KOTTAYAM

Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east, and the Vembanad lake and the 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 of letters, latex and lakes.

Kottayam is the ideal take-off point for visits to peermede, Munnar,Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city of Madurai.

The Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom:(16 km from Kottayam town)

Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the vembanad lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:(16 km from Kottayam town)

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. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Pathiramanal:

This 10 acre Island on the backwaters in home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made may for land to rise from below, thus creating the echanting island, Pathiramanal(Sands of midnight).

Anchuvilakku:(22 km from Kottayam)

This stone lamp post, a typical example of Kerala architecture, was built by the renowned freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalawa. The five lamps on this post are lit using kerosene.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls(18 km from Kottayam)

2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.

Ilaveezhapoonchira:

Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira, spread over thousands of acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft, is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Ilaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is name so because the place has no trees. A DTPC rest house nearby offers comfortable accommodation.

Pilgrim Centres: Jama Masjid, Thazhathangadi:(2 km from Kottayam)

This ancient mosque on the banks of the Meenachil River is believed to be 1000 years old.

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple:

In the heart of Kottayam town is this 500 year old temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharajah. This temple built in the Kerala style of architecture has colourful murals on its walls which are worth exploring.

The CSI Cathedral Church:

Built over 175 years ago, is a monument from the British Era.

Houseboat cruises:

One day cruise on full board basis.Single apartment houseboat for 2 persons at Rs. 5,000. Twin apartment housesboat for 4 persons including food at Rs.6,000.

One night- two days cruise on full board basis:.Single apartment houseboat for 2 persons at Rs. 12,500. Twin apartment houseboat for 4 persons including food at Rs. 14,500

Stationary houseboaton room only basis:.Single apartment houseboat for 2 persons at Rs. 1,195. Twin apartment houseboat at Rs. 995(per apartment)

For reservations contact. KTDC, Kumarakom Tourist Village, Kavanattinkara Ph: 525861. Central Reservation,KTDC, Mascot square, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 318976. Tourist Information Offices Dept. of Tourism Ph: 584303. DTPC ph: 562315

Accommodation

Kottayam				Tariff(Rs)	Tel:
Anjali Hotel			750-1750		563661
Vembanad Lake Resort		654-750		564866
Hotel Green Park			300-1150		563311
Hotel Aiswarya			300-750		581254
Hotel Sakthi			250-900		563151
Hotel Nithya			150-650		597849
Hotel Aida			250-600		568391
Hotel Prince			300-750		578809
Hotel Nisha Continental		180-300		563984
Nellimoottil Guest House		150-400		560714
Exon guest House			125-575		564916
Cocunut Lagoon			4500		525834
Golden Waters			5000-8000		525826
Taj Garden Retreat			3800-4300		524377

IATA Approved travel agents/tour operators

Concord Tours & Travels, Manorama Jn.	Ph:560350
Falcon Air Travels, North Railway Station	Ph: 560251
Malaya World Tours, Near KSRTC Bus station	Ph: 565903

Facilities

Banks: Banking facilities for foreign nations are available at the State Bank of India,
K.K.Road,
Branch, 
Near Manorama junction. 
Ph:560317


Post & Telegraph: Head Post office,
M.C.Road, 
Open 08.00-20.00 hrs on week days and 1400-1730hrs on holidays. 
Central Telegraph Office, 
Near Pullimood Jn.
Open round the clock.

Hospitals: Medical College		Ph:597311
Modern Diagnostic Services		Ph:567403
District Hospital			Ph:563424
Susrusha Hospital			Ph:566826
St. Mary's Hospital		Ph:578177
Carithas Mission Hospital		Ph:597325
Restaurants: Hotel Ambassador	Ph:563293.
Hotel Anand			Ph:560082.