DiscoverIndia - Kumarkoam

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State

Kerala


		Introduction

		Transport

		Sightseeing

		Accomodation

		People & Life Style

		Bird Sanctuary

State	Kerala

City	Kumarkoam

Airports	Nearest airport at Cochin

Distance from Cochin	85 km/50 mile

Railway Junctions	Allappuzha

Local Languages	Malayalam

Kumarkoam Sightseeing

Kottayam:An ancient town famous for its churches, especially the 700 years-old churches, the Cheria palli ('small church') with exceptionally 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 hitherto undeciphered inscription.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 respectively.Thousands gather at these holy shrines during festive occasions.
Pala town and Kanjirappally ,nourished by the Meenachil and Manimala rivers respectively are centers of rubber plantations. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple 12 km. north of town, has exceptionally beautiful wall paintings and sculptures inside the temple. In the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple.Thalikotta is the ancient royal of Thekkumkoor principality

Erumely:This is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims.Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.Pilgrims going to Sabarimala alight here.

Aranmula:50km from Kottayam. Site of the splendid Onam festival boat races, usually in early September.
These races unlike the more sporting Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are essentially religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts.

Wagamon:Wagamon, 64 km from Kottayam and 34 km from Pala, situated at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's paradise.It is very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens ,beautiful meadows, valleys and dales.Other attractions:Thangal Para,Indo-Swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram.

Elaveezha Poonchira:Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hillocks.

Vaikom: 40km from Kottayam, famous for the Shiva Temple. The festival in November-December, last for 12 days and the 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance.