KottayamKERALA - God's Own Country  History of the cityThe word 'Kottayam' is derived from the two words of Malayalam 'Kotta' which means 'fort' and 'Akkam' which means 'inside'. So, the combined meaning of the word Kottayam is 'inside the fort'. Kottayam is an important commercial centre of Kerala, situated in the southern part of India. The town is surrounded by some of the most fertile and beautiful scenery in the state with hills to its East and backwaters to the west. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the lands of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, one of the country's primary commodities board 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. Tourists SeasonAugust to February Altitude1600Mts to 1800Mts above sea level AirThe nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 105 km (3hrs by road) & Trivandrum International Airport (215Km / 06hrs by road) RailKottayam (KTYM) railway station is situated in the heart of the city and is under the administration of the Southern Railway. RoadThe distance from Kottayam to Alleppey is 40Km & will take 01hrs drive The distance from Kottayam to Kumarakom 17Km & will take 10 Minutes drive The distance from Kottaym to Periyar 123Km & will take 03hrs drive The distance from Kottyam to Munnar to 140m & will take 04.00hrs drive The distance from Kottayam to Cochin 90Km & will take 02.5hrs drive The distance from Kottayam to Kollam 130Km & will take 03.5hrs drive The distance from Kottayam to Trivandrum 220Km & 06.00hrs drive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Places to visitValiyapallyBuilt in AD 1550, this is one of the largest churches in Kottayam. The church is dedicated to St. Mary and is located in Thazhathangadi about 4km northwest of the town center. The church is known for 8th-century Persian crosses with Pahlavi inscriptions that prove them to be the earliest examples of Christianity in India. CheriyapallyThe church of Cheriyapally is dedicated to St. Mary. Built in 1579 AD, the church houses some exquisite vegetable dye paintings on the ceilings and walls depicting biblical and non-biblical themes. Thazhathangadi MosqueKnown for its exquisite architecture, the mosque forms an important pilgrim center of Kottayam. The 1,000-year-old mosque at Thazhathangadi is believed to have been built by Malik Dinar. Good Shepherd ChurchThe Good Shepherd Church is the first church of the district of Vijayapuram, built in the Italian style. The construction of the Church was completed in 1882 and was renovated in 1964. The annual feast of Good Shepherd is held here in the month of April every year. Thirunakkara Mahadev TempleThe temple built by Thekkumkar raja is a wonderful reflection of the traditional Keralese architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to be around 500 years old. A glimpse of the temple from outside doesn't give even a slightest hint as to what lays inside. The highlight of the temple are the murals on the walls. Also, the sanctum sanctorum is ornated with scenes from the Hindu epics. The annual Phalguna Utsav attracts a large number of devotees to this temple every year in the month of March. Usually, the temple is open from 5 am to 12 pm and then later from 5 to 8 pm. Ettumanur12Km away from Kottayam town main attraction Shiva Temple Excursion From KottayamAyyampara43 Kms from Kottayam, this is a well known scenic spot of rocky plains, where a 100 acres of flat rock makes a natural granite stadium to enjoy the sunset and the view of the town below. It is a good place for trekking. VennimalaVennimala, is the serene and beautiful hill top destination: Vennimala is located around 15 Kms from the Kottayam town and can be accessed easily through the Kottayam- Kumuly road. The major attractions at Vennimala are its age old Lord Sri Rama and Lakshmana temple. Vennimala is covered by lush green vegetation and rubber plantation Kanjirappally39 km away from Kottayam. Main attractions are Old churches, Temples and Mosque Pala27Km away from Kottayam town. Main attractions are St Thomas Cathedral, St Mary's Forane Church of Kuravilangad and the Twin Temples of Poonjar. Mannanam11Kms away from Kottayam Town, the importance of the place can be gauged from the fact that it is linked inextricably with the Blessed Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It also has many other things to its credit - it is the seat of very first seminary of the Malabar Church, first Catholic Sanskrit School in Kerala, first printing press in Kerala started by Rev Benjamin Bailey, first Catholic English School and lastly the first daily newspaper in Malayalam. Moreover, there is St Joseph's church, despite being renovated a number of times, has the original altar ornated with gold filigree work and paintings by Tamil artists. Festivals of the KottaymEttumanoor FestivalThis is the ten-day annual festival celebrated in February - March to honor the age-old temple that has brought glory and fame to the place. Manarkad PerunalThis festival is one of the most famous festivals of Kottayam, Kerala dedicated to St. Mary Church, Manarkad. This festival is also known 'Ettu Nompu Perunnal' in which most of the women observes fast and on the last three days colorful processions are being taken out with golden crosses. Thirunakara FestivalThe annual festival of this temple falls in the months of March-April, when folk arts like 'Mayilattam' and 'Vellakali' are presented in the temple grounds during the evenings Hospitals in KottayamGovernment Medical College Hospital - 0481 2597284 Local Restaurant DetailsArcadia hotel- Opposite Kottayam K.S.R.T.C Bus stand Hotels in Kottayam
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