Kottayam
literally means the interior of a fort - Kotta + Akam. Rulers of Munjanad and
Thekkumkur had their headquarters at Thazhathangadi near Kottayam town
Marthanda Varma of Travancore attacked Thekkumkur and destroyed the palace and
the Thaliyil Fort. The remnants of the palaces and forts are still seen here.
The important
rivers of the district are the Meenachil river, the Muvattupuzha river and the
Manimala river. The river is formed by several streams originating from the
Western Ghats in Idukki district. The important towns in the basin are Pala,
Poonjar, Ettumanoor and Kottayam.
Kottayam
occupies a prominent place in the cultural map of Kerala. Kunchan Nambiar, the
father of Thullal, a popular temple art form, was supposed to have lived at
Kidangoor.
Kottayam has
a vast network of rivers, backwaters, ancient religious places, and
hillstations. Vembanad Lake has a great expanse of water which is a part of the
interconnected Kerala Backwaters that run virtually the length of the state.
Kumarakom, located on the coast of Vembanad Lake, is a beautiful village
stocked with divine mangroves and coconut groves, lush green paddy fields,
gushing waters snaking through the dense forests. Kumarakom bird sanctuary, is
home to migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.
Kottayam
district is also known for its religions harmony and has numerous temples,
churches and a 1500 year old mosque. Panachikad Temple, one of the famous
Saraswathy temples in Kerala is located nearly 12 km away from Kottayam. The
Siva temple at Thirunakkara is in the heart of Kottayam town. Thirunakkara
Srikrishna temple, Pallipurathukavu Devi Temple are other important temples
located in the town. Kodungoor Devi temple, Kavinpuram Devi Temple
(Ezhacherry), Chirakadavu Mahadevar temple, Ponkunnam Devi temple, Cherubally
Devi temple, Kidangoor Subramanyaswamy Temple and Vaikom Mahadevar temple are
other famous Hindu temples near Kottayam. Kottayam has a rich culture. One of
the oldest mosques in Kerala, Thazhathangady Mosque is situated in Kummanam at
3 kilometers from Kottayam town. This mosque is considered to be around 1500
years old and was built by early Arab travelers who landed in Kerala during the
time of the Cheraman empire. Old Syrian Seminary, a prominent religious
institution belonging to the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church and a seminary
for aspiring priests for Syrian Christians in Kerala, is also located in
Chungam, Kottayam. The Cheria Pally, an ancient Church belonging to the
Malankara Orthodox Church is a well preserved church with wall murals dating
back to ancient times. St. George Church, Puthupally, and the Vakathanam Palli
are two renowned and ancient churches frequented by pilgrims. Cherpunkal Church
is a famous Church in the name of Infant Jesus.
ACCESSIBILITY
By Air The
nearest airport from Kottayam is at Kochi.
By Rail
Kottayam is well connected by rail.
By Road
Excellent road network.
Places to
visit
Vennimala
Vennimala is
a serene and beautiful place located in the Puthuppalli village panchayath of
Kottayam district .Vennimala, a stone's thrown away from the bustling Kottayam
Town is the serene and beautiful hill top destination, Vennimala is located
nearly 15 km from the Kottayam town and can be assessed easily through the
Kottayam- Kumili road.
It is believed
that Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their period of exile visited this
hillside. At that time numerous sages meditated in the caves of Vennimala.
Cheraman Perumal illustrated emperor of ancient Kerala consecrated this temple
and stayed in this place. He was taken to the beauty of this place and stayed
here and built a palace. He earmarked the hill as a sacred and protected place.
Sadly, the palace doesn’t remain today. The temple celebrates twenty Eight days
of annual festival every year. The place also was the residence of Tekkumkoor
dynasty.
The hill had
more than sixty large and small ponds scattered throughout the forest. Even
today about a dozen such ponds are remaining with sparkling fresh water even in
hot summers. Vennimala is covered by lush green vegetation and rubber
plantations.. Another major attraction here is a huge cave on one side of the
hill, half a km from the temple. It is believed that this cave, runs for over a
kilometer to the temple premises, though it has been closed by fallen rock.
