A town known for its rubber plantations, lakes, churches and its flourishing publishing industry, Kottayam is one of the most prosperous towns in Kerala. The alluring backwaters of Kumarakom have made it an ideal tourist destination.
Panoramic backwaters, lush paddy fields, highlands, hummocks and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations, places associated with many legends and a literate people have given Kottayam district the sobriquet: The land of letters, legends, 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).
The first printing press in Kerala was established (CMS Press) here in 1821 by Rev.Benjamin Baily. The first college in the State (CMS College) was also started here 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 first town in India selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, to be transformed as an Eco City.
Places to See
Valiyapalli , Kottayam
 Valiyapalli, meaning ‘big church’ was built in 1550. The church built entirely in wood was demolished in the year 1577. The church built later was done fully in stone. The church is known for its Persian crosses, woodcarvings, Syrian inscriptions and mural paintings.
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Cheriyapalli , Kottayam
 The Cheriyapalli or the ‘small church’, was built in 1579. An extensive restoration work was carried out which got over in 1993. The restoration work was done to retain the original beauty of the church. Hence, the architectural details are same as that of the church built in 1579. Granite…
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Thirunakkara Temple , Kottayam
 This temple is famous for its low roofed stage or Koothambalam which is decorated with carved windows. The festivals held in the months of October-November, June-July and March-April see the performance of folk arts such as Mayilattom (Peacock dance) and Velakali. The all-night Kathakali performance
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Pala , Kottayam
 The town known for its churches is also known for its huge rubber and cashew plantations. Pala has several pilgrimage centres such as St Mary’s Church located at Bharananganam where the remains of Saint Alphonsa are buried; the Shrine of our lady of Immaculate Conception which is a landmark structure…
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Kanjirappilly , Kottayam
 Also referred to as the gateway to the High ranges, Kanjirapally is a town that is a planter’s paradise. Rubber Plantations, banana, tapioca, pepper, vanilla and ginger are the important crops that sustain the town’s economy. Places worth a visit are: the St Mary’s Church which was |
Erumely , Kottayam
 A region for its communal harmony, Erumely is a town that has Hindu and Muslim shrines built close to each other. The Vavar mosque dedicated to Vavar, Lord Ayyappa’s Muslim friend, is visited by pilgrims going to Sabarimala. The Kochambalam opposite the Vavar Mosque is known for the Petta Thullal…
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Elaveezhapoonchira , Kottayam
| Located at a distance of 55 kms from Kottayam and 20 kms from Thodapuzha, this is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. ‘Elaveezhapoonchira’ means ‘the valley where leaves do not fall’ and is so named because the place has no trees. |
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary , Kottayam
| The bird sanctuary here, which is sprawled over 14 acres, is a favorite haunt for migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that arrive in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way… |
Kumarakom Backwaters , Kottayam
| The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages… |
Kumaranelloor , Kottayam
| Kumaranelloor is famous for the Karthyayani (Devi) temple. Here “Trikarthika” day is important which is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December). The display of lights in the evening (Karthika Vilakku) is the highlight of this celebration. |