About: Kottayam literally means the interior of a fort Kotta+Akam. Rulers of Munjanad and Thekkumkur had their head quarters at Thazhathangadi in the present Kottayam town. Marthanda Varma of Travancore attacked Thekkumkur and destroyed the palace and the Thaliyil fort. The remnants of palaces and forts are still seen here. The present Kottayam district was previously a part of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Earlier, the Travancore State consisted of two revenue divisions viz., the southern and northern divisions, under the administrative control of a 'Diwan Peshkar' for each. Later in 1868 two more divisions Quilon (Kollam) and Kottayam were constituted. The fifth division Devikulam came next but for a short period, which in course of time, was added to Kottayam. At the time of the integration of the State of Travancore and Cochin (Kochi) in 1949, these revenue divisions were renamed as districts and the Diwan Peshkars gave way to District Collectors, making the birth of the Kottayam District in July 1949.
The beginning of the ninth Century A.D is the age of the Kula- sekharas. At that time, Kottayam was a part of the Vempolinad, which belonged to the Kulasekhara Empire (1090 - 1102 A.D.). The Vembanad lake itself derives its name from Vempolinad.The Kingdom of Vempolinad split itself into the Kingdom of Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur by about 1100 A.D. and later these two kingdoms were annexed by Marthanda- Varma of Travancore between 1749 and1754. The Portuguese and the Dutch had their business relations with both Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur Kingdoms, pepper and other spices being the main attractions. In addition to Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur, Marthanda Varma brought two more small principalities in Kottayam under his control - Poonjar and Meenachil.
After Marthanda Varma Dharma Raja (1758-1798) placed Kottayam in a key position in the new defence strategy against Haider Ali and Tippu Sultan of Mysore. Apart from this, Kottayam afforded asylum to a number of refugee princes who left Malabar in the wake of Mysore invasions.
Kottayam occupied a predominant position in the cultural life of the Travancore princely court,the main reason being migration of Ramapurathu Warrier, the famous poet of Vadakkumkur to Thiruvananthapuram following the annexation of Kottayam by Marthanda Varma.
Kottayam has played its role in all the political agitations of modern times. The 'Malayali Memorial' agitation may be said to have had its origin in Kottayam. The Malayali Memorial sought to secure better representation for educated Travancoreans in the Travancore civil service against persons from outside. The Memorial, which was presented to the Maharaja Sri Mulam Thirunal (1891) was drafted at a public meeting held in the Kottayam Public Library. The event marked the beginning of the modern political movement in the state.
It was here that the famous Vaikom Satyagraha (1924 -25) an epic struggle for eradication of untouchability, took place. Scheduled castes and other backward classes in Travancore were not only denied entry into temples, but also access to temple roads. Vaikom, the seat of a celebrated Siva Temple, was the venue of the symbolic satyagraha. It is of immense historic significance that national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari, Acharya Vinoba Bhave and E.V. Ramswami Naykar, associated with the struggle.
The Nivarthana agitation of the early thirties, to secure adequate representation for the non-caste Hindus, Christians and Muslims in the State Legislature, enjoyed considerable support from the district.
The district was also a centre of the agitation led by the State Congress for responsible Government in Travancore. The agitation had a triumphant end, with the overthrow of Sir. C.P. Ramaswami Iyer, the then Dewan of Travancore.
Places to Visit
Kottayam with its landscape, rivers, lakes, bird sanctuaries, temples, churches, mosques and historic remnants attract tourists. Sea shores denied, the western parts of the district are embraced by Vembanad Lake.
