Kottayam, an important commercial centre, lies a little south to central Kerala. It is one of the famous place which attracts tourists all over the year with its mountainous region, scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries and temples.This land of unique characteristics is bordered on the north by Ernakulam, on the east by Idukki and on the south by Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. The Vembanad Lake and the Kuttanad paddy fields forms the western boundary. Kottayam derived its name from the compound word 'Kotta + Akam' which means the interior of a fort. The district is called as the 'land of letters, latex and lakes', because of its 100% literacy, rubber plantations and Vembanad lake. Most of India's natural rubber originates from here.Kottayam is the hometown of a vast number of books and periodicals. Sometimes entitled as the Rome of the East,Kottayam is the main Christian centre in Kerala, renowned for its churches and houses built in colonial style.Kottayam is known for its religious harmony.There are over 50 temples and 70 churches including a 1000 year old mosque in this district.The district is the ideal take off point for visits to Peermedu, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city of Madurai.Besides, Kottayam is also the gateway to the pilgrim centres of Sabarimala, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Aruvithura, Vaikom, Erumeli, Manarcad ,Athirampuzha.