History | Topography | Backwater | Bird Sanctuary | Boat Contest
PATHIRAMANAL
PATHIRAMANAL (Sands of Midnight) This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.
PILGRIM CENTRES  

Siva Temple, Thalikkotta. Approx 12 kms from Kumarakom, it is the place of worship of the erstwhile Thekkumkoor Royal family.

Thazhathangadi Valiapalli (12 kms from Kumarakom). Built in 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah, this church displays outstanding architecture, which is a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals made in oriental and western styles on biblical and non-biblical themes.

Jama Masjid Thazhathangadi Approx 12 kms from Kumarakom this ancient mosque on the banks of the Meenachil River is believed to be 1000 yrs old. It is one of the oldest in India.

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple In the heart of Kottayam town is this 500 year old temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharajah. This temple built in the Kerala style of architecture has colorful murals on its walls, which are worth exploring. The Koothambalam, the special building in the temple premises used for cultural purposes, is one of the best in Kerala.

Mahadevar Temple, Ettumanoor 15 kms from this temple it is famous for its murals, especially the panting of Nataraja in the gopuram and ezharaponnana.

St Mary’s Church, Cheriapalli 12kms from Kottayam built in 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah, this church displays outstanding architecture which is a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals mad in oriental and western styles on biblical and non biblical themes.

Vaikom Mahadever Temple 8 kms from Kumarakom, associated with the legendary Parasurama, this temple is a typical example of the Kerala style of temple architecture. More popular as the Kasi of the South, this temple is famous for its elephant pageant and traditional art performances.

BIRD SANCTUARY
Inhabiting an islet on the Vembanad Lake at a distance of 12 kilometers from Kottayam in Kerala, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an enjoyment for the bird lover. Showcasing a mystifying collection of unique birds among the pantheon of general bird population it is an ideal place for tourists to enjoy the serene loveliness of the environs. The solitary tones that can be heard at this point are that of placid flow of water and smooth calls of the birds. Tourists can chill out here for a while if they are worn out of leading a swift existence. A visit to this sanctuary will endow with them a peep into the astounding work of the natural world. The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes.

Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. The best time to watch migratory birds from October to February. A travel tour to Kumarakom bird sanctuary would show that it is a place located and the main draws of the bird sanctuary happen to be the waterfowls and Siberian cranes. Migratory birds happen to be the major attractions of the bird sanctuary with the most appropriate time to visit being from November to February. The centrally located place in the Kumarakom bird sanctuary being the much popular, "Baker's Mansion" which happens to a 50 year old construction and once a Kerala tourism development corporation's hotel used to run in it.

Area - The park is spread over an area of 101 acres.
Climate - The temperature in summers ranges between 34.2°C to 22.6°C. Winter temperature ranges between 18 °C to 35 °C.
Best Time to visit - The ideal time to visit the park is between June to August. For those, desirous of watching the migratory birds, November to February is the best time.
ARUVIKKUZHI WATERFALLS
Make a trip to the pictorial Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls situated 18 km from Kottayam town, 2 km along a sludge track from Kumarakom is this striking picnic spot where brooks chime as they flow through the scenery and waters growl as they gush down the mountains from an altitude of 100 ft.
TOURIST ATTRACTION AROUND KUMARAKOM

Kottayam : Is an old town legendary for its churches, mainly the 700 years-old churches, the Cheria palli ('small church') with remarkably lovely paintings over the altar and the Valia palli ('Big Church') perched on a picturesque hillock over a small cluster of houses. In the St.Mary's Church Kuravilangad (built in 355 AD) there is an old bell which bears a undeciphered writing. The mortal remains of the blessed Alphonsa and the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St.Mary's Church at Bharananganam and the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam correspondingly. Several gather at these sacred places of pilgrimage during festive occasions. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple 12 km north of town has remarkably stunning wall paintings and carvings inside the temple. In the hub of Kottayam town is the much acclaimed Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple.

Erumely : Is a significant pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple is a primeval temple devoted to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala land here.

Aranmula : 50 km from Kottayam, Aranmula is the spot of the fabulous Onam carnival boat races, more often than not in early September. These competitions contrasting the fairer Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are fundamentally pious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, pageants of bedecked glide, and exceedingly flamboyant boats make this an attractive occasion to view. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts.

Vagamon : Vagamon, 64 km from Kottayam sited at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's ecstasy. It is an idyllic vacationer spot bordered by the foliage of tea gardens, striking pastures and vales. New attractions: Thangal Para, Indo-Swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram.

Elaveezha Poonchira : Elaveezha Poonchira is a picnic spot situated in the middle of striking hills.

Vaikom : 40 km from Kottayam, Vaikom is famed for the Shiva Temple. The celebration in November-December continues for about a fortnight -the 'Panchavadyam' is an significant harmonious recital.
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