A pretty town in the foothills of the
Western Ghats, Kottayam is a commercial centre noted for its trade in
rubber, pepper, tea etc. Kottayam is also one of the main centres of the
Syrian Christian faith and has some beautiful churches. They include the
Valiapalli church noted for its Persian cross and the Cheriapalli church
which has fine murals and paintings.
Having all the three types of land composition like low, middle and high,
this place is a rich panorama of natural beauty. The land is situated on the
southern side of Kerala with beautiful landscape surrounding the city. It
has Ernakulam on its north while the east is protected by Idukki district.
The exotic Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts signify the southern part,
whereas Vembanad Lake makes the western side of Kottayam even more striking.
Kottayam is also connected with picturesque Vembanad Lake with a canal
Location
Kottayam
is very well connected by train. However, there is no airport-the nearest
airport is at Kochi, which is about 80 km away. It is linked with
Thiruvananthapuram and the nearby towns like Thekkady, Ernakulam, Madurai,
and Munnar by road. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles
for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
Kottayam is already famous for its water transport by boats and ferries. It
runs number of boats and ferries to connect to the nearest small and big
ghats. The reasonable cost and the easy availability make the backwater
cruise a favorite hunting pastime and means of communication.
Peermed, a snug little hill resort tucked away in the folds of the lovely
High Ranges, is a veritable haven of the rest at 1066 metres above sea level
in ldukki District.
The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary :
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary the domain of the elephant, the tiger and the
bison amidst the grand heights and the deep shades of giant trees is on the
blue Periyar Lake. Cruising on the lake watching
herds
of elephants, spotted deer, wild pigs, a few bison and perhaps having a
glimpse of a tiger or a leopard is an enthralling experience. Here in the
vastness of the jungle you will find bliss and peace, and be at one with
pristine nature.
Birds in Thekkady : Migratory birds White Ibees at Kumarakom A short
distance west of Kottayam lies Kumarakom, on the vast Vembanad Lake,
boasting of a well known bird sanctuary. Egrets, darters, herons and teal
please the ornithologists during their respective migratory seasons. A
cruise on the lake, gently rocked by the waves rippling to the rhythm of the
swaying coconut palms on the distant banks, could be truly exhilarating.
Backwater spot accessible by boat from this place is 'Pathiramanal', or the
midnight-sands, a lonely island in the lake, ideal for the honeymooners, to
get away from it all.
In the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated Thirunakkara Mahadevar
Temple.
Thali Kotta Temple: It is the ancient Royal temple of Thekkumkoor
Principality. Kudamaloor is equally famous.
The
Thazhathangadi Mosque: one of the oldest in India, is on the Meenachil
river which girdles the town like a silver band. Valliapally (built in 1550)
has a historic Persian Cross. Cheriyapally still preserves the ancient
Church architecture. The C.S.I. Cathedral Church built about 175 years ago
is a monument of the British Era.Old Seminary, Mar Thoma Seminary and
Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman traditions. The Malankara
Orthodox Syrian Church has its head quarters at Devakolam, Kottayam.
Wagmon: Wagamon, 60 km. from Kottayam and 30 km. from Pala. situated
at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level is a trekker's paradise.
Elaveezhapoonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and
located in the midst of beautiful hillocks.
Accommodation in Kottayam
:
»
Coconut
Lagoon
»
Kumarakom
Lake Resorts
»
Taj Garden
Retreat
»
Radisson
Plaza Resort
»
Illikkalam
Lake Resort
»
Cocobay Resort
»
Aymanam
Village Backwater Resort
»
Canaan Valley
»
Backwater
Ripples
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