Tourist Centres:
The Kottayam is vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great
expense of water called the Vembanad lake. There is a chain of temples, mosques
and Christian churches bearing much historical and artistical importance
in this district.
It is 16kms from Kottayam town. The Vembanad lake is an enchanting picnic
spot and a fast developing back water tourism destination, providing boating,
fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakam
tourist village offers house boat cruises and holiday packages.
Located on the banks of the Vembanad lake, the Kumarakam Bird Sanctuary,
an ornithologist's paradise, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like
the Siberian stork, egret, darker heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad
lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Special house boat cruises are
being arranged by KTDC.
Places to See (Tourist Places)
The eastern part of the district is famous for its subtle and virgin
serenity. Much has to be done to develop this part of the district as a picnic
spot. The panoramic and kaleidoscopic view of Elaveezha Poonchira,
Kannadippara, Illikkalmala, Ayyappara, Kurisumala, Kolahalamedu, Vagnamon are
very much attractive.
Places to See (Tourist Places)
Kottayam town is the gateway to the pilgrim centres of
sabarimala, Mannanam,
Vaikom , Ettumanoor, Bharanarganam, Erumeli, Manarcad, Aruvithara, and
Athirampuzha and temples of Perunna, Vazhappalli and Thrikodithanam near
Changanacherry. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is at the heart of Kottayam.
Thalikota temple is an ancient temple was the place of worship of the
Thekkumkoor royal family. The Kudamaloor temple is equally famous. The Siva
Temple,Vaikom is located 40kms north of Kottayam. Associated with the
legendary figure, Parasurama, this temple is a typical example of the
Kerala style architecture.
Places to See (Tourist Places)
12kms north of Kottayam is famous for
its murals, especially the painting of Nataraja in the gopuram and ezhara
ponnana (the 7 1/2 (seven and half) elephants finished in gold).
Festival-Ezharaponnana Utsavam (February/ March).
Places to See (Tourist Places)
, Good Shepherd church, situated behind the
Kottayam civil station, Aruvithara St.George church, Manarcaad St. Mary's Church
(famous for the Ettu Noyampu), Puthuppally St. Georges orthodox Church,
Athirampuzha St.Mary's church, Pala Valiyapally (festival- Rakkullithirunal),
Mannanam Church where the mortal remains of blessed Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
is kept and Kottayam Vimala Giri church ( cathedral of the Diocese of
Vijayapuram; the main steeple has a height of 172 feet which is considered as
the highest church steeple in the state) are the other important Christian
churches in the district.
Places to See (Tourist Places)
