Location :
Kerala
Tourist Attractions : Vaikom Temple, Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary
Local Tongue : Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English
STD Code : (91) - 481
Best time to Visit : August to March
About Kottayam
Kottayam is an enchanting city situated south of Cochin in the state of
Kerala. A city of many contrasts and convolutions, while one part of the
place is a busy commercial centre, the other promises a wholesome dose of
repose and relaxation with shimmering backwaters and lush greenery. Kottayam
is also known for its beautiful churches decorated with intricate carvings
and lovely paintings, some of these dating back to almost 700 years. The
most famed attraction in Kottayam is the St. Mary's Church which houses the
remains of Alphonsa and Father Chavara.
Climate & Best time to Visit
Bounded by the mighty western ghats on the east and the Vembanad lake on
the west, Kottayam is a place of undulating natural beauty with its long
stretches of beautiful backwaters, lush fields, a salubrious climate and
charming people who welcome the guests with open arms. The climate of
Kottayam is equatorial like the rest of the state. It remains hot and humid
especially during the summer and rainy season, because of its proximity to
the sea. The best time to visit the place is between August and March.
Tourist Attractions in Kottayam
Vaikom Temple
Situated just outside Kottayam, Vaikom is an important Hindu pilgrimage.
Besides its religious significance, the temple at Vaikom attracts a number
of tourists for its beautiful and unique architectural style. The temple is
open from 4 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM when it is thronged by devotees who
gather here to perform holy rituals.
Thazhathangadi Mosque
Built by Malik Dinar, the Thazhathangadi mosque is believed to be over 1000
years old. An important pilgrimage centre for the Muslims, the mosque is
known for its beautiful architecture.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The marshy area around the Vembanad Lake has provided an ideal breeding
ground for birds. An ornithologists dream come true, the Kumarakom bird
sanctuary is a major tourist attraction and a popular haunt for resident and
migratory birds such as the Siberian stork, darter, teal, egret and heron.
Valiyapalli Church
The Valiyapalli Church, situated just 2 km from Kottayam, is believed to
have been built during the 16th century by Christians who migrated here
centuries ago from Jerusalem. The Persian crosses (two huge granite
structures) were brought here from another ancient church at Cranganmore.
Vembanad Lake
12 km west of Kottayam is the Vembanad Lake, the largest fresh water lake
in Asia. The huge lake has helped much in promoting Kottayam as a major
backwater destination. The shores and some of the islands situated in it
house a number of exotic species of flora and fauna.
Things to Do
Backwater Cruises
Kottayam is an enchanting place situated near the Vembanad Lake. The
shimmering waters of the lake make a perfect backwater destination where you
get to experience nature's splendor at its generous best. The luxury
houseboats are packed with all the essentials which ensure that your stay on
the houseboat becomes enjoyable and memorable. A backwater cruise promises
to introduce you to places such that you may not have seen before.
Stay At
Kottayam is an enchanting city situated in the south Indian state of
Kerala. The place is known for its serene surroundings and laid back
lifestyle, ideal for complete leisure and relaxation. With the place
acquiring fame as a perfect vacationing spot amongst both foreigners and
locals in recent years, a number of hotels and resorts have sprung up all
over the city which provide comfortable accommodation facilities. The best
hotels in Kottayam include the Coconut Lagoon (5 star, situated in Kumarakom
100 km from domestic airport, 180 km from international airport, 15 km from
railway station, bus stand and city centre) and Anjali Hotel (3 star,
situated on K.K. Road 70 km from airport, 2 km from railway station, 1.5 km
from bus stand and 0.5 km from city centre).
Getting There
By Air : The nearest and most convenient air connection
is Cochin while an international airport is located at Trivandrum, which is
connected with a number of overseas destinations. A daily Indian Airlines
flight between Cochin and Delhi leaves Delhi at 8:00 and reaches Cochin at
12:50.
By Rail : Kottayam railway station is located just 2 km
from the main bus stand and connects the city with other major cities of
Kerala through regular trains. The Kerala Exp. is a daily train which
departs from Delhi at 11:00 and reaches Kottayam at 11:00 the next day.
By Road : There are two bus stands in Kottayam, both
located close to the city centre at short distances from each other.
Interstate buses run from the KSRTC bus stand connecting Kottayam with other
cities in Kerala and major neighbouring states.
By Ferry : The ferry boat stand is located just outside
Kottayam at a distance of just 3 km from the railway station. The most
interesting form of transport to move around inside the state, it connects
Kottayam with Alleppey, Champakulam, Munnar, Ambalapuzha and Mankombu.
Distance from Major Cities
- Kochi (Cochin) : 50 Km
- Trivandrum : 129 Km
- Kollam : 228 Km
- Kozhikode : 204 Km
- Delhi : 2134 Km
