Kottayam
Travel
Bordered by the lofty western ghats on the east and the vembanad lake and
paddy fields of kuttanad on the west, kottayam is a land of unique
characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields,
highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have
given this district the enviable title : the land also boasts the first
malayalam printing press which was established by benjamin bailey, a
christian missionary, in 1820 A.D.
Area - 2203 sq. Km
Population - 18,20,000 (1991 census)
Access :
Air - nearest international airports : Kochi
(Nedumbassery - 80 km) Thiruvananthapuram (160 kms).
Rail - the railway station is situated 2 km from the
central bus station and is connected to the major cities of india.
Road - an excellent road network links the district to
all major towns and cities in india.
Water - Here are two ferry stations. The town jetty is
about 3 km From the railway station and operates services during the
monsoon. During summer, boats are operated from the kodimatha jetty.
Places to visit :
Kumarakom - An unbelievably beautiful paradise of
mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed
with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on
the vembanad lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of
traditional country Crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the
heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation
and exclusive leisure options like an ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation,
boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
Kumarakom
bird sanctuary - Located on the banks of the vembanad lake, the
kumarakom bird sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt
of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.
Other common varieties like the woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and
parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the vembanad lake is the
best way to experience the sanctuary.
Excursions :
» Anchuvilakku - 22 kms from Kumarakom
» Arunikkuzhi waterfalls - 18 kms from kottayam
» Erumeli - 60 kms north - east of Kumarakom
» Nadukani
» Karimbukayam
