| About: |
The first Orthodox Christian school of theology in Asia, the Orthodox Seminary, was founded in 1815 at Kottayam, in the state of Kerala (ancient Malabar) by Ramban Ittoop, a priest-monk of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.St.Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary is one of the two primary seminaries under the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India. This seminary is dedicated to the theological training in orthodox christian beliefs and priesthood. This Seminary will cater to the needs of parishes in North India as well as to the mission front of the Church. The learned monk from Kunnamkulam was carrying out with singular courage a major decision of the church made at Kandanadu in 1809 to start two schools of theology (Padithaveedu), one in the North and the other in the South of Kerala. The mother seminary at Kottayam, India continues to provide all possible help to the new seminary in terms of faculty and resources.Instruction in the Seminary was primarily meant for the future priests of the Church. But lay people also were admitted as students because the Seminary was the first seat of English general education in the State of Travancore, and perhaps one of the earliest in the whole of India.he missionaries were allowed to teach English and biblical languages in the Seminary. The early missionaries who worked here – Norton, Baker, Bailey, and Fenn rendered remarkable service.
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| Location info: |
| Address: Kottayam district, Kerala, India. |
| District: Kottayam district |
| Nearest City: Changanacherry, Kurisummoodu and kottayam. |
| Best time to visit: Semptember to May. |
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| History: |
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| Interesting things to do: |
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| Interesting things to Visit: |
| The Vembanad Lake:The Vembanad Lake, located 16km from Kottayam town, is an enchanting picnic spot and a perfect back water tourist destination. The lake bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts is one of the longest and largest lake in Kerala having a length and width of 83.72km. and 14.48km respectively.Kumarakom:Kumarakom is situated about 10 kms. from Kottayam. This idyllic rich green, sleepy little sub-tropical paradise is located on the banks of the Vembanad lake and interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. Th There are several resorts here which provides perfect accommodation and special entertainment opportunities like Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. Kumarakom is also wellknown for its famous bird sanctuary.St. George Forane Church:St. George Forane Church is located in Edappally, about 10 kms from the city of Kochi. It is accessible by road from any part of India. Two national highways NH 47 and NH 17 join the bypass junction at Edappally which begins and continues up to Panvel, Maharashtra, in India.Pathiramanal:This is an tiny beautiful island is located at the Vembanad Lake. The island is home for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The name Pathiramanal has the meaning ‘The Sand of Midnight’ and it lies in between Kumarakom and Thannermukkom. The place is accessible only by boat. The island Pathiramanal is an ideal location for poets, means tranquil lovers. It is a small island that is easily reachable using the water route. The journey to reach the island is an exhilarating one. Both sides of the lake have breath-taking beauty that would remain etched in the mind of the tourists.The Driftwood Museum:This museum is well stored with a huge collection of driftwood sculptures collected from the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. The museum is the only one of its kind in the country. The works displayed here shows the artistic excellence and mere hard work of past generations. One can find here a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs. The most attractive driftwood sculptures here includes a tribal Jarva women, a handicapped family, Monkey, Lion, and Elephant. There are even sculptures depicting the Kargil War, fought between India and Pakisthan. The museum also showcases an amazing collection of flowers and buds. |
| Mobile range info: |
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| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Kottaym Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport:Cochin International Airport |
| Road Transport:Kottayam is well connected with other parts of the district and state by road transport and the nearest railway station is Changanasserry. For inward travel, most depend on three wheelers or own two wheelers. |
| Nearest Visiting places: |
Mahavishnu Kshetram:THE Mahavishnu Kshetram at Thrikodithanam is one of the five ancient “Pancha-Pandava” temples in Kerala and is specially associated with Sahadeva, youngest of the five Pandava princes. This temple is also counted among the 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu, which make a Vaishnavite`s pilgrimage itinerary, in India.Kidangoor Skanda temple:Kidangoor Skanda temple is located at Kidangoor in Kottayam District of Kerala. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. According to legends, the temple was originally constructed for Lord Vishnu, but a sequence of events, recounted in local legends, caused this structure to be dedicated to Lord Subramanya.Vazhappally Mahadevar TempleVazhappally Mahadevar Temple 1km west of MC Road, at Madhumoola. Even though Mahadeva temple, prominence is to Sree Maha Ganapathy.Perunnai Subramanya Swami Temple:More than 1000 year old very famous temple and is known as ‘Dakhina Pazhani’. The temple situates south side of town 500m from the MC Road. Numerous devotees are visiting this temple from various parts of Kerala in all seasonsAlleppey:Fisherman paddling canoe in Kumarakom BackwatersThe beautiful coastal town of Alleppey lies close by. With its labyrinth of canals, bridges, silver beaches, makes Alleppey an ideal spot to spend your holidays.VazhikkadavuThis hill station of rocky terrains is on the outskirts of the district. