The headquarters of
Kottayam District, Kottayam town is ideally located 92 km from
Cochin International Airport, on the foot of the
Western Ghats. It is the first town to achieve 100% literacy in the country. Kottayam is also home to the
Mahatma Gandhi University.
Kottayam is famous for its plantation crops and kettuvallam. St Mary’s Church built in 1550 is the main landmark. During the annual festival at the Shiva temple at Thirunakkara, thousands of pilgrims throng to the town.
Kumarakom, famous for its bird sanctuary, is close to Kottayam. Enclosed by hills and back waters, the town is an ideal spot for nature lovers and tourists, throughout the year.
Kottayam is linked to all major south Indian cities by motorable roads. The town has its own railhead and bus terminal. The main ferry station is about 3 km from the railway station.
