Place :Kottayam

Area: 2203 sq. km
Population:18,20,000
Altitude: Sea level
Bordered by the lofty 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, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title: The land of letters, latex and lakes. This land also boasts the first Malayalam printing press which was established by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary, in 1820 AD.

Kottayam is the ideal take-off point for visits to Peermede, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city of Madurai.

Events:

Manarkadu St. Mary's Church Manarkad Kottayam
Event Date : 1 Sep,2004

Manarkad Perunnal is the annual feast at the St.Mary's Church at Manarkad. Known as Ettnombu Perunnal (literally the eight day prayer and fasting), this is the feast of immaculate conception celebrated by the Christian community of Kerala from 1st to 8th September. The retreat and fast begins on the first of September every year. Pilgrims observing the fast stay in the church from morning till night during these days. The main kanikka or offering of the church is muthukkuda (highly embellished silken parasols). The church has a holy tank and a golden cross which are considered sacred. On the last three days of the feast processions are held with golden crosses and accompanied by thousands of devotees holding richly decorated parasols or muthukkudas. There were nearly five thousand muthukkudas this year.
Getting there : Manarkad is just 10 kilometres drive from Kottayam town.
Nearest railway station : Kottayam
Nearest airport : Cochin
International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam.

Neleemperoor Patayani Pallibhagavathy Temple Neleemperoor, Kottayam
Event Date : 14 Sep,2004
The Patayani festival at Neelamperur is one of the few annual occasions in Kerala to watch the ancient ritual art form of Patayani. Staged in an ethnic atmosphere, at night the Patayani performers wearing huge headgears dance rhythmically to the beat of the drums and spirited singing
Getting there: Nearest railway station : Kottayam, about 16 km Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam