Welcome to Kottayam

Kottayam is an important commercial centre of Kerala, India, thanks to its strength as a producer of cash crops. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, One of the country's primary commodities board. Kottayam, among the state's more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western ghats on the east. Bordered by the lofty and mighty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations, places associated with many legends and a totally literate people have given Kottayam District the enviable title: The land of letters, legends, latex and lakes. Kottayam Town is the first town in India to have achieved 100% literacy (a remarkable feat achieved as early as in 1989). English education in South India did actually start at the Old Seminary here at Kottayam in 1813. The first printing press in Kerala was established (CMS Press) here in 1821 by Rev.Benjamin Baily. The first college in the State (CMS College) was also started here at Kottayam in 1840. Maiden printed Malayalam-English and English-Malayalam Dictionaries were published from Kottayam in 1846 and 1847 respectively. The first and only Cooperative Society of writers, authors and publishers (SPCS), for publishing books and periodicals was set up here in 1945. Kottayam is the hometown of a vast number of books and periodicals and is the center of publishing business in the State. Kottayam is the first town in India selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to be transformed as an Eco City. The Sri K R Narayanan, the former President of India hails from Kottayam District.
Kottayam is the ideal take off point for visits to Peermade, Munnar, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city, Madurai. It is also a gateway to the pilgrim centers of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcaud, and so on.

Places of Attraction (Kottayam)
Champakara (Ayurvedic Centre)
18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for 'Thirummuchikilsa'. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over India and abroad. Champakara is a beautiful, peaceful village in Kottayam Dist. The State highway from Kottayam to Punaloor passes through this land. Karukachal, a major center of it. Champakara is the land of Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala. Many different kinds of kalari & ayurvedic massaging centers are there. Late Shri. Gopinatha Kurup from Chanmpakara is famous for Kalari Treatment and martial arts . The people of Champakara are dedicated to nature, because one can see lot of Sarppakavu which is for the preservation of mother earth. Many elephant lovers are present in Champakara.

Kumarakom

The backwater village, Kumarakom, is on the banks of Vembanad lake. The tiny village, Kumarakom, was unknown to the people beyond Kottayam. A British man ,Henry Baker, purchased some land from the erstwhile Travancore Raja to build a house. Later this house was purchased by the Taj group of Hotels and converted into a tourist resort. Today luxury resorts and hotels line its palm fringed banks to accommodate the swelling numbers of tourists. It is the ideal place to get the best out of the backwaters experience: sail on the backwaters, see coir retting in water, boats sailing by laden with pots and pans - their customers live on the banks of the river - fishing boats returning with their catch, women rowing by in small canoes, birds swooping into the water or just the landscape floating by. KTDC offers motorboat, speedboat and pontoon boats at the Boat Jetty. The boats slide past paddy fields, coconut groves,houses on the banks and other boats, making it an unforgettable experience.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers. Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.

Best Time To Visit
The best time to bird watch is between June and August. To watch Migratory birds, November to February is the best time.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum:

At Market junction, near Jetty, notice a distinct building with pillared verandha and tiled thatched roof. It is museum. The display here is the ‘art of sea’. The chiselled driftwood is gathered from the beaches of Andaman and Nicobar islands. The driftwood pieces are chiseled into different shapes – a crocodile found off Port Blairs’ Wandoor Beach and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose addressing an audience from wood, gathered from Maybunder Beach in Andaman. Sculptures sold here.

Grampi hill station
The picturesque hill station of Grampi, situated 5 kms from Peerumade is also known as the Parunthupara, meaning the eagle rock, because of the panoramic view from its high peaks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.

Thirunakkara Shiva Temple:

Situated in the centre of Kottayan town. :It is built in Kerala style architecture. The ‘koothambalam’ – traditional temple theatre – is one of the best in Kerala. The paintings on the wall are commendable.

Bharananganam:

The church here,dedicated to Sr.Alphonsa,is an important pilgrim centre for the Christians. The mortal remains of Sr Alphonsa who is pronounced as blessed is kept here.

Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid:

On the banks of Meenachil river. This beautiful masjid made of teak stands in the vicinity of two churches. At first sight it may be mistaken for a king’s palace.

Changanassery

Located 18 km from Kottayam town, Changanassery has grown to town status long back. Changanasseriy is gateway to both high ranges and backwaters of Kuttanad. The distance to hill resorts is 40 km and to back waters 3 km.Changanassery was known as Anchu Vilakinte Pattanam (town of five lamps) in the past.Occupationally, Changannsery is agriculture, trade and commerce leaned.The town has an 18 century temple where Deepam Festival celebrated in every winter is a crowd puller.No scarcity for the tales about the etymology of Changanassery. The tale relating to the erstwhile ruler of Changanassery appears to be more appropriate. The Hindu ruler constructed a temple, a church and a mosque in equi-distance from his palace. This was aimed for him to wake up in the morning on hearing the sound of Sank (from conch) from temple, Natham (musical sound) of the church bell or Vank (sherry) (specific pattern of loud voice discharged by clergyman as a signal for time to pray) from mosque. These three – shank, natham and sherry linked together is Changanassery.Changanassery is economically advanced. The economy is boosted by the salary income from abroad as many from here have landed in employment especially in Gulf, European and American States. Among the inhabitants, Christians share first rank, Hindus second and Muslims third strength-wise.Changanassery has excellent educational facilities ranging from lower primary to college level. The schools and colleges maintain excellent standard of education. St Berchaman’s College, established in 1922 and run by Catholic Archdiocese of Changanassery, is one amongst the best in India. With thirteen post-graduation and seven research departments the College is sought after one for admission. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council awarded this College Five Star and A+ level status. St Berchaman’s is the first college in the State to get this status. Other colleges are NSS College and Assumption College which too maintain high standard of education. In school sector, St Berchaman’s High School, Sacred Heart English Medium High School, Kristu Jyothi English High School, Good Shepherd Public School and Placid Vidya Vihar deliver high degree of excellence. All the three religions have their own shrines and December is a celebration-full month for the Changanasserians. The Archdiocese of Changanassery is the largest and oldest Catholic Diocese in India. The present Dioceses of Palai, Kanjirapilly and Thukalay were carved out from this Diocese for administration convenience as the population grew. Changanassery Archdiocese is one of the first two Vicariates of the Syrian Catholics and the second Metropolitan Archdiocese of the Syro Malabar Church after the establishment of Syro Malabar hierarchy as a prelude to the restoration of the identity of the Church in 1992 as a Sui Juris Church. Changanassery is also the headquarters of Nair Service Society short-called as NSS. NSS is a social organization contributing to the sectors of education and healthcare mainly. Its grass-root level work is through 4000 odd Karayogams (village organs). NSS was established on 31 October 1914 by Mannath Padmanabhan, a social fighter for equality. The outskirts of Changanassery are enviably beautiful. Cruise in boat to various Kuttanadan villages will be an unforgettable event with many village and nature experience to show-case in the mind. A morning or evening stroll amidst green blanketed paddy fields and straight-trunked and green-capped coconut palms will be soul-soothing. Healthcare and entertainment facilities are abundant here. Christians and Hindus mainly inhabited Changanassery has the presence of Muslims too in a thin layer. All the three communities have their on shrines.Subramanya Temple, built in 753 AD at Perunna, Sree Bhagawathi Temple, popularly known as Kavil Ambalam (temple), at Puzhavath, Sreekrishna Temple at Madhumoola, Trikannupuram Temple and Sree Mahadeva Temple at Vazhapally are Hindu shrines. Kavil Ambalam at Puzhavath has a distinction of wellcoming Chandanakudam (mosque feast with a pot smeared with sandalwood paste) of moque at Puthoor held on 25th and 26th December every year. Metropolitan Catholic Church where the feasts of St Sebastian in January and St Mary in September are celebrated, Church at Parel where St Mary’s feast lasting 3 days on 6th to 8th December is celebrated, Holy Heart Church at Chethipuzha, Fathima Matha Church and Gethsemane Church at Madhumoola, St Joseph’s Church at Veroor and St Antony’s Church at Perunna are the Christian shrines. Mosque at Puthoor is the shrine for Muslims.

Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhpoonchira, means the 'valley where leaves don't fall' and is so named because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness the sunrise and sunset. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district.The beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira are spread across thousands of acres of the district of Kottayam. The place is surrounded by three enchanting hillocks: Mankunnu, Kodayathoormal and Thonippara, making the place ideal for trekking. The verdant landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to about 3200 feet above sea level is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. .Located at distance of 55 kms from Kottayam and 20 kms from Thodupuzha, this is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar.

Pala

Pala also written as Palai, is a municipal town in the eastern hilly areas of Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of the Meenachil River and is the headquarters of the Meenachil Taluk and the Pala Revenue Division. It is the main gateway to the southern high ranges. Pala is 56.7 meters above MSL. Nearby towns are Ponkunnam, Erattupetta, Thodupuzha, Ramapuram,Valavoor,Ettumanoor and Kottayam. Pala is on the Main Eastern Highway (Muvattupuzha - Pathanamthitta- Punalur Road / SH - 08 )

Kanjirapilly

Kanjirapilly is also east of Changanassery.Located in the middle of Kottayam-Kumily state highway.This too is a plantation town,maily rubber&tea and centre of aristocratic Christian families.The village of Kanjirapilly is wealthier by decent Churches.Income from rubber plantations plays a major role in Kanjirapally's wealth.The name is said to be derived from 'kanjirappathal'when the king ploted the boundary to build a church in 1448 with'kanjirappathal' stem.

Ettumannoor

Located 12 km north of Kottayam town, Ettumanoor is famous for its 16 AD Shiva temple. Scenes from Ramayana, Krishna Leela, Bhagawath Geetha and Santhana Gopala are beautifully carved round the shrine. Another noteworthy feature of the temple is its valiyavilakku, a giant oil lamp at the entrance of the main shrine supposed to have remained lit for over 450 years by the constant strams of oil donated by devotees.Exquisite mural paintings and sculptures inside the temple are worth watching. State Archaeological Centre runs a Mural Art Centre near the temple. The annual festival running to 10 days is in Kumbam (February/March).On the eighth and tenth days, priests bring out the temple's golden elephants seven large specimens made from 95 kilos of gold and a smaller elephant that is half the weight, which were presented by the eighteenth century Raja of Travancore, Marthanda Varma

Vaikathu Ashtami

Vaikom is famous for its Mahadeva Temple that is the place for one of the major temple festivals of Kerala during the dark lunar fortnight of Vrischikam, and ending on the auspicious day of Asthami. Hence the festival is known as Ashtami at Vaikom.The Mahadeva Temple at Vaikom is one of the most famous and oldest Siva temples in Kerala. On the Ashtami evening, the deities of the neighbouring temples are ceremoniously brought in procession to the Mahadev temple at Vaikom. After dusk, the deity of the Vaikom temple will be taken out in procession and kept in the Anakkottil (elephant shed). At about midnight the deities of other temples will also be brought in procession to the Anakkottil. Thereafter a ceremony called Kanikkiduka (offering of presents) is performed. This is considered to be an important feature of the Asthami Festival at Mahadeva Festival of Vaikum.

Erumeli

Erumeli is a small town nestled in the evergreen Western Ghats, 60 kms north east of Kottayam town. Erumeli is the gateway to the Sabarimala temple, Kerala’s prominent Hindu pilgrim centre located in Pathanamthitta district. Erumeli is a widely known place for its Vavar mosque. Vavar was the friend and companion of Lord Ayyappa, the deity in Sabarimala temple. The pilgrims going this way to Sabarimala used to halt here and give offering to Vavar by way of breaking coconuts on a stone by throwing forcefully on it. The stone is in the precincts of the mosque.

