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This is a prominent commercial centre with palm fringes backwaters on the west and the scenic Western ghats to the east.
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Kerala, the state with the highest amount of literates in India, is situated on the south-west coast of India, sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. It is a green fertile land dotted with rice fields, coconut palms, cahewnut trees and mango farms.
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How to reach
The nearest airport is at Koch 76 kms away. The railway station is 2 kms from the central bus station. Buses to major cities operate from the central bus station. Regular boat services are operated from Koch and Alapuzha from Kodamatha jetty or Town Jetty about 3 kms from railway station.
Places to see
Kumarakom
Located 12 kms west of Kottayam on the banks of the Vembanad lake. This place gained recognition after the visit of Prime minister A.B. Vajpayee in 2000 December. An ideal place for backeater cruises the sanctuary here sprawls over 14 scres. Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves interspired with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. K.T.D.C. has constructed A.C. Cottages here and it runs a floating restaurant.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctury has around 91 Species of local 50 species of migratory birds. The best time to bird watch is June-August and migratory birds during November-February. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
In the Vembanad Lake there is a small beautiful island called Pathiramanal or the Midnight sands. This lonely island in the Vemabanad Lake is accessible only by boat.
Vaikom
40 kms away from Kottayam and 29 kms away from Ernakulam is the Lord Subramanya temple at Udayanapuram 3 kms north of Vaikom. This temple is noted for its carvings and sculpture.
Thrikkodithanam temple
23 kms away this temple is believed to be one of the 5 temples where Vishnu idol worshipped by the Pandavas is kept.
Erumeli
60 kms away is a pilgrim centre of Hindus and the Muslims. The Dharma Sastha temple here is of Lord Ayyappa and the pilgrims going to Shabarimala alight here. The Petta Thullal of Kanni ayyappas is an important festival held in December - January.