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers.Kallara:This quaint little village is located about 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. The place can be easily accessed from Kottayam by road as well as rail.Kallara and the neighboring villages of Kaduthuruthy and Thalayolaparambu has unending stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad lake. In ancient days, large barge like country boats transported goods from Alapuzha to Thalayolaparambu and Kaduthuruthy through these intricate networks of waterways.Ithipuzha:As you travel form Vaikom to Ernakulam by road you pass three bridges in succession. As you look out, you are greeted by lush green scenery on either side. It is the river Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake at this spot creating picture post card scenery all round. And this village is called Ithipuzha.You can relax yourself on a country canoe ride – floating on the gentle ripples of the rivers and watching the fishermen carrying their catch in small canoes. lthipuzha can easily be accessed from Kochi.Pallam Backwaters:Pallam is located to the south of Kottayam town and is accessible via the Main Central Road. The setting is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax and enjoy nature’s bounties.Elaveezhapoonchira – Walk in the rain clouds:Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Elaveezhalpoonchira, spread over thousands of acres in Melukavu village. The pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact here in the imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs. The verdant landscape is punctuated by five gigantic hills viz. Vindhyan medu, Hidumbanmedu Mankallumudi, Kolanimudi and Mukalanthumudi each rising to around 3200 ft. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don’t fall and is named so because the place has no trees. T During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils another beautiful slice of nature.Kannadipara:As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Elaveezhapoonchira. Three km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash.Mankallu Mudikal:The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resembles a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds.Kootickal:This quaint hamlet situated in the Western Ghats is located 5km north of Mundakkayam in Kottayam District. The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check-dam of the Manimala River makes the spot linger in your mind. Amruthameda, famous for medicinal plants is nearby. Kootickal is located only 12km from the pilgrim centre of Erumeli.Kurisumala:Three km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva).Bharananganam:Bharananganam is an important pilgrimage center for the Christians. It is located next to the St. Mary’s Church. The church is a thousand years old and has a well-carved cavern of Virgin Mary.Matrumala:Matrumala is located in Kooropada village and is about 8 km from Vennimala. The place can be accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings.The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here.Champakara (Ayurvedic Centre):Champakara is just 18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for ‘Thirummuchikilsa’ in Kerala. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over Indiaand abroad.Kesari WaterfallsThe Kesari waterfalls is also known as Valanjamkanam falls, it lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly.Mannanam:This place is about 8 km north of Kottayam is Mannanam, a small town but a great pilgrimage centre for Syrian Christians. Thousands of Syrian Christians gather each year at Mannanam to attend a religious convention that is one of the largest in Asia.Manimalkkavu Bhagavathi Temple:This is the “Bharadevatha” of Manimala’s native people. Once the temple owned the whole properties including Manimala and Vellavoor village areas. The Vanjippuzha Palace (Head Quarters situated in Chenganoor) dedicated this landed properties to the Manimalakkavu Devaswam (Temple).Kangzha MahaDevar Temple:The Kangazha Mahadevar Temple is one of the most important temples in this area. The main Deity is Lord Shiva. Kangazha Mahadevar is a very powerful Deity.Forane Church:Forane Church perunal is very famous. It runs for a week and worshippers from all over the neighborhood from all casts attend the procession from Karikkattoor junction all the way to church which is about 4 kilometers. |
| Nearest Petrol Pump: |
Petrol Pump
Puimoodu junction NH 220
kottyam, KeralaParangot Petrol Pump
Kottayam, Kerala.Petrol Pump
Kumarakom, Kerala, IndiaGokulesh Petrol Pump
Address: 42/5
Chennai Road Melakaveri
Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala. |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Ayurtheeram Ayurvedic Resort
Kumarakom, kerala.Kumarakom Lagoon
Ambika Market P.O, Vechoor
Kottayam, Kerala 686144
Tel: 09811165753.Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom North, Kottayam
Kerala – 686566
Tel: 0481 2524900Backwater Heritage HomeStay
pulikuttyserry P.O, Aymanam, Kumarakom
Kottayam, Kerala 686015
Tel: 0481 2516375. |
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| Tips & Suggestions: |
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| Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, KeralaPolice Station
Kaduthuruthy
Kottayam, KeralaMarrarikulam Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 0478 2862391 |
Nearest Hospital:Bharath Hospital
Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple
Kottayam, Kerala 68600
Tel: 0481 2582947.Kottayam Medical College
Arpookara, Kottayam,
Kerala.
Tel: 0481 2597284.Government Hospital
Kottayam, Kerala State
Tel: 0481 2462550. |
| Society/Community Phone Number |
