Acalaimed as the land of letters, latex and lakes, Kottayam has the distinction of being the first-ever fully literature municipal town in India. This land also boasts of the first English educational centre in South India as well as the first Malayalam printing press which was established by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary, in 1820 AD. Today it is the foreunner in publishing with about 80 percent of the books published in the state comming from the the district. The nerver rubber plantations characterize this picturesque land which attracts hordes of tourists. The majestic Vembanad Lake and the stunning backwaters of Kumarakom are its prime attractions.
Kumarakom
(15 km. west of Kottayam) Situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world, you’ll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes that will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts at the picturesque Kumarakom Tourist Village offer comfortable accomodation and holiday packages that ihousee boat cruises, Ayurvedic massage, Yoga, Mediatation, Boating, Fishing, Angling, Swimming etc.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, a state in India. Geographically, it is located at 9.35 North and 76.26 East. Kumarakom’s soil is extremely fertile due to the proximity of the water source, this has resulted in the growth of a wide variety of flora in Kumarakom, especially the mangrove and coconut trees. Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the ‘Karimeen’ (Pearl Spotted Fish), the ‘Chemeen’ (Prawns) and the ‘Konju’ (Tiger Prawns).
As the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom is transformed into a rich fertile land. The streams, lagoons, brooks break their banks and provide nourishment to springs and shrubs that sprout from every available space.
Water birds, migratory birds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary form their niche. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.
The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam, blooms the tourist and the local people.
Poonjar Palace
The palace is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a byogone 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 wool-for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandellers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, different varieties of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Shiva), grain measures, statues and weapon. A unique conch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purpose. Near the palace is an amazing replicaof the MadurajMeenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple bear sculpures which narrate stories from the Punaras (row of lamps) carved out on stone walls of the Sastha Temple nearby. Such rock cut lamps are rare in India.