Kottayam
Travel Guide
Place
: Kottayam
Area: 2203 sq. km
Population:18,20,000
Altitude: Sea level
The Vembanad Lake,
Kumarakom (16 km from Kottayam town): Also called a land of lakes,
Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into great
expanse of water called the Vembanad lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic
spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating,
fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The
Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (16 km from Kottayam town): Located
on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an
ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the
Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad
lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
Pala and
Kanjirapally :Pala and Kanjirapally nourished by the Meenachil and
Manimala rivers respectively, these two towns are centres of rubber
plantations.
Siva Temple,Vaikom (40 km north of Kottayam): Associated
with the legendary Parasurama, this temple is a typical example of Kerala
Temple Architecture.
Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple: In
the heart of Kottayam town.
Thalikotta Temple: The
ancient temple was the place of worship of the Thekkumkoor royal family. The
Kudamaloor Temple is equally famous. The Thazhathangadi Mosque built on the
Meenachil river is one of the oldest in India. The C.S.I. Cathedral Church
built over 175 years ago is a monument from the British Era. The Old
Seminary, Marthoma Seminary and Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and
Roman traditions. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has its headquarters
at Devalokam, Kottayam. The mortal remains of the Blessed Father Chavara are
entombed at the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam. Thousands gather
at this holy shrine during festivals.
Mahadevar Temple,
Ettumanoor (12 km north of Kottayam town):Mahadevar Temple is
famous for murals and ezharaponnana (the 71/2 elephants finished in gold)
Festival: Ezharaponnana utsavam (February/March)
The
Vavarambalam, Erumeli (60 km north-east of Kottayam town): This
mosque is dedicated to Vavar, a contemporary and companion of Lord Ayyappa,
the deity of the Sabarimala Temple. The mosque is famous for the centuries
old custom of multitudes of Hindu pilgrims worshipping here before their
trek to Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa. Festival: Pettathullal (January)
St. Mary's Church, Bharananganam, Pala: The mortal
remains of the Blessed Alphonsa are entombed at this church which is now a
famous pilgrim centre. Thousands gather at this holy shrine during the
annual festival: Feast of the Blessed Alphonsa (July) * Ettunoyampu,
Manarcad (September)
St. Mary's Church, Kuravilangad: Built
in 355 A.D on the high ganges of Kuravilangad town, this church has an old
bell which bears a hitherto undeciphered inscription.
Valiapalli
& Cheriyapalli (2 km from Kottayam town):These two churches
dedicated to St. Mary were built in 1515 AD and 1579 AD respectively. The
Valiapalli is known for its Persian cross and Pahalavi inscriptions. The
Cheriyapalli houses some of the most exquisite murals and paintings based on
Biblical and non Biblical themes.
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