Exploring Kottayam, Kerala: The Ultimate Guide to the Places to Visit in kottayam

What Makes Kottayam Such a Great Place To Visit?

Kottayam, a city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and peaceful environment. Here are some reasons why Kottayam is a great place to visit:

1. Scenic Beauty: Kottayam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including hills, backwaters, and paddy fields. The city is also home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Bay Island Driftwood Museum and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

2. Cultural Heritage: Kottayam is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many historic temples, churches, and monuments. Some of the notable landmarks include the St. Mary’s Church, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, and the Cheriyapally.

3. Food: Kerala is known for its delicious food, and Kottayam is no exception. The city is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, including traditional dishes like appam, puttu, and fish curry.

4. Ayurveda: Kottayam is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments and spas, where you can rejuvenate and heal your body and mind.

5. Backwater Cruises: Kottayam is located close to the famous backwaters of Kerala, where you can take a leisurely cruise and enjoy the stunning scenery and local culture.

Overall, Kottayam is a great place to visit for those looking to experience the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food of Kerala.

Unveiling Kottayam and its Rich Cultural Heritage

Kottayam, a picturesque city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, is known for its rich cultural heritage that dates back to several centuries. This charming city, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and the serene backwaters of Kerala, is a treasure trove of art, literature, and architecture that reflects the vibrant culture and traditions of the region.

Kottayam has a rich and long lineage which dates back to centuries ago when it was controlled by various rulers like the Chera, Pandya and Chola Empires. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, this city was a major hub for trade & commerce. It attracted merchants from all around the world due to its strategic location and importance as a trading port.In this article, we’ll explore some of the places to visit in Kottayam, so let’s get started!

1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and is home to a wide variety of birds, including migratory birds from Siberia. Visitors can take a boat ride and explore the sanctuary, which is a great place for bird-watching and nature photography.

2. St. Mary’s Church: This historic church is located in the heart of Kottayam and is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. The church is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians.

3. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the heart of Kottayam. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings and architecture and is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.

4. Bay Island Driftwood Museum: This unique museum is located in the Kumarakom area and is dedicated to showcasing the art of driftwood sculptures. Visitors can see a wide variety of sculptures made from driftwood, including animals, birds, and even human figures.

5. Vagamon: This hill station located near Kottayam is known for its beautiful landscapes and natural beauty. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the hills, enjoy the scenic views, and even go paragliding.

6. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: This historic temple located near Kottayam is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and carvings. The temple is also home to a famous annual festival, where thousands of devotees gather to offer their prayers and offerings.

7. Ayurvedic Spas: Kottayam is known for its Ayurvedic treatments and spas, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate their mind and body. These spas offer a wide range of treatments, including massages, herbal baths, and yoga classes.

8. Backwater Cruises: Kottayam is located close to the famous backwaters of Kerala, and visitors can take a leisurely cruise and enjoy the stunning scenery and local culture. These cruises also offer opportunities for fishing and exploring the local villages.

9. Poonjar Palace: Located in the nearby town of Poonjar, this palace is known for its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can see a variety of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the palace and the region.

Overall, Kottayam offers a rich cultural experience, beautiful landscapes, and opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. These top tourist attractions are a great way to explore the city and its surroundings.

what are the main delicious food in kottayam

Kottayam, a city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, is known for its delicious and unique cuisine. Here are some of the main food items that you must try in Kottayam:

1. Appam and Stew: Appam is a type of pancake made from fermented rice batter, while Stew is a mildly spiced vegetable and meat broth. This is a popular breakfast dish in Kottayam.

2. Fish Curry: Kerala is known for its seafood, and Kottayam is no exception. The fish curry in Kottayam is made with a variety of fish like sardines, mackerel, and kingfish, cooked in a coconut milk-based curry with spices.

3. Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a cylindrical-shaped steamed rice cake, and Kadala Curry is a thick gravy made with black chickpeas. This is another popular breakfast dish in Kottayam.

4. Meen Pollichathu: This is a popular fish dish in Kottayam where fish is marinated with spices and wrapped in a banana leaf before being grilled or baked.

5. Kappa and Meen Curry: Kappa is boiled and mashed tapioca, while Meen Curry is a fish curry made with coconut milk and spices. This is a popular lunch or dinner dish in Kottayam.

6. Nadan Kozhi Curry: This is a spicy chicken curry made with roasted spices, coconut milk, and curry leaves. It’s a popular non-vegetarian dish in Kottayam.

7. Unniyappam: This is a sweet snack made from rice flour, jaggery, banana, and coconut, shaped like small pancakes.

8. Payasam: This is a sweet dessert made with rice, vermicelli, or lentils cooked in milk, flavored with cardamom, and sweetened with sugar or jaggery.

These are just a few of the delicious foods that you can try in Kottayam. The cuisine in Kottayam is a combination of traditional Kerala cuisine and unique local specialties, making it a must-try for any food lover visiting the region.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options for Your Journey in Kottayam

Kottayam, a city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, offers a range of accommodation options for travelers. Here are some of the best accommodation options in Kottayam:

1. Resorts: Kottayam is home to a number of luxurious resorts that offer a range of amenities, including swimming pools, spa services, and fine dining restaurants. Some popular resorts in Kottayam include Kumarakom Lake Resort, Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere, and Coconut Lagoon.

2. Hotels: Kottayam has a range of hotels that cater to different budgets and preferences. There are many options available, from budget hotels to mid-range hotels and luxury hotels. Some popular hotels in Kottayam include The Windsor Castle, Arcadia Hotel, and Hotel Aida.

3. Homestays: Homestays are a popular option for travelers who want to experience the local culture and lifestyle. Kottayam has many homestays that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation with a personal touch. Some popular homestays in Kottayam include Lake Palace Family Homestay, Tharavadu Heritage Home, and Green Garden Homestay.

4. Houseboats: Kottayam is located close to the famous backwaters of Kerala, and staying in a houseboat is a unique and unforgettable experience. These houseboats offer comfortable accommodation, delicious food, and stunning views of the backwaters. Some popular houseboat operators in Kottayam include Spice Routes Luxury Houseboats, Aqua Holidays, and Dream Kerala Houseboats.

5. Camping: For adventure enthusiasts, camping is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Kottayam. There are many camping options available in and around Kottayam, including the Vagamon hills and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

These are just some of the accommodation options available in Kottayam. Whatever your budget or preference, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation for your journey in Kottayam.

conclusion

In conclusion, Kottayam is a charming city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala that offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and history. With its beautiful backwaters, lush greenery, and stunning temples and churches, Kottayam has something to offer for every type of traveler.

From the tranquil Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to the historic St. Mary’s Forane Church, and from the picturesque Vembanad Lake to the serene Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam has a plethora of attractions that are sure to captivate and enchant visitors.

Moreover, the delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and diverse accommodation options make Kottayam an ideal destination for travelers looking for an immersive and unforgettable experience.

So, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Kottayam is a must-visit destination that promises to leave you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.