Kottayam is derived from two Malayalam words—kotta and akkam—which, when combined, means the interior of a fort. The history of Kottayam dates back to the 9th century AD when it was a part of the Kulashekara Empire (AD 1090–1102). It was then referred to as Vempolinad (the logical root of the Vembanad Lake), which split into the kingdoms of Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur by about AD 1102. Both these kingdoms were later annexed by Marthanda Varma of Travancore between 1748 and 1754. Marthanda Varma also annexed two petty principalities—namely, Poonjar and Meenachil—and gave Kottayam a prominent place among the princely states of the South.The attractions for Kottayam are Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple, Ettumannur Siva Temple, Valiapalli, Cheriapalli, Good Shepherd Church, etc. Kottayam mainly gets more tourists through their events and festivals like Boat race, temple utsavams, etc.Why Kottayam ?
Kottayam is derived from two Malayalam words—kotta and akkam—which, when combined, means the interior of a fort. The history of Kottayam dates back to the 9th century AD when it was a part of the Kulashekara Empire (AD 1090–1102). It was then referred to as Vempolinad (the logical root of the Vembanad Lake), which split into the kingdoms of Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur by about AD 1102. Both these kingdoms were later annexed by Marthanda Varma of Travancore between 1748 and 1754. Marthanda Varma also annexed two petty principalities—namely, Poonjar and Meenachil—and gave Kottayam a prominent place among the princely states of the South.The attractions for Kottayam are Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple, Ettumannur Siva Temple, Valiapalli, Cheriapalli, Good Shepherd Church, etc. Kottayam mainly gets more tourists through their events and festivals like Boat race, temple utsavams, etc.