140 kms from Kottayam. Every year millions of devotees all around the country throng to the temple to get a glimpse of Lord Ayappa.