Kottayam , Kerala
About Kottayam
Kottayam is also referred to as the "Akshara Nagari" as a gesture to acknowledge its unparalled contribution to literature and print media. Afterall, it was here that the very first newpaper of Kerala was published. Kottayam has several reasons to bask in its glory of being the "first" in many fields. Modern education finds its origin Kottayam. It was here again that the first college of Kerala was established. It also has the honor of being the first city in the whole of India to achieve 100% literacy. It is also the very first district in the whole of India to be 100% tobacco free. It has also made a mark in having the city coined in as a favoured religious tourism centre with its native St. Alphonso being the first woman to be canonnised as a Saint by the Syro Malabar Catholic Church.
Kottayam is not just a business centre, it is also an important influence to the culture of Kerala as a whole. Margamkali and Arjna Nritham are the two local dance forms. The cuisine too though largely like the rest of Kerala's has not been left un-influenced and has a unique Syrian Christian dominating influence to it. It is famous as a trade centre for spices and rubber.
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Top 10 Places to Visit in Kottayam
Thazhathangady Juma Masjid, Kerala
3.7 km from Kottayam - See map
The Thazhathangady Juma Masjid is estimated to have been built one thousand years ago, this ranks as one of India’s oldest mosques. It is on the...
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Thiruvalla, Kerala
28 km from Kottayam - See map
Thiruvalla is famous as the gateway to Sabarimala as this place has Thiruvalla temple which is carved out of a single rock and has a Garuda alight...
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Kanjirappally, Kerala
38 km from Kottayam - See map
Kanjirappally is known as the Queen of Malanad as it offers beautiful scenery and was once the trade center of spices, pepper and areca nut in...
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Marari Beach, Kerala
42.3 km from Kottayam - See map
Marari Beach is about 11 KMs from Alappuzha (Alleppey). It is located near Mararikulam, a small village. Famous for the fishing activity this...
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Chottanikkara, Kerala
50 km from Kottayam - See map
Chottanikkara is an attractive village in the district of Ernakulam. It is famous for the Chottanikkara Bhagavathi temple where Rajarajeswari...
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Pathanamthitta, Kerala
58 km from Kottayam - See map
Pathanamthitta is famous as the Pilgrim Capital of India as it is associated to Lord Ayeppa’s Sabrimala. The two famous festivals conducted in...
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Adoor, Kerala
62 km from Kottayam - See map
Adoor is famous for the Krishna Shri Parthasarathy temple one of the oldest Krishna’s temple in Kerela. The annual festival is the main...
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Paradesi Synagogue, Kerala
63.1 km from Kottayam - See map
The oldest active synagogue in India, the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi is home to many interesting objects of antiquity including the Scrolls of...
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Wonderla Kochi, Kerala
65.4 km from Kottayam - See map
Located near the port twin city of Kochi and Ernakulam, Wonderla Kochi is one of the largest theme parks in Kerala. It was formerly known as Veega...
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Mattancherry Palace, Kerala
67 km from Kottayam - See map
The highlight of Mattancherry Palace or the Dutch Palace is the carved ceilings and murals inside. It was built by Portuguese to be presented...
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Konni, Kerala
68 km from Kottayam - See map
Konni is a village in the forests of Kerala at the banks of River Achankovil. The lush green lands have made the habitat conducive for the...
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Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kerala
68.7 km from Kottayam - See map
The Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort Kochi throws light on the strong Portuguese influence in both the art and the architecture of the...
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