Kumarakom: Kumarakom gVembanad lakeained national and iternational importance with the visit of Prime Minister of India, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee in December 2000 . Kumarakom is a small village 14 km.west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, which is a 'wonder land' lying below sea level, comprising of a number of islands, in the back waters. Kumarakom Village covers an area of 5166 He. of which 2413 He. is lake portion, 1500 He is paddy fields and the remaining 1253 He. is dry land. Kumarakom is a paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interepersed with enchanting water ways and canals adorned with white lillies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, this small water world has plenty of traditional country boats, crafts and canoes which will take you into the heart of scenic Kerala. The resorts near by offer comfortable accomdation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massages, Yoga and meditation besides boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
In the last Century, Henry Baker, an English man, attracted by the beauty of the place, selected Kumarakom as his residence and built a bungalow, obtaining 104 acres of land from the then Maharaja of Travancore. He also made a beautiful garden. Preserving the old style, the beautiful bunglow of Baker has now been modified into the Taj Garden Retreat, a hotel with modern living facilities. The Kerala State Toursim Development Corporation is converting this place into a Tourist Complex. K.T.D.C. has constructed Cottages here and it runs a floating restaurant. Boating facilities are also provided by the Corporation. Coconut lagoon is a beautiful resort here.
Vembanad lake: Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake, a fast developing back water tourism destination. Vembanad lake is having 83.72km. length and 14.48km. width. Traditional cargo boats called Kettuvallams are modified into cruise boats and house boats, with all basic facilities like kitchen, toilet, bathrooms, sitouts etc. These boats gracefully move around the back waters, providing facilities to tourist to enjoy the beauty of the Vembanad lake in a relaxed pace. The Kumarakom tourist village offers house boat cruises and holiday packages.In the Vembanad lake there is a small beautiful island called Pathiramanal or the Midnight sands. This lonely island in the Vembanad Lake is accessible only by boat.
Boat races: In the festive months of August and September, the rivers in and near Kottayam are turned into festival centres. The serene lakes comes alive during onam with a spectacular water regatta- the snake boat races. It is amazing to watch oars men, atleast a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing. In the Kumarakom boat race, about 50 types of boats viz; veppu, ody, churulan and few snake boats participate.
Bird sanctuary: Another attraction of Kumarakom is the Bird Sanctuary spreading over 14 acres of land. Located on the banks of theVembanad lake, the sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen other common varities like the wood pecker, sky lark, crane and parrots can also be spotted here. 91 Species of local and 50 species of migratory birds are found here. Best time to bird watch is June-August and migratory birds during November- February. A cruise along the Vemband lake is best way to experience the sanctuary. House boats and motor boats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.
Elaveezhapoonchira: Elaveezhapoonchira , a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60 kms. from Kottayam is gaining tourist importance. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is names so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sun rise and sunset.Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu,Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali the heroine of Mahabharata. The D.T.P.C. is developing this place into a trekking spot. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira spread across thousands of acres. The verdant land scape punctuated by the gigantic hills , each rising to around 3200 sft. is an ideal place to un wind. During the monsoons when the valley fillup to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature.
Kurisumala: Three Kms. from Vazhikkadavu, this renowned Christian pilgrim centre is where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Jewish monastery at the top of the hill, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Murugan mala, home of a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan ( son of Lord Siva). The road to Kurisumala offers wonderful sight-seeing opportunities in a European model house and the beautiful artificial lake both designed by the renowned architect, Laurie Baker.
Poonjar palace: The Poonjar palace in Meenachil taluk is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a by gone era.With the palace walls is an extra ordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palaquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewels boxes, a variety of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva), grain measures, statues and weapons. A unique couch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purpose. Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple have sculptures with war fare stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India).However the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stone walls of the Sastha temple nearby. Such rock cut lamps are rare in India.
Vaikom: A picnic spot ideal for langourous break. Tourists can avail of various recreation options. Boat cruises are available on the Vaikom lake.
Vayaskara and Chirattamon: These places are well known for their ayurvedic rejuvenation centres.
Monroe light: The Vemband lake at its glorious magnificance is seen at Pallom. The sunset from the Monroe light area is an unique experience, that one will always cherish. The vast expanse of the blue waters as seen from here, awakes the glorious feelings of awe and love for the mother nature. Situated at the eastern extremity of the Vembanad lake, the light was established by colonel Monroe, the Resident in 1813. This being an engineering marvel, the like of which is very rare.
Wagamon: Situated 64 kms. from Kottayam, this enchanting hill station at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekkers paradise. This enchanting hill station on the Idukki -Kottayam border dotted with tea gardens and meadows, will soon be one of India's foremost eco- tourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala Live Stock Board is located here.
