Excursion Heritage

Kottayam

Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. It is bordered by the lofty and mighty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west. Kottayam has the most panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations. The remarkable feature being that the district being first in India to achieve 100% literacy and earned the enviable title: The land of letters, legends, latex and lakes.

English education in South India did actually start at the Old Seminary here at Kottayam in 1813. The first printing press in Kerala was established (CMS Press) here in 1821 by Rev. Benjamin Bailey. The first college in the State (CMS College) was also started here at Kottayam in 1840. Maiden printed Malayalam-English and English-Malayalam Dictionaries were published from Kottayam in 1846 and 1847 respectively. Kottayam is the first town in India selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to be transformed as an Eco City.

Places of Interest

Shiva Temple

Also known as Dakshina Kasi, Vaikom is a place of great religious importance. A famous Shiva Temple in the area is its sole claim to fame. The temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. While the garbagriha (a temple sanctuary) is surmounted by a golden stupa (dome shaped), a golden staff that measures 19.5m dominates the surrounding landscape. Traces of a few paintings might be seen on the exterior of the garbagriha. A 1m high Shiva linga (phallic symbol representing Shiva, the Destroyer) is the main deity of the temple.

Elaveezha Poonchira

The breathtaking scenery of the hill station at Elaveezha Poonchira near Melakavu Mattom is luring more and more tourists to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestling in the lap of three hillocks – Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonipara – Poonchira seems to have been referred to in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. It is said that Panchali used to bathe in the pool at Poonchira.

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Excursion Heritage
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