Kottayam Tour

State : Kerala
Area : 2203 Sq.Km
Altitude: Sea level
Climate :Summer Mean Max. 35 Mean Min. 22.5
Winter Mean Max. 32 Mean Min 22

 Language : Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English
STD Code : (91) - 481
Best time to Vsisit : August to March

History Of Kottayam

Kottayam is an enchanting city situated south of Cochin in the state of Kerala. A city of many contrasts and convolutions, while one part of the place is a busy commercial centre, the other promises a wholesome dose of repose and relaxation with shimmering backwaters and lush greenery. Kottayam is also known for its beautiful churches decorated with intricate carvings and lovely paintings, some of these dating back to almost 700 years. The most famed attraction in Kottayam is the St. Mary's Church which houses the remains of Alphonsa and Father Chavara.

Sightseeing in Kottayam

Situated just outside Kottayam, Vaikom is an important Hindu pilgrimage. Besides its religious significance, the temple at Vaikom attracts a number of tourists for its beautiful and unique architectural style. The temple is open from 4 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM when it is thronged by devotees who gather here to perform holy rituals.

Built by Malik Dinar, the Thazhathangadi mosque is believed to be over 1000 years old. An important pilgrimage centre for the Muslims, the mosque is known for its beautiful architecture.

The marshy area around the Vembanad Lake has provided an ideal breeding ground for birds. An ornithologists dream come true, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a major tourist attraction and a popular haunt for resident and migratory birds such as the Siberian stork, darter, teal, egret and heron.

The Valiyapalli Church, situated just 2 km from Kottayam, is believed to have been built during the 16th century by Christians who migrated here centuries ago from Jerusalem. The Persian crosses (two huge granite structures) were brought here from another ancient church at Cranganmore.

12 km west of Kottayam is the Vembanad Lake, the largest fresh water lake in Asia. The huge lake has helped much in promoting Kottayam as a major backwater destination. The shores and some of the islands situated in it house a number of exotic species of flora and fauna.

Things to Do in Kottayam

Kottayam is an enchanting place situated near the Vembanad Lake. The shimmering waters of the lake make a perfect backwater destination where you get to experience nature's splendor at its generous best. The luxury houseboats are packed with all the essentials which ensure that your stay on the houseboat becomes enjoyable and memorable. A backwater cruise promises to introduce you to places such that you may not have seen before.

How To Reach Kottayam

By Air : The nearest and most convenient air connection is Cochin while an international airport is located at Trivandrum, which is connected with a number of overseas destinations. A daily Indian Airlines flight between Cochin and Delhi leaves Delhi at 8:00 and reaches Cochin at 12:50.
By Rail : Kottayam railway station is located just 2 km from the main bus stand and connects the city with other major cities of Kerala through regular trains. The Kerala Exp. is a daily train which departs from Delhi at 11:00 and reaches Kottayam at 11:00 the next day.
By Road : There are two bus stands in Kottayam, both located close to the city centre at short distances from each other. Interstate buses run from the KSRTC bus stand connecting Kottayam with other cities in Kerala and major neighbouring states.

By Ferry : The ferry boat stand is located just outside Kottayam at a distance of just 3 km from the railway station. The most interesting form of transport to move around inside the state, it connects Kottayam with Alleppey, Champakulam, Munnar, Ambalapuzha and Mankombu.