Places To Visit
Vembanad Lake
One of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, the Vembanad Kayal, as it is locally known, is a giant reservoir and a major ecological resource. The dense vegetation on its banks is a wonderful sight. The boats that ply on the lake vary from the large cargo carriers with mat-roofs to the houseboats.
Kerala Houseboats
Kerala Houseboats (Riceboats) or kettuvallam are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages of Kerala Backwater area to the towns like Alleppey, Kollam, Cochin and Kottayam. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now these kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction as a modern moving boat house that is kerala houseboats.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Covering an area of 14 acres, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a delight for the lovers of birds. It occupies the area on the banks of the Vembanad lake and offers its visitors a glimpse into the Kerala’s natural beauty. The Sanctuary is actually a paradise for those who wish to escape away from the maddening rush of the city life and be with nature as well as themselves for a while.
Nearby Places To Visit
St. Alphonsa's Birth Place
The Birth Place of St. Alphonsa Kudamaloor is an extensive village area which is stretched about 7 kilometers north from Kottayam in the southern banks of River Meenachil. The house where St. Alphonsa was born and brought up has become a Pilgrim Centre under the name “Alphonsa Bhavan”.St. Alphonsa, whose maiden name was Annakutty, was born on 19th August, 1910 as the fourth child of Joseph and Mary Muttathupadathu. She was baptized at the local parish church on 27th August of the same year. The baptismal font where the saint was baptized is still kept as a sacred treasure in the old church, which is a site for the pilgrims to visit.
Ettumanoor MahadevaTemple
Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is one among the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala, located at the southern tip of India. It is renowned for its mural art. The paintings of Lord Nataraja (God of Dance) on the gopuram (temple tower) is one of the main attractions here. Unlike in most other temples, here the idol faces the West.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
An ancient Lord Shiva temple situated in the heart of Kottayam city. The Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple attracts huge crowds due to its traditional Kerala architectural style and vibrant mural paintings. These depict the stories of Lord Shiva and the Dashavathara (ten avatars of Lord Vishnu). The temple houses a Koothambalam, the traditional temple theatre where performances of various cultural art and dance forms are held.
Sightseeing Places
Vagamon
Vagamon hill station in Idukki is among the few spots on the planet that need to be experienced first-hand to truly discover its glory. The grassy hills, velvet lawns and overall mysticism of the place cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. This quaint town lies untouched by any modern influences and is neatly tucked away in Idukki district. Visitors can avail many activities including trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing. People love travelling across a chain of three famous hills: Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala.