Matrumala
Matrumala is
located in Kooropada village and is about 8 km from Vennimala. The place can be
accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers
stunning views of the entire surroundings.The place got its name as it has a
small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have
been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols
of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here. A muddy winding road leads to the
hill top that can be approached by either vehicle or on foot.
Kallara
This quaint
little village is located about 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. The place can
be easily accessed from Kottayam by road as well as rail.Kallara and the
neighboring villages of Kaduthuruthy and Thalayolaparambu has unending
stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain
into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad lake.
The waterways also connect Kallara with Vaikom in the north and to Kumarakom in
the south.
Scenic
stretches in the village include Kapikkad, Mundar,Ayamkudi, Pulithuruth,
Erunthuruth, Ponnuruk, Pazhampetti,kumparaand Karikkal. There are ancient
temples and churches scattered in the village. The backwaters of Ezhumanthuruth
have many attractive small islands in them.Very soon Kallara will be a model
tourism village, where the tourists can experience the art and process of screw
pine product development and other such rural products enjoying scenic vistas
stay units in this village.
Padayani
Festival at Alapra
Alapra is the
only place in Kottayam district where padayani is performed. Padayani festival
at Alapra is performed in Thacharickal Bhagavathi temple. Another unique
features here is that the temple is located in serene surroundings and is in
the middle of forest. The annual padayani performance in Alapra falls in the
month of March / April.
Ponthanpuzha
Forest
Alapra is
scenic place with forests all around. There is 2500 acre forest called
Ponthanpuzha Kutti vanam in the vicinity. This forest spreads over the districts
of Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. The forest harbors deer, wild boar, fox,
pythons, other small creatures and a variety of avifauna. There are nearly
twenty small streams in the forest.
OottuparaView
Point
The forest
also has ancient Oottupara, a big rock inside the forest. The rock can be
reached by trekking from the temple for three km. it is believed that Lord Rama
visited this place and conducted a feast for saints at this place during his
exile. The rock top offers stunning views for miles round. Behind this
oottupara, there is a similar rock face also.
Manimala
River
River
Manimala is an important water way of Central Travancore. Rising in the hills
of Kottayam- Idukki ranges, the river flows through the midland plains and
joins with Pampa and Manimala Junction. The river offers a beautiful view at
this spot and flows swiftly striking against the many rocks in the
river.Ramapuram:Ramapuram, a beautiful and quite village is located 15km from
Pala town on the main road to Koothattukulam. Ramapuram has carved its own
niche in the cultural history of Kerala. This small village was the birth place
of Ramapurathu Warrier, the profounder of Vanchipattu. It was here where
Lalithambika Anthrajanam the renowned Malayalam novelist lived. Ramapuram also
is blessed with its old church and its famous missionaries-paramekkal Thoma
Kathanar and Daivadasan Thevarparambil Kunjachan.
Kudamaloor
Located on
the banks of river Meenachil, Kudamaloor was the headquarters of the
Chembakasseri Kings and was one among the sixty four villages of Kerala.
The
Valiyamadom Nalukettu stands in the locality where the old palace of the kings
once stood. This residence is today inhabited by the royal family. The village
has a number of old nalukettus and mansions that survive even to this day. A
part of the remains of the fort of the kings still stands near Eraveeswaram
Temple in the village. The holes where canons were fixed in the wall and the
raised platforms can be seen even today in this fort wall. The Kings had a
fleet of naval vessels - the chundan valloms which were anchored at Kottakadavu
near the palace.
Kudamaloor
was a cradle of traditional Kerala art and architecture. The village has given
birth to great Kathakali artists like Kudamaloor Karunakaran Nair. This hamlet
still houses a number of artists well versed in Kerrida art forms and folklore.
The village has performers of sopanasangeetham, Kalamezhuthu and pattu,
mudiyattom, kalaripayattu etc. Devivilasam Kathakali yogam and Sopanam Kalavedi
and research centre are two centers that promote Kathakali and other art forms.
Moreover, Kudamaloor lies in Aymanam panchayath that was the theme village of
Arundhathi Roy's 'God of Small Things'.
