Kottayam

Belonging to the Malankara Orthodox Church was built in 1579 by the Raja of Thekkumkur for his Christian subjects. The interior murals, painted using vegetable dyes, depict Biblical themes.

One of the oldest churches of Kerala is the St Mary’s Church Kuravilingadu, which was supposed to have been established in 105 AD. It is believed that Mother Mary's first appearance in the world, was in Kuravilingadu. Our Lady appeared to a few children at Kuravilingadu, who were tending their flock in the bushes. Mary asked them to build a church at the place from where a miraculous perpetual spring sprouted, a spring which exists even today. The children reported this matter to the elders and a church was built there. The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary kept at the side altar is unique. It is carved from granite and it is believed that it was brought from North India. This is a miraculous statue and the devotees call this statue "Kuravilingadu Muthiyamma". The granite cross in a single block of 48 feet in front of the church was erected around 1597. The devotees offer coconut oil in the lamps at the foot of the cross. On first Fridays devotees stand in a queue from early morning to late in the evening to offer oil. There is an ancient bell with the engraving in Syriac "Mother of God". Three bells were brought from Germany in 1911. There is a "perpetual" spring, believed to be miraculous. Moonnu Nompu" is the main feast of the church.

One of the oldest mosques in India and is more than 1000 years old. The mosque is famous for its richness of architecture, wood carvings and the beauty. This mosque is situated on the banks of the Meenachil river. Thazhathangady Juma Masjid is also called as the “Taj Juma Masjid”. The ancestors of this Masjid came and settled in Kottayam, from different parts of Kerala. The Muslims who lived here played an active role in Freedom Struggle and other National Movements.

A Shiva temple built in the Kerala style of temple architecture, and with interior murals depicting themes from the Hindu epics. It was built at the beginning of 16th century by the then Raja of Thekkumkur. The annual temple festival that culminates in a ceremony called the Aaraattu, attracts large number of devotees.

Famous for its Shiva Temple.

83.72 km length and 14.48 km width. Cruise boats, house boats and traditional cargo boats.

Enchanting hill station at an elevation of 1100 m, with tea gardens and meadows.

Puthuppally St. George Church is one of the oldest and renowned churches of Malankara Orthodox Church. The patron saint of this parish is St. George. It's by the side of coconut palms and a wide stretch of paddy fields, at a beautiful and serene village called Puthuppally which is about 8 km from Kottayam Town. This church is the refuge of thousands of people all over the world who seek the intercession of St.George. It is believed that this church was established as a shrine of Changanacherry Pally which in turn was a shrine of Niranam pally, one of the "Ezhara Pallis" consecrated by St.Thomas Theapostle of India.

Kottayam to Alappuzha. 6.35 am , 11.30 am, 1.00 pm and 3.30 and 5.15 pm.

Kottayam also has an annual food and flower show. These events are quite popular and are worth a visit, if you are in town when it happens.

Lots of boat races with traditional boats of different sizes - around 50 types - in the months of July, August and September during Onam.

Local food, children's park and hiking options, very green surroundings.

Trekking facility in snowy mountains 2,500 ft above sea level, organized by Peruvanthanam village council. You can see the Alappuzha sea on clear days. Famous Panchaly Pond with legendary associations with the Indian epic Mahabharatha. According to the myths, Pandavas along with their spouse Panchali had a sojourn there at time of one-year exile. The place can be also accessed from Murinjapuzha (5 km) and Amalagiri (6 km) on the Kottayam - Kumily state highway (K.K road).