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            KOTTAYAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Kottayam an important trading center of commercial crops and a publishing centre in
Kerala, Kottayam is also the administrative capital of Kottayam district. The town has
been in the forefront of modern education in Kerala from the nineteenth century. In
1989, it achieved the distinction of being the first District in India to achieve 100%
literacy.

The name Kottayam is said to have come from 'Kotta Akam' in Malayalam, meaning
'inside the fort'. The Rajas of Thekkumkur, an independent little kingdom to which
Kottayam area belonged, ruled their domain from a location in the present day
Kottayam called Thazhathangadi. When, in the mid-18th century, Marthanda Varma
of Travancore annexed Thekkumcore, Kottayam area, along with the areas of the rest
of what is today's Kottayam District, became part of the Kingdom of Travancore (later
to be the Princely State of Travancore under the British.) After Indian independence,
Kottayam eventually became the headquarers of the present Kottayam District.

The citizens of Kottayam had a role in some of the early social struggles in Kerala. A
protest movement that took place in the 1891 called the 'Malayali Memorial agitation',
seeking increased representation for Travancoreans in the Travancore civil service,
as opposed to outsiders, is said to have started in Kottayam and may have been the
beginning of modern political movement in Kerala. Kottayam also had an active role
in the 'Nivarthana' struggle in the 1930s, which was a campaign seeking
representation for Hindus of the lower castes, Christians and Muslims in the
Travancore Legislature.


PLACE TO VISIT

Thazhathangady Juma Masjid - situated in the banks of river Meenachil
is one of the oldest Mosques in India and is more than 1000 years old. It is very
famous for its architectural beauty, and the richness in wood carvings. This mosque
was constructed by the followers of the Islamic prophet Muhammad during one of
their first voyages to Kerala. The interior of the mosque is built using wood withe
marvellous craftings. The mosque is situated just 2&nbps;km from Kottayam town
and is on the route to Kumarakom

Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple -  at the heart of the town, is a Shiva
temple built in the Kerala style of temple architecture, and with interior murals
depicting themes from the Hindu epics. It was built at the beginning of 16th century
by the then Raja of Thekkumkur. The annual temple festival that culminates in a
ceremony called the Aaraattu, attracts large number of devotees.

The St. Mary's Church -  known as Cheria Palli (the Little Church),
belonging to the Malankara Orthodox Church was built in 1579 by the Raja of
Thekkumkur for his Christian subjects. Similary St Mary's Church of Kudamalloor
built by Raja of Chempakassery. These churches features temple architectural
influences. The interior murals, painted using vegetable dyes, depict Biblical
themes. Another St. Mary's Church, the Valia Palli (the Big Church), actually smaller
than the Cheriya Palli, was built in 1550 by Knanaya Christians who immigrated from
West Asia. This building is noted for its Persian inscriptions and a Persian stone
cross.

Elaveezha poonchira - (valley where leaves don't fall) - a hill station near
Melukavu Mattom, 60kms from Kottayam with gigantic hills around 3200 ft. height.
Beautiful hillocks Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira.
Famaous for the legend that says the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali the
legendary heroine of the Mahabharata.

Kumarakom - 14 km west of Kottayam in Kuttanad. Bird sanctuary, Coconut
lagoon, House Boat, country boats, crafts, canoes, Floating Restaurant, backwaters,
rivers, canals, beautiful bungalow of Henry Baker now modified into the Taj Garden
Retreat (a hotel).

Pathiramanal (Midnight sands) - small beautiful sand island in
Vembanad Lake, which shines in dark.

Poonjar Palace - situatied in Meenachil taluk, famous for the collection of
antiques and exquisite furniture's, chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, a
variety of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva ), grain measures,
statues and weapons.

Wagamon - 64 kms from Kottayam, enchanting hill station at an elevation of
1100 metre, with tea gardens and meadows.

HOW TO REACH

By Air -  Kochi International Airport (Cochin) 93 KM away, is the nearest airport.
The airport has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad,
Coimbatore, Kozhikode, Tiruvananthapuram, Agatti, Mangalore, Goa, Colombo,
Singapore and every international airport in the Middle East. The airport is currently
served by the following airlines: Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, JetLite, Indian, Air
Deccan, Go Air, IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Srilankan Airlines, Silk Air,
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Oman Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Gulf
Traveller, Etihad Airlines, Tiger Airways and Jazeera Airways.

From the airport, it is possible to get to Kottayam either by road (buses and taxis are
available, and recommended for convenience) or by rail via railway stations at either
Angamali (the closest to the airport, but very few trains stop here), Ernakulam
Junction or Ernakulam Town.


By Train - Kottayam has a number of long distance trains coming through. The
town is linked to most major cities in India by trains, categorized as being either
'express' or 'non-express'. Short-haul trains also pass through Kottayam, connecting
it to most cities and towns in Kerala.

By Bus - There are bus services operating from cities like Kochi,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Coimbatore to
Kottayam. The quality of buses that operate vary significantly. Seats on comfortable,
safe and air-conditioned buses can be had on paying higher fares. So, it's best to
verify that what you're getting is in line with your expectation.

By Road - Kottayam is well connected to other cities Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram,
Alappuzha (Alleppey), Chennai, Kannur, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Bangalore,
Coimbatore by road.