Kottayam Travel Guide

Kottayam The name comes from the word "Kotta" which means "strength" in Malayalam. The old town of Kottayam was originally founded on the hilltop now known as Kunnumpuram. The small hamlet developed within the walls of the fortress and thus the current name is derived from the words "Kottackk Akam" which literally means "Inside the fort. It is commonly believed that over the centuries, this gradually assumed its present form, Kottayam. Kottayam has the distinction of being the first fully literate town across India. The English School was first opened by the missionaries of the Mission Society of the Church for a time the Anglican Church. Kottayam has been a center of learning and recognition of this fact, the Government established the Mahatma Gandhi University here. Places to visit in Kottayam: Bharananganam an important pilgrimage center of Christianity, Bharananganam city known as the place of internment of Sister Alphonsa (1916 - '46) in a chapel near the church of St. Mary. Millennium-This church has an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary. Valiyapalli church dedicated to Mary, the Valia Palli is a church built in 1550 for the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians situated in Thazhathangadi, 2 km from downtown. E 'is famous for its 8th century Persian cross and the inscription on the cross Pahala. Cheryapalli Located near the Valia Palli, the smaller church of Cheri Palli, also dedicated to St. Mary, built in 1579, has some fresh and paintings of the Bible and other topics Monastery. Mannanam Housing the famous cathedral of San Jose, the Mannanam is an important Syrian Christian. The city is associated with the name of Father Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805 - 1871), one of the saints of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. Founded in 1844, Press and San Jose is one of the oldest printing presses in India, where one of the oldest newspapers in Kerala has been printed. THIRUNAKKARA Mahadev Temple The temple built in Indian style is at the heart of the city of Kottayam. It features several murals and is full of a large number of devotees during the annual festival, held the third week of March. Excursion of Kottayam: Vembanad Lake 16 km from the city of Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals that leads to the large expanse of water called Lake Vemana, located in the town of Kumarakom. The lake is a lovely place to picnic and tourist destination in a fast developing backwater. It offers boating, fishing and sight and experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom tourist village also offers houseboat cruises and vacation packages. Ettumanoor a temple famous Hindu pilgrimage, Ettumanoor temple is known for its unique architecture, wood carvings and original murals. What deserves special mention is a statue of Shiva Nataraja, as in a great location. The temple is also famous for its 10-day annual festival held during February and March Dolphins. Risso Hill A great place to relax and unwind, the hill resort Risso's dolphin is a great place to visit and relax in the lap of nature. Champaka (Ayurvedic Center) 18 km from Kottayam is Champaka, which is an important center Ayurveda 'Thirummuchikilsa. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over India and abroad. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Kottayam town, this bird sanctuary is known that within the facilities, including migratory birds. Peerumedu small hill station situated at a height of 914 meters above sea level, Peerumedu derives its name from the famous Sufi saint, Peer Mohammad. Getting there: By plane The nearest airport is Cochin, 76 km. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 152 kms. By Rail Kottayam Railway Station 2 kms. away from the central bus station, and connects with the main cities and resorts. Kottayam is connected by road with major cities in southern India on the right track. There are two bus stations, that of the Kerala State Road Transport bus station on TB Road Corporation and a private bus stand near the train station. Buses to major centers operate from the KSRTC bus station.