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Kottayam Information
The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes.
Having all the three types of land composition like low, middle and high, this place is a rich panorama of natural beauty. The land is situated on the southern side of Kerala with beautiful landscape surrounding the city. It has Ernakulam on its north while the east is protected by Idukki district. The exotic Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts signify the southern part, whereas Vembanad Lake makes the western side of Kottayam even more striking. Kottayam is also connected with picturesque Vembanad Lake with a canal.
What to See?
Peermed, an inviting hill resort with an altitude of 1066 meters, is a place worth visiting while going to Kottayam.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to go if one wants to have a look at the natural habitat of elephants, the tiger and the bison. A glimpse of the spotted deer, wild pigs, bisons, tigers and the leopard by cruising on the lake is truly enchanting.
The Thirunakkara Shiva Temple is also a famous must-see spot here. The temple is a storehouse of the typical Keralan temple culture. The walls of the temple are decorated with beautiful paintings. Phalguna Utsav is celebrated here every March. The Kootiattam or the Sanskrit dramas are also an event of attraction.
One of the nearby places to visit near Kottayam is Kumarakom. It is in the west of the Vembanad Lake. This lake is also famous for the seasonal migratory birds that come to this bird sanctuary in their respective seasons. Pathiramal, which literally means 'the midnight sand,' is a lonely island in the lake. Backwater cruises are accessible from this spot. A number of visitors flock to this place during the tourist season. It is an ideal destination for the newly married couples.
Forty km north of Kottayam is another important Shiva temple known as the Vaikom Temple. This temple is associated with the legendry Parasurama. This temple also depicts the typical Kerala temple culture.
Wagamon is another place to visit while going for excursion in and around Kottayam. The place is 60 km from Kottayam town. This place has good spots for trekking and so the place is called the trekkers' paradise.
Source: Indian Tourism Information
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