Kottayam

Kottayam

Kottayam is a land of inaugrations. When the sun languidly steps out of the clouds on a monsoon day, an enigmatic glow envelops the rain-kissed fields of Kottayam. Parched rocks pray for a few more drops and coconut palms sway in the soft breeze, a silent gesture of disavowal. Blue waters cut across this swathe of emerald green, and the colours make you wonder if Mother Earth has snatched a fistful of rainbow from the horizon. It is a land that bleeds latex, it is a land that creates poetry in its palm-fringed backwaters. Perhaps Kottayam prefers its hard-earned credentials a bit more than the natural radiance it’s been bestowed with. It cherishes the rubber and spice plantations that have made it a commercial centre. It is piously proud of the fact that it was the the first town in India to achieve 100 percent literacy (a remarkable feat achieved as early as in 1989). And more, here came up the first college and printing press in Kerala, as well as the first daily newspaper in Malayalam. Well, it is the first town in India selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to be transformed as an Eco City.

The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). It is an important commercial centre of Kerala, as it is a producer of cash crops. Most of India’s natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, one of the country’s primary commodities board. Since ages, Kottayam has been regarded as one of the most important places of Kerala both politically and otherwise.

Kottayam has some of the finest natural scenes sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western ghats on the east.

Access :

Air :
Nearest Airport is at Cochin, 76 km away. The Thiruvananthapuam International Airport is 152 km.

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

Road :
There are two bus stands, one run by state transport and the other private. The buses to major centres operate from the KSRTC bus station.

Ferry :
The Ferry Station is 3 km, away from the railway station. Services to Alleppey, Mannar, Chempakulam, Mankombu and Ambalapuzha.

Area : 2203 sq. km

Population : 18,20,000

Location : In south central Kerala, on Vembanad Lake and the Meenachil River

Std Code : 0481

To see : Erumeli, St’ Mary Knanaya Church, Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple, St Mary Orthodox Church, Cheriapally, Thazathangadi Juma Masjid

Excusions : St Mary Forane Church, Mannanam, Ettumanur, Changanassery

How to reach :

Nearest Railway Station – Kottayam Railway Station and the nearest airport – Cochin International Airport
Best Time to Visit : October to February

Stacking your postcard :

Kottayam Backwater Cruises :
Tourists can plan out the Kottayam Backwater trip to relax in the lap of nature for few days. Emerald palms and coconut trees on the either side of the waterways provides the exotic foray through the Kottayam backwaters. A stay at houseboats called ‘Ketuvallam’ is simply amazing. It is a opportunity for you to explore the city on the houseboat, savor the authentic Keralan cuisine, meeting the local villagers and learn the art of fishing from them.

St’ Mary Knanaya Church :
St’ Mary Knanaya Church is the most famous attraction in Kottayam. It was built in 1550 AD by the descendants of Syrian Knanaya Christians who migrated to India in 345 AD, on land gifted by a Hindu chieftain. The church is adorned with the two granite Persian crosses, each carved out of a single slab of stone dating back 4 -7 AD. Both the crosses bear inscriptions in Pahlavi, once the official language of the Sassanian dynasty of Persia.

St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Cheriapally :
Another important church located close to the St’ Mary Knanaya is the St Mary’s Orthodox Church. It was built in 1579 during the Portuguese era in India. The church is the excellent blend of temple and Portuguese architecture. It remains open from 8 am to 6 pm. Feast day – January 15.

Thazathangadi Juma Masjid :
Thazathangadi Juma Masjid lies in the vicinity of two churches on the banks of the river Meenachil. It is one of the most oldest mosques in India, which is made of teak. It remains open from 7 am to 6 pm on all days.

Erumeli :
Erumeli is famous tourists attractions which boosts of one Hindu temple called Sastha temple and one Muslim mosque known as Vavar Mosque. So it sacred to both Hindus and Muslims. The mosque here is dedicated to Vavar, a companion of Lord Ayyappa. The ceremony of Petta Thullal is the unique feature of this place. Pilgrims consider it as their duty to offer dakshina to the representative of Vavar mosque.

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