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LAND OF LATEX
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The
magnificent town of Kollam is located 71 km. from Thiruvananthapuram.
It is a thriving centre of State's trade and commerce
and has been the centre of country's cashew trading and
processing industry. It is one of the oldest sea port
in the Arabian Sea and had flourishing trade links with
the Arab, China, Greek, Roman and later on with Portuguese,
Dutch and British. The early travellers mention the Kollam
port as the largest in the world and its market as one
of the finest in India. The majestic city has turned into
a major tourist centre with its splendid backwater, beaches
and scenic beauty.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
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Kumarakom
The
beautiful bird sanctuary is located 12 km. west of Kottayam
town. The sanctuary set on the eastern bank of Vembanad
Lake extends over 14 acres of lush greenery and blue waters.
The birds seen here include water fowl, cuckoo, owl, ducks
and migratory birds like Siberian storks. Best time to
visit is between June and August. This is
also an ideal site for enjoying the back waters and boat
cruise. Boats are availabe on hire around the lake.
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Vaikom
The
temple town is 40 kms away from Kottayam. The legendary
Siva Temple was constructed by Lord Parasuram. The
12 day Ashtami festival celebrated in Nov/ Dec.
is known for its elephant processions, religious
discourses and traditional dances and music.
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Ettumanur
Hindu
pilgrim centre 17 km. from Kottayam. The ancient Siva
temple built in 16 AD. is a masterpiece of the Kerala
style of temple architecture. The inner and outer
walls of the temple are decorated with exquisite sculptures
and murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
The annual festival is celebrated for 10 days during
Feb/ Mar.
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Changanacherry
The town
is located 23 km. from Kottayam. The
Thrikkodithanam temple has 18th century old inscriptions of great historic value. The
'Deepam' festival is celebrated here
in the months of Nov- Dec.
Kidangoor
Sri Subrhamanya Swamy
temple
where the annual festival takes
place in March. The other attraction
is Sree
Sankara Ayurveda Vaidyasala
, the Ayurveda hospital is renowned
world over and is serving humanity for
past 24 years.
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Publishing
Industry
It is home to many
prestigious newspapers, magazines and periodicals
in Malayalam and English. Benjamin Bailey,
a Christian missionary in 1820 established
the country's first printing press in vernacular
(Malayalam) in Kottayam. The city is also
the headquarters for India's most circulated
vernacular daily, Malayala Manorama.
It is published in Malayalam.
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Mannanam
Syrian
Christian pilgrim centre, located 8
km. from Kottayam. It is famous for
the St. Joseph's monastry. St. Joseph's
Press established in 1844, is the oldest
printing press in Kerala.
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Erumaeli
The important Hindu pilgrim
centre 60 km. from Kottayam is located
on the banks of Manimala river. Pilgrims
going to Sabarimala alight here to worship
at the Sastha temple and offer prayers
at an ancient mosque.
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Cheliya
The
town is famous for the Kathakali Vidhyalayam,
a training centre for Kathakali dance.
Kathakali classes are held on weekends
and special performances are arranged
on request.
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Ayyampara
The
beautiful scenic spot lies 43
km. from Kottayam. The flat rocky
plain above the town affords awe
inspiring view of the surroundings
and is an excellent point for
sunset viewing.
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Thirunakkara
Siva
Temple
The temple is a good example
for Kerala style of architecture.
The walls are decorated with interesting
paintings.
Phalguna Utsav, the annual
festival is celebrated during
March.
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Kottayam
The
backwater town is set
on the foot hills of
the Western Ghats. The
beautiful town is a
stronghold of the Christian
community and is dotted
with pretty ancient
churches. It is an important
trading centre of the
State, especially for
cash crops like rubber,
tea, pepper and cardamom.
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Cheriyapally
Church
The
ancient Syrian Christian
church is believed to have
been built in 1550 AD. The
church has some ancient
relics.
Bharananganam
It
is an important Christian
pilgrim centre. The church
here houses mortal remains
of Sister Alphonsa (1916-1946).
The ancient church contains
an attractive Grotto of
Virgin Mary.
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Communication
Air
: Nearest airport to Kottayam
is at Kochi (83 km). Well
connected by Rail and Road.
Ferry
Station (Boat
Jetty) : Boats available
for Alappuzha, Nedumudi,
Kumarakom and Kovalam.
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