Kottayam Attractions
St Mary Church (Cheriyapally)
This church is also not far off from Valiyapalli. It was built and
consecrated by the Portuguese in the year 1579, however, a local Hindu raja also helped out. As such you have a good blend of Portuguese architecture along with the temple architecture of Hindus. Kerala Attractions.The Hindu influence is seen in the large brick walls outside, suspended lamps of the halls and granite pillars while the Portuguese impressions manifest themselves in the vegetable dye paintings on the walls and ceilings. These paintings depict the life of Christ. The church, today, is in need of proper conservation. The church is open from 8 am to 6 pm. The main Feast Day is held every January on the 15th day.
Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple
The temple built by Thekkumkar raja is a wonderful reflection of the
traditional Keralese architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to be around 500 years old. A glimpse of the temple from outside doesn’t give even a slightest hint as to what lays inside. The highlight of the temple are the murals on the walls. Also, the sanctum sanctorum is ornated with scenes from the Hindu epics. The annual Phalguna Utsav attracts a large number of devotees to this temple every year in the month of March. Usually, the temple is open from 5 am to 12 pm and then later from 5 to 8 pm.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
12 kms west of Kottayam town is this small village Kumarakom, which has a beautiful bird sanctuary on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and
is an ideal place for backwater cruises. The 14-acre sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like Siberian stork, Egret darter, Heron and Teal. There are also different varieties of local birds like waterfowl, wild duck, cuckoo, owl, water ducketc. The sanctuary is open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm and the best months to bird watch are between June and August. Close to the sanctuary, in the beautifully wooded ground near the backwaters, is coconut lagoon heritage resort, which is one of India’s most discrete holiday destinations. Guests stay in genuine ‘Tharawad’ (traditional wooden) cottages and love this unique culture