The village
is a land of temples - over ten in number. The Vasudevapuram Temple here has
numerous mural paintings. Temples here are known for unique performances like
tiyattu, Garudan parava and thookam. The religious harmony of this village is
personified by the 800 year old St. Mary's church that was built by the Hindu
King. The ritual offering here is a traditional water bag and rope used to draw
water from the well.
Ithipuzha
As you travel
form Vaikom to Ernakulam by road you pass three bridges in succession. As you
look out, you are greeted by lush green scenery on either side. It is the river
Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake at
this spot creating picture post card scenery all round. And this village is
called Ithipuzha.
Here there is
little tourism. There are few houseboats, no resorts and hence charming and
serene waterways all round the village. The various distributaries of the river
create numerous beautiful islands in its course. Here there are endless
stretches of coconut palms and vast green paddy fields. You can relax yourself
on a country canoe ride - floating on the gentle ripples of the rivers and
watching the fishermen carrying their catch in small canoes. lthipuzha can
easily be accessed from Kochi.
Pallam
Backwaters
Pallam is
located 5km to the south of Kottayam town and is accessible via the Main
Central Road. The setting is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted
by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking
this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till
the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via
Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax and enjoy nature's bounties.
Another
unique feature hem is the old light house put up at this site in 1813 A.D. by
the British resident of Travancore, Col. Munroe. Considered as a wonder of
architecture, the light house still stands intact facing the placid backwaters
providing an excellent view of the lush green paddy fields and swaying coconut
palm.
Aruvikuzhy
Waterfalls
Located
amidst shady rubber plantations, streams tinkle as they make their way through
the rugged landscape and roars down cascading from a height of hundred feet.
This beautiful picnic spot is located at Pallickathodu 25 km from Kottayam town
and hence easily accessible.
Aruvikachal
This is one
of the highest waterfalls in Kerala gushing down from a height of 235 feet.
Aruvikachal is located in Poonjar Thekkekara village and can be accessed from
Erattupetta. The waterfalls can be approached by walking a couple of kilometers
from Patampuzha junction. Adivaram, Ummikunnu, Puliyallu, Muttanallu,
Parayambalam etc. are some of the scenic spots scattered around Aruvikachal.
The 3500 ft high Mutukoramala offers spectacular views. The Poonjar Palace is
also noteworthy.
Marmala
This scenic
stream and its breathtaking waterfalls are together referred to as the
enchantress of the jungle. Sliding down numerous hillocks from a height of 200
ft, the gushing water has etched out over the years a twelve metre deep pond in
the rocks and joins the Teekoy river way down. And right under the waterfalls
is a natural bridge.
Marmala
waterfalls lie a few kilometers away from Erattupetta and it is exactly seven
km from Teekoy rubber estate. From here a private vehicle can take you further
two km after which the road is not motorable. To reach the falls one has to
trek through the estate over the rocky path.
Elaveezhapoonchira
Skirting the
Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Elaveezhalpoonchira, spread over
thousands of acres in Melukavu village. The pristine beauty of nature is
preserved almost intact here in the imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs.
The verdant landscape is punctuated by five gigantic hills viz. Vindhyan medu,
Hidumbanmedu Mankallumudi, Kolanimudi and Mukalanthumudi each rising to around
3200 ft. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named
so because the place has no trees. Perhaps this may be the only spot in Kerala
from where one can see the beautiful phenomenon of sunrise and sunset in the
same spot. The vast horizon gives a panoramic view of the surrounding five
districts. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake,
this place unveils another beautiful slice of nature. The panoramic view of the
Malankara dam just below the hill is an exquisite site for the visitors.
Poonchira
The different
elevations of the mountain ranges with contrasting shapes give this hill
station a dramatic and distinctive outline of great scenic splendor. Just below
the hill, there is a small perennial pond like water body called
Elaveezhapoonchira. Three tribal settlements and four natural caves provide
significance to this mystic land. The great Pandavas were said to have lived incognito
in this land during their exile and hence these caves are called
"Pandavart Guha!'. Another peculiar feature is the presence of two
Muniyanas nearby the pond. Lusitrourt growth of medicinal plants gives another
added attraction to this area. Another exotic feature is the Nilayara which is
a cave located in Mukalanthanmudi, one kilometer from the Poonchira. The cave
itself is a wonder as far as a tourist is concerned. About 20 people can stand
at a time inside the cave. A small perennial stream is flowing from the inner
mouth of the cave.
