Kottayam
Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations, places associated with many legends and a totally literate people have given Kottayam District the enviable title: The land of letters, latex and lakes. Kottayam Town is the first town in India to have achieved 100% literacy (a remarkable feat achieved as early as in 1989). Kottayam is the first town in India selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to be transformed as an Eco City.
Backwater cruises in traditional houseboats on Lake Vembanad are one of the highlights. Vembanad Lake, 14 km from Kottayam is the base for backwater cruises, boating and angling. On the banks of the lake is Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory and local birds. Periyar Tiger Reserve, 43 Km away is a famous wildlife spot of Kerala. Visits to the sprawling rubber, tea and coffee plantations of Pala and Kanjirappally, make an interesting outdoor trip. You can shop for fine Kottayam saris and coir or coconut items in the town. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in the heart of the town was built in the early 16th century by the Raja of Thekkumkur. The interior murals depict themes from Hindu epics. Thazhathangady Juma Masjid by the Meenachil river is one of the oldest mosques of India and famous for its wooden carvings and architecture. Some beautiful Syrian Christian churches dominate the city. Of them, St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Cheriapally has old murals which date back to 1600s.
coffee plantations of Pala and Kanjirappally, make an interesting outdoor trip. You can shop for fine Kottayam saris and coir or coconut items in the town. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in the heart of the town was built in the early 16th century by the Raja of Thekkumkur. The interior murals depict themes from Hindu epics. Thazhathangady Juma Masjid by the Meenachil river is one of the oldest mosques of India and famous for its wooden carvings and architecture. Some beautiful Syrian Christian churches dominate the city. Of them, St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Cheriapally has old murals which date back to 1600s.
Vembanad Lake
One of the largest lakes in India, the Vembanad Lake is Indias longest lake and also the largest lake in all of Kerala. The districts of Allepey, Kottayam and Ernakulam border the lake.The lake is famous for its scenic beauty and has, as a consequence, become a major tourist attraction.
A distinctive feature of the lake is that it has been divided into two parts by the Thannermukkom salt water barrier, which leaves one part of the lake with brackish water perennially and the second part with fresh water from the rivers draining into the lake.
The Vembanad Lake is at the centre of Kerala Backwaters tourism with a myriad of ketuvallams (houseboats) crowding it. There are several other reasons which attract tourists to the beautiful lake, in and off season. The town of Allepey, bordering the lake, is considered to be the Venice of the East because of the large network of canals that amble through the town. Also, the Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held annually in August is a major attraction. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake and never fails to draw a huge and enthusiastic crowd of tourists.
Spread in an area of 14 acres of land, the Kumarakom Bird Sancruary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, known for it varied avian population is an ornithologist's paradise. The sanctuary is a favourite haunt of local varieties such as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory birds like Siberian Cranes.Hire a houseboat or a motorboat which is the best means for bird watching on the lake and experience the exotic world of magnificent birds. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuaries is the rare haven that offers picturesque landscapes and is a nature lover's paradise. Set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, Kumarakom acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you will be thrilled to see the native kingfishers blazing in psychedelic colours and the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers.
and experience the exotic world of magnificent birds. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuaries is the rare haven that offers picturesque landscapes and is a nature lover's paradise. Set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, Kumarakom acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you will be thrilled to see the native kingfishers blazing in psychedelic colours and the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers.
Thomankuthu
Thomankuthu, located 17 kms from Thodupuzha is famous for its numerous waterfalls. The seven step water falls that drop down a rock from a height of 1500 meters is a much loved picnic spot. At each step, there is a cascade and a poll beneath. The best way to enjoy athe place is to undertake a 12 kilometers trek that takes you to the top of the mountain. The less adventurous can have agood time frolicking in the shallow pools below. The falls are named after Thomban, a tribal leader, who was washed away near a waterfall called Thomban Kuthu while crossing a river. Later, Thombankuthu became Thomankuthu.
waterfall called Thomban Kuthu while crossing a river. Later, Thombankuthu became Thomankuthu.
Elaveezhapoonchira
Elaveezhapoonchira, a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60 kms from Kottayam is an ideal trekking spot in Kottayam. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sun rise and sunset.Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu,Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira is spread across thousands of acres. The verdant land scape punctuated by the gigantic hills , each rising to around 3200 ft is an ideal place to unwind. During monsoons when the valley fillup to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature.
picturesque charm. The valleys of Poonchira is spread across thousands of acres. The land scape punctuated by the hills, each rising to around 3200 ft is an ideal place to unwind. During monsoons when the valley fillup to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature.
