Kottayam (Kottayam
literally means the interior of a fort - Kotta + Akam)
is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India.
The district has its headquarters at Kottayam town,
ocated at 9.36° N and 76.17° E. Bordered by
the lofty and mighty 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, legends, latex and lakes. Kottayam Town
is the first town in India to have achieved 100% literacy.
Places
to See
Kumarakom:
Kumarakom is a small village 14km.
west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, which is
a ' wonder land ', lying below sea level, comprising
of a number of islands, in the back waters. Kumarakom
Village covers an area of 5166 Ha of which 2413Ha is
lake portion, 1500Ha is paddy fields and the remaining
portion of 1253 Ha is dry land. Kumarakom is an unbelievably
beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green
paddy fields and coconut groves interpersed with enchanting
waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated
on the Vembanad Lake, this small water world has plenty
of traditional country boats, crafts and canoes which
will take you in to the heart of scenic Kerala. The
resorts near by offer comfortable accomodation and exclusive
leisure options like Ayurvedic massages, Yoga and meditation
besides boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
Bird Sanctuary:
An attraction of Kumarakom is the Bird sanctuary spreading
over 14 acres of land. Located on the banks of the Vembanad
Lake, the sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory
birds like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron
and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl
and water hen, other common varieties like the wood
pecker, sky lark, crane and parrots can also be spotted
here. 91 Species of local 50 species of migratory birds
are found here. The best time to bird watch is June-August
and migratory birds during November-February. A cruise
along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience
the sanctuary.
Elaveezha Poonchira:
Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala
and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque
charm. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing
place for Panchali the legendary heroine of Mahabharata.
The D.T.P.C. is developing this place into a trekking
spot. A tourist bungalow with rooms and dormitory to
accommodate 15 people has been constructed. The beautiful
valleys of Poonchira are spread across thousands of
acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic
hills, each rising to around 3200 ft. is an ideal place
to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills
up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another
beautiful slice of nature. Elaveezha poonchira 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.
Poonjar Palace:
The Poonjar Palace in Meenachil taluk is a glorious
testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. With
the palace walls, is an extra ordinary royal collection
of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a
palanquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood
for ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf
engravings, jewel boxes, a variety of lamps, sculptures
of Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva ), grain measures, statues
and weapons. A unique couch preserved here is taken
out once a year for ritualistic purposes. Near the palace
is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
The walls of this temple have sculptures with war fare
stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India
). However the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku
(row of lamps) carved out on the stonewalls of the Sastha
Temple nearby. Such rocks cut lamps are rare in India.
Wagamon:
Situated 64kms from Kottayam, this enchanting hill station
at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level is a
trekker’s paradise. This enchanting hill station
on the Idukki-Kottayam border dotted with tea gardens
and meadows, will soon be one of India's foremost Eco
tourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala
Live stock Board is located here.
When to
Go
The best time to visit Kottayam is during September to
March.
Festivals/Events
In
the festive months of August and September, the rivers
in and near Kottayam are turned into festival centres.
The serene lakes come alive during Onam with a spectacular
water regatta - the snake boat races. It is amazing
to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice
their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their
own full throated singing. In the Kumarakom boat race
conducted at Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers, about 50
types of boats including veppu, ody and churulan boats
participate.
How to
Reach
By Air:
Nearest Air Ports are Nedumbassery, Kochi (90 Km) and
Thiruvananthapuram (160 Km).
By Rail:
Nearest Railway Station is Kottayam.
By Road:
Kottayam is well connected by road.
Interesting
Facts
English education in South India
did actually start at the Old Seminary here at Kottayam
in 1813. The first printing press in Kerala was established
(CMS Press) here in 1821 by Rev. Benjamin Bailey.
The first college in the State (CMS College) was also
started here at Kottayam in 1840. Maiden printed Malayalam-English
and English-Malayalam Dictionaries were published
from Kottayam in 1846 and 1847 respectively. The first
and only Cooperative Society of writers, authors and
publishers (SPCS), for publishing books and periodicals
was set up here in 1945. Kottayam is the hometown
of a vast number of books and periodicals and is the
center of publishing business in the State. 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.
Mr K R Narayanan, the former President of India hails
from Kottayam District.
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