Kottayam is one of the districts of Kerala State of India.It is Bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam has many unique characteristics. Kottayam is also known as the Land of letters, legends, latex and lakes. The city is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber. Most of India’s natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom, situated 13 Kms away from Kottayam is a sleepy little village on VembanadLake in Kerala. It offers wide variety of flora, exotic sightseeing, boating and fishing experience. The bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres is safe home for many migratory birds like Siberian stork, wild duck etc. They live with other birds in flocks such as darters, herons, egret, waterfowls and cuckoos are fascinating sight for the visitors.
Kuttikkanam
Kuttikkanam is a hill station located in Idukki district of Kerala, India. It lies within the territory of Peermade. Located 3500 feet above sea level, it is famous for the tea and coffee plantations that grow in the area on a full scale. The green hills, the number of animals that can be spotted alongside the various species of fauna and the pleasant climate add to the positives of it
Vagamon
Vagamon hill station in Idukki is among the few spots on the planet that need to be experienced first-hand to truly discover its glory. The grassy hills, velvet lawns and overall mysticism of the place cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. This quaint town lies untouched by any modern influences and is neatly tucked away in Idukki district. Visitors can avail many activities including trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing. People love travelling across a chain of three famous hills: Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala. These are important to Hindus, Muslims and Christians, respectively, and are a perfect example of the communal harmony prevalent in the place. The Kurisumala monks have an enchanting dairy farm nearby that is an absolute delight to visit.
illikkal kallu
Three hills, each rising to 4,000 ft and above, together form this huge hill. Each of these hills have a peculiar shape. One of them resembles a mushroom owing to which it gets its name Kuda Kallu (umbrella shaped rock). The medicinal herb Neela Koduveli, which bathes the hillsides in blue, grows here. This flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest. The second hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu Kallu (hunchback rock). Across this rock is a 1/2 feet wide bridge called Narakapalam (bridge to hell). From the hilltops, the Arabian Sea can be seen in the distant horizon as a thin blue line. The sunset on a full moon day is sensational, when the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
At a distance of 1 km from Kottayam Railway Station, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Kottayam, Kerala. Located in heart of the Kottayam town, it is one of the oldest temples in Kerala, and among the must-visit places during your Kottayam tour.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple was constructed by Thekkumkoor Maharaja in the early 16th century. The Mahadeva Temple showcases typical South Indian architecture. The walls of the temples are decorated with beautiful paintings of different scenes from the Hindu epics. The innermost sanctum of the temple is adorned with impressive images of epic characters from Hindu mythology.
niranam church
Niranam Pally is one of the oldest churches in India. It is believed that the church was founded by St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, in AD 54. The church was reconstructed several times since then. The stones in the church shows the reconstruction in 1259. St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ landed at Malankara near Cranganore around A.D.52. He established seven and half churches. Those are, Kodugallore, Palayoor, Kottacave, Kokamangalam, Niranam, Chayal, Kollam and the half church at Thiruvithamkode. On his way from Kollam in northeast direction he arrived at Niranam "Thrikpapaleswaram" by sea.
It is believed to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala and thus in India as well as among the oldest ones in the world. The architecture shows striking similarities to ancient temple architecture. It is believed to have been established by St. Thomas.
thazhathangadi juma masjid
An old ancient mosque situated on the banks of the Meenachil River in Kottayam,Juma Masjid at Thazhathangadi is an architectural marvel. Believed to be 1000 years old, it is considered one of the oldest mosques in India. A square inner-courtyard, an exquisitely carved wooden gabled roof, a traditional bathing area and lovely latticed windows resembling a temple or a king's palace make it a delight to behold. Only men are allowed entry to this historic site.
malarikkal
These are the famous water lilies of Malarikkal, a rising tourist hotbed in Kerala, located in the southern tip of India. This natural phenomenon in the paddy fields turns the entire landscape into a luscious pink carpet that is a mesmerizing sight to behold. This year, thousands shall assemble at the site of the blooming, situated near Thiruvarppu in Kottayam district.
