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 Kottayam situated in South of Cochin is a
cultural Centre with beautiful Old churches. Though a busy commercial city, on
its west, it has beautiful backwaters & on its eastern parts it is full of
greenary.
Kottayam - The ancient town of Kottayam is known for its 700 year-old
churches. The Cheria palli ('small church') with exceptionally lovely
paintings over the altar, the beautiful St.Mary's Church in which lies the
mortal remains of the blessed Alphonsa and the Blessed Father Chavara and
the St. Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam are Kottayam's prize
attractions.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Area: 2579 sq.km.
- Population: 2,398,285.
- Climate: Tropical Mean Max:
36.0°C Mean Min: 22.4°C
- Rainfall: 270 cm. (Annual).
- Clothing: Tropical
- Location: Southern Part Of
Kerala
- Best Time: August To March
- Languages: Malayalam, Hindi,
English
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The City
 The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and
Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites
attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic
landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place
of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are
also a treat to the eyes.
Look of the City
Having all the three types of land composition like low, middle and high,
this place is a rich panorama of natural beauty. The land is situated on the
southern side of Kerala with beautiful landscape surrounding the city. It has
Ernakulam on its north while the east is protected by Idukki district. The
exotic Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts signify the southern part, whereas
Vembanad Lake makes the western side of Kottayam even more striking. Kottayam is
also connected with picturesque Vembanad Lake with a canal.
Climate & The best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this place is during the months of August and March
when the tropical climate is not so hot and humid. This makes traveling
comfortable. Light winter sweaters and a shawl would be enough to meet the chill
here.
History
The history of Kottayam is significant from the time of the second Chera
Empire who used to have a great influence on the region. Maharaja Marthandaverma
had a great influence on the state of Kerala as a ruler. He conquered the
Vembolinadu established by his former rulers. Since ages, Kottayam has been
regarded as one of the most important places of Kerala both politically and
otherwise.
PLACES OF INTEREST
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Valiya Pally
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Thazhathangadi Mosque
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Kumarakam : 10 km away from Kottayam, here is a lovely
Vembanad Lake Where tourists can enjoy the beautiful backwater trips operated
by the State Water Transport Department. The important ones are given below:-
PLACE KILOMETRES JOURNEY HRS.
1. Komarakam - Mohama 7 km 1/2 hrs.
2. Kottayam - Alleppey 30 km 2 1/2 hrs.
3. Kumarakam - Alleppey 1/2 hrs.
EXCURSIONS
HOW TO GET THERE?
By Air
Nearest Airport is Cochin 76 km. connected by Indian Airlines & East West
Airlines with Mumbai (Bombay).
By Rail
Kottayam is well connected by rail with other cities in India.
By Road
Kottayam is connected by road with all important cities in South India. It is:
76 km from Cochin, 248 km from Madurai, 267 km from Kanyakumari, 114 km from
Thekkady, 180 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Bus Services
Kottayam is connected by buses to Cochin, Quilon, Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey,
Thekkady, Madurai, Trichur
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