Kottayam
Previously the seat of the Munjunad Rajas and later, in the 12th century, of the Tekkumkur Rajas, Kottayam is historically an important place of Kerala. This fact of royal history is echoed in the town's name which is derived from the Malayalam word "kottayakam" which means the inside of a fort. Kottayam is amongst the State's more mountainous districts and provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes. The place is sandwiched between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the western ghats on the east.On the foothills of the Western ghats, this beautiful town is a prominent commercial centre especially for cash crops like rubber, tea, pepper and cardamom. The town is the seat of some ecclesiastical heads. The `Valiyapalli' of the Syrian Christians, is the seat of an ancient monument `Persian Cross' and the `Pahlavi' inscriptions.
The hand-operated wooden press developed by Rev. Benjamin Bailey is preserved in the CMS press.
Kottayam is equally known for its cultural achievements. It was the first town in India to attain total literacy, an event which triggered a mass movement to make Kerala the country's first totally literate state. Several leading newspapers are published from Kottayam.
ACCESS
Kottayam Railway Station, 2 km from the town centre, is linked to most major Indian cities. Motorable roads also connect Kottayam to important South Indian cities.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Thirunakkara Mahadevar Siva Temple, Valia Palli (St. Mary's Church) built in 1550 A.D., and Cheria Palli (St. Mary's Church) built in 1579 A.D.
EXCURSIONS
Ayyampara (scenic spot of rock plains and a good trekking base, 43 km), Bharananganam (Christian pilgrimage centre having a 1000-year-old Church), Ettumanoor (Hindu pilgrimage centre having 16th century Shiva temple, 13 km), Kumarakom (Bird sanctuary, 12 km), Mannanam (important Syrian Christian centre, 8 km), and Vaikom (famed for Shiva temple, 40 km).
ACCOMMODATION
Taj Garden Retreat, 1/404, Kumarakom. Phone: 0481-524377; Fax: 0481-524371.
Anjali (2-star), K.K. Road, Kottayam. Phones: 563661; Fax: 0481-563669.
Green Park (2-star) Kurian Uthup Road, Nagampadom, Kottayam. Phones: 0481-563311, 563312.
Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom. Phone: 52491/373; Fax: 0481-52495.
Kettuvallom Houseboats, KTDC, Kumarakom. Phone: 0481-92-258.
Aiswarya (KTDC) Thirunakkara. Phones: 581250, 5131257, 5911259.