|
Kottayam is one of the 14 districts (pop. 166,552:1991) in the state of Kerala, India. Kottayam is called the land of letters, lakes and latex. The district has its headquarters at Kottayam town, located at 9.58 East and 76.51 North. Kottayam town was the first town in India to achieve 100% literacy. Other important towns in the district are Palai, Changanassery, Vaikom and Kanjirappally.
Kumarakom is a tourist centre and bird sanctuary close to Kottayam town. You could also reach Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve), which is 104 km away, in Idukki District from Kottayam travelling approximately 3 hours by public transportation. Kottayam town is linked by rails to other prominent cities in Kerala and also linked to the waterways for scenic travel.
Kottayam is one of the major producers of cash crops in the state of Kerala. Rubber (latex) is one of main cash crops produced in Kottayam district. Rubber Board, a central government research institution is located at Kottayam. Kottayam is a major trading centre for Rubber and Rubber chemicals.
Kottayam is home to numerous news papers published in the local language Malayalam and also to DC Books,a prominent publisher in Malayalam. A number of major newspapers like Malayala Manorama,Deepika and Mangalam are based in Kottayam town. Malayala Manorama and Deepika are among the earliest newspapers to have been established in India that is still in circulation. Mathrubhumi and Desabhimani, are the other Malayalam News papers being published from Kottayam.
Kottayam is the last rail stop for pilgrims heading to the Hindu holy site of Sabarimala. During December and January of each year pilgrims from all over India head to Kottayam and its vicinities to start their final journey to the Sabarimala Temple. The temple is located around 110 km from Kottayam, in the district of Pathanamthitta. Panachikad Temple, one of the famous Saraswathy temples in Kerala is located nearly 12 km away from Kottayam.
Kottayam is a major center of education. Mahatma Gandhi University, one of the six universities in Kerala is located here. Other prominent educational institutions located in Kottayam include C.M.S College, Baselius College, B.C.M College and K.E College. Medical College, Kottayam one of the government medical colleges, is located at Gandhinagar close to Kottayam. There are also a number of engineering colleges situated in the district.
External links
| 
