The old city of Kerala in Kottayam which is situated in the district of Kottayam, which is one of the districts of God's Own Land. The city has made a significant contribution to print media and literature, and is hence appropriately known as 'Akshara Nagari,' or 'city of letters.' The word 'Kottayam' is a combination of the Malayalam words 'kott' which means 'fort' and 'akam' which means 'inside'; the literal meaning is 'the interior of a fort.'On a hilltop, the historic town of Kottayam is today known as Kunnumpuram. Thaliyil Kotta, erected by the Rajah of Thekkumkoor, is the fort from which the city gets its name. The city of Kottayam sprung up within the fort's walls. Kottayam is bordered on the east by the lovely Western Ghats, and on the west by the captivating Vembanad Lake.

Uncovering Kottayam's numerous facets

Kottayam has been blessed by Mother Nature. Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers will find enough to be excited about in the city, from the beautiful Western Ghats to the deep backwaters. It has a dense forest cover that supports a diverse range of plants and fauna. Some of the notable natural beauty and biodiversity places include the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Vembanad Lake. The Flower Show and Food Festival, as well as numerous cultural activities, are held each year in January and should not be missed.Any traveller visiting Kottayam can expect an amazing shopping experience. Explore the local markets for some of the best spices, including cardamom, pepper, clove, and a variety of others. The vast rubber plantations located across the city are undoubtedly worth visiting, as the city is known as a significant producer of rubber in India. Visit the many publishing companies that have earned the city the moniker of 'city of letters' to get a sense of the city's literary legacy. You can also take a relaxing boat trip through the scenic backwaters.

Know about the art and culture of Kottayam

Festivals, music, dances, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife are all included prominently in the Kottayam district's society and culture. The publishing houses have also contributed significantly to the cultural and social growth of Kottayam. Kerala's Kottayam is a popular tourist destination. The Kottayam religious and other festivals and cultural performances attract millions of devotees from across the state and beyond. Sabarimala Thiruvabharana Ghoshayathra, Erumeli-Petta Kuttu, Pakil Sree Dharmasastha Ulsavam, and Sabarimala Makaravilakku Mahotsavam, among others, are some of the most important festivals in Kottayam. 

The two major dance forms of Kottayam are Arjuna Nritham and Margamkali. The Syrian Christian community here uses the martial arts Margamkali and Parichamuttukali extensively. The dance form of Margamkali is done individually by men and women. The dance form's theme tunes are based on the apostle St. Thomas' biography.

Shopping in Kottayam

The district of Kottayam is one of the richer  regions in Kerala It has a well-developed commercial economy with a number of small and medium-sized manufacturing and distribution businesses. Silk, handicrafts, and cotton products are the most popular commodities. It is known that India's largest natural rubber producer is Kottayam. Locals and visitors alike benefit from the district's economic operations, which offer a fantastic shopping experience. The city has established itself as a fantastic shopping experience for people of all budgets. It is not only modern things that are traded; the city also maintains its historic business activity, as it has in the past. Kottayam has long been a centre of spice trade, and it currently has a prominent position in Kerala's spice trade. The traditional merchants compete with the super markets for the commerce generated by tourists and residents alike.

Things to do when in Kottayam

• Plan a picnic spot in Nadukani - If you enjoy visiting ethereally gorgeous places, you must travel to Nadukani. This is a prominent picnic place and another popular hill station near Kottayam. It has beautiful views, and the primary landscapes are densely forested. As a result, you see a lot of vegetation.
• Gaze at the birds at KumaraKom Bird Sanctuary- The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-see for everyone who enjoys nature and bird viewing. It is a bird lover's heaven, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. You can unwind here, surrounded by deer, dogs, and birds. The sanctuary's flora and biodiversity will undoubtedly entangle you. It is a joy for our souls and exudes the aura that we all want.
• Take a bow at Bay Island Driftwood Museum - Well, this is one of the fun things to do in Kottayam where you can witness a vast collection of items manufactured and carved from driftwood collected from the water. It's extremely gorgeous because of the diverse themes and carving styles! Take a bow, all you art aficionados and enthusiasts! This is a museum that you will thoroughly enjoy visiting.
• Witness the ancient treasures at Poonjar Palace - Poonjar Palace can truly demonstrate how Kottayam was in the past. This is a testament to the preceding era's regal splendour. You have the nicest woodwork carvings, stunning architecture, and ayurvedic messages carved into the wood. Huge chandeliers, leaf carvings, lights, and weapon figures adorn the walls. There's a lot to figure out here, so don't skip it.

Places to visit in Kottayam

• Kottathavalam - Kottathavalam, located on the summit of the Murugan Hills in Kurisumala, is a magnificent cave formed out of rock. The cave is thought to be where the Madura Royal family rests. The cave is adorned with numerous sculptures of Gods and Goddesses, as well as sculptures of ancient weaponry, providing us with a glimpse into the fascinating past.
• Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple - Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple is a popular Hindu shrine and a great example of Kerala architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the ruler of Thekkumkoor in the 16th century. Several excellent murals depicting Hindu themes may also be found in the area. Several cultural performances of various art forms like Kathakali, Velakali, and Mayilattom are performed by professionals during the Arattu festival, which lasts ten days.
• Marmala Waterfalls - These are famously known as the 'enchantress of the bush' and are located a few kilometres from Erattupetta in Kottayam, inside a private rubber estate. The crystal clean waters, which plummet from a height of 200 feet, create a misty halo around them.
• Illikkal Kallu - A significant tourist attraction and one of India's most pristine locations, located at a height of 6000 feet above sea level in the Western Ghats of Kottayam.Teekoy is the closest city to the top, which is located in Moonnilavu Village, Meenachil taluk.
• Vaikom - Vaikom is a town in Kerala's Kottayam district. During the Indian Independence Movement, it was also a location of Satyagraha. It is Kottayam's oldest city and is near to Kumarakom, a popular tourist destination. The Vaikom Temple is located in the middle of the town and is especially visible during the Vaikom Ashtami celebrations in November.
• Chottanikkara Temple - Chottanikkara, around 50 kilometres from Kottayam, near Ernakulam, is the most respected of Kerala's 393 Hindu shrines, which are distributed across three districts. The shrine stands out as the final testament for the primordial vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture) in carving out this temple.
• Elaveezha Poonchira - Elaveezha Poonchira, 15 kilometres from Thodupuzha and 60 kilometres from Kottayam, is one of the most beautiful sites on the planet. The picturesque valley is perched at 3200 feet above sea level, with verdant carpeted mountains, meandering blue rivers, and grey drifting clouds.

How to reach Kottayam

• By road - The district has an outstanding road network that connects it to all of India's main towns and cities. KSRTC Bus Station, Kottayam. 
• By rail - The railway station is 2 kilometres from the central bus station and has connections to all of India's main cities.By Air - Thiruvananthapuram (76 km)Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery (160 km)
• By Water - Backwater ferry services are available from two ferry stops. During the Monsoon, the Town Jetty, which is roughly 3 kilometres from the railway station, operates services. Boats operate at the Kodimatha Jetty during the summer.