Kottayam is one of the districts Kerala state.  It has its headquarters at Kottayam town and it is also the first district to attain the highest literacy rate in India.  In September 2008, Kottayam district became the first tobacco free districts for India. Bounded on the East by Western Ghats, on the West by Vembanad Lake and Kuttanad.  The area is 15.35% urbanised.  Kottayam is situated in south-central of Kerala and is close to 150 km from capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

Kottayam History

The rulers of the independent kingdom of Thekkumkoor ruled Kottayam from Thazhathangady until the 18th century.  Marthanda Varma, being the king of Travancore captured Thekkumcore and the surrounding areas of Kottayam to the Kingdom of Travancore.  While British rule, Kottayam continued to be ruled under the Princely State of Travancore. Previously, the state of Travancore had two revenue divisions namely the southern and northern, under the control of 'dewan Peshkar but in 1868 two more divisions Quilon and Kottayam were constituted.  A fifth division, Devikulam survived for short duration before it was merged with Kottayam.  In 1949, during integration of State of Travancore and Cochin, these revenue divisions were renamed as districts and the dewan Peshkars gave way to district collectors.  Kottayam was identified as district in July 1949 and afterwards it became a part of Kerala state with district headquarters having same name when the state was formed in 1957.

Kottayam had important role in the social struggles in Kerala.  A protest movement called as 'Malayali Memorial Agitation', in 1891 was started for representation for Travancoreans, in the Travancore civil services sector, it got initiated in Kottayam.  This had major influence on the beginnings of modern political movements of Kerala.  Kottayam had imporatnt role during the 'Nivarthana struggle' in 1930s which represented of Hindus of lower castes, Christians and Muslims in the Travancore.  In 1924 Vaikom Satyagraha against untouchability, from Mahatma Gandhi took place in Vaikom near Kottayam and this also being the first systematically organized agitation in Kerala against orthodoxy to secure the rights of the depressed classes.

Kottayam Culture

Kottayam has a separate place of honor on cultural map for the state.  The culture of Kottayam is mainly subjective of large presence of the Syrian Christian community.  The cookery of Kottayam similar to Kerala, but with a distinct Syrian Christian influence seen in the use of coconut and spices, as well as beef, pork and seafood.

Kottayam Climate

Kottayam has tropical climate, similar to rest of Kerala.  Humidity is high and rises to about 90% during the rainy season.  The average rain is around 3600 mm annually.  A pre-monsoon rain sets in March to May and is accompanied by thunder and lightning; the lowest rainfall during this period in Kerala is received in Kottayam.  December, January and February are pleasant, while March, April and May are warmer. The highest temperature recorded here was 38.5 C and the lowest was 15 C.  Kottayam has faced the most intense red rainfall, heavy downpours occurred in 2001 during which the rain was colored red, Yellow, green, and black.

Kottayam Tourism

Tourist places in kottayam
Kumarakom
Vembanad Lake
Bird Sanctuary
Elaveezhapoonchira
Poonjar Palace
Wagamon
Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid