KOTTAYAM
Here the clock does not dictate the frenzied regimen of life…where only the sun keeps time of your day's activities…As you silently sway across the serene backwaters in the west of Kottayam …through a canopy of trees, through coconut groves, islands and villages…you will be transported to another world. This is just one facet of Kottayam. To discover more…just move on.Kottayam is a big commercial centre, 76 km from Ernakulam and a busy base for Christian Missionaries. Kottayam was a major settlement for the Syrian Christian community. You can visit the city to see its numerous churches, including its famous Syrian Church, still retaining their old world charm. To the city's west are delightful backwaters and to its east, you can find the most scenic and picturesque part of the western ghats, lined with lush coffee, tea, rubber, pepper and cardamom plantations. If you have the time, take some time off to stroll along these plantations. You will find yourself surrounded by acres of greenery and the cool breeze acting as a balm to soothe your mind. Most of the tourists come here as a stopover on their way to somewhere else. Either on their trip to or from Alappuzha, while going to or from Periyar Widlife Sanctuary or on their way to the temple in Sabarimala..
Syrian
Christian Churches
There are two interesting 13th century churches about 4 km northwest of the
centre of the town on a hill. In the Valliapalli (big) St.Mary's Church there
are two 8th century Nestorian stone crosses, with inscriptions that prove these
crosses to be the earliest examples of Christianity in India. The two crosses
are on either side of the elegantly decorated altar. One look at the Guest-book
and you will be amazed. You can see that the Church had royal visitors like
the British Viceroy and the Ethiopian King Halie Selassie (1956).
There is another Church here the Cheriapalli (small) St. Mary's Orthodox Church.
Don't miss the 400 year old vegetable dye paintings on the ceilings and walls.
The skill and workmanship that has gone into these paintings is indeed commendable.
There is a Shiva temple, Thirunakkara Shiva Temple, in the centre of
town, which is worth a visit.