Kottayam Backwaters
Kottayam is a small backwater destination
which is also known as the land of lakes, latex and letters. The place is
home to a large number of canals, streams and lakes which also act as a
transport link between places. If the Kottayam backwaters have become a
famous tourism destination, the credit should largely go to the Vembanad
lake which is steadily growing in popularity among the tourists. The average
tours in the Kottayam backwaters are shorter than Alappuzha backwater tours,
but that doesn't decrease the attraction of a Kottayam backwater tour.
Fast Facts
- District : Kottayam
- State : Kerala
- Other names :
- Location : If you are going to Kottayam from Calicut,
you will have to travel for 282 km, from Cochin 77 km, from Alleppey
50 km and from Kodaikanal the distance will be 279 km.
- Journey Time : The time taken to reach from Calicut to
Kottayam is 7 hrs, 2 hrs are needed to reach from Cochin, 1 and 1/2
hrs to reach from Alleppey and 7 hrs to reach from Kodaikanal,
respectively.
- Route from Thiruvananthapuram : Take the State Highway 1
to Kottayam through Venjaramoodu, Kilimanur, Kottarakara, Adoor,
Pandalam, Chengannur, Thiruvalla and Changanassery.
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Feature Attraction
Backwater Cruises
These cruises include sailing in the Ketuvallams (the traditional Kerala
houseboat) in the Vembanad and the Punnamada lakes. View the villagers going
through their daily life as well as the life in the wilds at its natural
best. The cruise that is among the most popular includes stop overs at R
Block, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Pathiramanal Island.
Accommodation
- Anjali Hotel – 3 Star
- Taj Garden Retreat – 3 Star
- Coconut Lagoon – Heritage
- Hotel Aida – 2 Star
- Hotel Prince - 2 Star
When to go
The period between October to March is the best time to visit the Kottayam
backwaters.
How to get there
Kochi is the nearest airport from Kottayam which is 76 km away. The
distance between Kottayam and the Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 160
km. The Kottayam backwaters can also be reached by using the extensive rail
and road network that connects Kottayam with the rest of the state and
India.
Other Attractions
» Chandragiri Cruises
In this cruise you'd be offered boat tours to the nearby islands. The
cruise begins at Chandragiri Bridge which is located near the Kizhur Sartha
Temple.
» Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which is built in the south Indian
style of architecture. It is believed that the temple is more than 500 years
old. The mural paintings within the temple depict mythological scenes from
Hindu epics.
» Mannanam
Located about 11 km away from Kottayam on a hillock, the place was the
first seminary of the Malabar Church. The Chavara art museum is an added
attraction here.
» St Mary's Knanaya Church
This church is located on the top of a hill and is dedicated to St Mary. It
is also known as the big church.
