KOTTAYAM
with its landscape, rivers, lakes, bird sanctuaries, temples, churches, mosques and historic remnants attract tourists. Sea shores denied, the western parts of the district are embraced by Vembanad Lake.
Kumarakom gained national and iternational importance with the visit of Prime Minister of India, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee in December 2000 .
Kumarakom is a small village 14 km.west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, which is a 'wonder land' lying below sea level, comprising of a number of islands, in the back waters. Kumarakom Village covers an area of 5166 He. of which 2413 He. is lake portion, 1500 He is paddy fields and the remaining 1253 He. is dry land. Kumarakom is a paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interepersed with enchanting water ways and canals adorned with white lillies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, this small water world has plenty of traditional country boats, crafts and canoes which will take you into the heart of scenic Kerala. The resorts near by offer comfortable accomdation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massages, Yoga and meditation besides boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
In the last Century, Henry Baker, an English man, attracted by the beauty of the place, selected Kumarakom as his residence and built a bungalow, obtaining 104 acres of land from the then Maharaja of Travancore. He also made a beautiful garden. Preserving the old style, the beautiful bunglow of Baker has now been modified into the Taj Garden Retreat, a hotel with modern living facilities. The Kerala State Toursim Development Corporation is converting this place into a Tourist Complex. K.T.D.C. has constructed Cottages here and it runs a floating restaurant. Boating facilities are also provided by the Corporation. Coconut lagoon is a beautiful resort here.
Vembanad lake
Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake, a fast developing back water tourism destination. Vembanad lake is having 83.72km. length and 14.48km. width. Traditional cargo boats called Kettuvallams are modified into cruise boats and house boats, with all basic facilities like kitchen, toilet, bathrooms, sitouts etc. These boats gracefully move around the back waters, providing facilities to tourist to enjoy the beauty of the Vembanad lake in a relaxed pace. The Kumarakom tourist village offers house boat cruises and holiday packages.In the Vembanad lake there is a small beautiful island called Pathiramanal or the Midnight sands. This lonely island in the Vembanad Lake is accessible only by boat.
Boatraces In the festive months of August and September, the rivers in and near Kottayam are turned into festival centres. The serene lakes comes alive during onam with a spectacular water regatta- the snake boat races. It is amazing to watch oars men, atleast a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing. In the Kumarakom boat race, about 50 types of boats viz; veppu, ody, churulan and few snake boats participate.
Bird sanctuary
Another attraction of Kumarakom is the Bird Sanctuary spreading over 14 acres of land. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen other common verities like the woodpecker; skylark, crane and parrots can also be spotted here. 91 Species of local and 50 species of migratory birds are found here. Best time to bird watch is June-August and migratory birds during November- February. A cruise along the Vemband Lake is best way to experience the sanctuary. Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.
Elaveezhapoonchira
Elaveezhapoonchira, a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60 kms. From Kottayam is gaining tourist importance. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is names so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sunrise and sunset.Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali the heroine of Mahabharata. The D.T.P.C. is developing this place into a trekking spot. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira spread across thousands of acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 sft. Is an ideal place to UN wind. During the monsoons when the valley fillup to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature.
Kurisumala
Kurisumala
Three Kms. from Vazhikkadavu, this renowned Christian pilgrim centre is where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Jewish monastery at the top of the hill, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all-soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Murugan mala, home of a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Siva). The road to Kurisumala offers wonderful sightseeing opportunities in a European model house and the beautiful artificial lake both designed by the renowned architect, Laurie Baker.
Poonjar palace
The Poonjar palace in Meenachil taluk is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a by gone era. With the palace walls is an extra ordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palaquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewels boxes, a variety of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva), grain measures, statues and weapons. A unique couch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purpose. Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple have sculptures with warfare stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India). However the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stonewalls of the Sastha temple nearby. Such rocks cut lamps are rare in India.
Vaikom
A picnic spot ideal for languorous break. Tourists can avail of various recreation options. Boat cruises are available on the Vaikom Lake.
Vayaskara and Chirattamon
These places are well known for their ayurvedic rejuvenation centres.
Monroe light
The Vemband lake at its glorious magnificance is seen at Pallom. The sunset from the Monroe light area is an unique experience, that one will always cherish. The vast expanse of the blue waters as seen from here, awakes the glorious feelings of awe and love for the mother nature. Situated at the eastern extremity of the Vembanad lake, the light was established by colonel Monroe, the Resident in 1813. This being an engineering marvel, the like of which is very rare.
Poonjar palace
The Poonjar palace in Meenachil taluk is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a by gone era. With the palace walls is an extra ordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palaquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewels boxes, a variety of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva), grain measures, statues and weapons. A unique couch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purpose. Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple have sculptures with warfare stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India). However the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stonewalls of the Sastha temple nearby. Such rocks cut lamps are rare in India.
Vaikom
A picnic spot ideal for languorous break. Tourists can avail of various recreation options. Boat cruises are available on the Vaikom Lake.
Vayaskara and Chirattamon
These places are well known for their ayurvedic rejuvenation centres.
Monroe light
The Vemband lake at its glorious magnificance is seen at Pallom. The sunset from the Monroe light area is an unique experience, that one will always cherish. The vast expanse of the blue waters as seen from here, awakes the glorious feelings of awe and love for the mother nature. Situated at the eastern extremity of the Vembanad lake, the light was established by colonel Monroe, the Resident in 1813. This being an engineering marvel, the like of which is very rare.
Wagamon
Situated 64 kms. from Kottayam, this enchanting hill station at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekkers paradise. This enchanting hill station on the Idukki -Kottayam border dotted with tea gardens and meadows, will soon be one of India's foremost eco- tourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala Live Stock Board is located here.
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