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| Kottayam |
| Bordered by the grand Western Ghats on the east, and the Vembanad Lake and scenic paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a beautiful land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, waterways, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills, extensive rubber plantations, and a totally literate people have given Kottayam district the enviable title, The land of Letters, Legends, Latex and Lakes. Kottayam has a few firsts to its credit including the distinction of having been the first to achieve 100 per cent literacy in Kerala. The first English education centre and Kerala’s first printing press were also set up in Kottayam. Kottayam is also the largest producer of natural rubber in India. |
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Plac es of Interest in and around KOTTAYAM:
Valiyapally:
Valiyapally, literally meaning ‘big church’, was built in 1550 by the descendants of the 72 families whose forefathers were believed to be among the seven clans who migrated to India in 345 AD from Jerusalem. Built entirely of wood, the church was demolished in 1577 and a new one built in stone.
Good Shepherd Church:
Constructed in 1882 and renovated in 1964, this is the first church of the Diocese of Vijayapuram to be built in the  Italian style. The annual feast of the church behind the civil station is held every April.
Thirunakkara Temple:
The highlight of this shrine, believed to have been built by a Thekkumkor king, is the low roofed stage or ‘koothambalam,’ one of the finest in the whole state. The carved wooden windows encircling the stage facilitate viewing of performances. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is covered
with pictures from Hindu epics. Three festivals are celebrated here in October- November, June -July and March-April.
Cheriyapally:
Built in 1579, this is one of the only churches that still exists in its near original state. Influenced by Portuguese architecture, the church has a baroque style façade.
Pala & Kanjirapally:
Nourished by two rivers, these two towns close to Kottayam are centres of rubber plantation.
Other highlights:
Flower show and food festival
(3rd week of Jan)
Erumeli Petta Thullal which are held throughout December peaking in the first half of January |
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