Kottayam Travel

Kottayam Travel Guide

The Kottayam is a famous tourist place whose name is derived from the word "Kotta" and this word means "Fortress" in Malayalam language. The Kottayam is a old town and known for its hilltop and now known as Kunnumpuram. This place is like small hamlet which is situated within the walls of the fort & that is why it was derived the present name from the old name words of "Kottackk Akam" which means the "Inside the Fortress".

Kottayam is some different toun of india, Its a first complete literate town of India. Keep in mind That 1st Indian English school was setup by missionaries of the Church Mission Society of erstwhile Anglican Church. It is centre of education and learning with recognition of the Government established the Mahatma Gandhi University.

Places to see in Kottayam:

• Bharananganam
Its famous for Christian pilgrimage centre, the town of Bharananganam is well known for internment of Sister Alphonsa (1916 - '46) in a chapel next to the St. Mary's Church.

• Valiyapalli Church
Dedicated to St. Mary, the Valia Palli is a church is 2 km from the centre of the town and built in 1550 for the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians situated in Thazhathangadi,

• Cheryapalli
The smaller church built in 1579, Cheria Palli, Located near the Valia Palli, also dedicated to St. Mary, has some old paintings and Murals of Biblical and other themes.

• Mannanam
Housing the famous St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam is an important Syrian Christian centre.

• Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple
This temple is situated in the heart of the town of Kottayam and built in the indigenous style. It features several murals and attracts the devotees in third week of March during the annual festival.

Excursion of Kottayam:

• Vembanad Lake
16 kms from Kottayam town, is a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vemanad Lake, which is situated in Kumarakom village. The lake is an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourist destination. It provides boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom tourist village also offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.

• Ettumanoor Temple
A famous Hindu pilgrimage, Ettumanoor Temple is known for its unique and original architecture, wooden carvings and murals.

• Grampi Hill
The Grampi hill station is known as a great place to relax and unwind, with beautiful place to visit and rest in nature's lap.

• Champakara
Champakara is around 18 kms from Kottayam, Known for its Ayurvedic Centre for 'Thirummuchikilsa'.

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is known to be home to many local as well as migratory birds and at a distance of 12 KM from Kottayam town,

• Peerumedu
The Peerumedu is a beautiful place whose name is derives from the famous Sufi saint, Peer Mohammad. This hill station located at a height of 914 meters above sea level.

How to get There:

By Air
Nearest Airport is at Cochin, 76 kms away. The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 152 kms.

By Rail
Kottayam Railway Station 2 kms. away from the Central Bus Station and is connected with major cities and tourist centres.

By Road
Kottayam is fully connected to major cities of South India by smooth roads. There are two bus stations, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus station on TB Road and a private bus stand near the railway station. Buses to major centers operate from the KSRTC bus station.