Cultural Hub - Kottayam City

Located in central Kerala, Kottayam City covering 180 square kilometers and with a population of around 200,000 is in the basin of the Meenachil River and the basin of the Vembanad backwater formed by several streams from the Western Ghats. Ferries are a major mode of transport in and around the city and connect it to the tourist destinations nearby. Rubber plantations, coconut groves and paddy fields, in short a lush green tropical environment is close at hand. Kottayam City is an important trading centre for spices and rubber and the city is home to several large and medium scale industries. In addition to its predominance in the rubber and spice industries, the city is also the centre of Malayalam literature and publishing. Ever since the Rev Benjamin Bailey set up the CMS printing press, the first in Kerala, in 1821 the town has been in the forefront of the publishing industry. The first English - Malayalam and Malayalam dictionaries were published here in 1846 and 1865 respectively. The first and only cooperative of writers, publishers and authors was set up in Kottayam in 1945. All these literary achievements have led to Kottayam being the centre of a publishing industry in the state of Kerala earning it the name Akshara Nagari or the City of Letters. It is home to several Malayalam newspapers and magazines including the state’s earliest the Deepika published in 1887, currently the country’s largest selling Malayalam daily and weekly.

Adding to all these firsts, Kottayam is the first city in India to have attained one hundred percent literacy in 1989. Prior to that it was the first in South India to have started English education in 1813 and the first college in the state was started in Kottayam City in 1840. A first of a different sort, Kottayam is the first city selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the central government to be an Eco City, no doubt influenced by its many natural attributes.

Reflecting the religious constitution of the population a large number of churches and Hindu temples are scattered over the cityscape. As a major centre of the Syrian Christian community the city hosts Saint Mary’s or Valia Palli (the big church) built in 1550 by the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians from West Asia, believed to be the first Christian church in the city. It houses two 8th century granite Persian crosses with inscriptions, wall and ceiling paintings on biblical and other themes. Located near this church is the Cheria Palli (small church) of the Malankara Orthodox Church built in 1579. The interior murals painted with vegetable dyes feature biblical themes.

Other ancient churches include St George’s belonging to the Knanaya Catholic Archdiocese established in 1822, Christ the King Cathedral, Good Shepherd Church built in 1882 and the Vimalagiri Cathedral among others.

Among the many Hindu temples the Thirunakkara Mahadeval Siva Temple is one of the more important ones, its mid March festival called Aaraattu attracting a huge number of devotees. The Thazhathangady Juma Masjid situated on the banks of the Meenachil is one of the most ancient mosques in India reputed to be a thousand years old. Due to its antiquity the original mosque is housed in a recently constructed typical Kerala style building.

The major shopping area of the city is the stretch of the Kottayam – Kumily road that passes through the city as well as Sastri Road where many well known brands are displayed. Baker Junction and Kanjikuzhy are the residential and commercial hubs of the city.

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in an eighteen acre lush tropical environment The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa has created a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for its guests to unwind surrounded by luxury, greenery and comfort. This Kerala Resort offers a range of tastefully designed and furnished accommodations with water or garden views and spaces to enjoy the unfolding scenery at any time of day. Housing the largest spa in South India, the Maya Spa offers holistic Ayurveda treatments aimed at balancing the doshas, hydrotherapy, solar therapy, Swedish and Thai massages. The spa features includes fourteen treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna, a whirlpool, chilled showers, a fitness centre with the latest equipment and qualified trainers, a body temple and a meditation island where guests can truly recharge their energies. With excellent food and beverage options as well as novel experiences such as romantic house boat rides this Kumarakom Resort offers guests some of the best opportunities to escape into tropical bliss.