Kesari Waterfalls
The Kesari waterfalls, also known as Valanjamkanam falls, lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr. journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly; trek to Kuttikanan offers additional adventurous spirit and closeness to nature.

Maramala Waterfalls
This lies a few kms away from Eerattupetta. It is exactly 7 kms from Teekoy rubber estate. From here a private vehicle can take you further 2 kms after which the road is not motor able. To reach the falls one has to trek through the estate over the rocky path. The waterfall is about 60 metres in height, falling into a 12-meter deep pool and joins the River Teekoy way down.
Chandragiri Cruises
This offers boat trips to the nearby islands and palm grove. The boarding point is Chandragiri Bridge and nearby, is a mosque and also the ancient Kizhur Sartha Temple.
Ayyampara
43 kms from Kottayam, this is a well known scenic spot of rocky plains, where a 100 acres of flat rock makes a natural granite stadium to enjoy the sunset and the view of the town below. It is a good place for trekking.
Elaveezhapoonchira (mountains)
Elaveezhapoonchira, formed of imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs is on the eastern periphery of Kottayam district. It is a beautiful picnic spot, accessible from Pala, located in the middle of hillocks. About 3000 feet above sea lever, the pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact here. There is also a famous ancient mosque at Thazhathanangady near Thalikotta Palace, which attracts many devotees.

Koottickal
Situated in the western ghats, 5 kms north of Mundakayam in Kottayam district, is Koottickal .The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check dam of the River Manimala makes the spot linger in ones mind. Amruthameda, which is famous for medicinal plants, is nearby. Koottickal is well connected by roads to the main cities. The waterfall at Vadakkemala, near Kootickal is another attraction.

Panchalimedu
Situated 7 kms from Muundakkayam - Kuttikanam stretch on the Kottayam - Kumali road, lies Panchalimedu at an altitude of about 2500 feet above sea level. A 3-hour trek from Valliankavu, also connected by bus service from Kottayam. According to legends, the Pandavas had stayed here and the pond beside a small temple is where Panchali, their wife is said to have had bath.

Wagamon (Trekker's Paradise)
Situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level, Wagamon is called the trekker's paradise because it is an ideal place for trekking and a beautiful tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea plantations, meadows, valleys and dales. It is about 60 km from Kottayam. The other attraction of this place is Kurisumala, a sky-scraping mountain with a small church on its peak. There is also a monastery on this hill, called Kurisumala Ashramam, which has a small community of ascetics who follow Christian faith but combines with it the Indian spiritual traditions and Gandhian thoughts. People of all faith are welcome to visit this place.

Teekoy : Teekoy is located between Vagamon and Erattupetta. It is a typical village adjusted with midland and hill land carpeted with lush green scenery. Agriculture is the main vocation. Produces are rubber, coconut, areca-nut, cardamom, nutmeg, cashew, pepper, turmeric, ginger etc.Hills and valleys rich Teekoy is proud of allowing Meenachil River to flow through its soil. Remember, Meenachil River is the star character of Arundhati Roy’s famous novel – The God of Small Things.Teekoy is also the land of many species of medicinal plants.Major part of population is Christians. The presence of Hindus and Muslims is marginal. Third or fourth generation of Tamil migrants who came for work in rubber plantations forms a small percentage of population.There is a tea processing factory established long ago when Teekoy was engaged in tea cultivation.In education facilities Teekoy is much advanced. A technical school and a higher secondary school in addition to lower and upper primary schools cater to the needs of the village.High agriculture income, especially from rubber, and salary income from abroad have changed the life style of Teekoyites. The handsome income is reflected on imposing bungalows and villas scattered in the village.Teekoy is a select choice for movie shooting.Adventurous trekking paths, rolling hills and hillocks, cliffs, waterfalls, caves and picturesque surroundings make Teekoy a blue chip tourist spot.The Illickal mountain top with a steep height of over 3000 ft located nearby is ideal for viewing around. The view catches up to 75 km. Alapuzha port distanced at 75 km is in its clear view during the nights. Those experienced claim that view from Illickal mountain top is similar to the view from Effeil Tower.

