Kottayam Excursion : Places nearby Kottayam - Kerala

Places to visit nearby destination - Kottayam

Anchuvilakku

About 22 km from Kottayam near the Changanacherry boat jetty stands Anchuvilakku. This lamppost made of stone is a typical example of Kerala architecture. It was built by the renowned freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalawa. On this post stand five lamps that use kerosene for lighting. The Changanacherry market, one of the largest in Kerala, exists nearby.

Erumeli

About 60 km northeast of Kottayam lies Erumeli, an important pilgrim centre for both the Hindus and Muslims. Sri Dharma Sastha Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is located here. An ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar, the companion of the deity of the Sabarimala Temple, is also situated here. Hindu pilgrims customarily worship here before their trek to Sabarimala.

Pathiramanal

The enchanting island of Pathiramanal (literally, sands of midnight) lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat. This little island is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to a legend, a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the island of Pathiramanal.