kottayam

Vennimala, a stone’s throw away from the bustling Kottayam Town is the serene and beautiful hill top destination. Vennimala is located nearly 15 kms from the Kottayam town and can be assessed easily through the Kottayam Kumili road. The major attractions at Vennimala are its age old Lord Sreerama and Lekshmana temple. It is believed that Lord Rama as well as Lakshmana came to this spot during their exile. Cheraman Perumal illustrated emperor of ancient Kerala consecrated this temple and stayed in this place. The temple celebrates twenty Eight days of annual festival every year. The place also was the residence of Tekkumkoor dynasty. Vennimala is covered by lush green vegetation and rubber plantations. There were numerous big and small fresh water ponds this hill. Even today there are nearly a dozen well preserved ponds scattered in the area that have sparkling fresh water even in the hottest summer.
 

Matrumala is located in Kooropada village and is about 8 kms from Vennimala. The place can be accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings. The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to goddess Annapoorna and is considered one among the 108 shrines of Kerala. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses here. A muddy winding road leads to the hill top that can be approached by either vehicle or on foot.
 

Aruvikkuzhi is a beautiful picnic spot and an ideal shooting location for movies located in Kottayam. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, falling in five steps, is a real feast for the eyes. Here streams make their way through the landscape and the water roars as it cascades down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. It is an ideal place for trekking and is located in the midst of rubber plantations. St. Mary’s Church is situated at the top of the waterfalls. The rubber plantation centre at Pallickathod is just 1 km from this spot.
 

Bay Island Driftwood Museum is the only museum in India which has a collection of articles made of drift woods. The museum is unique in both its nature and its collection for it is testimony of nature’s craftsmanship and man’s creativity. One of the most impressive collections of the museum is the sculptures made from roots. Artefacts displayed in the museum are originally created by sea waves over a long period of time and are collected, polished and modified by the museum authorities. The brain behind this unique and extraordinary museum is Mrs. Raji Punnoose, who is currently acting as the curator of the museum. The museum with its exceptional artistic value and uniqueness bagged Kerala State Government’s The Most Innovative Tourism Project Award. Bay Island Driftwood Museum was started in 2001 and has been listed in Limca Book of Records. The articles exhibited in the museum are sure to amuse both an art lover and a casual backpacker.
 

Anyone who has been to the backwaters of Kerala would certainly have a lot to boast about their experiences in the houseboats. Houseboats in Kerala can be found only at the backwaters where they can enjoy the cruise and stay at the boats overnight. Houseboats, also known as ‘kettuvallam’, were earlier the only means of transport from these isolated villages to the cities nearby. Later, tourists started frequenting the place to have a firsthand experience of the cruises. Today houseboats contribute a major part to the revenue from the Kerala tourism. Tourists can have a tour in these houseboats at Alleppey, Kollam, Kumarakom and Poovar. Houseboats vary in their shapes and amenities. There are houseboats for budget conscious locals as well as the ones that take one to the height of luxury.
 

Kumarakom Beach, one of the most enchanting beaches in Kerala, is a perfect location to unwind and relax. The long stretches of sandy shores make it a favourite spot to engage in leisurely activities. The beach is located in a tranquil coastal line, undisturbed by commercial activities. The seaside activities to be carried out in this beach are many including swimming, volleyball, Frisbee, water skiing, parasailing, wind surfing and water aerobics. Those who want a day or two away from the madness of cities can come here to enjoy the tranquillity. This is a perfect spot where travellers can find harmony with themselves by engaging in leisurely activities, reading books, watching the sunset and sunbathing. There are plenty of resorts and home stays located close to the beach, and these resorts offer spa treatments and Ayurvedic massages. Travellers who come to this sandy paradise are sure to feel rejuvenated before they get back to their hectic routines.