Chempu : This village is located near Vaikom on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Nature has showered unlimited blessings on Chempu. Picturesque and serene atmosphere make the village a hot spot.The village accommodates Hindus, Christians and Muslims harmoniously.

Moscow : This beautiful village, not of Russia, is located in the middle of Thiruvalla and Chanaganasseri.Once in Moscow, the eyes get a sumptuous feast.With hospitals, schools, shrines etc the village is a front runner in development.

Puthupally : Puthupally is a developed village to the extent of a small town. It is located on the banks of Kodoor River.The feast in the famous 16th century St George Valia Pally (big church) every year on 6th and 7th May is attended by thousands of pilgrims from all over Kerala.The village has two Hindu shrines.The main vocation of the village is agriculture, main crop being rubber. Other crops on low key are coconut, pepper and paddy.Rubber Research Institute of India is located here. There is an office of Rubber Board of India also. Part and parcel of the village are small scale rubber processing units.To meet the educational needs of the village, enough educational institutions are there.Malayalam writer Vettom Mani, famous scientist George Sudarsan, eminent Astrologist Kizhukkal Abraham Varghese and ex-Chief Minister of Kerala, Ommen Chandy are the products of Puthupally.

Vennimala : A hill top village, Vennimala, is located 15 km away from Kottayam town. The village is a hot spot of tourists. The road leading to Vennimala is Kottayam-Kumali Road.During their exiled life Lord Rama and Lord Laxmana visited Vennimala and their presence showered enormous blessings to the village, it is believed. As a memorial to their presence, a Rama-Laxmana temple erected by the ancestors and consecrated by Cheraman Perumal, the ancient emperor of Kerala, is a great pilgrim center. Historical records speak of Cheramal Perumal having stayed here. The annual festival of the shrine lasts 28 days with large attendance every day.The main produce of Vennimala is rubber.Look here and there when fresh water ponds numbering not less a dozen glare at the eyes. Just half a kilometer from the temple a big cave silently sleeps.

Koorapada : 8 km distanced from Vennimala this village is where Matrumala (a hill) is located. The top of Matrumala offers a delicious feast to the eyes from all around.In the hill top there is a small ancient temple believed to have been built by Lord Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to seven goddesses.

Kallara : Kallara is located at 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. Rail and road access from Kottayam exists.Numerous criss-crossing canals feeding to the paddy fields are a stunning sight to the eyes everywhere. The canals’ tail ends merge into the Ezhumenthuruth backwaters. Tiny islands in the backwaters look like tortoises from distance.Aryankudy, Kapikkad, Mundor, Pulithuruth, Erumthuruth, Pazhampetti, Ponnurukumpara and Karikkal are pockets of scenic beauty.The village is famed in the making of screw pine products. Screw pine plants in congestion grow in bulk on canal sides without any manure. The shaft of the screw pine plant is cut removed and split into many to season in sun light or fire heat during monsoon. The next course is making of the products by hand weaving. Product ranges are vivid. Table mat, purse, file holders, waste box, hats, kitchen pouches, decoration items are some of them.Wood products, rubber wood products and bamboo products are other items produced in Kallara.Kallara is going to be a model village shortly for which spade work is underway. The government objective is to avail the tourists an opportunity to experience the art of screw pine products making as also other rural products making with stay facilities in scenic spots.

