KOTTAYAM
Kottayam, the small town in the state of Kerala is the administrative capital of Kottayam district. Bordered by West Ghats on the east and Vembanad Lake and Kuttanad on west, Kottayam is the land of lakes, latex and letters. Being an important trading center of spices and rubber, the Kottayam district backs most of its economy from these trades. Kottayam is the first town in the whole of India to achieve 100% literacy in 1989 and the town gained the honor of being the first tobacco free district in India. 
Kottayam is the base of all highly circulated newspapers in India. Malayalamanorama, deepika, Mathrubhoomi, Mangalam has its head office at heart of Kottayam town. It is said that the name Kottayam is derived from the Malayalam words ‘Kotta’ meaning fort and ‘Akam’ meaning inside, which together forms the meaning ‘inside of the fort’.
History of Kottayam
While under the rule of the Rajas of Thekkumkoor in the early days, Kottayam and its surrounding areas were annexed by Marthanda Varma of Travancore to the Kingdom of Travancore. Kottayam continued to be under the Princely State of Travancore during the time of British rule. The integration of the State of Travancore and Cochin in 1949, changed the revenue divisions into districts and the Diwan Peshkars gave way to District Collectors. This led to the formation of Kottayam district in July 1949.
Accessibility in Kottayam
The public mostly depend on private and government run (KSRTC) buses to commute to near by places. Most people choose trains to travel to another districts and major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolakata, Bangalore etc as it is the cheapest mode of transport for the public. Kottayam railway station administered by the Southern Railways situated in the heart of the town is one of the main stations to the trains passing to the east and west of the town. Taxis and autorickshaws are the other local transport available in the town. Two wheelers and cars form the major private owned vehicles. Kerala State Water Transport also helps in public transportation to Alleppy and Ernakulam through the Vembanad Lake.
Economy of Kottayam
Kottayam, the land of latex has extensive cultivation of rubber that supports its economy to the maximum. The Rubber Board, a Government of India undertaking executed for the development of rubber industry, is located at Kottayam. In addition to rubber, the economy of Kottayam is also backed by other commercial crops like spices which are cultivated widely in the surrounding areas.
Tourism is another major industry that contributes much to its economy. Kumarokam, which is only 14kms away from the town, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Kerala. Wagamon is another tourist attractive place in the district. Kottayam also attracts pilgrims with many famous temples and churches especially the church at Bharananganam where the first Indian Roman Catholic saint, St Alphonsa passed her spiritual life as a nun. Kottayam is the gateway for pilgrims from all over India who visit Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappan.
Places of Interest in Kottayam
Kumarokam: 
This is the most famous tourist destination in Kottayam. Situated only 14 kms away from the town, Kumarokam is attracted by the tourists from far and wide with its picturesque village, beautiful backwaters and bird sanctuary. Kumarokam offers a trip along the ripples of the Vembanad Lake on unique houseboats with all facilities attached for a stay. Fishing and boating in crafts and canoes will provide unforgettable experience to its visitors. The five star, three star and medium class resorts that provide comfortable accommodation with its varied facilities such as Ayurvedic massage attracts tourists from all over the world.
Kumarokam Bird Sanctuary:
The bird sanctuary with large variety of birds is located just 16kms away from Kottayam. The sanctuary offers a wide range of birds and is regarded as one of the best bird sanctuaries in India. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary has around 91 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds.
Kesari Waterfalls:
Lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on KK Road, this amazing waterfall increases the spirit to the tourists who are on their way to Kuttikanam, the nature blessed place in Kottayam. Also known as Valanjamkanam fall, this waterfall has been captured in the cameras of those passing by.
Pathiramanal:
This is a beautiful island located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Tourists who visit Kerala make it mandatory to visit this gorgeous place which can only be accessed by boat. The number of migratory birds is another major attraction of Pathiramanal. With the name ‘the sand of midnight’, the island is a perfect destination for those enjoying backwater cruises.
Thommakuthu: 
Situated near Thodupuzha, this is a spectacular place to view the water falls up close. With its enchanting beauty, Thommankuthu is widely attracted with its hills, forests and waterfalls. Many unique creatures can be found in the forests such as leaches. This is a must visit place for avid trekkers.
Grampi Hill Station:
Also known as Parunthupara, the eagle rock is a must visit place in Kottayam. Located 5kms from Peerumedu, the picturesque hill station attracts its visitors with its magnificent natural hills and waterfalls.
Wagamon:
Situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level, Wagamon is yet another attraction to the tourists visiting Kottayam. The place ideal for trekking with its beautiful greenery and tea plantations, Wagamon is about 60 kms from Kottayam. The main attraction of Wagamon is the Kurisumala, the mountain with all the 14 places of the way of the cross and a small church on its peak. The monastery called Kurisumala Ashramam situated on the hill is a small community of ascetics.
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