Kottayam district has a tropical climate. The summer season in Kottayam stretches from March to May, which is followed by the south-west monsoon from June to September. During the post monsoon season (months of October and November) the Monsoon retreats and the day temperature increases and at times becomes as intense as in summer. The North East Monsoons strike Kottayam and the surrounding areas in the months of December to February.

The best time to visit this place is during the months of August and March when the tropical climate is not so hot and humid.

Kottayam is a treasure house of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Kottayam stands first in the field of Education, Mass Communication, Printing and Book Publication. The significant role played by Malayala Manorama & Bhashaposhini and Deepika for the cultural and literary development is of immense importance. Kottayam is the headquarters of Current Books since the year 1977. It is estimated that 70% of the State's book publication takes place in Kottayam.

Kottayam is considered as the gateway to the pilgrim centres of Sabarimala, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcad, Aruvithura and Athirampuzha. Kottayam is known for its religious harmony. There are over 50 temples and 70 churches including a 1000 year old mosque in this district.

Kottayam district has a total area of 2208 sq km. The district is naturally divided into high land, midland and lowland, the bulk being constituted by the midland regions.

Kottayam has three bus stations. Buses take about four hours to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary). Seven express buses daily come through from Ernakulam and either terminate at Thekkady, or continue to Madurai, three hours away. The other two bus stations are private and mainly operate to local destinations within 10 km to 30 km although you can get to Munnar and Kumily from the Nagambaram (new) bus station.

Kottayam has express trains running between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam - Kerala Express (connects New Delhi as well), Kanyakumari Express (connects Mumbai), Trivandrum Mail (connects Chennai) and another Kanyakumari Express (connects Bangalore). Other trains that run between Thiruvanantpuram and Ernakulam include Parasurama, Malabar, Venad and Vanchinad Express.

Nearest Airport from Kottayam is in Cochin which is 91 km away. Prepaid taxis are available to take you to Kottayam. Another airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) 160 km away.

Thrikkodithanam Temple: It is believed that this is one of the five temples where the original Vishnu image worshipped by the Pandavas is kept. The Deepam Festival celebrated in November/December is the most important festival in this temple. The temple is situated at Changanacherry, 23 km from Kottayam. Vaikom (Shiva temple) located 40 km from Kottayam and 29 km from Ernakulam. The 12-day Ashtami Festival held here in November/December is marked by elephant processions, religious discourses, and performances of dance and music.

Languages Spoken: Malayalam and English

Religion: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam

Kottayam is a treasure house of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Folk dances of Kottayam consists of Margamkali and Arjuna Nritham. Margamkali is an art form popular among the Syrian Christian Community. This consists of group dances and martial arts like Parichamuttukali. The theme of the songs revolves round the life of St. Thomas. Margamkali is performed by men and women separately. Koodiyatam is the ancient Sanskrit dramatic version of Kerala. It is a temple art and has been recognized and approved by UNESCO. This art is very ancient and is supposed to be about 2000 years old. This programme has been staged in several foreign countries many times.

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple: This temple is situated in the heart of Kottayam town. Built in the South Indian style of temple architecture, it has several interesting murals on its walls. The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims in the third week of March when the annual temple festival is held.

Valiapalli Church: The Valiapalli (valia: big) built in AD 1550, is the larger of the two churches dedicated to St. Mary. It is famous for two 8^th century Persian crosses with Pahlavi inscriptions that prove them to be the earliest examples of Christianity in India.

Cheriapalli Church: Adjacent to the Valiapalli, the Church of Cheriapalli (cheria: small) is also dedicated to St. Mary. It was built in AD 1579 and houses some exquisite vegetable dye paintings on the ceilings.

Poonjar Palace: Poonjar Palace at Poonjar is located on the Pala-Erattupetta route, Kottayam district. This Palace consists of Royal collection of antiques, rock cut lamps, sculptures etc. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, varieties of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Siva), statues and weapons.

Wagamon is surrounded  by green tea gardens and deep puzzling valleys. All the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing this 1100 m tall hill.

There are night clubs and discos for younger generation to relax after the office hours with friends and to party during holidays.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Kumarakom is a bird sanctuary known for local varieties of waterfowl, cuckoo, and water ducks, as well as migrating Siberian storks.

Clothes and jewelleries are what you should look out to buy since they are the chief draws in this place. There are plenty of shops, especially on the KK Road and MG Road that sell these two items. The Travancore saris are extremely beautiful and you might not resist the temptation of buying them here.

A large number of bakeries can be found in Kottayam. Beef is easily available in Kottayam and is a staple in the people's diet. Kottayam is very good in serving South Indian vegetarian food.

Wagamon: This beautiful hill station is located at 60 km from Kottayam and 30 km from Palai. This hill station is known as trekker's paradise. Wagamon is surrounded by green tea gardens and deep puzzling valleys. All the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing this 1100 m tall hill.

Wagamon: Wagamon is surrounded by green tea gardens and deep puzzling valleys. All the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing this 1100 m tall hill.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Kumarakom is a bird sanctuary known for local varieties of waterfowl, cuckoo, and water ducks, as well as migrating Siberian storks. It is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, barely 12 km west of Kottayam town and spread over 14 acres of lush greenery and blue waters.

KTDC,
Hotel Aishwarya, Kottayam.
Phone: 00-91-481-584303

Concord Tours and Travels,
G. S. Road, Kottayam - 686 001.
Phone: 00-91-481-560350
Fax: 00-91-481-564249