Location
It is bounded by Western Ghats on the east the Vembanad Lake on the west. This illustrious Vembanad Lake marks Kottayam Backwaters as a renowned tourist destination.
Major Attractions
Backwater Cruises - Kottayam Backwater tours include sailing in Kettuvalams in the Vembanad Lake and the Punnamada Lake and viewing the mundane activities of rustic life of the locales while passing through the villages. Boats of varying sizes and shapes are available in the big and small wharfs.
Chandragiri Cruises
This cruise offers boat tours to the nearby islands and palm woodlets. The boarding point is Chandragiri Bridge which is located the ancient Kizhur Sartha Temple.
Places of Interest
The varied places of interest in Kottayam are-
Shrines
Vaikom Temple, the Shiva temple is located 40 km away from the city is believed to be related with the legendary figure- Parshurama. Other temples are the Temple at Ettumanoor, Temples of Perunna, Vazhappally. You can visit the other pilgrim centres of Mannanam, Sabarimala, Bharananganam, in Kottyam.
The Mosque at Erumeli, located about 60 km north-east of Kottayam, is dedicated to Vavar, a companion of Lord Ayyappa, a Hindu deity.
St Mary's Forane Church is the 9th century church located at Athirumpuzha, near Kottayam and encloses a unique crucifix which depicts Jesus Christ without a single wound. You can also visit the St Mary's Church in Valiapally, St Mary's Orthodox Church at Cheriyapally and the St Joseph's Monastery at Mannanam.
You can also view the ruins of the fort and palaces of the local rulers of Kottayam. You can also tour to the Kumarakom Backwaters, located 16 km away and houses a famous bird sanctuary.
Connectivity
By Air: The nearest airport from Kottyam is at Cochin (Kochi) which is 76 km away. Another important airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) 160 km away.
By Rail
Kottayam is well connected with the main towns within and outside Keralaby an extensive rail network. The nearest railway station is located just 2 km away from the main bus station. There are regular trains from Kottayam to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam(165 km), and Ernakulam (65 km).
By Road
Kottayamis connected to major cities of South India by a good network of roads. There are two bus depots- the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus station on T.B. Road and a private bus stand near the railway station. Buses to major cities ply from the the KSRTC bus station.
Last Updated on : 25 November 2010
