KOTTAYAM

The misty hills, the soft gentle breeze and the light drizzle are perfect settings for one to blend with nature. If you are planning a one-day trip with your children, then don’t look beyond Illickal Kallu in Kottayam district. Illickal Kallu, which is a huge boulder atop a hill, literally stands tall and looks like a clenched fist challenging the forces of nature. The unique rock formation is a marvel of nature and the sight of Illickal Kallu blanketed by mist is a treat for the eyes.

Known as the land of letters, latex and lakes, Kottayam is among the most prominent districts in Kerala. Here lies the beautiful valley of Ilaveezhapoonchira, one amongst the many prime picnicking spots in the area. The beautiful hillocks near Kanjar are known to have great trails for trekking. The view in itself is breath-taking. During the Monsoons, the entire place transforms into a surreal spectacle. The terrain changes and one observes Nature at her best. It is highly recommended to view both sunrise and sunset from the valley as the picturesque landscape opens up in a unique and exhilarating way at those specific times.

Marmala waterfalls situated near Teekoy in the Kottayam district of Kerala and one of the beautiful waterfalls in Kerala, and among the must include places in Vagamon. It is a place for trekkers and adventure lovers, the dense jungle before the waterfall gives a trekking experience and a splendid view of the natural beauty of an ideal waterfall. It is located inside a private rubber estate and is formed over the Meenachal River and it is about 60 meters (200 feet) in height and falling into a 12-meter deep pool. The waterfall is dangerous and not recommended for taking bath as the depth and force of the water are too high to bear. Replete with tall trees on the green-carpeted mountains, the clear cascading waters offer a sight like no other. Slightly veiled amidst thick bushes and blue hills, the waterfall is the perfect place to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city and spend some moments of solitude to refresh and rejuvenate. Besides, the mesmerizing natural environment provides plenteous opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture those picture-perfect moments. The waterfalls also offer trekking opportunities. It is about 40 meters in height, plunging into a 12-meter deep pool, and feeds the River Teekoy. The destination of a waterfall is a bit remote from Teekoy, the nearest well-known place in the surroundings. The tourists can travel almost near to the rubber estate in a private vehicle but have to trek at least 2 km to reach the waterfalls. The trekking path is not well maintained, the road is slippery and full of rocks. need to carry food and water bottles there will be no shops in the 7 kms.

The world’s 1st Agricultural theme park and resort, spread across 30 acres of land with more than 4500 species of plants and trees, Enjoy and relax in one of the world’s richest bio diversity park. Experience ultimate relaxation in the lap of nature, surrounded by trees, wind, open paddy fields, and mystic magical places or nature’s own hot spots. Refresh your mind and body and even boost your memory with time in abundance. An ideal place to set your kids free to do what ever they want until they get tired. A place were all the modern amenities and goodness of mother earth meets. If you feel its time to breath some real fresh air then you can always come back for more. We are 100% isolated from all sort of pollution.

A museum that displays a unique collection of superior quality driftwood sculptures of very high artistic value, prepared through a rare and innovative modern art form, Bay Island Driftwood Museum is located in the scenic village of Kumarakom. A visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs. It is India’s only museum of its kind among museums in Kottayam Kerala and the world’s best at present. It stands uncontested as the Unique and Innovative Tourism Project in India.

At a distance of 1 km from Kottayam Railway Station, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Kottayam, Kerala. Located in heart of the Kottayam town, it is one of the oldest temples in Kerala, and among the must-visit places during your Kottayam tour. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple was constructed by Thekkumkoor Maharaja in the early 16th century. The Mahadeva Temple showcases typical South Indian architecture. The walls of the temples are decorated with beautiful paintings of different scenes from the Hindu epics. The innermost sanctum of the temple is adorned with impressive images of epic characters from Hindu mythology. The whole temple complex occupies about 4 acres (1.6 ha) of land which is rich in many trees and plants. One of the largest Koothambalams in Kerala is in this temple situated in the southeast corner. The two-storeyed main temple or Sreekovil is very attractive and it is adorned by a golden finial. The sanctum of the temple houses the Shiva linga. It is believed that the idol of Shiva here is installed by sage Parashurama himself. An idol of Parvathi Devi made up of Panchaloha is also installed next to it. The temple houses a Koothambalam, the traditional temple theatre where performances of various cultural art and dance forms are held. Regarded as one of the most famous Kottayam places to visit, the temple has shrines for various sub deities such as Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesha, Lord Subhramaniya and goddess Durga. The temple also houses an anakottil (elephant camp) and a Kodimaram (flag mast). The annual festival Phalguna Utsavam is celebrated for 10 days in the month of March. Nine well-decorated elephants participate in this procession. The major attraction of the festival is the all-night Kathakali presentation on the third and fourth days of the festival.

A collection of more than 100 000 gramophone Records of various materials like shellac, vinyl, paper, alumunium; cylinder records, wire records, Various types of tape records, Laser Disc,CD, various types of Floppy discs , films etc in the Records Archive. The history of recording sound from the experiments of Edward Leon Scott in the 1850s to the present day is show cased. In between this, visitors will meet Charles Cross who first put forth the idea of recording and reproduction of sound, Thomas Alva Edison who recorded and reproduced sound for the first time, Charles Sumner Tainter who pioneered in the commercial production of recording machine and Emile Berliner who invented Gramophone Record and the most successful material for making good quality records. In the Museum, there are more than 260 gramophones, record players, Phonographs, wire recorders,tape recorders, laser players, early period sewing machines and musical instruments. Additional attractions are antique items, vintage cars and bikes and the art works of the owner in wood and cement concrete.

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Kottayam, commonly known as Kottayam Cheriapally, is a Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church located in Kottayam, Kerala, India. Cheriapally meaning ‘small church’, whose appearance contradicts its name, is one of the oldest and well-preserved churches in the state. Cheriapally is located on the way to Kumarakom from Kottayam. The church is dedicated to mother Mary. Kottayam Cheriapally, built in 1579, has retained its old world charm today as well even after so much of environmental changes. The length and breadth of the church is constructed with innovative paintings, mural, and architecture. Before the inception of the Old Seminary in 1815, Kottayam Cheriapally was the Headquarters of the Church and Malankara Metropolitans for a long time.

Clay Art Cafe is a quaint art gallery cum cafetaria situated on the K. K. Road in Kottayam. The building has been made of mud and old style bamboo thatch roofing. On demand you can also witness live clay modelling. Popular for its delicious milkshakes and coffees, the cafe also sells local art works and paintings

Tourists traveling from Kottayam to Ayyampara Hills cover a distance of 43 kilometers. The prime attraction of Ayyampara is the rocky area, which occupies nearly 100 acres of the region.This natural granite stadium of Ayyampara is worth visiting. The magnificent view of the town below can be enjoyed from this rock stadium of Ayyampara.