Ramapuram : This beautiful village is located between Pala town and Koothattukulam in a distance of 15 km from Pala town. Ramapuram, meaning the abode of Rama (Lord Rama), is the birth place of Vanchipattu (the songs sang during the towing of country boats) exponent Ramapurath Warrier. The renowned Malayalam novelist Lalithambika Antharjanam was lived here.Ramapuram enjoyed the presence of an old Church and it enjoyed the privilege of receiving the blessings of two renowned missionaries – Daivadasan Thevaraparambil Kunjachan and Paramekkal Thoma Kathanar.A temple dedicated to Lord Rama ensures the omnipresence of Lord Rama ever in Ramapuram as the physical presence is a thing of past. Lord Rama’s all the brothers’ omnipresence is also ensured in Ramapuram. A shrine dedicated to Lakshmana at Kedapulam, a shrine of Bharata at Amanakara and a shrine dedicated to Sathrugna at Methiri – all in the vicinity of Ramapuram – do the job.The surroundings of Ramapuram are equally rewarding. Kurinjikoomban, a hill, situated 5 km from Ramapuram is enriched with many caves. Vellamneekipara waterfall is nearby.Kuruvankunnu, a hill, situated 5 km from Ramapuram (not near Kurinjikomban) is prone to avalanches. Even in summer water is aplenty in this place. Surroundings are highly beautiful. Mayiladumpara, located at Nedumala, near Ramapuram is a spontaneous spot to enjoy nature’s benevolence. Two gigantic rocks have grabbed 4 to 5 acres of land to remain static.Parunthanmala located at Kozhimala is at 4 km west of Ramapuram. The hill, highest in the vicinity, is a selective spot for panoramic view of the area altogether.Fathimagiri, a hill with not much height, near Ramapuram is an ideal picnic spot.

Kudamaloor : Located very near to Kottayam town and Kumarakom, Kudamaloor is on the banks of Meenachil River. The village is a fine example of typical Kerala rural ambience.Kudamaloor is more popular as the head quarters of erstwhile Chembakassery kings. The place where the palace of kings once stood is now stands Valiyamadom Nalukettu, the present residence of the royal family. The village is dotted with many old Nalukettu structures and mansions. Near Eraveeswaram temple the remains of the fort of the kings are still visible. Raised platforms and canon holes in the wall have survived the onslaught of the climate for years.Kudamaloor is a well known village on many counts. In art and architecture the village is always in forefront. The birth place of renowned Kathakali exponent is Kudamaloor. Many sons of the village are reckoned stalwarts in Kerrida art forms and folklore arts. Call the experts in Sopanasangeetham, Kalamezhuthu and Kalamezhuthu Pattu, Kalaripayattu, Mudiyettu etc.the village is ready to supply them.Two prominent institutions, Kathakali Yogam and Sopanam Kalavedi & Research Center, rooted here promote folklore arts and Kathakali.Kudamaloor is in Aymanam Panchayat, the home town of the booker prize winner Arundhathi Roy. The novelist has woven her famed novel ‘The God of Small Things’around this theme village.Literally, the village is congested with temples - ten in number. Vasudevapuram temple is accredited for mural paintings. Tiyattu, Garudan Parava and Thookam are the novelties of the temple festivals in Kudamaloor.Unheard anywhere else, a church known as St Mary’s Church was built and promoted by a Hindu king. The offering in the Church is of typical nature. It is a traditional water bag and rope used for drawing the water from the well.

Ithipuzha : Ithipuzha village is located on Ernakulam-Vaikom route. At a particular point on the rout there are three bridges in succession. The bridges over lay the tributaries of Muvattupuzha River. The tributaries pass through after creating many catchy islands and drain to Vembanad Lake. This place is Ithipuzha bathed in scenic beauty. Long stretches of coconut palms and spacious paddy fields add charm to the village. Few houseboats and resort-less shores make the village more enchanting and the waterways unhurt.Ithipuzha is a fine location to relax in a country boat ride and unwind the tension hit mind while watching the fishermen carrying their day’s catch in small canoes.

Vembanad Lake
16 kms from Kottayam town, is a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vemanad Lake, which is situated in Kumarakom village. The lake is an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourist destination. It provides boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom tourist village also offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.