Pilgrim Centres: Kottayam is a district known for its religious harmony. There are over 50 temples, 70 churches and a number of mosques including one 1000 years old. Besides, Kottayam is also the gate way to the piligrim centres of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Kaduthuruthy, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcad, Aruvithura and Athirampuzha.
Erumeli: Erumeli is the biggest piligrim center in the district.There is an ancient temple where Sri Dharma Sasta is the presiding deity. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar, who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa. During Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons in December and January respectively, lakhs of piligrims arrive here on their way to Sabarimala. Erumeli is famous for Pettathullal. Before the devotees start Pettathullal they offer prayers at the mosque of Vavar. Thus Erumeli portrays a spiritual picture of Hindu-Muslim harmony.
Vaikom: Associated with the legendary Parasurama, Vaikom Siva temple is a typical example of the Kerala style of temple architecture. More popular as the Kasi of the South, this temple is famous for its elephant pageants and traditional art performances. Here two Ashtami festivals are held annually one in Kumbhom (Februvary- March) and the other in Vrischikam (November-December) of which the latter is more famous. The celebrations last for 12 days and end with an Arat at the Subrahmania temple at Udayanapuram, on the day after Astami. Panchavadyam is an attractive item of the festival .Prathal is the main Vazhipadu here. Vadakkupurathupattu being held in every 12 years attracts many devotees. There is a school for teaching temple arts - Kshethra Kalapeedom -attached to the temple.
Ettumanoor: The Siva temple here is famous for its murals, especially the paintings of Nataraja in the Gopuram and the golden elephants- Ezharaponnana. The elephants, seven large ones and a small one, are well known. Though actually eight in number, these are only considered as seven and a half. These were presented to the Lord by Sri Karthika Thirunal, Maharaja of Travancore. The Ezharaponnana Ezhunnallathu festival here is in Kumbhom (Februvary- March). On the eighth day of the festival, the golden elephants are taken out of the temple in a procession, which attracts thousands of devotees.
Panachikkad: Saraswathy (Goddess of learning and the arts) temple at Panachikkad, also known as Mookambika of the South, is famous for Saraswathy pooja in the month of Thulam (October-November). On the day of Durgashtami, the Poojaveppu is performed with books arranged in a decorated room and all sorts of study and work are given up for the day. The Mahanavami day is devoted to the worship of Saraswathy, the Vijayadasami day is observed as the day of the conclusion of the Pooja (Poojaeduppu). On that day thousands of children are initiated into the world of letters at the Vidyarambom held here.Thirunakkara In the heart of Kottayam town is this 500 years old Siva temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharaja. This temple built in the Kerala style of architecture has colourful murals on its walls which are worth exploring. The Koothambalam, the special building in the temple premises used for cultural purposs, is one of the best in Kerala. Three festivals are celebrated here-in Thulam (Octobetr- November).
Adithyapuram: The Sun temple here is dedicated to Adithya, the Sun of God. The first and last sundays of the Zodiacs Scropio (November-December) and Aries (April-May) are considered auspicious.
Pallippurathukavu: Situated in the southern part of Kottayam town, this temple is devoted to Devi. The Kumbhakuda Mahotsavam here attracts large crowd. It is held on the day of Pathamudayam (10th day of the month of Medam). The Garudan Thukkam at night is also famous.
Thiruvarppu: Situated six kms. away from Kottayam town, this temple is devoted to Lord Krishna.Offerings start as early as 3 o' clock in the morning. The festival here, is in the month of April which lasts for 10 days. The Vilakkeduppu ie, carrying lamps by virgin girls during the festival is famous. Thiruvarppu is also famous for Usha (Payasam) which is the main Vazhipadu.
Kidangoor: Twenty three kms. northeast of Kottayam, the Subrahmaniya Swamy temple here attracts a large crowd of worshippers on the day of Shasti every month. In Kumbhom (Februvary- March) a 10 day long festival is celebrated here. The Chakkiarkooth performed here is a speciality.
Perunna: Situated about 20 kms. south of Kottayam town, this is also one of the famous Subrhamanya temples. The festival in Dhanu which lasts for 10 days .Hundreds of worshippers especially ladies attend the Shashti here.
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