Kannadipara
As the name
suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a
mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Elaveezhapoonchira.
Three km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha
River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added
attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down
the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash. On the
eastern side of Kannadipara is a natural fort set admidst steep rocks.
Illickal Mala
Numerous
mountain streams in this Peak, 6000 ft. above sea level, flow down to form the
serene Meenachil River. The solitude, the tranquility, the gentle breeze and
the star spangled sky here are all enchanting beyond words. Tourists have to
trek up three km to reach the top of the hill. And if you so wish, you could
even spend the night on the heights.
Illickal
Kallu
Three hills,
each rising to 4000 ft. and above, together form this huge hill. Each of the
hills has a peculiar shape. One of them resemble a mushroom owing to which it
gets its name Kuda Kallu (umbrella shaped rock). It is said that the medicinal
herb Neela Koduveli, which bathes the hillsides in blue, grows here. This
flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers which could increase
wealth and ensure a rich harvest.
The second
hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu Kallu
(hunch back rock) which is located 4000ft above sealevel. Across this rock is a
1/2 ft. wide bridge called Narakapalam (bridge to hell). From the hilltops, the
Arabian Sea can be seen in the distant horizon as a thin blue line. The sunset
on a full moon day is sensational, when the moon can be seen rising up like
another sun, as the orange sun goes down.
Kayyoor -
Nadukani
It is an
enchanting landscape formed by a chain of green hills at the Bharananganam
panchayat on way to Erattupetta and Ayyampara. A shrine dedicated to the
Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha is found here in six acres. There is
also a temple of Lord Sankara Narayana. As in the famous temple at Sabarimala,
only ghee is used to light the lamps here. Women are not permitted inside the
temple. Kayyur hill and Tevaka. hill was the wandering place of legendary
รข€˜Kulapurathu Bhiman'.
Another major
picnic spot in the region is Nadukani. The hill has a vast rocky terrain with
grasslands. As the name signifies one can see the entire surroundings from this
hilltop.
Kottathavalam
The winding
road from Teekoy to Vagamon offers mind boggling scenic vistas. Vagamon located
on the fringes of Kottayam District is an upcoming hill station. On the way to
Vagamon is the beautiful spot called Kottathavalam.The Pandya king of Madurai
and his family camped at this location on his way to Poonjar. The place was
surrounded by hills on three sides like a fort and hence this place got its
name Kottathavalam. Kottathavalam has huge caves which remains still unexplored
as well as a ten acre reserve forest without wild beasts.The rocks carved in
the cave like chairs and couches and figures of Gods sculpted on them are all
worth exploring. The Kurathikallu, Karantakakallu and Kattil para nearby are other
major attractions. Nearby Kottathavalam are Vazhikkadvau and the famous
Kurishumala Asram.
Vazhikkadavu
On the
outskirts of the district is Vazhikkadavu, a land of rocky terrains sought
after for its pristine nature. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall
and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this
crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River.
Kurisumala
Three km from
Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of
devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb
the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the
top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush
green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill
is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord
Shiva). The mausoleum of Sheikh Fariduddin at Thangalppara makes this place a
famous Muslim pilgrim centre also.
Kootickal
This quaint
hamlet situated in the Western Ghats is located 5km north of Mundakkayam in
Kottayam District. The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty
of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check-dam of the Manimala
River makes the spot linger in your mind. Amruthameda, famous for medicinal
plants is nearby. Kootickal is located only 12km from the pilgrim centre of
Erumeli.
Panchalimdu
Situated
seven km from the Mundakkayam - Kuttikanam stretch on the K.K. Road lies
Panchalimedu, at an altitude of 2500 ft above sea level. A three hour trek from
Valliankavu which is connected by bus from Kottayam takes you to the spot.
Valliankavu, a tiny village 10km East of Mundakkayam itself is worth a visit
for it is the site of the famous temple of Mala Araya community. According to
the legends, the Pandavas stayed here and the pond beside a small temple is
where Panchali is said to have bathed.
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