Introduction
The tranquil waters of the Beautiful backwaters and the palm fringed emerald canals are fast gaining momentum as one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Sandwiched in between the emerald backwaters on the west and Western Ghats Kottayam is one of the most picturesque district and one of the most popularly visited spots in Kerala.
The name Kottayam is derived from a combination of 'Kotta" meaning fort and "akam" meaning inside. The Known history of Kottayam starts from the second Chera Empire. Kottayam and Ettumanoor were parts of the erstwhile Vanchunad.
Kottayam is also an important commercial centre by virtue of its cash crop production, Rubber the most prominent among them. Kottayam is home to the headquarters of the Rubber Board. Most of the country's rubber is produced in Kottayam. The road in between Kottayam and Periyar Sanctuary in Thekkaddy meanders through tea, coffee and pepper plantations and offers breathtaking view.
Notably, in 1989 Kottayam received the status of being the first Municipal town in India to achieve 100% literacy.
Kottayam- Location
Kottayam railway station is an important railhead of the southern railways. The airport nearest to Kottayam is Nedumbassery at Ernakulam 80 km from the city
Tourist Attractions in Kottayam
- Kumarakom- tucked in among mangrove forests and gurgling rivulets and waterways, this is a paradise of boat cruises and local crafts.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary- a hot favorite among waterfowls and migratory birds like Siberian stork, egret, heron, darter, wood pecker, etc., this is all orinthologists' pilgrimage. Located by the Vembanad Lake, this bird sanctuary is spread over 14 acres.
- Vembanad Lake- the largest lake in Kerala (200 sq. km area) and pretty much the focal point of the houseboat cruises in Kerala, Vembanad is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island and abounds in a lush tropical vegetation the beauty of which is complemented by the shimmering waters of the lake.
- Pathiramanal Island- a 10 acres island on the backwaters, and an abode to a host of migratory birds and waterfowls, Pathiramanal is idyllic. The Nattakom and Panachikad reservoirs enhance the beauty of the place manifold. A boat ride from Kodoorar in Panachikad to Kumarakom is a truly rewarding experience. Facilities ranging from Ayurvedic massage to swimming and fishing are also available.
- Ayyapara- a huge rock cave 2000 ft above sea level believed to have sheltered the Pandavas of the Mahabharata during their exile. Thousands of devotees throng the place to worship the deity and also of course to witness the idyllic view during sunset.
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