Kottayam
: Places of Interest
» St. Mary’s
Church
The St. Mary’s Church, known as Valiya Palli, in the town was built in
1550 A. D. It is famous for its 8th century Persian Cross with the Pahlavi inscription
on it. Near to this Valia Palli is situated the Cheriya Palli (St. Mary’s
Church) which was built in 1579 A. D. It houses some murals and paintings depicting
Biblical and other themes.
» The Thirunakkara
Mahadeva Temple
This ancient temple in the town is a sacred place of worshipn for the Hindus.
There are some wall paintings. The annual temple festival (March/April) attracts
a large number of people.
» Mannanam
It is 8 km from Kottayam. It is an important Syrian Christian centre. There
is St. Joseph’s Monastery, which is associated with Fr. Kuriakose, one
of the saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. One can also
see here one of the oldest Printing Presses in the state- the St. Joseph’s
Press which printed ‘Nasrani Deepika’, one of the oldest newspapers
in Kerala.
» Dakshina Mookambika
Temple
This temple, which is 10 km from Kottayam on the way to Changanacherry, is a
famous one dedicated to Goddess Saraswathy. The Navaratri festival here attracts
quite a fascinating crowd.
» Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary
It is 16 km. west of Kottayam on the Vembanad lake. The Sanctuary teems with
local waterfowls and over wintering migratory birds such as the Siberian stroks.
Boats are available for backwater cruises in the lake. To stay and dine: Taj
Garden Retreat, Kumarakam Tourist Village, Coconut Lagoon Heritage Resort etc.
» St. Mary’s
Ferona Church
This church at Athirampuzha near Ettumanur is famous for its annual 8 day feast
known as ‘Athirampuzha Nercha’, which attracts a large number of devotees
from all over Kerala.
» Lord Shiva Temple
at Ettumanur
This ancient temple, which is 17 km away from Kottayam, is a famous place of
worship. There are mural paintings of high order and beautiful sculpture of
intricate workmanship inside the temple.
» Bharananganam
It is an important Christian pilgrimage centre where the mortal remaints of
Sister Alphonsa (1916-1946) was interned in a chapel next to the St. Mary’s
Church. This 1000- year old church features an attractive Grotto of Virgin Mary.
» Vaikkom
Vaikkom, 40 km away from Kottayam, is historically a famous town situated on
the eastern bank of the expansive Vembanad lake. It was once the capital of
the erstwhile kingdom of Vadakkumkur. The ancient Mahadeva Temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva here has carried its name far and near. The Mahadeva Temple at
Vaikkom is a sacred place of worship. According to legend, It was constructed
by Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. The 12 day ‘Ashtami’
festival here (November/December) is renowned for its elephant processions,
religious discourses, and traditional dance and music performances.
Kerala Must See › Alappuzha
› Ernakulam › Idukki
› Kannur › Kasaragod
› Kollam › Kottayam
› Kovalam › Kozhikode
› Malappuram › Palakkad
› Pathanamthitta › Periyar
› Thiruvananthapuram ›
Thrissur › Wayanad
