What To See

In and around Kottayam

KUMARAKOM (12 kms) lies on the banks of Vembanad Lake. It offers the world famous natural bird sanctuary. A cruise in the backwaters is really an enthralling experience. Another ideal picnic spot accessible by boat from here is 'Pathiramanal' Jewel Island of the Vembanad.

KOTTAYAM is a land of famous Mosques, Churches and Temples. The Thazhathangady Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in India and is 1000 years old. The Valiyapally (built in 1550) is the seat of an ancient monument- The Persian cross.

The mortal remains of the Saint Sister Alphonsa and the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the churches in BHARANGANAM and MANNANAM respectively. Thousands of pilgrims congregate here for miraculous cure.

ARUVITHARA is a beautiful village near Bharananganam. It is also a place of pilgrimage.

The temple at ETTUMANOOR (12 Kms.) is famous for murals and 'Ezhara Ponnana' or the 7- ½ elephants in gold.

Towards the west of Ettumanoor is a small hillrock called 'Veda Vyasagiri'. Here you can see the reminiscent of the Dravidian Civilization.

VAIKOM lies on the bank of Vembanad Lake. It is a place of historical, political and religious importance. The Mahadeva (Lord Siva) temple here is an important Hindu pilgrim center.

Exploring Further

THEKKADY (110 kms): The Wild Life Sancturary on the Periyar Lake here is one of the best in India. A cruise in the lake will be a pleasant experience. An ideal place for clicking the panoramic view with your camera.

MUNNAR
Situated 55 km from Idukki town, at the confluence of three mountain streams-Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, Munnar is a charming hill resort, 1600 m above sea level. Vast expanses of tea plantations and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station. The hillsides of Munnar are famous for Neelakurinji, an exotic flower which blooms once every twelve years. It is next expected to bloom in 2018 AD.

Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, over 2695 metres in height.. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

PEERMADE (75 kms): An ideal hill resort for a break on the way to Thekkady. The summer palace of the Rajas of Travancore is an important monument.

WAGAMON (60 kms): An elevation of 1100 mts. above sea level - A trekker's paradise.

SABARIMALA (120 kms): The great pilgrimage center for Hindus is situated 120 Kms. away from Kottayam. It is famous for the Sastha Temple in the wilderness.

AYURVEDIC CENTRES: A visit to Vayaskara or Olessa will reveal the wonders of the traditional system of Indian Medicines - Ayurveda.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS: Kottayam is the 1st 100% literacy town in India and is an important commercial center too. It is also the birthplace of the publishing industry. The hand operated wooden press developed by Rev. Benjamin Bailey is preserved in the C.M.S. Press. To discover more of this quaint town, the choice is simple stay at Hotel Aida.