Kottayam District : At a Glance

In the early days the district of Kottayam constituted a part of princely state of Travancore. The state of Travancore consisted of two revenue districts i.e., the southern and northern divisions under the administrative control of  ‘Diwan Peshkar’ for each. In 1868 two more divisions Quilon (Kollam) and Kottayam were later constituted under the administrative control of Travancore state. After which another division Devikulam was also formed but it existed for the short period and was later merged into the Kottayam division. After independence during the time of integration the states of Travancore and Cochin (Kochi) were renamed as districts in the year 1949, and the Diwan Peshkars were rendered to the District Collectors, thus opening the way for the formation of Kottayam district in July 1949.

The district of Kottayam has played a major role in the India’s Struggle for Indepndence. It is believed that the Malayali Memorial agitation had its origin from the Kottayam. The Malayali Memorial agitation was started to demand the better representation of educated candidates from the Travancore state in the Travanacore Civil Services despite of selection the persons from other states.  This agitation is considered as the beginning of the modern political movement in the state.

Inspired from this movement another movement known as Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) was started to raise voice against the discrimination practiced against the untouchables. At that time Scheduled casters and other backward classes were not allowed not only enter into the temples but they were restricted to even enter on the roads close to the temples. This movement got support through out the India and the eminent leaders like Mahatama Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, and E.V.Ramswami Naykar strongly supported this movement.

Another agitation ‘Nivarthana’ that took place was in the early thirties was started to demand the suitable representation for the non caste Hindus, Christians and Muslims in the State Legislative Assembly.

 Kottayam is the first town in India which is selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to be transformed as an Eco City. The Sri K R Narayanan, the former President of India hails from Kottayam District. Kottayam is the ideal take off point for visits to Peermade, Munnar, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city, Madurai. It is also a gateway to the pilgrim centers of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcaud, and so on.

 Statistical Indicators:

Geography:  The district has a total area of 2208 sq. km. It  is divided into high land, midland and lowland, the bulk being constituted by the midland regions. Meenachil and Kanjirappally Taluks have high land and midland areas while Kottayam, Changanassery and Vaikom Taluks have midland and lowland areas. Kanjirappally and Meenachil Taluks have Laterite soil, where as Vaikom Taluk, part of Changanassery and Kottayam Taluks have Aluvial soil. The district has no coastal area.

Tourism: The major tourist destinations of the district are as follows:

Kumarakon: Kumarakom captured the recognition on the tourist map after the visit of former Prime Minister Honorable Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee in December 2000.

Kumarakon is a small village 14 kms in the west of Kottayam district. The total area of village is 5166 hectares of which 2413 hectare is covered by the lakes present in the area. It is a part of Kuttanad which is recognized as a ‘Wonderland” existing below the sea level.

The resorts located close to the village offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massages, Yoga and meditation besides boating, fishing, angling and swimming.

Bird Sanctuary: The major attraction of the Kumarakom is the Bird Sanctuary which is located in the area of over 14 acres of land. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen, other common varieties like the wood pecker, sky lark, crane and parrots can also be spotted here.

Elaveezhapoonchira: It is also one the major tourist attractions of the Kottayam district located 60 kms away from the district headquarters. Surrounded by the three beautiful hillocks namely Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is the fascinating place to visit. The D.T.P.C. is developing this place into a trekking spot. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira are spread across thousands of acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft. is an ideal place to unwind.

Wagamon: Located 64 kms away from Kottayam this hill station is located at 1100 meters above sea level and is considered as paradise for the trekkers. The government is endeavoring to develop the tea gardens and meadows located on the Idukki-Kottayam border as one of the India’s best Eco Tourism Projects.

Connectivity: The district is well connected by the roadways and railways:

Roadways: Following highways passes through the district:

Railways: The major railway station in the district are:

1. Changanassery
2. Chingavanam
3. Kottayam
4. Ettumanoor
5. Kuruppanthara
6. Vaikom Road
7. Piravam Road

Explore here to know more about Kottayam district. 

Related Links

• Alappuzha
• Ernakulam
• Idukki
• Kannur
• Kasargod
• Kollam
• Kottayam
• Kozhikode
• Malappuram
• Overview
• Palakkad
• Pathanamthitta
• Thiruvanthapuram
• Thrissur
• Wayanad