KOTTAYAM DISTRICT

KOTTAYAM TOWN – “Mecca of Publishing Industry”, home of periodicals.
Valiapalli Church / St. Mary’s Church (2 km) – Built in 1550. Known for its two 8th
century Persian granite Crosses with Pahlavi inscriptions.
St. Mary’s Church, Cheriapalli (2 km) – Built in 1579 by Thekkumkur Maharajah. Blend
of Kerala & Portuguese architecture. Has murals on biblical & non-biblical themes.
Vimalagiri Church (Angathattupalli) – Cathedral of the Diocese of Vijayapuram built in
Gothic style. 172 ft high main steeple is the highest church steeple in Kerala.
St. Joseph’s Monastery at Mannanam (8 km) – Father Chavara Kuriakose Elias’ mortal
remains are preserved here. Site of St. Joseph’s Press established in 1844, which printed
‘Nasrani Deepika’, one of the oldest newspapers in the State.
Jama Masjid, Thazhathangadi (2 km) – One of the oldest mosques in India believed to
be 1000 years old, is on the banks of Meenachil river.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple – 500 year old temple built by Thekkumkur Maharajah
in Kerala style, has colourful murals. Its Koothambalam – building for cultural purposes, is
one of the best in Kerala. Phalguna festival (April/May) attracts large numbers.

KUMARAKOM (16 km) - Fast developing backwater tourism destination.
Resorts offer exclusive holiday options & houseboat stays/cruises.
Tourist Village on Vembanad lake – scenic picnic spot with boating facility.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary alongside Vembanad lake has migratory birds like Siberian
stork, egret, heron and teal. Can be explored by boat also.
Nattakom & Panachikad (10 km) – Quiet villages with scenic water bodies, lush greenery
& migratory birds in summer. Recommended boat ride from Panachikad to Kumarakom.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls (18 km) – Picnic spot. 100 ft water fall amidst rubber plantations.
VAIKKOM (40 km) – Famous for Mahadeva temple. According to legend, temple was built
by Parasurama, mythological creator of Kerala. Festival in Nov/Dec with elephant
processions. Vaikkom was once capital of erstwhile Vadakkumkur kingdom.
Anchuvilakku – Stone lamp post in Kerala style near Changanassery boat jetty built by
freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalawa. The five lamps are lit using kerosene.
Nadukani – Picturesque hill with bird’s eye view of vast meadows girded by huge rocks.
Karumbukayam-Meloram – Scenic place on Manimala river between Kanjirapally and
Erumeli. Popular for occasional water fiestas organised by enthusiastic people.
Bharananganam (5 km east of Palai) – The 1000 year old St. Mary’s Church here
features an attractive Grotto of Virgin Mary. Has entombed mortal remains of the blessed
Sister Alphonsa (1916-1946) in a chapel next to the church.
St. Mary’s Church, Kuravilangad – Built in 355 AD on the high ranges of Kuravilangad
town. It has an old bell with undeciphered inscription.
Ettumanoor (12 km) – 16th century Mahadeva Temple in Kerala style of temple
architecture. Inner & outer walls have exquisite sculptures and murals, depicting scenes
from Hindu mythology. Famous for painting of Nataraja in the gopuram and ezharaponnara
(7 1⁄2 elephants finished in gold). Central shrine has copper plated conical roof.
ERUMELI (60 km) – Vavarambalam Mosque dedicated to Vavar, friend of Ayyappa -
deity of Sabarimala. Hindu pilgrims worship here before proceeding to Sabarimala.
ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA (55 km) – Means ‘valley where leaves don’t fall’, named as the
place has no trees. Verdant landscape with 1000 m high hills. Highest point is Kannadipara.
Valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with mirror like perfection. Mankunnu,
Kodayathoormala & Thonippara hills are good for trekking. Pazhakakanam plateau with
bamboo groves, meadows & wild flowers nourished by Todupuzha river & Kazhukankulimali
waterfalls are nearby. During monsoons, the valley fills up to form a scenic lake.
Pundareekapuram (near Thalayolaparambu) – Famous for mural collection, believed to
be the best in Kerala. Sanctum is decorated with murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics.