Kottayam is the land of unique characteristics  - land of letters, land of latex, and land of publishing industry. Kottayam is the first district in India where 100 per cent population attained literacy. Kottayam is the district having extensive rubber plantations, which produced natural latex that earned foreign exchange to the country. It is the birthplace of many publishing companies and the hometown of the Fourth Estate in Kerala. Kottayam is the ideal take-off spot for visits to Peermede, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady and Ernakulam.

       
     
ACCESSING KOTTAYAM

Nearest railway station: Kottayam
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (75 km)
Telephone access code: +91-481
Tourist Information Center: 2562558

TOURIST DESTINATIONS

KUMARAKOM: Kumarakom is truly a paradise on the banks of Vembanad Lake having unbelievable mangrove forests, bright green paddy fields and coconut groves.  Located 10 KM away from Kottayam, Kumarakom is a well-known bird sanctuary, where hundreds of Siberian cranes flew across every year from Siberia to roost and breed before going back. Other birds like egrets, herons, larks, parrots, teal, wood beetle and a lot of birds are also seen here during their respective migratory periods.

PATHIRAMANAL: Pathiramanal is a lonely island in the VembanadLake, which is ideal for honeymoon trips.

KANNADIPPARA: Kannadippara  is the highest mountain peak in the district where once can see both sun rise and set clearly. The nearby waterfall at Kazhukankulimali is an added attraction to the tourists.

VEMBANAD LAKE: With an area of 260 sq.km., Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala. House boat cruises, boating, sightseeing and fishing are the main attractions. During Onam, boat races are held in the lake, making this otherwise serene water body, lively.

FESTIVALS: Ettumanoor Ezharaponnana,Ezhunnallathu (procession), Erumeli Pettah Thullal, Chandanakkudam at Vavarambalam, Vaikathastami, Ponadu Choottu Padayani, fete at St.Mary’s Church, Kuravilangad, fete at St.Thomas Church, Palai, Vidyarambhom at Panachikkad Temple are some of the important festivals
 
PHOTO ALBUM