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Destinations Far From Arcadia
TOURIST PLACES FROM KOTTAYAM
Kottayam literally means the interior of a fort - Kotta + Akam. Rulers of Munjanad and Thekkumkur had their headquarters at Thazhathangadi in the present Kottayam town. Marthanda Varma of Travancore attacked Thekkumkur and destroyed the palace and the Thaliyil fort. The remnants of the palaces and forts are still seen here.
The present Kottayam district was previously a part of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Earlier, the Travancore state consisted of two revenue divisions viz. the southern and northern divisions, under the administrative control of a 'Diwan Peshkar' for each. Later in 1868 two more divisions Quilon (Kollam) and Kottayam were constituted. The fifth division Devikulam came next but only for a short period, which in course of time, was added to Kottayam. At the time of the integration of the State of Travancore and Cochin (Kochi) in 1949, these revenue divisions were renamed as districts and the Diwan peshkars gave way to District Collectors, paving the way for the birth of the Kottayam District in July 1949.
KOTTAYAM TO COCHIN
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 65kms / 2hrs.30mins
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula . Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.. Cochin sightseeing’s include Mattancherry, The Dutch Palace, The Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church the oldest European church in India, Chinese fishing nets, Santa Cruz Basilica etc, and also an array of shops with antiques, fabrics & jewellery are ever an attraction to tourists.
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KOTTAYAM TO THEKKADY
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 110kms / 3hrs.30mins
Thekkady is a perfect retreat for anyone who loves adventure, fun, wildlife and nature.The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Nestled between the ever-green and semi-evergreen forests of Western Ghats, Thekkady has so many things to offer for the tourists who visit this place. In the biggest wildlife sanctuary, you can sight Asian elephants, bison, sambar deer, boars, tigers, leopards, wild squirrels, lion tailed monkeys etc. Ferry boats are arranged by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and you can enjoy the wildlife and the surrounding nature while having a ride through the river this town for shopping handicrafts, spices and cloths.
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KOTTAYAM TO ATHIRAPALLY
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 110kms / 3hrs.30mins
The Athirappilly Falls is situated 1000 ft above sea level on the Chalakudy river, is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 80 feet, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. This area is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered hornbill species are seen. The Western Ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hot spot in the world. This valuable natural world is already degraded by mining and hydro electric projects.. The International Bird Association has declared it an "Important Bird Area. The Wildlife Trust of India says it represents one of India's best elephant conservation efforts.
GALLERYKOTTAYAM TO ALLEPPEY
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 50kms / 1hrs.30mins
Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism. The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.
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KOTTAYAM TO MUNNAR
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 140kms / 4hrs.30mins
Munnar is such a beautiful place in Kerala, where everything and anything here will make us excited. The hills, the mist, the valleys, the streams, the waterfalls, tea plantations, rare flora and fauna.... It got its name from its strategic location at the confluence of three rivers – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala Rivers. 'Moonu' means 'three' and 'Aru' means 'river'Unending expanse of tea plantations ¬ pristine valleys and mountains¬ , exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests ¬ aroma of spice scented cool air ¬. Ervikulam National Park, Rajamalai, Mattupetty dam,Kundala,Lake, Top station are a few worthwhile sightseeings of Munnar.
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KOTTAYAM TO VARKALA
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 120kms / 3hrs.30mins
It’s on the Arabian Sea and known for Varkala Beach, backed by palm-covered red cliffs. These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation . On a nearby hill, the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Vishnu. and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The hill-top mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru is one of the most famous monuments in Kerala.
GALLERYKOTTAYAM TO TRIVANDRUM
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 150kms / 4hrs
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of KeralaThe Padmanabhaswamy Temple circled by the East Fort is believed to be among the richest and grandest temples in India. Other places of interest include Shanghumukham, Azhimala Beach, Agasthyamala rain forests, Neyyar WildlifeSanctuary,Kallar,Braemore, Ponmudi hills, Poovar and Anchuthengu backwaters, Varkala Cliffs and Kappil, Edava lakes. The city is also known for its unique style of architecture involving Kerala Architecture with British and Dravidian influences in Napier museum, Zoo buildings, Kuthiramalika and Kilimanoor Palaces.
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KOTTAYAM TO KOVALAM
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 170kms / 5hrs
Bay Island Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony outcroppings, form the major attractions. Its backed by precipitously mounting headlands and covered by fertile coconut palms, the beaches, especially the southern most part of lighthouse beach.. Curio shops, hawkers of Kashmiri and Tibetan products, moneychangers and beachwear shops, between the surplus of restaurants and hotels, do brisk business during peak tourist season. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. .
GALLERYKOTTAYAM TO KANYAKUMARI
DISTANCE BY ROAD/ TIME TAKEN: 250kms / 6hrs .30mins
Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset, thanks to its being nearly surrounded by waters. On balmy, full-moon evenings (locally called Chitra Pournami), one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time. Kanya Kumari is notable for pilgrimage and tourism. The place takes its name from the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, considered to be a sister of Krishna. Women pray to her for marriage. The goddess is believed to be the one who removes the rigidity of our mind. The temple here is a Shakti Peetha, one of the holiest shrines of the Mother goddess. Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekanada rock , Gandhi Mandapam , Tsunami Memorial Park are some of its Sightseeing attractions.
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