Kumarakom Kottayam Kerela

The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes.

Location of Kottayam Kerela

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.

History of Kottayam Kerela

The history of Kottayam is significant from the time of the second Chera Empire who used to have a great influence on the region. Maharaja Marthandaverma had a great influence on the state of Kerala as a ruler. He conquered the Vembolinadu established by his former rulers. Since ages, Kottayam has been regarded as one of the most important places of Kerala both politically and otherwise.

Tourists Attractions of Kottayam Kerela

Peermed, an inviting hill resort with an altitude of 1066 meters, is a place worth visiting while going to Kottayam.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to go if one wants to have a look at the natural habitat of elephants, the tiger and the bison. A glimpse of the spotted deer, wild pigs, bisons, tigers and the leopard by cruising on the lake is truly enchanting.

The Thirunakkara Shiva Temple is also a famous must-see spot here. The temple is a storehouse of the typical Keralan temple culture. The walls of the temple are decorated with beautiful paintings. Phalguna Utsav is celebrated here every March. The Kootiattam or the Sanskrit dramas are also an event of attraction.

Tourist Places Around Kottayam Kerela

One of the nearby places to visit near Kottayam is Kumarakom. It is in the west of the Vembanad Lake. This lake is also famous for the seasonal migratory birds that come to this bird sanctuary in their respective seasons. Pathiramal, which literally means 'the midnight sand,' is a lonely island in the lake. Backwater cruises are accessible from this spot. A number of visitors flock to this place during the tourist season. It is an ideal destination for the newly married couples.

Forty km north of Kottayam is another important Shiva temple known as the Vaikom Temple. This temple is associated with the legendry Parasurama. This temple also depicts the typical Kerala temple culture.

Wagamon is another place to visit while going for excursion in and around Kottayam. The place is 60 km from Kottayam town. This place has good spots for trekking and so the place is called the trekkers' paradise.

A few other places worth visiting while at Kottayam are St Mary's Church (Valiapally), St Mary's Orthodox Church (Cheriyapally), and St Joseph's Monastery (Mannanam).

How to Reach Kottayam Kerela

By Road - From the Cochin International Airport it is an 85 Km delightful ride by road to the Muhamma boat Jetty. From the Trivandrum International Airport it is a 175 Km (approximately 3.30 hours ride by road) to the Muhamma boat jetty. From the Calicut International Airport it is 180 Km ride to Muhamma.

By Rail - From Bombay, Madras or Bangalore, you can take a train to Kerala. The best place to alight is either Cochin or Kottayam (the nearest railhead, just 16 Km away by road). Kottayam links you to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying this route daily. From Cochin, you could also take a south bound train via the Alleppey route (enjoy picturesque scenery as the route flanks the backwaters and the sea on its way). Alight at Chertala for a short 14 Km ride to Kumarakom.

By Water - If you have arrived at Trivandrum International Airport, come to Quilon by road or rail (takes just about one hour). From there, you can take the regular ferry service to Alleppey - a long and delightful ride on Kerala's backwaters. From Alleppey, it's just a short ride to Kumarakom.If you have arrived at Cochin International Airport, perhaps you might prefer a ride through the backwaters to Alleppey. There are many boat services offered at Kochi.