Introduction to city Kottayam - In Kerala
An important centre of the Syrian Christian community
in Kerala, Kottayam is located between the palm-fringed
backwaters on the west and the Western Ghats to the east.
Also called the Rome of the East, the city is renowned
for its churches and houses built in the colonial style.
Kottayam shot into limelight when it was declared the
first fully literate municipal town of India. The town
is also the birthplace of the state/’s publishing industry
and home to a number of globally renowned newspapers and
magazines.
Kottayam is derived from two Malayalam words —kotta
and akkam— which, when combined, mean the interior
of a fort. In 9th century AD Kottayam was a part of the
Kulashekara Empire (AD 1090–1102) and was referred
to as Vempolinad (the logical root of the Vembanad Lake).
By about 1102, the empire split into the kingdoms of Thekkumkur
and Vadakkumkur. Both these kingdoms were annexed by Marthanda
Varma of Travancore between 1748 and 1754. During Marthanda
Varma/’s reign, Kottayam received a prominent place among
the princely states of the South.
Kottayam has been the centre of various social and political
movements that started in the state. The town played a
major role in the Malayali Memorial agitation. During
1924–25, Kottayam became the breeding ground for the Vaikom
Satyagraha, a movement started for eradication of untouchability
in the state
The Syrian Christian community has a special place in
the history of Kottayam. The community traces its origin
to Saint Thomas who visited the region in AD 53. Seven
churches were established by Saint Thomas on the Malabar
Coast. However, the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th
century saw many of the Syrian Christians forcibly converted
into Roman Catholicism.
Kottayam has a moderate and pleasant climate. The temperature
here reaches up to 34.33°C during summers. The winter
months are more suited for a visit to this place.
SightSeeing : Places to visit in
destination - Kottayam
The lush paddy fields, the highlands, the extensive rubber,
tea, coffee, teak, cardamom, and pepper plantations enchant
all those who visit this little town. The panoramic backwaters
here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy nature at its best.
A visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Vembanad
Lake provide you with beautiful sights besides offering
you with an opportunity for boating and fishing.
Excursions : Places nearby city -
Kottayam
Venture around the town and you find the environment
as mesmerizing as it was within the town. Visit Pathiramanal,
an enchanting island that can only be accessed by a boat.
The religious-minded should not miss a visit to Erumeli,
an important pilgrim centre for both the Hindus and Muslims.
Some other locations you can visit from Kottayam on a
daylong trip are Nadukani and Anchuvilakku.
Kottayam City Tour Guide |
Sight Seeing of Kottayam |
Excursion in Kottayam
Kottayam Tour Packages |
Kottayam Hotels |
Picture Gallery of Kottayam
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