| Kottayam, an important commercial
centre, lies a little south to central Kerala. It is one of the famous
place which attracts tourists all over the year with its mountainous region,
scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries and temples. This land
of unique characteristics is bordered on the north by Ernakulam, on the
east by Idukki and on the south by Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts.
The Vembanad Lake and the Kuttanad paddy fields forms the western boundary.
Kottayam derived its name from the compound word 'Kotta + Akam' which
means the interior of a fort. The district is called as the 'land
of letters, latex and lakes', because of its 100% literacy, rubber plantations
and Vembanad lake. Most of India's natural rubber originates from here.
Kottayam is the hometown of a |
 |
| Kumarakom
Lake |
|
vast number of books and
periodicals. Sometimes entitled as the Rome of the East, Kottayam is the
main Christian centre in Kerala, renowned for its churches and houses
built in colonial style. The district is the ideal take off point for
visits to Peermedu, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple
city of Madurai. |
