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Kottayam Kottayam
provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes, sandwiched as it is between
serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the western ghats on the
east. Much of this beauty is laid out in all its glory along the road which
winds from Kottayam to the Periyar wild life sanctuary in Thekkady through
plantations of rubber, tea, coffee, and pepper.
HISTORY
SIDELIGHTS:
Ayyampara: Ayyampara, 43 kms from Kottayam is a little known scenic spot of rocky plains where a 100 acre area of flat rock makes a natural granite platform to enjoy the sunset and it also offers a great view of the town below. This is an ideal place for trekking. Valiya palli (St Mary's church): The Valiya palli built in 1550 AD for the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians is situated in Thazhathangadi, 2 kms from the town centre. It is famous for its 8th century Persian cross with the Pahlavi inscription on it. Cheriya palli (St Mary's church): Located near the Valiya palli, the smaller church of Cheriya palli built in 1579 AD has some murals and paintings depicting Biblical and other themes. Bharananganam: (Pilgrim centre): Bharananganam is an important Christian pilgrim centre - the place where the mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa (1916 - 1946) was interned in a chapel next to the St Mary's church. This 1000 year old church features an attractive Grotto of Virgin Mary. Wagamon: Wagamon,60 kms from Kottayam and 30 kms from Pala, situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level is a trekker's paradise. visit kottayam.com for more details |
Kumarakom
(bird sanctuary): A small village 12 kms west of Kottayam town, on
the banks of the Vembanad lake, Kumarakom is a bird sanctuary known for
local varieties like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and the water duck as
well as the migratory Siberian storks. June-August is ideal time for bird
watching. Here accommodation is there and boats are also available on hire
for backwater cruises.