Kottayam

Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. It is located in central Kerala. It is the administrative capital of Kottayam district. The city 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 is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations, places associated with many legends and a totally literate people have given Kottayam District the enviable title: “The land of letters, legends, latex and lakes”. The city is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber. Kottayam is the ideal take off point for visits to Peermade, Munnar, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city, Madurai. It is also a gateway to the pilgrim centers of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcaud.Kottayam is bordered by Pathanamthitta district on the south, Alappuzha district on the west, Ernakulam district on the north and Idukki district on the east.

Kottayam has a large network of waterways including rivers and backwaters. The main backwaters through this district include Kumarakom backwaters and a part of Vembanad Lake. There is an island here called the Pathiramanal Island which is very beautiful and attracts large tourists. The other natural attractions include Elaveezhapoonchira, Aruvikuzhi waterfalls, Kesari waterfalls, Maramala waterfalls, Ayyampara etc. Some other attractions here include the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Vennimala, Kottathavalam, Ithipuzha etc.

Kottayam Weather and Best Time to Visit

The climate in this district is moderate and pleasant. Kottayam’s proximity to the equator results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between 20 to 35 °C (68 to 95 °F). From June through September, the southwest monsoon brings in heavy rains, as Kottayam lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kottayam receives light rain from the northwest monsoon. The average annual rainfall is 3200 mm.The best time to visit Kottayam is from August To March.