Kottayam Backwaters in Kerala is bounded by the Vembanad lake on the west and western ghats on the east. Kottayam Backwaters is famous for its spell bounding natural beauty, visited by thousands of tourists worldwide. A backwater cruise in the Kottayam Backwaters is the perfect way, to enjoy your holidays in Kerala. You can simply spend time at leisure, laze down in the sun, go for the wildlife exploration and enjoy fishing on the tranquil backwaters.
Best
Time to Visit : Like other parts of Kerala Kottayam has tropical, hot and humid climate. The best time to visit the place lies between the month of August to February. It is well connected to the cities of Kerala by air, road and train.
Kottayam Backwaters cruises :
Kottayam is a popular adventure destination in Kerala. Kottayam Backwaters cruises include sailing in Kettuvalams in the Vembanad Lake, overnight trip passing through the legendary Punnamada Lake, viewing the unique lifestyle of people in Kerala passing through the villages. The scenic beauty of the backwater will keep you spellbound through out. All along the cruises admire the water lilies and lotus touching your house boats and the water birds creeping slowly and slowly.
Chandagiri Cruises :
Tourists can also take the boat ride to the nearby islands and palm grooves. The boarding point for the boat rides is the Chandagiri bridge. Tourists can also make a visit to the famous Chandagiri fort built in the 17th century by the Sivappa Naik of Bedanore.
Fishing and angling :
The bountiful Kottayam Backwaters, perched comfortably in Kerala is the perfect place to practice fishing and angling. Fishing and angling at the Kottayam Backwaters is like the dream come true for an angler. It is a good opportunity to enchant with the professional fisherman whose livelihood totally depends on fishing.
Tourists attractions :
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple :
Vaikom Temple is one of the most famous Shiva temple in Kerala. The temple is said to have been built by the mythical founder of Kerala known as Parasurama. Offering of prathal, food in the form of worship is practiced here for centuries. The main attraction of the temple is the twelve day festival which falls in the month of November or December. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show with the musical performances and classical dances.
Erumeli at Kottayam :
Dedicated to Vavar, a companion of Lord Ayyappa, the mosque at Erumeli is famous pilgrimage destination in Kottayam. Both the Hindus and Muslims come to this place for worship as it is popular for both Sastha temple and Vavar Mosque. Pilgrims visiting the mosque offer prayers, dance and donate money. The ceremony of Petta Thullal is the unique feature of this place.
St Mary's Forane Church :
The ancient St Mary's Forane Church was established in 1381. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption. It is also known as the church of Koratty Muthy. The annual feast falls on the 10th of October, during which the statue of Koratty Muthy is taken out in possession from the church. You can also make a visit to the famous St Mary's Church in Valiapally, St Mary's Orthodox Church at Cheriyapally and the St Joseph's Monastery at Mannanam.
