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The
Vembanad Lake
 The Vembanad Lake, located
16km from Kottayam town, is an enchanting picnic spot and a perfect back water
tourist destination. The lake bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam
districts is one of the longest and largest lake in Kerala having a length and
width of 83.72km. and 14.48km respectively. Kottayam has a vast network of rivers
and canals which empty into the great expanse of the Vembanad lake. So Vembanad
lake forms the joining point of all the rivers. Vembanad lake is well known
for the famous snake boat races held annual during the time of Onam. It is very
amazing to watch the boatman, their spirit and their full-throated singing at
this time.
A small and beautiful island named pathiramanal alias midnight
sands is located within in vembanad lake. The famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
is also located on the east coast of the vembanad lake .
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a small picturesque village, situated
15 km away from Kottayam, at the border of Vembanad lake. Renowned for its breathtaking
backwater destination, Kumarakom offers houseboat cruises, fishing and sightseeing
experiences, boating in crafts and canoes through its enchanting water ways.
The huge houseboats, traditionally known as the Kettuvalloms provides facilities
like kitchen, toilet, bathrooms, sitouts etc. The amazing beauty and peacefulness
of this place attracts every one.
There are several resorts here which provides perfect accommodation
and special entertainment opportunities like Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation,
boating, fishing and swimming. Kumarakom is also wellknown for its famous bird
sanctuary. The Ayemenam village described in the Booker Prize winner novel 'The
God of small things' by Arundhati Roy is located very close to Kumarakom. Read
more...
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Bay Island Driftwood
Museum
Bay Island Driftwood Museum, the one of its kind in the country with a
unique collection of twisted stumps of driftwood, is located at Kumarakom, 10kms
from Kottayam. The collections in the museum are from the serene beaches of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Bay Islands and hence the name. Exhibits here
include a collection of root sculptures of various shapes, styles and designs
which are prepared through a rare and innovative modern art form.
The museum is open on all weekdays, except Monday, from 10 .00 am to 5.00 p.m.
On Sundays, it is open from 11.30 am to 5.00 pm. Entrance to the museum is through
pass.
Contact Address:
Bay Island Driftwood Museum
Chakranpadi ( Near Lakshmi Hotel & Resort), Kumarakom North, Kottayam -686566
Phone: 0481-2525634
Kumarakom
Bird Sanctuary
 Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary, one of the most excellent bird sanctuaries in India, is located about
16 km from Kottayam on the banks of the Vembanad lake. Well known for its avian
population, the sanctuary offers a range of bird watching spots for avid bird
watchers. Sprawls an area of about 14 acres, it is an ornithologist's Paradise
and a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Around 91 local species of birds and
50 migratory birds are found here. It will take around six hours to watch the
birds.
Kumarakom bird sanctuary is home to numerous species of birds,
such as Bitterns, Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Wild Ducks, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harries,
Wild ducks and Herons etc. During the migratory season, birds like siberian
stork, parrot, egret, darter, heron , teal, flycatchers, wood beetle can be
seen. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to enjoy the sanctuary. House
boats and motorboats are available on hire and the charge is Rs. 60 for a maximum
capacity of ten persons per hour. KTDC also provides accommodation and rents
boats for backwater cruises in the surrounding lake.
The climate of the sanctuary is humid during the year. Most
of the areas are covered by mangrove forests. Best time to visit the sanctuary
is in the month of June - August and the migratory season between November and
February. There is a flower garden in the sanctuary which make it more attractive.
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Vennimala
Vennimala, a beautiful hill top destination covered by lush green vegetation
and rubber plantations is located nearly 15 kms from Kottayam. This hot tourist
spot with numerous fresh water ponds was once the capital of Thekkumkoor dynasty.
An ancient Sri Rama-Lakshmana temple is the major attraction of Vennimala.
It is believed that Lord Rama as well as Lakshmana came to this spot during
their exile. The annual festival of this temple which lasts for nearly one month
attracts large crowd. A huge cave that has been closed by fallen rocks is located
half a kilometer from the temple.
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is a small but beautiful island located in the backwaters
of the Vembanad Lake, 16km from Kottayam. The island with an area of 10 acres
is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts
of the land. There is a footpath around the island for the convenience of the
tourists. The island lies between Thaneermukkom in Alappuzha district and
Kumarakom in Kottayam district and can be accessed only by boat from Kumarakom
or Muhamma. It takes one and half hours by motor boat and 30 minutes by speed
boat to reach the island. There is a legendary tale about the formation of the
island. It is believed that a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake,
to carry out his evening ablutions and that portion of water made way for land
ascending from below, thus creating this enthralling island of Pathiramanal,
also known as sands of midnight. The island is a perfect place to take a break
while on a backwater cruise in the backwaters.
Aruvikkuzhi
Waterfalls
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, located 18 km from Kottayam town, is a beautiful
picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape
and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.
The place is surrounded by rubber plantations and the visitors can take rest
under their shade. There is a church nearby the waterfalls.
Anchuvilakku
Anchuvilakku, designed and constructed by the renowned freedom fighter
Veluthampi Dalawa, is a lamp post made of stone located near Changanacherry
boat jetty, 22 kms from Kottayam. Built in Kerala style of architecture, the
post has five lamps that use kerosene for lighting
Vaikom
Vaikom, situated 40 km away from Kottayam on the eastern side of Vembanad
lake, is well known for the the ancient Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
and believed to be built by Parasurama, the founder of Kerala. This is the place
which had made a significance in Indian history with the 'Vaikom Sathyagraham'
(1924), i.e the movement against untouchability in Hindu society. Leader of
the Indian Freedom Movement Mahatma Gandhi had participated in this struggle
and with his interference, all Hindus irrespective of caste are allowed
to enter the temples. Vaikom has a high potential for tourism with lots of backwater
and greenery.
Kayyoor
Kayyoor, a wonderful landscape formed by a chain of green hills, is a famous
pilgrim center in Bharananganam, 45kms from Kottayam. Sprawl over an area of
six acres, the place houses a shrine dedicated to the Pandava brother of the
epic Mahabharatha. The lamps of this temple are lighted only by the using ghee.
Women are not allowed to enter the temple.
 Marmala
Waterfall
The beautiful Marmala stream and its magnificient waterfalls lies a few
kms from Erattupetta which is around 50kms away from Kottayam. The water that
falls from a height of 60metres joins the river passing through Teekoy rubber
estate. A hanging bridge, located under the waterfalls, is used to pass through
the greenly woods.
Poonjar Palace
Poonjar Palace is situated in Meenachil taluk at Poonjar on the Pala-Erattupetta
route, 47 km away from Kottayam district. The palace is a glorious testimony
to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary
royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palanquin,
a thoni ( carved out of a single piece of wood) for Ayurvedic massages, huge
chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, different varieties of lamps,
sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Shiva), grain measures, statues and weapons.
A unique conch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes.
There is a wonderful model of Madurai Meenakshi Temple near the palace. The
walls of the temple are decorated with carvings depicting stories of puranas.
 Meenachil
River
Meenachil River originates from Illikkalkallu, Marmala, Wagamon, Kudamuruttimala
and flows through the taluks of Meenachil and Vaikom in Kottayam district and
merges into the Vembanadu Lake. The river is the venue of several boat races
held during the Onam season. It is immortalized through the booker prize won,
Arundhathi Roy's 'God of Small Things'.
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